According to forum posts, popular beach destinations in Malaysia include Langkawi, Redang, the Perhentian Islands, and Tioman. These locations are praised for their beautiful beaches and clear waters.

Travelers have called out the east coast islands like the Perhentian Islands, Redang, and Tioman as having some of the best beaches in Malaysia. These islands offer crystal-clear turquoise waters and smooth white sandy beaches, although they are noted to be harder to get to.

For families, Redang and the Perhentian Islands come recommended due to their beautiful beaches suitable for swimming and snorkeling. These islands, however, may not offer the best food options compared to urban areas.

Some travelers mentioned that while Malaysia offers beautiful beach spots, the culinary experiences are better in the cities. Therefore, it might be worthwhile to plan city visits for dining and beach locations for relaxing separately.

According to forum posts, intercity bus travel in Malaysia is popular and facilitated by several bus companies. Travelers have mentioned using Transnasional and KKKL Express for trips between Kuala Lumpur and Melaka, noting that the journey typically lasts about 2 hours. These companies are recognized for their reliability and experience.

Some travelers have suggested using specific online platforms like Easybook and BusOnlineTicket to check schedules and book tickets. These platforms are valued for their convenience in planning intercity bus travel.

For those needing to travel from Kuala Terengganu to Malacca, forum members have recommended checking out redbus.my for ticket bookings. The availability of night buses on this route allows travelers to rest during the journey, optimizing travel time.

The general consensus among users is that while there isn't a massive difference in luxury among bus services, the buses typically offer basic amenities like air conditioning and 2 x 2 seating configurations, without onboard toilets or other luxuries.

Some travelers have suggested a route starting from Singapore, moving to Melaka by bus, then to Kuala Lumpur by bus, and to Penang by train. From Penang, they considered traveling to the Perhentian Islands and Taman Negara using a combination of buses and ferries, although direct flights from Kota Bharu to Kota Kinabalu in Borneo were also recommended for those looking to explore wildlife and rainforests.

For those seeking less touristy options, forum users recommended visiting Ipoh and Taiping by train from Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, Langkawi was highlighted as a great island destination, comparable to islands in Thailand like Koh Chang, offering a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Travelers interested in wildlife specifically mentioned the importance of visiting Borneo, particularly for seeing orangutans at places like Sepilok. For beach enthusiasts and those with a backpacker vibe, Pulau Perhentian Kecil was recommended. Meanwhile, those looking for cultural experiences and city life highlighted Kuala Lumpur’s numerous attractions, including the Batu Caves and various cultural temples.

It was noted that internal flights are frequently used to connect distant destinations quickly, especially when traveling from peninsular Malaysia to Borneo or between major cities and islands. Buses and ferries are commonly used for more local travel within the peninsula.

According to forum posts, there are several ETS (Electric Train Service) trains that run daily between Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh. Travelers can book these trains in advance, which is recommended, especially during peak travel times like school holidays. The KTMB official website is suggested for booking to ensure ticket availability.

Some travelers mentioned that the train journey from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh typically takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the specific train service chosen. The ETS Gold and Platinum services are popular, with Platinum services offering fewer stops and slightly faster travel times. A new ETS Express service has also been introduced, reducing the travel time by approximately 30 minutes by skipping most intermediate stops.

The primary departure point in Kuala Lumpur is KL Sentral, with some trains also stopping at the old Kuala Lumpur station. In Ipoh, the train station is centrally located, making it convenient for visitors to access the city center upon arrival.

For travelers transiting through Malaysia, the visa requirements depend on the nationality, the airlines used, and whether the transit involves leaving the airport's international zone. According to forum posts, travelers on separate tickets often need a valid Malaysian visa, as their destination is considered Malaysia for boarding purposes.

Travelers can apply for a Malaysian visa online before their trip. The e-visa application can be completed at official Malaysian government websites like https://www.windowmalaysia.my/evisa/evisa.jsp. Some travelers mentioned needing to provide details such as hotel accommodations during the application process.

For Chinese nationals, as per some forum posts, there is a Transit Without Visa (TWOV) option, but it comes with specific conditions such as having an onward ticket to a third country within 24 hours and not leaving the international transit area unless they are flying with specific airlines like AirAsia or Malaysia Airlines. This TWOV policy is suspended as per the latest updates, so checking with the Malaysian Embassy is advised.

According to forum posts, travelers must submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within three days prior to their arrival in Malaysia. This can be done online via the official immigration website. The form asks for details such as the date of arrival, accommodation address in Malaysia, and departure date.

Some travelers mentioned confusion over whether the MDAC needs to be printed. It appears that the MDAC does not necessarily have to be printed as it is a digital card; showing the confirmation on a mobile device at immigration should suffice.

Travelers have called out that the requirement to submit the MDAC applies to all foreign travelers except those transiting through Malaysia without seeking immigration clearance. There are specific counters at airports like KLIA for first-time users to register for e-gate services, which also involve MDAC submission.

Travelers have reported inconsistencies and confusion regarding the MDAC process, often noting discrepancies between official guidelines and actual practice at immigration. The system's requirement to submit the MDAC three days prior has been a particular point of confusion.

According to forum posts, travelers highly recommend visiting orangutan rehabilitation centers such as Semenggoh near Kuching and Sepilok near Sandakan. These centers focus on rehabilitating orangutans rescued from illegal ownership or adverse conditions and reintroducing them to the wild. The experiences at these centers are both ethical and supportive of conservation efforts.

Some travelers said exploring the Kinabatangan River offers opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, including wild orangutans, from river lodges or during boat trips. Additionally, for those interested in a mix of river and jungle experiences, accommodations like the Bilit Adventure Lodge on the Kinabatangan River provide inclusive packages with river cruises and meals, enhancing the wildlife sighting opportunities.

For a broader experience, forum users suggest considering the Rainforest Discovery Center near Sepilok for its rich biodiversity and the chance to explore rainforest ecology. This adds a more educational aspect to the wildlife encounters in Borneo.

According to forum posts, popular areas for hotels in Kuala Lumpur include Bukit Bintang and KL Sentral. These areas are favored for their central location and accessibility to shopping, transport, and main tourist areas.

Some travelers have recommended specific hotels based on their experiences. The Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur is praised for its great location and wonderful staff. The JW Marriott in Bukit Bintang was mentioned for its proximity to the Pavilions Mall and good value for money. The Hotel Istana is another recommended option in Bukit Bintang, noted for its excellent location and facilities.

For budget-conscious travelers, it has been suggested that looking for promotions is wise, especially during slow business periods. Hotels in Kuala Lumpur generally offer good value for money, with possibilities of staying at 5-star hotels at competitive rates due to current promotions.