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Apparently something was lost in the mix with all the talk about Thailand White lotus-Diving tourism.
Too much surprise, another beautiful country has overtaken them this year as the most visited destination of Southeast Asia.
In recent months, every Google search about Thailand has resulted in regularized articles about Koh Samui’s Grand Resorts or the Haarlijn van Walton Goggins.

What is much more interesting than Rick Hatchett” Baby BillyWhether a gossip of celebrities is how a worldwide icon has been overtaken by a less well -known country that, like Thailand, has no direct flights to the US
Packed with diversity as a multi-religious nation, affordability across the board, wonderful sights, exciting excursions and magnetizing culture, is Malaysia.
Much more known as a digital nomad port, the driving force of external employees cannot be attributed to The rise in MalaysiaIs it possible?
Malaysia has welcomed more than 10 million visitors this year
The first quarter of 2025 has long since disappeared, so the question is, can Malaysia retain the increase in tourists?

10.1 million travelers Crossed the border of Malaysia in the first 3 months, which is literally an important distinction.
I happen to live 10 minutes from the border with Mexico.
Is I counted as an official visitor when I make a cheap Taco run? I would imagine it.
Malaysia is similar because people from neighboring countries, such as notoriously strict Singapore Cross borders for cheap goods and lax laws, compared to their Ritzy Island. Thai citizens themselves often cross, just enjoy different cultural aspects and amazing attractions.
In fact, keep an eye on a historic new train route that will soon connect Bangkok with Kuala Lumpur.

Of course, not all visitors to Malaysia on the border cross. Capital City Kuala Lumpur is an important hub for Asia, but as I said, there are unfortunately no direct flights from the US
But you can easily reach Malaysia with just one connection. As you may know, countries such as South Korea, Singapore and Turkiye offer free stopovers (with small print of course).
Is there something fun to do here? Or is it just cheap?
On a recent podcast of Last weekend with Theo vonGuests and Malaysian born comedian Nigel NG discussed life in Malaysia, where NG caught my attention, in essence ‘there is nothing to do in Malaysia’.

Circling back to digital nomads, Malaysia has become a hotspot for cheap life for those who are lucky to get away with that liberating lifestyle of waking up where you also want with your laptop, whether it is Kuala Lumpur’s trendy cafés, roofs and co-work spaces or the rise of for those reasons.
In addition to savings, is there really anything to do in this country?
A resounding yes!
Let’s start with what travelers went to the aforementioned Penang, or more specifically, through the UNESCO GEORGE Town.

Here you will find a range of street food suppliers, lively markets and the Penang Hill Outlook, accessible by tram for unparalleled view.
Just like Thailand is Malaysia Full of breathtaking temples. The most striking in Penang is Kek Lok SiAnd of course, as promised, there are Beautiful beaches, like Pantai Pasir Panjang On the other side of George Town.
How is that ‘nothing to do’? We have just started!
As far as Kuala Lumpur is concerned, a place that you are almost guaranteed to visit is illuminated with stunning architecture, luxury swimming pools on the roof and in particular the Batu cavesA huge limestone cave system with an impressive Hindu temple and a famous golden statue.

The city is the textbook definition of a metropolis and one of the most diverse cities in Asia, where you can experience a mix of cultures, beliefs and traditions through even more temples and endless markets.
For the real hidden gems of MalaysiaAlthough you might want to go to less well -known islands, such as Borneo, who feels really untouched and receives much less tourism, or Perhaps Malaysia’s trendiest island of his 800+ paradises, Sabah.
Don’t be afraid of the crowds! Thailand will certainly make a comeback
Malaysia may have a moment, but it is not as if Thailand lags far behind with 9.55 million visitors.
Of course, another important factor In the edge of Malaysia over Thailand it is Shift in visa policywho have been much more relaxed than in previous years. Thailand has drastically reduced the window in which travelers can stay.

With the ‘high season’ of Thailand at the end of the year, is it better to compare apples with apples, or should we say that Pad sees EW to Nasi Lemak?
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This article originally appeared on Traveloffpath.com
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