Episode 142 - Discovering Malaysia: Insider Tips on Kuala Lumpur and Penang with Colin + Meg
Description
Many thanks to our friends Colin + Meg for coming on the show again to share his love and knowledge of Malaysia with us. Please follow them on Instagram at @colinandmeg and @dailystepswithmeg, as well as on their YouTube channel, @colinandmeg, where they share their experiences traveling the world with Airbnb as the world reopened post-pandemic to places like Malaysia, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK, Hawaii, and many more. Their joy and sense of adventure and wanderlust are contagious.
Episode Overview
Explore Malaysia beyond the tourist trail. In this episode, we sit down with Colin & Meg to uncover local insights, can’t-miss foods, cultural tips, and how to explore Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and beyond like an insider.
Its neighbors often overshadow Malaysia, but this culturally rich, flavor-packed country deserves its own spotlight. In this episode, we’re joined by returning guests Colin and Meg, this time with a deeply personal twist.
Colin grew up in Malaysia and shares his insider knowledge, while Meg offers her perspective as a traveler and now family member immersed in the culture. Together, they help us plan for our own upcoming stops in Kuala Lumpur and Penang — and inspire us to look deeper, eat well, and travel more mindfully.
🎙️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode
What makes Malaysia so unique (and underrated!)
Colin’s ultimate Malaysian food list — and why every visit is one long food tour
What to do in Kuala Lumpur (hint: temples, towers, and city vibes)
Why Penang is the food capital — and the best way to taste your way through it
Off-the-beaten-path ideas in Borneo: Orangutans, pygmy elephants, overwater bungalows, and jungle safaris
How shopping malls are cultural hubs — and where to find the best local eats
Tips for tourists: cultural respect, curiosity, and how to connect meaningfully
Colin’s Must-Try Malaysian Foods
You’ll hear a deeper explanation in the episode, but here’s your cheat sheet:
Nasi Lemak – coconut rice, sambal, curry (yes, for breakfast!)
Char Kway Teow – Penang-style fried rice noodles
Curry Mee – spicy noodle soup
Chicken Rice – simple, savory, and iconic
Dim Sum – especially for breakfast
Roti Canai – flaky Indian-style bread with curry
Satay – grilled meat skewers with peanut sauce
Teh Tarik – sweet Malaysian pulled tea
Samosas & Street Snacks – grab-and-go gems in Penang
Hawker Stall Favorites – always ask the locals for the best ones!
🧭 Planning Your Visit to Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur:
Explore temples, city landmarks, and shopping malls
Eat at hidden hawker stalls and local food courts
Visit Petronas Towers, Batu Caves, and local neighborhoods
Penang (Georgetown):
Walkable, full of colonial charm and street art
Home to Michelin guide street food
Best explored on foot or via a food tour
Borneo/Sabah:
Visit orangutan sanctuaries and river safaris
See pygmy elephants and rare wildlife
Stay in overwater bungalows or riverside lodges
Climb Mount Kinabalu or explore coral reefs in Sipadan
What to Bring:
Comfortable walking shoes (for hawker-hopping)
Lightweight clothing (hot + humid!)
Modest options for temples and rural areas
Insulated Reusable water bottle + cash for food courts
Big appetite and adventurous spirit!
How to Connect with Colin & Meg:
Website: ColinandMeg.com
Instagram: @colinandmeg
- YouTube: @colinandmeg
🎧 Links & Resources
✈️ Plan your trip with us: sunxtravel.com
📍 Listen to: Episode 140 – Planning for Lombok, Indonesia
🍲 Want help planning an itinerary? Reach out to us — we’d love to help!
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