Cringe no more at the value of your Malaysian Ringgit, for these beautiful countries in Asia offer superb travel experiences that won't break the bank for Malaysians
My bi-annual trips to Singapore for family visits have come at a great price–literally, as I watch hundreds of ringgit disappear into significantly smaller amounts of Singapore dollars when converted for the trip. It isn’t just our fair neighbour country in the South, but several other destinations on our travel bucket lists that often have us out of pocket when spending on food, accommodation, transport, and shopping (those gifts for your cousin’s neighbour’s aunt aren’t going to buy themselves, after all).
With that in mind, there are plenty of beautiful destinations across Asia where your ringgit won’t shrink and where meaningful experiences can be had for a fraction of the price you would pay for a similar experience elsewhere. From Sri Lanka to the Philippines, here are six gorgeous places for a holiday that won’t hurt your wallet.
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Sri Lanka
RM1: Approximately 69 - 70 Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) at the time of writing
Last month, the Sri Lankan government announced it would temporarily waive visa fees for Malaysian tourists from now till March 31, 2024, as part of a pilot project to amp up its tourism industry. Malaysian travellers can make the most of this development and plan a trip to this gorgeous island nation. Given its diversity of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, majestic green mountains, grasslands and countless waterfalls and rivers, Sri Lanka offers nature lovers so much to see in a single trip, particularly in picturesque areas like Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, and Galle.
The timing works out well, given that January to March is considered an ideal period for a trip to Ella, a beautiful town in the Uva Province, and a major railway station between Colombo and Badulla. The world-famous train ride from Kandy to Ella is considered one of the best in the world, given the breadth of landscapes covered, the amazing scenery and the value for money (ticket prices vary depending on whether you opt for a seat or prefer to stand throughout the journey. Tickets are also significantly cheaper when purchased at a train station instead of online).
