Episode 142 - Discovering Malaysia: Insider Tips on Kuala Lumpur and Penang with Colin + Meg

21/10/2025 49 min
Episode 142 - Discovering Malaysia: Insider Tips on Kuala Lumpur and Penang with Colin + Meg

Listen "Episode 142 - Discovering Malaysia: Insider Tips on Kuala Lumpur and Penang with Colin + Meg"

Episode Synopsis


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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