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. 

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 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

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!

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

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!

Website: ColinandMeg.com

Instagram: @colinandmeg

✈️ 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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