Malaysia Vs Indonesia Vs Thailand: Which Country Is Cheaper For Travel?
If you are planning your next holiday but want to avoid overspending, you are not alone. With the rising cost of living, many Malaysians are turning to budget travel in Southeast Asia to satisfy their wanderlust. The region offers rich culture, beautiful landscapes and delicious food, all within easy reach of home. But which of these popular destinations, Malaysia, Indonesia or Thailand offers the best value for your ringgit?
This guide breaks down the costs across different categories to help you compare three of the cheapest countries to visit near Malaysia.
How far does your ringgit go in each country?
When it comes to figuring out which country gives you better value, exchange rates are a good place to start. In Indonesia, RM1 gets you about 3,300 rupiah and in Thailand, it’s around 7.7 baht. Of course, if you’re travelling within Malaysia, you won’t need to worry about conversions at all.
Now, Indonesian prices can look a little intimidating at first because of the big numbers, but don’t let that throw you off. Once you break it down, things like meals, transport and everyday costs often end up being cheaper there compared to what you’d spend in Malaysia or Thailand.
Which destination has the cheapest flights and transport?
Getting there and getting around can eat up a decent portion of your travel budget, so it’s worth comparing. If you’re flying within Malaysia – say, to Langkawi or Kota Kinabalu, you can sometimes score return tickets for as low as RM100. Flights to Bali from Kuala Lumpur usually range between RM200 and RM350, while Bangkok or Krabi often come in cheapest, with return fares starting from around RM180.
Once you’ve landed, Thailand has the edge in terms of local transport. You’ve got everything from the BTS train in Bangkok to tuk-tuks and affordable buses, making it easy and cheap to move around. In Indonesia, ride-hailing apps like Gojek are the go-to and while they’re generally affordable, they don’t offer as much structure. Malaysia’s transport system works well in cities, but options can be a bit limited once you’re out in smaller towns or islands.
Where can you stay without overspending?
Accommodation is usually one of the bigger fixed costs when you’re planning a trip, so getting a good deal can really stretch your budget. In Indonesia, you can find budget hotels or cosy guesthouses from around RM60 to RM80 a night, even in tourist hotspots like Bali. Thailand is fairly close, with hostels starting at RM70 and charming boutique hotels from about RM100.
In Malaysia, prices for budget-friendly stays tend to fall between RM80 and RM100 per night, especially in popular destinations. Overall, Indonesia tends to offer the best value, particularly if you’re after a scenic or slightly more unique place to stay without paying a premium.
Which country offers the best food for the least money?
All three countries are famous for their street food and honestly, you could plan an entire trip just around eating. In Thailand, dishes like pad Thai, fried rice or mango sticky rice can cost as little as RM4 to RM6 and you’ll find food stalls on almost every corner.
Indonesia’s no slouch either, with favourites like nasi goreng and satay usually priced between RM5 and RM7. Malaysia holds its own too, with go-to staples like roti canai and char kway teow generally ranging from RM5 to RM8. That said, Thailand really stands out for its sheer variety and how easy it is to find cheap, tasty food at any hour.
Where are attractions and activities more affordable?
If you’re the kind of traveller who likes to explore without spending too much, the cost of attractions can really add up. In Malaysia, a lot of nature spots, beaches and even museums are either free or charge a small fee, usually under RM10.
In Indonesia, places like Borobudur or hikes up Mount Batur tend to cost a bit more, roughly RM20 to RM30. Thailand’s popular spots, including temples, palaces and island tours, can go up to RM50 or even RM100 depending on where you go. For Malaysians especially, travelling locally offers solid savings when it comes to entry fees and experiences.
Which destination is best for shopping?
If shopping is on your travel checklist, each country brings something different to the table. Thailand is a favourite for many bargain hunters, thanks to its lively markets like Chatuchak in Bangkok or the night bazaars in Chiang Mai, where you can pick up affordable clothes, accessories and quirky souvenirs.
Indonesia has a strong craft scene too, offering batik, wood carvings and handmade goods at reasonable prices, especially if you venture beyond the touristy areas. Malaysia, on the other hand, is great for mall shopping and duty-free deals in places like Langkawi, but when it comes to local markets, prices can be a bit steeper compared to its neighbours. Overall, Thailand tends to come out on top for variety and wallet-friendly finds.
Where is it easiest to stay connected?
Staying connected while travelling is a must these days, whether it’s for navigation, bookings or just sharing your trip on social media. In Malaysia, it’s pretty straightforward- prepaid SIMs start from around RM10 and mobile data is fast and widely available.
In Indonesia, tourist SIMs are also quite affordable, but they usually require passport registration and a bit more setup, which can be a hassle if you’re just passing through.
Thailand makes it super easy; you can grab a SIM card from almost any 7-Eleven for around RM10 and free WiFi is commonly available in cafes, hotels and even some public areas. While all three countries are budget-friendly when it comes to connectivity, Malaysians naturally have it easiest when travelling locally.
Which country is safer for budget-conscious travellers?
When it comes to safety, especially for those travelling on a budget, it’s always good to know what to expect. Malaysia tends to be relatively low-risk, with fewer reports of tourist scams, making it a safe option for both solo and family travellers. Indonesia is generally safe too, but places like Bali can come with usual issues like petty theft and the occasional inflated “tourist price” for services or goods.
Thailand also ranks high in terms of safety, but it has its share of common scams, particularly with tuk-tuks or overpriced taxis. A bit of awareness goes a long way, but overall, Malaysia tends to feel the most familiar and straightforward for Malaysians travelling within the region.
What is the total cost of a 3-day trip?
| Category | Malaysia (Langkawi) | Indonesia (Bali) | Thailand (Phuket) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights (return) | RM150 | RM220 | RM180 |
| Accommodation | RM240 (RM80/night) | RM180 (RM60/night) | RM210 (RM70/night) |
| Food & drinks | RM90 | RM75 | RM60 |
| Activities | RM60 | RM90 | RM80 |
| Local transport | RM50 | RM70 | RM40 |
| Total | RM590 | RM635 | RM570 |
Thailand is the cheapest overall for a short trip, although Indonesia comes close in several categories. Here is a quick breakdown of which country is best in each category:
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange rate value | Indonesia | Most value for your ringgit |
| Flights and local transport | Thailand | Budget airlines and cheap local travel |
| Accommodation | Indonesia | Affordable and attractive lodging options |
| Food and drinks | Thailand | Great variety and consistently low prices |
| Attractions and activities | Malaysia | Low-cost or free for locals |
| Shopping | Thailand | Wide range of souvenirs and market finds |
| Connectivity | Malaysia | Fast, reliable and easy to access |
| Safety | Malaysia | Low risk and familiar cultural context |
| Total trip cost | Thailand | Lowest average cost over three days |
Whether you are seeking street food in Bangkok, surfing in Bali or a quick island escape to Langkawi, each of these cheap countries to visit near Malaysia has something to offer. For those looking to maximise value, budget travel in Southeast Asia continues to be a smart and accessible choice.
