Suggestions for budget stay in Malaysia

[Daffy D]

I posted this the wrong forum before and got zero replies Hope to have better luck here

A friend of mine who has been to Thailand several time wants to try Malaysia for a change and as I have lived here many years has asked if I could provide some information for him.

He would like some pointers for "shack on the beach" type place preferably on the East coast. I realize the days of dirt cheap accommodation are gone but the cheaper the place the longer he will be able to stay.

I have no idea where he might start looking as my only real connection with Malaysia have been visa runs to Phenang, and have no idea about staying there for any length of time. So anyone have any ideas or suggestions for cheap on the beach places to give him a starting point that I can pass on will be most welcome.

AFAIR UK passport holders get a 3 month visa on entry, is this still the case? And could he do multiple visa runs across the border to stay for an extended period without problems.

There was a very informative post on here some time ago with information about foreigners living in Malaysia but I cant find it now.

Thanks

[schondie]

Yes, you still get a three month visa when you enter Malaysia.

I'm not sure about cheap places to stay on the east coast though. I know there's a few expats living in Kota Bharu on the three month visas and come to Thailand on their visa runs.

Renting places seems to be acceptable without too many questions.

[petertucker48]

Recommend this site and get the book of course he will save a fortune:

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/malaysia

[my friend I]

Cherating Beach north of Kuantan has shacks. Not that great a beach. Wet season around Xmas. Can get bus to Khota Baru then go to border at Sungai Kholok, Thailand for new visa.

Some bungalow type places north and south of Trenganu. The main road follows the beach.

[Daffy D]

Google and Lonely Planet are the obvious starting points, but I think my friend was looking for recent information of personal experiences.

"My Friend I" sounds just the thing :-)

Thank you all, I shall pass on the info.

Cheers :-)

[pomchop]

http://www.travelfish.org/

better than lonely planet in my opinion....lots of backpacker type places with prices reviews etc....