Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia, separated into two regions: Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo’s East Malaysia. Malaysia is a fascinating country with a vibrant multicultural population. Besides the Malays and the native groups, immigrants from China, India, Indonesia, and other parts of the world have all contributed. The country has a rich cultural heritage, from a huge variety of annual festivals and wonderful gastronomy, to traditional architecture. It is an astonishing natural beauty with white sand beaches and some of the world’s most ancient tropical rainforests. Malaysia’s cosmopolitan capital, Kuala Lumpur, offers excellent sights and activities, also a world-famous shopping destination and a gastronomic pleasure.
Paul White, Attribution (CC BY 2.0)
Peripitus, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Achilli Family | Journeys, (CC BY 2.0)
Raki_Man, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit Malaysia depends on what area of the country you plan to see, but between March and October are considered the best months to visit the country. This period is characterised by mostly dry weather and clear skies. High temperatures and humidity are the most common characteristics of Malaysian weather. Average temperatures hover around 30°C in most of the country and humidity levels are usually above 80%. The monsoon arrives between September and February. However, not all areas are affected equally. The west coast of peninsular Malaysia (including the islands of Penang and Langkawi) and the state of Sabah in Borneo, the most rainfall is in September and October. At the east coast, the heaviest rains fall between November and March.
Snorkelling and Diving: it is possible to dive Malaysia all year round. However local monsoon forbids diving at certain times of the year in some places. East coast: from April to October. The best visibility is generally around summer time. West coast: from mid-November to mid-April, with very little rain. It is possible to dive all year round in Sabah. However, Sipadan Island is very famous and popular and during high seasons such as during July/August, December/January.
Birdwatching: any time between March and October is a good time to visit the Malay Peninsula, although March is a particularly good time for birds.
Hiking: the best time is generally during the dry season, which is from March to October. However, it is important to check the weather conditions before embarking on any hike.
Watching orangutans: April to August has the driest weather giving optimal chances of good sightings of orangutans in the wild. See the new born baby orangutans
Tea plantations: visiting the plantations, go as early in the morning as possible, before the day gets hotter. It is also better to avoid weekends and holidays, as you can expect a crowd. Plan your trip for February-March, when the rain is less strong and you can still see magnificent waterfalls and enjoy the foggy spirit of mossy forests. August-September is also great as the temperatures are moderate and some hiking can be done.
Singapore: is an island country and city-state in maritime Southeast Asia. Late February to mid-April is the best months of the year to visit Singapore. The general advice is to avoid the monsoon season, which runs between September and February.
Brunei: is a country in Southeast Asia, situated on the northern coast of the island of Borneo. It is famed for its wealth, with oil having brought a lifestyle unrivalled across Southeast Asia. Brunei has a tropical climate, which means that it is hot and humid all year round. You can visit any time, but February and March are driest, and perhaps the best time, and, it is moderately cooler from late October to January, but these are also the wettest months and rains can restrict access to Temburong. Travellers should avoid visiting Brunei during Ramadan, as many businesses are closed.
Chinese New Year: (date varies, from January to March) is a national holiday, with festivities and celebrations held throughout the country, making it an exciting time to visit.
Borneo: Borneo is split into two states: Sabah in the northeast, and Sarawak in the northwest. The weather is virtually the same, although it rains more often in Sarawak. The dry season from the end of March to the beginning of October is the best time for wildlife, when there is less rain but hot and humid. The trees are fruiting, particularly between June and August, meaning the orangutans venture down from the trees to feast. It is important to inform that Borneo is the world’s third-largest rainforest: rainfall is abundant and can happen anytime, so you should always be prepared for showers or thunderstorms.
Rafflesia: the plant does not have a certain blooming season. It blooms according to its region and according to the rainfall. Many sources say Rafflesia flowers are mostly found from October to March. According to the experts, there are more Rafflesia flowers especially during the rainy season. Unfortunately, only a few flower buds make it to flowers. Many flower buds are eaten by rats or squirrels before blooming. Seeing a blooming rafflesia is certainly the highlight of a trip to Gunung Gading, but the Park and the whole Lundu area.
The Malaysian ringgit is the official currency. The exchange rate approximately is 1 Euro is between 4,70 – 5,13 ringgits. 1 UD Dollar is between 4,16 – 4,74 ringgits.
The national language is Bahasa Melayu (Malay), but English is widely spoken. Most Malaysians are multilingual, speaking various languages and dialects, such as Mandarin, Cantonese, and Tamil.
Before entering Malaysia, there are several requirements that visitors must meet. These include having a valid passport or document, obtaining a visa if necessary, possessing a valid return ticket and enough funds to cover expenses. Additionally, visitors must fill out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). Filling the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card: visitors are required to complete a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card upon arrival at any gate of entry gazetted at the URL, after, visitors must present their passports together with a complete MDAC to the Immigration Officer on duty and visitors must also ensure that their passports or travel documents are validated with the appropriate pass before leaving the immigration counter.
The Malaysia visa policy consists of the requirements for foreign nationals to travel to, enter, and remain in Malaysia. Most visitors to Malaysia are granted visa-free entry for a period of 90, 30, or 14 days respectively. However, nationals from some countries must first obtain a visa before being allowed into the country. For stays longer than one month, visas are necessary, except for citizens from Brunei and Singapore. Malaysia Tourist Visa application can be applied at any nearest Malaysian Embassies and High Commissions Office Abroad or with the e-Visa. On 1 March 2017, Malaysian government set up a new online application system to accept applications for Electronic Visa (e-VISA) and Electronic Travel Registration and Information (ENTRI) to facilitate tourism.
To access the necessary information on Visa requirements for different countries, simply visit the official website of the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
There are plenty of ATMs in Malaysia’s main tourist areas. You will find them at the airport, near bank branches, on the main shopping streets, in shopping malls, at petrol stations and at bus stations. Maybank is Malaysia’s largest bank, and it has the largest ATM network in the country. ATMs are less common once you leave the main cities and tourist areas. You are also less likely to find places that accept credit cards. If you are planning to travel to rural areas, keep this in mind and withdraw enough cash beforehand. Most Malaysian ATMs accept MasterCard (Cirrus and Maestro) and Visa (Plus) cards. Check whether the ATM displays your card network’s logo before using it
Opening hours of restaurants are varied depending on the types of restaurants and menu. Some of the restaurants open at 6.00 am until evening and some of the restaurants and bar types are open from 2.00 pm to 3.00 am. The restaurants that located at mall will open started from 10.00 am to 9.00 pm. Pharmacy and Drug Store usually starts from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm. Some of the pharmacies will open starting from 10.00 am and close at 10.00 pm. Convenience stores start from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm.
Time: GMT +8 hours.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (is the largest airport in Malaysia is located south of the capital. The distance from the airport to the centre of Kuala Lumpur is 55 kilometres. By car, it takes 50 minutes to get to the centre)
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (the airport is located south of the city in Tanjung Aru. The distance from the airport to the centre of Kota Kinabalu is 8 kilometres. By car, it takes 15 minutes to get to the centre)
Kuching International Airport (is an international airport serving the entire southwestern region of Sarawak, and it is the fourth busiest airport in Malaysia. The distance from the airport to the centre of Kuching is 10 kilometres. By car, it takes 20 minutes to get to the centre)
Penang International Airport (is an international airport in George Town, the capital city of the Malaysian state of Penang. The airport is located at the southeastern of Penang Island. The distance from the airport to the centre of Penang is 17,5 kilometres. By car, it takes 16 minutes to get to the centre)
Under British colonial rule, Malaysia’s primary transportation infrastructure was developed, and thanks to effective road and rail networks, citizens and tourists can travel to most of its regions today.
Kuala Lumpur boasts an extensive public transportation network that includes various modes of transport, such as: MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system: a high-capacity rail network with three lines covering key areas of the city and its suburbs, LRT (Light Rail Transit) system: comprises three lines (Ampang, Sri Petaling, and Kelana Jaya) providing connections to many popular destinations in the city, Monorail Lines: two lines serving the city centre, offering an alternative to the LRT system, KTM Komuter train services: connecting the suburbs and outskirts of Kuala Lumpur to the city centre, BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system: a bus-based transit system providing fast and efficient services in dedicated lanes, and ERL (Express Rail Link) stations: a high-speed rail connection between Kuala Lumpur city centre and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). You can buy your tickets at the counter or vending machines, they accept coins and notes, although it is highly advisable to use rechargeable cards primarily for your convenience. The Komuter Link is a rechargeable card used for the main rail lines while the MyRapid Touch ‘n Go card is used for the Light Rail Transit (LRT), Mass Rail Transit (MRT) and Monorail. Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, the owner-operator of the country’s rail services, including LRT networks, KL Monorail and the MRT lines. In addition to that, they are also the owner-operator for the stage bus services in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, and Pahang.
If you are visiting Kuala Lumpur, bus service enables you to visit most the city’s tourist attractions. The most convenient (but often also the most expensive) way to travel within Kuala Lumpur is by taxi or private ride like Grab.
By bus, Konsortium Transnasional Berhad, Malaysia’s largest bus operator, which offers a diverse range of bus services ranging from standard local city buses to express bus transports, interstate luxury bus service, and even long-distance service to Singapore. This brand also manages Rapid Buses, which provide public transportation in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Kuantan City. The heart for coach transportation in West Malaysia (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan), is an integrated land transport hub in Kuala Lumpur’s south that will connect you to all major destinations, including to the airports. Various cities/states like Kuching, Sarawak and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah also provide similar connectivity in East Malaysia, from which you can travel to other parts of Borneo. You can easily book or check the routes intercity private buses to other cities in Malaysia through this website.
By ferry, travel between islands is popular. You can use the Malaysia ferry company, which connects Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore. Penang Ferry, links Georgetown and Butterworth. You can buy your ticket in advance from booths at the jetty, though you can sometimes pay on the boat.
Trains are another great way to get around Malaysia. The journey by train is more relaxing, comfortable, and gives you the chance to take in Malaysia’s diverse, scenic landscape. KTMB is one of Malaysia’s most popular and dependable long-distance train service providers. While these are not as frequent as buses and can be more expensive than road transportation. There are two main classes of train. Express services call mostly at major stations and are generally modern, fully air-conditioned, and well maintained; local trains, often not air-conditioned and of variable quality. Seats on the trains divide into economy, superior and premier class, though not all are available on all services, local trains on interior routes tend to be economy only. Tickets can be bought up to 30 days in advance for any train, you can only book seat and berth reservations on express services. Make bookings at major stations, by phone or online at wktmintercity.com.my. Timetables and fare tables are available online, and at major train stations.
Driving and vehicle rental: the roads in Peninsular Malaysia are good, making driving a viable prospect for tourists. In Sarawak and Sabah a sizeable minority of roads are rough, unpaved, and susceptible to flash flooding.
Driving is on the left, and wearing seat belts is compulsory in the front of the vehicle. To rent a vehicle, you must be 23 or over and need to show a clean driving licence.
Excessive affection in public like kissing and hugging is an indecorous act
Taking durian to hotels
Underestimating the time on the road
Pointing with your forefinger
Drinking tap water
Malaysian cuisine is a mixture of various food cultures from around the Malay Archipelago, such as India, China, the Middle East, and several European countries. Malaysian food uses many herbs like coriander, Thai basil, curry leaves, lemongrass, pandan leaves and many others as well as chilies and other spices like ginger, galangal, anise, turmeric, etc. The main dishes are: “Char Koay Teow” (flat, wide noodles served together with fried egg, green lettuce, bean sprouts, and seafood), “Kari ayam” (is a chicken curry, made with chicken pieces, onions, garlic, ginger, ghee, tomatoes, coconut milk, and spices such as anise, cinnamon, curry leaves, pandan leaves, lemongrass, chilis, cumin, turmeric, and fennel), “Nasi goreng kampung” (fried rice with onions, shallots, garlic, chili peppers, anchovies, oil, water spinach, eggs, and salt), “Bak kut the” (this dish stems from the Chinese culinary tradition. It consists of various pork cuts that are cooked in a flavourful broth which is seasoned with star anise, cinnamon, garlic, and fennel), “Lemang” (a meal of rice and coconut milk cooked in bamboo, and it is traditionally served on a banana leaf)
For Malaysia the associated plug type is G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Malaysia operates on a 240V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Patients in Malaysia enjoy an excellent healthcare system. Furthermore, the country is continually making investments to improve standards of care, with programs targeting rural and low-income patients. As a result of their efforts, Malaysia’s healthcare system is fast becoming one of the leading healthcare providers in Asia. Malaysia provides universal healthcare for all citizens and legal residents. Nearly all doctors and many nurses speak English. In general, public healthcare standards are very good, public hospitals offer excellent equipment, facilities, and diagnostic capabilities. Unfortunately, the best public and private facilities are in large cities. Public healthcare is quite basic in rural areas.
Malaysia does have universal healthcare, which means that all residents and citizens, even foreigners have access to public and private hospitals. With public care, most of the costs are very low to no cost; with private care, the patients pay for the services themselves or have private insurance coverage. For visitors, has a private medical insurance is a must to enjoy private healthcare services. Malaysia has an abundance of well-stocked pharmacies. Even though prescription medication is inexpensive in Malaysia, you should stock up and carry the necessary medicines with you along with their prescriptions during your trip. Ideally, you should know the generic names of various medicines because brand names would differ from country to country.
Some vaccines are recommended or required for Malaysia. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Malaysia: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, chikungunya, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).
Tipping is not a common practice in Malaysia. Most restaurants apply a surcharge directly to your bill which is supposed to cover tips, therefore Malaysian workers do not expect a tip.
Over 61% of Malaysia’s population observes Islam, so Ramadan is a very special time in the country.