Malaysia might be your incoming travel destination, but you are clueless where to begin planning your trip. Keep all your worries at bay- This all-encompassing Malaysia travel guide provides necessary information for visitors planning to explore the country. It covers top attractions, currency choices, and the languages used in the country and much more.
Apply a Malaysia Visa
To visit
Malaysia, a visa is a must-have if unless your home country possesses a visa
waiver agreement. How to apply for
Malaysia visa? The process is simple, requiring selecting the requisite
visa type and paying the visa fee online. The process normally takes 5-15
business days, post which you receive the entry visa sticker in the passport.
Ensure the passport holds 6 months validity.
Idea time to Visit
November through
August in fact is the best time to visit
Malaysia, which also includes Kuala Lumpur, owing to its warm weather and
shunning of monsoon rains. Move to Malaysia's East Coast somewhere around March
& September which is ideal for exploring Borneo's tropical rainforests in
the Sarawak or Sabah.
Must-Watch Destinations
Kuala Lumpur
- Petronas
Towers- Kuala Lumpur’s skyline is domineered by this iconic tower.
- Batu Caves-A brief trip from the city is the wonderful Hindu shrine at Batu Caves, inside a lovely limestone cave.
- Merdeka
Square-The historical spot of Malaysia's declaration of independence is this.
- Chinatown & Little India- These are vivacious neighborhoods with scores of cultural experiences.
Penang
- George Town- George Town is a colonial architecture and street art filled UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Penang Hill: Boasts of expansive island vistas.
- Kek Lok Si Temple- Malaysia's biggest Buddhist temple is this.
Langkawi
- Langkawi Sky Bridge-It offers stunning visions from its poised structure.
- Pantai Cenang: An exquisite beach offering multiple aquatic sports.
- Kilim Karst Geoforest Park- Mangrove forests & limestone formations are found here.
Borneo
- Kinabalu
Park- Southeast Asia's uppermost peak, Mount Kinabalu rests here.
- Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center- Both rehabilitating as well as conserving orangutans is the function of the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center.
- Mulu Caves: cosmic network of caves which is a World Heritage Site.
Accommodation
Travelers can decide on from varied lodging choices in
Malaysia, comprising boutique hotels, pocket-friendly apartments, as well as upscale
establishments. The options also comprise dorm beds, beach cottages, bungalows,
& hostel rooms for the island excursions. While boutique hotels offer a
distinct allure, opulent hotels offer magnificent views.
Things to Do
- Underwater
Activities- Malaysia offers a variety of underwater activities, including
snorkelling, diving, whitewater rafting, windsurfing, and jungle trekking.
Snorkelling & diving are all the rage in Sabah's Sipadan Island Marine
reserve & the Peninsula's east coast. Courses are available at Kota
Kinabalu and Miri, with gear rental available for RM180 per day. Windsurfing in
Cherating provides ideal conditions during the northeast monsoon season.
Whitewater rafting is popular on Sabah's Sungai Padas, with operators costing
around RM250. Jungle trekking can get started in Taman Negara & Bako
National Park in the southwest Sarawak.
- Wildlife- Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia are a wildlife ecstasy with over 600 bird species & 200 mammal species, including Asian elephants, tigers, tapirs, sun bears, pythons, proboscis monkeys, clown fish, barracuda, barking deer, gibbons, hornbills, orang-utans, white-tip sharks, and green and hawksbill turtles. These species lay their eggs by night ashore in season.
- Shopping- Shopping is a trendy activity here, offering everything from clothes to electronics up to souvenirs. Travelers can indulge in Batik art, delicious local chocolates, & coffee powders.
What to Pack?
Get ready for
Malaysia's hot, damp, and frequently wet weather by packing light walking
shoes, breathable garments, and an umbrella. For rural areas, wear modest
attire as Malaysia is primarily Muslim. For acceptance, dress more
conservatively, with a cardigan or sweater for warmth. The cold
air-conditioning in restaurants and shops can feel like winter compared to the
heat outside. Cities are more relaxed, but rural areas should be dressed
modestly for a more welcoming experience.
Transportation
Malaysia offers
a varied choice of transportation options, including domestic trains, taxis, flights,
buses, ride-sharing services, & public transportation.
Must-Try Cuisines
Malaysian
cuisine is diverse, featuring dishes like Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, Satay, and
Laksa, reflecting the multicultural preferences of the population.
Popular restaurants serving authentic Malaysian foods include,
- Songket
- Bijan
- Little Penang,
- Restoran Hatinie, and
- Minah
Currency, Money and Language
The currency used
here is Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), with ATMs & credit card acceptance in the
majority of establishments. Cash is recommended for smaller vendors and remote
areas. Bahasa Malaysia is their official language.
Safety
Malaysia is in
general safe for travelers, but keep vigilance in crowded areas, secure
belongings, keep away from pickpockets, use trustworthy transportation, and
staying informed regarding local customs & laws are decisive for a safe
journey.
Malaysia’s Famed Events & Festivals
- Thaipusam is a Hindu festival attended by more than a million devotees.
- The Chinese New Year is observed on 21 January & 20 February, with the initial 2 days being public holidays.
- Hari Raya Aidil Fitri marks the finale of Ramadan, celebrated by about 60 percent of the general public.
- Kaamatan is the harvest festival at Sabah.
- Gawai Dayak is Thanksgiving Day in Sarawak.
- Mid-Autumn Festival falls on a full moon day of the Chinese calendar.
- Deepavali is a Hindu festivity celebrating triumph of good over the evil.
- Christmas is again a public holiday, with almost a 10th of the inhabitants being Christians.
Takeaway
To travel in
Malaysia, plan a strategic itinerary, pack light, breathable clothing, try
local cuisine, respect cultural norms, learn Malay phrases, carry small bills,
stay safe, and enjoy nature and wildlife, especially during the hot and humid
climate. Locals appreciate street food, and English is widely spoken in cities.
Be cautious of pickpocketing and bag snatching, and only take licensed taxis.
Follow these Malaysia travel tips
that will make your trip one to remember.
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