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Malaysia Guide

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Introduction to the country

Malaysia is a federation consisting of 3 federal territories and 13 states. The country is located in Southeast Asia. There are 2 regions in the country. The South China Sea separates the 2 regions. Kuala Lumpur is the largest city in the country and also serves as the capital. The official language of the country is Malaysian while English is a recognized language.

When To Go? / Best Time to visit

The best time to visit Malaysia will depend on the part of Malaysia you intend to visit. The east coast is wet from November to February. This represents the period the west coast represents sunny, dry weather. On the other hand, the west coast is wettest between April and October. This is the period the east coast experiences its driest months. The city is generally hot and humid all through the year. Just make sure to avoid the wettest month for the coast you are visiting.

How do I get a Visa?

Malaysia is reputed to have one of the simplest processes for a visa in Southeast Asia. Citizens from most countries in the world can have up to 90 days’ entry without a visa.

Do I need Vaccines?

You would be required to show your yellow visa vaccine if you are entering from yellow fever high-risk countries. It is strongly recommended to take vaccines against water and food-borne diseases as well as childhood vaccines.

Travel safety

Malaysia is a generally safe country to visit. The country witnesses rare cases of robberies, assaults and violent crimes. However, petty thefts, pickpocketing, and purse snatching are common crimes that foreigners experience.

 
 

What To Pack?

    • Clothes

    • Electrical appliances if your devices are not UK type

    • Deodorant

    • Hand sanitizer and tissues

    • Bandanna for sweat control

    • Mosquito repellent

    • Flip flops

    • Sunscreen

    • Sunglasses

    • Cross-body bag or small day pack

    • Umbrella     

Essential Language Phrases

Most of the citizens of the country can speak English, thus communicating in the English language should not be too difficult. However, it will be easy for the citizens to be friendlier when you can communicate in their language. Here are a few Malaysian phrases:

  1. Essentials and greetings

    • Thank you – Terima kasih pronounced as te-ree-ma ka-she. Malaysians love to be thanked.

    • Goodbye – Selamat jalan pronounced as s’la-mat zha-lan

    • You are welcome – Sama-sama pronounced as saa-ma saa-ma

    • I don’t understand – Saya Tak Faham pronounced as saa-yah tak faa-haam

  2. Directions

    • Where is the bathroom – Di mana tandas pronounced as dee ma-na tan-das

    • Turn left / Turn right – Belok kiri / Belok kanan pronounced as beh-lock kee-ree / beg-lock kaa-naan

    • Go straight – Jalan terus pronounced as zha-lan te-roos

    • Slow down – Perlahan sikit pronounced as per-laa-haan see-keet

  3. At the bar/restaurant

    • Less sweet – Kurang manis pronounced as koo-rang maa-nees

    • No sugar – Tanpa gula pronounced as tan-pa goo-lah

    • Less ice – Kurang ice pronounced as koo-raang aa-is

    • No milk – Tanpa susu pronounced as tan-pa soo-soo

    • Less spicy / Extra spicy – Kurang pedas / Tambah pedas pronounced as koo-rang pe-das / tambah pe-das

    • Tasty – Sedap pronounced as se-daap

    • Water – Air pronounced as ah-yer

  4. Market

    • How much – Berapa pronounced as be-raa-paa

    • Expensive – Mahal pronounced as maa-hal

  5. Numbers

    • 1 – Satu pronounced as saa-too

    • 2 – Dua pronounced as doo-aa

    • 3 – Tiga pronounced as tee-gaa

    • 4 – Empat pronounced as erm-paat

    • 5 – Lima pronounced as lee-mah

    • 6 – Enam pronounced as er-nam

    • 7 – Tujuh pronounced as too-jooh

    • 8 – Lapan pronounced as laa-pan

    • 9 – Sembilan pronounced as sem-bee-lan

    • 10 – Sepuluh pronounced as se-poo-looh

  6. Friends making

    • Have you eaten – Dah makan pronounced as daa-h maa-kan

    • Beautiful – Cantik pronounced as chan-tek

    • Let’s go – Jom pronounced as zhom

  7. For other things

    • Hot – Panas pronounced as paa-nas

    • Please – Tolong pronounced to toh-long

    • Can – Boleh pronounced as bow-leh

West Malaysia

West Malaysia, also known as Peninsular Malaysia is located between Singapore and Thailand. Most of the multicultural population in the country live here. This is also the region where Kuala Lumpur, the largest and capital city of Malaysia is located. The country has a fantastic transportation network, friendly locals and a diversity that makes it a great tourist attraction. There is also the tea plantations, stunning beaches and islands, UNESCO World Heritage site, charming colonial towns and ancient rainforest that provides a lot of things to do.

East Malaysia

This region of Malaysia is located 800 kilometers away from Peninsular Malaysia to the east. This region makes up 61 percent of the country with thick jungles. Thus, tourists and travelers love to visit the region all year round to visit the indigenous tribes, national parks and to watch wildlife. The Mount Kinabalu, also located in this region, is a great attraction for backpackers who feel fit enough to climb the mountain.

Top 10 Things To Do In Malaysia 

Malaysia’s accommodation of various cultures attributes to its popularity around the world. Anyone and everyone can fit into this island.

It is a combination of the Chinese, Arabic, Indian, and Peranakan cultures. The landscape of the country is characterized by mosques, churches, and temples.

Entertainment spots in the country are overwhelming. You can eat and drink in varied places; you can be surprised by your native delicacy in traditional restaurants.

Hawking is huge in the country; the traders move round in bicycles, on foot, motorcycles, and tricycles. The streets are full of stalls and side lanes and shops within food courts in the shopping malls.

The number and quality of attractions in the country attribute to is top position in tourists destinations across the world. You can visit the museum and tall towers to enjoy the panoramic views of different cities in Malaysia.

There are lots of places to visit and things to do. Malaysia is overwhelming.

Here are the best things to do in Malaysia

1. Petronas Twin Towers

The building was completed in 1998 and declared as the tallest in the world. It is located at the heart of Kuala Lumpur; the vast structure entails conference halls, office buildings, a 50-acre park, and shopping complex.

You can enjoy views of the city on of the twin towers with 42 floors standing 175 meters above the street level.

2. Melaka historic city

Previously, people feared to go to Kuala Lumpur because off the Malaria infestation. Malaca was popular at the point for business; it was the main trading ports for Southeast Asia.

Today, Kuala Lumpur is a high-end modern city and capital. Malaca is now renowned as a holiday getaway because of his numerous historic features. It is the best place to familiarize with Malaysia’s heritage.

3. Georgetown Historic city

In the middle of western and eastern Penang is Malaysia’s most visited tourist destination. The island holds its traditions dearly; it is a modern and colonial town with well-preserved heritage buildings. It is the heart of Penang’s capital, Georgetown.

It is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The refurbished Chinese manors and shopping malls characterize the cafes.

4. Redang Island

Pulau Redang lies 45km North of Northeast Kuala and 22 km away from Tanjung Merang. Redang is popular as a tourist destination because of its pristine lands and marine environment.

Scuba diving is a must when you visit the town. The experience with Indian Ocean’s coral reefs is incomparable. Indonesians are believed to have settled first on the Island.

5. Menara KL Tower

This is an iconic landmark in Malaysia. It was established in 1994 and stands 421 tall. The height offers incredible views of the city that gleam over the apex of Kuala Lumpur.

Menara’s deck is 100 meters higher than Petronas Twin towers’ Skybridge. Whether you go in the day or at night, you will experience the awesome views of the sparkling city center.

6. Sky Bridge

The cable car ride enters through the Oriental Village in the northwest of Langkawi Island. The ride goes up to Mount Mat Cincang, which is the second highest peak of Langkawi.

Entry to the oriental village is through souvenir shops and gardens that step on an escalator to enter the cable car. The waterfalls here extend to the grey rock face for a pleasant natural view.

7. Penang Hill

Flagstaff Hill rises 821 meters above sea level, which is a pleasant welcome site from the heat.  Among the popular attractions in Penang is the hike up to the Penang Hill, this should be your starting point.

On top of the hill are panoramic views of Malaysia. It is one of the strategic locations in Malaysia hence the all-around views. The beauty goes to as far as your eyes can see.

8. Kinabalu National Park

If your vacation is about sight-seeing, you should not miss visiting this national park in the east of Malaysia’s capital city. It is home to the highest peak in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu that stands at 4095 meters.

The national park in the northwest of Sabah is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The flora and fauna collections define the landscape here. You can also get a peak of the Borneo peak summit. Climbing to this peak is a test of adventure level for hikers.

9. Cameron Highlands

The highlands are at 2,000 meters above sea level. They are renowned retreats in Malaysia because of the controlled climate and day temperatures that revolve around 25 degrees and 18 degrees.

It is a favorable environment for farming; the locals here mostly grow fruits, vegetables, and continental plants. It offers a cool environment if you want a getaway from the city lifestyle. It is a quiet and serene environment.

10. Sunway Lagoon Theme Park

The 80-acre land in Malaysia is a themes park for Bandar Sunway. The lagoon is divided into three parts; the Waters of Africa, the Wild West, and the World of Adventure.

The fun activities on the lagoon will define your visit to Malaysia. It is an experience and a chance to make lasting memories.

With the Indian Ocean surrounding Malaysia, the serenity and sea activities here are overwhelming. Seafood and culture of the locals also attribute to a ranking of the country as a top tourist destination in the world.

Typical Costs & Budget (Accommodation/Food/Drinks/Transport/Activities)

The average cost for dormitory accommodation in Malaysia ranges from 6 USD to 12 USD equivalent. If you want a private room, you should budget 18 USD equivalent per night. You can get an entire apartment or home for around 60 USD equivalent per night. You can get a decent local meal for 4.8 USD. For Western meals, you will have to pay more. Beer cost around 4 USD. You can get groceries to last you for a week for around 30 USD. A bus trip will cost you between 1 to 4 USD equivalent. For 12 USD equivalent, you can board a bus to Kuala Lumpur from Penang. Flights within the country would cost from 24 USD equivalent. A train to Bangkok from Kuala Lumpur would cost about 42 USD, while a flight for the same distance would cost 72 USD.

Saving Tips

    • Agree on taxi fares before the journey starts as they are not metered

    • Taman Negara camps can save you costs on accommodation though you will be expected to be around 1.2 USD equivalent

    • Street foods are delicious and very cheap

    • As an Islamic country, drinking is not only frowned out buy very expensive

    • You could embark on free walking tour

How to get around?

The transportation network in Malaysia is very efficient and you can move around with a bicycle, ferries, car, long-distance taxis, buses, train, and plane.

Do’s and Don’ts

  1. Dos:

    • Remove your shoes and hat when visiting a Buddha temple. Do not wear shorts and stand up whenever monks or nuns enter the shrine

    • Convert a significant part of your money to Malaysian currency

    • Temporary importation deposit will be paid when you bring in dutiable items

    • Ensure you are ready with your health certificates, health insurance, and travel documents when traveling.

    • Use of right hand is important for eating and collecting or giving something

    • If you want to enter a mosque, temple or house in Malaysia, remove your shoes first

    • When greeting men, you can shake hands, but for women, except they extend their hands first, do not shake them.

  2. Don’ts:

    • No illegal drugs

    • Don’t drink alcohol

    • Don’t discuss the political system or ethnic relations due to their sensitivity

    • Do not feel embarrassed if you burp as it is okay to do so after eating

    • Don’t get offended if an opposite-sex Malaysian refuses your handshake

    • Don’t ever give a monk an item or touch them if you are female. Not even by accident.

    • Don’t kiss in public

    • Females are not allowed to wear hot vests and pants or sunbath topless

    • Do not point your feet in the direction of sacred images or people

    • Pounding of your fist into another individual’s hand should not be done as it is perceived as an obscene gesture

    • Don’t use your forefinger to point at things

    • Don’t touch an adult’s head

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Conclusion

Malaysia is a cool country and very easy to access. Apart from the fact that you should tame your thirst for alcohol when in the country, there are so many things to see and do. You should also be mindful of the customs of the people so as not to come off as being offensive.

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