Thinking of visiting Malaysia? Well, you definitely should. From travel tips and guides to Malaysia itineraries, get everything you need to know about visiting Malaysia just below.
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit
Language: Malay is the official language of Malaysia. But English is widely spoken throughout the country.
Visa: For most countries, a visa to enter is not required. For most Europeans and North Americans, you’ll receive a 90-day visa stamp upon arrival, costing you nothing. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your entry and you have enough blank pages for stamps.
For all other counties, please be sure to check Malaysia’s visa requirements for your country.
Getting Around Malaysia: So, depending on where you are going in Malaysia, the best way to get around Malaysia will vary. If you have the time, are traveling from one end of the country to the other, and are on a budget, bus travel is the way to go.
If you are looking to maximize your time and (for example) say you’re trying to get from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi, flying is a great option.
If you’re looking to travel slowly and be as budget-friendly as possible, traveling overland in Malaysia is beyond doable! In fact, it’s what we did! For booking overland transportation, check out 12GoAsia to get the latest timetables and prices.
Safety: In general, Malaysia is a very safe place to visit and explore. However, the Islands off the coast of eastern Sabah is known for their kidnap-for-ransoms and violence from terrorist groups. Be sure to check the latest reports coming out of these regions if you happen to be traveling near or through there.
Small things to be aware of are petty theft and pickpocketing, which can happen in any major city or town. Below are some safety tips we used when traveling through Malaysia and we didn’t run into any issues.
A great thing to always have with you is travel Insurance. When we spent 3 weeks in Malaysia, we had travel insurance through World Nomads. Covering things like medical bills and theft, having travel insurance has definitely come in handy for us a time or two.
Essential Phrases: Even if you are not fluent in Malay, it’s always nice to know a few words of the local language.
Terima kasih (te-ree-mah ka-seh): Thank you
Sama-sama (saa-ma saa-ma): You’re welcome
Tolong (toh-long): Please
Sedap (se-daap): Tasty
Selamat Tinggal (se-la-mat ting-al): Goodbye
While there is loads to see, do, and experience in Malaysia, there are some amazing experiences to not miss while exploring the beautiful country of Malaysia.
If you like taking tours or would like a local guide to take you around, there are amazing Malaysian tours and experiences to check out. Definitely plan ahead and make your booking ahead of time to ensure your unforgettable Malaysian experience is secured.
Whether you are looking for luxury hotels in the big cities or quaint homestays on islands, Malaysia really has something for everyone. Bigger and more popular cities like Kuala Lumpur offer more accommodation choices and options than smaller towns and islands like the Perhentians.
Our biggest tip is when traveling during popular holidays and peak season, book your accommodations ahead of time. For us, we use booking.com to reserve our stays, not only in Malaysia but throughout Asia and the world.
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