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Malaysia is an inspirational tourism spot with its fantastic diversity and culturally stimulating lifestyle. Home to friendly Malays, Chinese, and Indians, you can look down from skyscrapers, feast on street food, admire historical architecture, and see modern influences in this captivating country of endless wonder. From world-class beaches of Langkawi, tea plantations of Cameron Highland, bright Batu caves of Kuala Lumpur, to the lush green Penang National Park, there's a thrill every step of the way.

USEFUL INFO. ABOUT MALAYSIA

OFFICIAL NAME: Malaysia

FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Federal parliamentary elective constitutional monarchy

CAPITAL: Kuala Lumpur

POPULATION: 32,772,100 (Aug 2019 est.)

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE(S): Malay

LANGUAGES SPOKEN: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, English

CURRENCY: Malaysian Ringgit

ETHINICITY: Malays 50%, Chinese 25%, 10-12% Indians, and the remaining aboriginal people called Orang Asli.

MAP REFERRED: ASIA

AREA: 330,803 km square

Water: 93,000 km square of inland seas

ELEVATION : The highest point is Mount Kinabalu (4,095.2 m)

NEIGHBOURING PLACES - : Malaysia shares land and maritime borders with Brunei, Indonesia, and Thailand, and maritime boundaries with China, Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam.

FAMOUS FOR:Kuala Lumpur | KL Tower | Petronas Twin Towers | Aquaria KLCC | Penang National Park | Penang Island | Petaling Street | Langkawi | Labuan | Johor Bahru | Batu Caves | Kota Kinabalu | Cameron Highlands | Port Klang | Malacca | Sarawak

NATIONAL SYMBOLS:The Malaysian Coat of Arms comprises two tigers supporting a shield representing the Malaysian states. There is also a crescent and 14-point star with the national motto: 'Bersekutu Bertambah Mutu' (Unity is Strength) mentioned on the ribbon under.

TIME ZONE: : UTC+8 (MST)

DRIVING SIDE: Left

AIRPORTS IN Indonesia Malaysia has six international airports, 16 Domestic and 18 Airport Aerodromes. The international ones are Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Langkawi International Airport, Kuching International Airport, Penang International Airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, and Senai International Airport

Network / Connectivity

Finding a good internet connection in Malaysia is not a challenge; there are free Wi-Fi hotspots at almost every restaurant, cafe, hotel or shopping center. The larger cities have a wider coverage area, so you will not struggle to connect to Wi-Fi at locations such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Cameron Highlands, and Malacca. Smaller cities have slower internet speed and streaming or video conferencing will be of poor quality.

Another option is to buy a prepaid tourist sim at the airport with prices starting at about $5 for 2 GB of data with 4G LTE speeds and 7-day validity. You can also rent Wi-Fi hotspot devices if you're traveling with family and friends. With prices as low as $6 per day, the unlimited data and good speeds are perfect to maintain connectivity while traveling and getting work done on-the-go.

The local currency is the Malaysian ringgit meaning "jagged" in Malay. The paper notes are very colorful and vary in size to help distinguish the various nominations. 1 Malaysian ringgit is divided into 100 sen (cents). Currency exchange kiosks are available at the airport for your convenience for conversion transactions.

Symbol: RM
Code: MYR
1 United Arab Emirate Dirham = 1.13 Malaysian ringgit (as on 17th February 2019)
Malaysian ringgit notes can be found in denominations of RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50, and RM100.
Coins can be found in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 sen.

Please note that the government has demonetized the currency notes of RM 500 and RM 1000, so don't accept these if given. Also, local businesses rarely have change for big notes so carry a small change at all times.

American Express traveler's checks are accepted, but the fee per check can be high. Visa and MasterCard are accepted at the bigger hotels and restaurants.

In prehistoric times, Malaysia was home to aboriginal people- it was later that settlers from south China and Indian traders arrived along with Hindu and Buddhist influences. There were many different rulers that contributed to shaping the country. One of the most dominant ones was the Buddhist kingdom of Srivijaya that ruled from the 9th to the 13th centuries. The Javanese exercised control over the peninsula from 1330- 1350 and the port of Malacca was founded in the 15th century. The prince converted to Islam and engaged in heavy trading with Islamic merchants that led to the replacement of Buddhism in today's Malaysia.

Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive with the conquest of Malacca in 1511 making way for their rule. With their control lasting a century, the Dutch took charge in 1641, and consequently the British in 1795. Many new industries were formed and the British brought in Chinese labor to work in tin mines, meanwhile, the Indians worked in rubber plantations and built railways. After this phase began the time of Japanese occupation from 1941 to 1945 during World War 2.

A very important time in history for Malaysia, the country began inching closer to achieving independence. It was in 1957 that many British territories on the Malay Peninsula formed the Federation of Malaya to gain separation. This was a time of conflict and unrest due to communist risings and unfavorable ties with Indonesia, however, Malaysia succeeded in becoming an independent country in 1963.

Located in the southeast territory of Asia, Malaysia can be divided into two main parts of Peninsular Malaysia/West Malaysia, and the two states of Sabah and Sarawak in the northeast. Peninsular Malaysia is situated between Thailand and Singapore, and the states are located in Borneo (shared with Indonesia).

Malaysia's location on the north of the equator makes it prone to hot and humid weather all year round. Peninsular Malaysia has many heavily forested mountain ranges running from north to south, and mangrove swamps. The most popular islands are Langkawi, Penang, and Pangkor on the west coast, and Tioman, Redang, Kapas, Perhentian and Rawa on the east coast.

Sabah is predominantly a coastal plain, meanwhile, Sarawak has jungle-covered hills and mountains in addition to swampy coastal plains.

Multi-Cultural Society
The identity of Malaysian society is a wonderful blend of many different cultures and ethnic groups. Malaysia's population comprises of Malays, in addition to a reasonable size of Chinese and Indian populations. This makes their religious diversity, values, and overall traditions a strong foundation for multiculturalism. There is respect for all backgrounds and beliefs, and unity amongst all to celebrate, and not just tolerate the differences.

Religious Practices
Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country and the official religion is Islam. 60% of the population is Muslim, followed by Hindu and Buddhist segments. Chinese Malaysians also practice Taoist and Confucianist religions, while tribal communities in rural areas follow animist beliefs.

Hospitality and Gifting Etiquette
Hospitality is important to Malaysians, and guests are usually given the best seats at the dining table as a gesture of respect. The traditional Arabic greeting of "Assalamualaikum" meaning "peace be upon you" is used as a greeting. If invited over to someone's house, always use the right hand for eating or passing food around to avoid causing unintentional offense. Also, remember to clean your plate and not leave leftovers.

It is always courteous to take a gift along but avoid white wrapping paper because it symbolizes mourning. Also avoid the color yellow, as it represents royalty. Any food-related gifts should be halal and do not be surprised if the hosts do not open the gift immediately. It is a local custom to wait and not open presents immediately.

Traditional Handicrafts
Artistry in Malaysia is reflected in many different areas. From wooden crafts such as kitchen utensils and containers, metal works, to hand-woven crafts, Malaysia's traditional Batik textiles are recognized for their brilliant designs. The luxurious Songket with its intricate patterns of gold and silk threads signifies status with its hand-woven luxury.

Friday Congregational Prayers
Following Islamic practices, Malays and Muslim workers get a 2-hour or longer lunch break on Friday so they can say their prayers at the mosque. These congregational Friday Jamaat prayers are an integral part of the lifestyle; students are also dismissed early and businesses closed in line with Islamic values.

Malay Dressing
Traditional Malay clothing is conservative in style. The menswear Baju Melayu, a loose-fitting and long-sleeved shirt paired with pants, a white cap called Kopiah is worn when going to the mosque. Women, on the other hand, wear Baju Kurung, a loose tunic with a long skirt. A shawl called Selendang is used as a head covering, especially when entering a sacred place.

Dance
The traditional dance forms here are the Malay Mak Yong, a form used to entertain female royalty such as queens and princesses. The Kuda Kepand was an art brought in by Japanese immigrants and Zapin is traced back to Islamic missionaries chanting as a means of spreading their wisdom. One of the most famous dance forms is the Joget- couples perform on an upbeat tempo with some humorous elements incorporated to make it more fun.

Cuisine
The food in Malaysia represents the main ethnic groups- Chinese, Malay, and Indian restaurants are scattered all over the country. In fact, the Malaysian state of Penang has earned a reputation as the street food capital of Asia. Providing plenty of options for a splendid culinary adventure, Chinese foods usually serve a mix of sweet and savory Cantonese dishes. Indian ingredients are spicier, and tandoori cookery and hot vegetarian dishes from southern India can shock your taste buds if you like milder flavors.

Traditional Malay cuisine is typically white rice paired with a curry or fried main course. Day-to-day staple foods include sate (small chicken or beef skewers served with peanut sauce), nasi goreng (fried rice), and noodles cooked in a variety of different styles.

Must-Try Delicacies
"Nasi Lemak" is Malaysia's national dish with ingredients including coconut rice, spicy shrimp paste, fried anchovies, peanuts, and a hard-boiled egg are plated together as a flavorsome combination. The "Curry Laksa" is a delicious noodle soup with spicy coconut as its base. Some restaurants may also add fish meat to the broth that already has prawns, bean sprouts, and tofu puffs.

"Roti Canai" is one of Malaysia's favorite foods; inspired by Indian cuisine, it's a buttery and crisp flatbread served with various fillings. Options include ingredients such as eggs, onions, cheese, etc.

Must-Try Drinks
The national drink of the Malaysians is "Teh Tarik", or pulled tea. A mix of black tea with condensed or evaporated milk, the thick beverage can be found at all restaurants. "Sirap Bandung" is a pink-colored drink that is sweet and creamy in texture. Various recipes have different ingredients, you may find soda water, grass jelly or Cincau depending on the restaurant.

"Teh C Peng" also has its fair share of fans; condensed milk is poured over a layer of liquid palm sugar, and then topped with strong black tea. The kick of the caffeine and the sweetness of the sugar will have you coming back for refills.

Fun fact: Malaysians love drinking Milo. The chocolate-flavored powder is served in both hot and cold water or milk for a refreshing taste.

Kuala Lumpur is one of the greenest capitals of the world due to the rains it is prone to.

All Asian cultures have ample representation in Malaysia making it versatile and unique.

The capital city of Kuala Lumpur has impressive modern architecture with iconic landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers.

The heavy influence of Chinese culture is found across the various Chinatowns, with the George Town location being the largest in size.

Areas such as the Cameron Highlands are known for gorgeous tea plantations where you can tour, enjoy taste testing and fall in love with the views.

The abundance of colonial architecture serves as a backdrop for amazing pictures.

The diving activities in Malaysia are perfect to experience the beauty of barracudas, sharks, and parrotfish and other marine life up close.

Malaysia's warm climate makes its beaches popular; Langkawi is a tourist favorite for emerald green waters and jaw-dropping shopping.

With its rich history as a powerful spice trade route, the cuisine in Malaysia will have your taste buds in a state of constant glee.

Tropical jungles older than the amazon are ideal for rain forest trekking and hiking enthusiasts.

Historic towns have landmarks recognized as UNESCO Heritage sites; Penang and Malacca are famous for preserving their past flawlessly.

There's always a festivity to partake in; Malaysia has many cultures and religions that have it buzzing with feasts and celebrations all year round.

Malaysia is located in a region with a tropical climate, the temperatures don't experience extreme variations. The average is about 30 Celsius during day time along with high humidity and visitors should expect some rain regardless of which city they are in. Most of these spells of rain are short, but the changing of seasons can bring flash floods.

November- March (Rainy Season)
The eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia and the western end of Sarawak should be avoided during this period due to the northeast monsoon. Heavy rain and flash floods make exploring Malaysia difficult, and most of the accommodations on the Perhentian Islands are closed because of rough sea conditions. September and October are particularly wet months with 2-3 hours of showers.

The west coast areas such as Penang and Langkawi also receive high volumes of rain between September and October, though Langkawi gets more impacted due to bad driving visibility.

March- October
This is the recommended time to visit Malaysia when the rain and humidity are both on the lesser side. There are many exciting festivals such as Chinese New Year and Thaipusam and you can admire Malaysia's nature without the weather getting in the way. The calm waters and blue skies make exploring this destination a pleasant experience, and you can make the best of the beaches, islands, and other outdoor activities.

Visit Malaysia with Family

Admire the seascape of Langkawi Island with the steepest cable car route in the world on a SkyCab.

Enjoy the unique collection of rare birds at the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park.

Take a Melaka Malaysia river cruise to observe modern and colonial architecture at the UNESCO World Heritage site.

Pick delicious strawberries at Cameron Highlands in Pahang or enjoy the tea plantation terraces.

Go for a wildlife safari trip in Sabah; there's plenty of wildlife-spotting and rainforest information to see and learn.

Spend an evening at the Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC) surrounded by the Aquaria KLCC, Petronas Twin Towers and Discovery Centre.

Visit Malaysia as a Couple

The beaches of Langkawi are a lovebird's paradise.

Take memorable pictures from the observatory at the Petronas Twin Towers.

Head over to Tioman Island for fun-filled jet-skiing and kayaking with your partner.

Sabah, Malaysia, is picture-perfect with awe-inducing sunsets and gorgeous rainforests.

Visit the Butterfly Garden in Cameron Highlands for a magical experience.

Visit Malaysia with Friends

Discover Portuguese, the Dutch, and British influences in enchanting Malacca.

Try a vast range of cuisines from spicy curries to Chinese pancakes in beautiful Penang.

The Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower also called KL Tower has the city's best bird's eye views.

Visit the Batu caves for a pumping heart and spiritual enlightenment.

Take a dip in the cool waters of Sipadan, Sabah- a top Malaysia tourist place.

Visit Malaysia with Kids

Aquaria KLCC with over 5000 exhibits of aquatic and land creatures will have your young ones intrigued for hours.

The Petrosains Discovery Center has many interactive and educational experiences.

Semenggoh Wildlife Center is a rehab center for orangutans- a heartwarming visit for the young and old alike.

Kuala Lumpur National Zoo & Aquarium is perfect for animal lovers to see many different animals from all around the world.

What to Buy?

Pewter goods (molded from a mix of metals) such as jewelry, tableware, and home decoration

Malaysian Batik textiles

Malaysian Songket (lightweight fabric made from silk and gold threads)

Hand-woven crafts such as hats or handbags

Kerongsang- a special brooch worn by women

Traditional Wau kite

Boh tea

Durian chocolate

Coffee products

Traditional Chinese herbs

See Panoramic Views from the KL Tower
The 7th tallest freestanding tower in the world is not just a telecommunications tower but also has an observation deck called the SkyBox, and a revolving restaurant. See the Kuala Lumpur city's landscapes and gigantic skyscrapers from the KL Tower and take riveting pictures. Best Time to Visit: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily
Entry Prices: Starts at $7.35

See the Illuminated Petronas Twin Tower
Standing tall at a height of 452 m with a sky-bridge on the 41st floor, the Petronas Twin Towers used to be the world's tallest buildings. Still the tallest twin buildings, there is a great fountain display, magnificent shopping options, and outstanding night views making it a must-see Malaysian tourist spot.
Best Time to Visit: Open 24 hours (for viewing from outside)
Entry Prices: Approx $7.35

Connect with Nature at Penang National Park
The smallest island of Penang has plenty of dreamy sunsets and natural beauty. Come prepared for many trekking options including the rewarding Turtle Beach hike at the smallest national park in the world! Penang National Park also has other activities such as boat trips and jungle walks.
Best Time to Visit: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Entry Prices: $1.25

Find the Best Bargains in Chinatown
If you're looking for things to do in Kuala Lumpur, head straight to Chinatown to see the oldest market held at Petaling Street. Busy with vendors, this market has amazing street food such as dumplings, and local handicrafts available at great prices.
Best Time to Visit: 9 a.m.- 11:55 p.m.
Entry Prices: Free

Relax on the Beaches of Langkawi
Langkawi, Malaysia, is the staple destination of a well-planned Malaysian holiday. The white sands and blue waters are a perfect backdrop to forget all the worries in the world. From Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah, Pantai Kok, Tanjung Rhu, to Teluk Yu- there's an endless number of beaches to choose from based on the vibe you're looking for.

Explore West Coast Beaches in Labuan
Labuan is 90 sq. km island is known for its peaceful ambiance and overall laidback lifestyle. There are many attractions to discover here from the Labuan Botanical Garden, Gurdwara Sahib Labuan, Labuan Clock Tower, to exceptional diving experiences to observe marine life.

Find the Perfect Blend of Eastern Cultures in Penang
Home to UNESCO-listed George Town, Penang Island is a prime Malaysian destination also known as "The Pearl of the Orient ''. Whether you want a beach getaway, immerse in a cozy atmosphere, or enjoy a culinary paradise- Penang has it all. There's also plenty of history to discover as a bonus with museums, forts, and temples.

Race up the stairs at Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur
Climb up the iconic 272 steps to reach the temple that is especially busy during the Hindu festival of Thaipusam. Lord Murugan shrines built-in natural limestone attract admirers from all over the world. You'll find monkeys freely wandering around, and exquisite paintings depicting scenes from the experiences of Hindu Gods.
Best Time to Visit: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Entry Prices: Free

Explore Amusement Parks in Johor Bahru
Located between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, the city of Johor Bahru is a visual delight with exciting attractions such as the Hakka Heritage Gallery, Istana Bukit Serene, and the Pulai Waterfall. This southernmost city of Malaysia has growing industrial, tourism and commercial influence and with resorts and amusement parks for family-friendly fun.

See the Oldest Mosque in KL- Masjid Jamek Mosque
Still looking for places to visit in Kuala Lumpur? Embark on a visit to see the Masjid Jamek Mosque located at the convergence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. Its three iconic domes stand out in the Kuala Lumpur city's skies, and its Moorish style design looks even more beautiful at night.
Best Time to Visit: Closed on Friday/ Other days: 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., 2.30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Entry Prices: Free

Thaipusam
A key Tamil festival, Thaipusam is a powerful demonstration of traditions with a grand procession starting from Kuala Lumpur. The 3-day gathering of the Tamil Indian community is organized to show Lord Murugan their devotion, and the sounds of chants and drums echo far and wide. Rituals include the devotees piercing their body with hooks, and carrying `kavadis".
Location: Batu Cave
Date: February 8, 2020

Chinese New Year
Kicking off the start of the lunar calendar with a bang, the locals have a 15-day celebration across Malaysia. There are reunion feasts with families, visits to temples to seek blessings, and the locals dress up in the color red representing prosperity. Get ready for bright firecrackers, and elaborate decorations across homes, workplaces and shops. There are also exciting lion and dragon dancing shows, red paper lanterns, and fireworks.
Location: Across Malaysia, but Kuala Lumpur has the best festivities
Date: January 25, 2020

Malaysia Water Festival
One of the most anticipated times of the year, this is when people from all different ages and communities get together to throw water at each other. Almost a grand water fight, the water is clean and there is no use of color. Various highlights of this festival include international fishing tournaments, kayaking challenges, etc.
Location: Starts in Kuantan and ends in Labuan
Date: April 2020
Wesak Day (Vesak Festival)
Also known as Buddha Day, this is a day to celebrate three pivotal milestones of Buddha's life: birth, enlightenment and death. Buddhists across Malaysia fast, meditate and there's a strong spirit of spirituality observed. There are pedestrian processions with illuminated floats and candles starting from the Buddhist Maha Vihara. Doves and tortoises are released as a sign of seeking forgiveness for past sins.
Location: Across Malaysia
Date: 6 May 2020

Hari Raya Aidilfitri
More commonly known as Eid-ul-Fitr, this joyful time marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims fast. Markets and shops are decorated with fairy lights, and there's joy marked by families and friends getting together to enjoy food and forgiveness. Special prayers are held and traditional desserts are served.
Location: Kuala Lumpur
Date: May

Sarawak Gawai Festival
Malaysia's largest state of Sarawak is home to the Dayak race; this is their harvest festival that continues the whole month of June. Dayaks dress up in traditional clothing and celebrate with dance, feasts, and plenty of rice wine to show their ceremonial offerings.
Locations: Sarawak state
Date: June

Rainforest World Music Festival
This event is an essential experience to immerse in the hypnotic beats played by various artists in the rainforests of Borneo. Attracting audiences from all over the world, this is one of the largest music festivals of Southeast Asia with international musicians, workshops, and many other attractions on the roster.

Locations: Borneo
Date: July 2020

National Day
Hari Merdeka celebrates Malaysia's independence gained from the British empire in 1957 - a great milestone for the Malay people. There are extravagant firework displays, concerts, a lavish parade at Merdeka Square, and Kuala Lumpur is the life of the party.
Location: Malaysia
Date: 31 August 2020

Deepavali
The Hindi communities celebrate Deepavali with great enthusiasm in commemoration of Lord Rama, and the triumph of good over evil. The festival of lights has the Kuala Lumpur city turn bright with elaborately lit oil lamps, colored chalk drawings, and flower decorations at temples, malls, and the Little India neighborhood.
Location: Kuala Lumpur
Date: October/November

Before traveling, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after the date of your arrival in Malaysia.

Visa-Free 90-Day Entry is Available for the Citizens of:
All European Union Citizens, Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, Egypt, Iceland, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Maldives, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Peru, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Sudan, Syria, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uruguay, and Yemen

Visa-Free 30-Day Entry is Available for the Citizens of:
Andorra, Antigua and Burbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brunei, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Chad, Chile, Comoros, Costa Roca, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Eswatini, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iraq, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Lao, Lesothos, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Namibia, Nauru, Nicaurgua, North Macedonia, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Sudan, Suriname, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Visa-Free 14-Day Entry is available for the Citizens of:
Iran, Libya

eVisa applications are available to citizens of:
Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Montenegro, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Serbia, and Sri Lanka

Via Metro/Trains
Peninsular Malaysia has over 1000 miles of a strong railway network operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTMB). Kuala Lumpur's Sentral Train Station is the main hub and there are 2 main rail services available. Express trains are air-conditioned with multiple seating classes (economy, premier, superior). Alternatively, local trains are usually only economy class with frequent stops and longer travel times. Scheduled timings are prone to change; always confirm timings on the KTMB website.

Kuala Lumpur has a great Light Rail Transit System (LRT). The KL Monorail runs straight through the city center, whereas RapidKL and KTM Komuter have routes that connect the city center with the suburbs. The hours of operation are between 6 a.m. and 12 p.m. with a new train arriving every 3 to 4 minutes.

Via Bus
The larger towns have local public bus systems, but the schedules are unreliable and not the most convenient to understand as a visitor. There is a special hop-on hop-off tourist bus service that runs with double-decker buses in Kuala Lumpur.

Via Taxis
Taxis are available for both long and short distance traveling in Malaysia. For long-distance, the taxis operate with 4 passengers so you may have to wait till the ride is full to its capacity. Do remember to ask the driver to turn the meter on to avoid the risk of being overcharged.

Kuala Lumpur has two types of taxis: regular cabs and more upscale "executive" or "premier" cabs usually painted blue. There is a surcharge applied to the fare between midnight and 6 a.m. So, plan accordingly.

Via Rent A Car
Car rentals are easy to find in the larger cities, though the peninsula rates are usually cheaper than Borneo. Remember to carry an international driver's license; Malaysia has the right hand driving enforced and seatbelts are required. The Peninsular road system has great highways and overall road conditions, though East Malaysia has more rugged road conditions.

It is recommended that you rent a GPS device from the service operator; city driving is slow yet aggressive, so exercise caution.

Via Plane
Malaysia is extremely well connected with six international airports, 16 domestic and 18 airport aerodromes. Kuala Lumpur (Peninsular Malaysia) is the busiest destination for arrivals, however other international airport options are Langkawi International Airport, Kuching International Airport, Penang International Airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, and Senai International Airport.

Via Air Route
Traveling by air is the most convenient option to reach Malaysia and the main national airlines are AirAsia and Malaysian Airlines. The Senai International Airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, and Kuala Lumpur International Airport have plenty of flights connecting the country to Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and other countries.

Via Rail Route
The Malayan Railway service (KTM) has a service with connectivity from Singapore and Thailand on a daily basis. It takes 2 days to reach Malaysia from Bangkok, and about 10 hours if you depart from Singapore. Ticket reservation is required 48 hours prior to travel and prices vary based on whether you choose economy or premium class.

Via Road Route
Bus services to reach Malaysia from Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia are available. Their destinations are typically Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak; the journey from Thailand takes about 9 hours, and from Jakarta and Singapore the average travel time is 6 hours.

Via Water Route
Sumatra, Thailand, and Indonesia have ferries that connect to Malaysia. There are luxury cruise options available, and Sarawak, East Kalimantan, and Mindanao are connected to Brunei and Sabah. There are also ferry services operating from Phuket if you have enough time to spend at the sea.

Travel Tips

Be prepared for humid weather between 28 - 31 Celsius; pack your light summer clothes and drink plenty of water.

Save travel costs by using a cheap and safe public transportation network.

There is no tipping; service charges are typically included in the invoice and mentioned on the menu.

Avoid unmetered taxis to avoid being overcharged.

Carry an umbrella during the rainy season to avoid being drenched.

Only use credit cards at established businesses.

Comply with duty-free concession rules when shopping for wine/spirits (cannot exceed 1 liter per person), cigarettes (only 200 sticks can be brought in) and cosmetics (should not cost more than $50).

Entering Malaysia with drugs is a very serious offense that leads to jail time when caught.

Safety Tips

Pickpocketing can take place in big cities and markets. Hence, be aware of your surroundings.

Do not carry more money than what is needed.

Fake monks or donation seekers can try to scam tourists, decline their request politely.

Avoid going close to demonstrations, or religious and ethnic protests.

Do not withdraw cash from the ATM machines late at night.

Health Tips

Avoid walking in the afternoon to minimize the risk of heatstroke.

Apply mosquito repellent lotions to avoid bites.

Use a strong sunscreen (SPF 30 at minimum) to avoid sunburn.

Do not drink tap water; bottled water can cost about $0.5 for 1 liter.

Hepatitis A, B, MMR, Polio, and Typhoid are recommended vaccinations.

What to pack?

Comfortable summer clothing that is modest (do not show cleavage, do remember to cover shoulders and knees due to the conservative culture)

Sweat-wicking shirts

Shoes - running shoes, flat sandals

Raincoat or umbrella

Travel adaptors for electronics (Local voltage is 240 volts)

Hygiene and toiletry items

First aid kit

Lightweight scarf

Swimsuit and cover-up (if you plan on going to the beach or scuba diving)

Sunscreen and hat

Camera with cover

Flashlight in case of a power outage

Sunglasses

Travel documents and tickets

Travel insurance

Passport and visa

Any snacks in case of allergies

Dress Code and Etiquette

Public displays of affection are prohibited; there are signs reminding passengers to refrain from kissing and hugging on public transport.

Show respect to the Islamic culture.

Do not shake hands with anyone from the opposite gender unless they extend their hand first.

Remove shoes before entering a holy site or mosque.

Do not touch anyone on the top of their head, especially children.

Use your right hand to eat, or pass things to people.

Keeping your hands in your pockets can indicate anger, and is thus best avoided.

Brunei
This tiny yet mighty Sultanate is a beautiful addition to any Southeast Asia travel itinerary. Located next to Malaysian Borne, there are floating villages, exceptionally clean streets, exquisite mosques, and best of all- 80% of Brunei is virgin rainforest.

Indonesia
Refresh your body and mind with a getaway in Indonesia with the beautiful beaches, gorgeous natural beauty, temples and welcoming people. Rich with ethnic diversities, the spas, wildlife, and history here are an exciting contrast to pair relaxation with an unforgettable adventure playground.

Thailand
Master "wai"- the traditional Thai greeting because the locals here are some of the friendliest you'll find! Get ready to relax on warm beaches, enjoy the fun nightlife, discover breathtaking Buddhist Temples, and experience luxury at an affordable price tag.

Distance Between Places of Importance in and Around Malaysia:

From Malaysia to Indonesia: 1,437 km

From Malaysia to China: 3,522 km

From Malaysia to Philippines: 2,375 km

From Malaysia to Vietnam: 1,293 km

From Malaysia to Thailand: 1,299 km

From Malaysia to Cambodia: 985 km

From Malaysia to the United Arab Emirates: 10,542 km

Malaysia gained independence from the British empire in the year 1957.

Half of the population of 31 million people comprises of ethnic Malays.

The Sarawak Cave Chamber in the Gunung Mulu National Park is the largest known cave chamber in the world.

The king of fruits "Durian" grows here. But it has been banned from many hotels due to its pungent smell.

The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur were the tallest buildings in the world up till 2004; they still remain the world's tallest twin buildings.

Borneo is the third-largest island on the earth after Greenland and New Guinea.

Malaysia has over a thousand species of plants that are known to carry medicinal properties.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has been recorded experiencing over 200 rainy days within a span of a year.

The national dish of Malaysia is Nasi lemak; fragrant rice cooked in creamy coconut milk often had for breakfast.

Petronas is the only Fortune Global 500 company from Malaysia.

It is considered rude to point your index finger at people or things.

Fish spas are very common; customers dip their feet in fish tanks where the small garra rufa or doctor fish nibble away on the dead skin.

Malaysia has one of the world's highest populations of king cobras.

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