Malaysia

Malaysia is bordered by Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore and Thailand. The country is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. Its capital, Kualar Lumpur boasts of modern facilities and serves as a melting pot of cultures in the region. Due to the wealth accumulated from the oil and tech industries, Malaysia has established itself as one of the richest countries in Southeast Asia. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The country gained independence in 1957. Malaysia operates on Malaysia Standard Time (MST), which is GMT+8.  The country is divided into two regions, the Malay Peninsula, which comprises the east and west coasts and Borneo.

Malaysian cuisine is influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cultures. The national dish is  Nasi lemak, a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and served with curry, chicken, cucumber and egg. Other popular dishes include char kway teow, laksa, satay, Char kui teow and Nasi briyani. Alcohol is available in Malaysia but can be expensive. Local beverages include teh tarik, pulled tea and kopi, coffee.  

Malaysia offers abundant opportunities for outdoor activities. The mountainous region, tea plantations and tropical forest will provide opportunities for hiking, trekking and wildlife spotting. On the East Coast, you will find some of the world’s best scuba diving spots too. If you love extreme sports, then paintballing is for you. Malaysia has several standard parks that offer the best paintballing experience.

Malaysia boasts incredible biodiversity, with rainforests, mountains, and coastal ecosystems. The country is home to a variety of wildlife, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, wild elephants and tigers. Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia. The country's marine environment is equally rich, with coral reefs and diverse marine life. 

Malaysia celebrates a variety of festivals reflecting its multicultural society. With a large Muslim population, Islamic celebrations like Eid ul-Fitr or Hari Raya Puasa andEid ul-Adha or Hari Raya Haji are marked with reunions, foods and drinks Due to its Indian and Chinese influences, festivals like Chinese New Year, Deepavali (Diwali), Thaipusam, are colourfully celebrated. Malaysia Day is celebrated on 16 September.  

Before travelling to Malaysia, it is recommended that you be up to date on regular travel vaccinations. Dengue fever and malaria are present in some areas, so it is advisable to take precautions against mosquito bites. The healthcare system in Malaysia is standard, but you might consider having valid international health insurance.

The currency of Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).  

Malaysia uses Type G plugs and operates on a 230V voltage supply at a frequency of 50Hz.  

Malaysia has a well-developed transportation infrastructure. Domestic flights are your go-to when it comes to quick travel between the regions and to the remote parts of the country. Buses are the cheapest way to move around in the country, with bus terminals available in all towns. There are taxis too which are affordable, but might need to negotiate the fare in advance. 

The official language of Malaysia is Malay (Bahasa Malaysia). English is widely spoken, particularly in urban areas and business settings. 

Wearing long trousers, and long skirts and covering the shoulders is considered respectful, especially in rural areas. It is polite to use your right hand when giving or receiving items. Shoes are to be removed before entering homes and places of worship.  

Malaysia has a tropical climate with high humidity and consistent temperatures throughout the year.  

• Northeast Monsoon (November to March): This period brings heavier rainfall to the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo.  This period comes with flooding. The West Coast is relatively safe at this time.

• Southwest Monsoon (May to September): The tides change during this period. This time the southern and central parts of the peninsular are exposed to intense but brief rainfall.

Malaysia offers a range of accommodation and dining options to suit various budgets. Hawker centres, local restaurants and hostel dorms are options for budget travellers and backpackers. Mid-range travellers can find hotels and dining spots matching their budget too. Public transportation is reasonably priced. It would interest you to know that Kuala Lumpur, the capital is more expensive than other destinations. 

All visitors from the visa-required countries are to obtain a visa before entry is granted.

Holders of Macao Special Administrative Region Travel Permits are eligible for a 14 days visa-free travel.

• Take time to explore the food scene in Malaysia, don’t stick to just what you know.

• Visit the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur.  

• Visit national parks in the country to discover the natural beauty 

• Be mindful of local customs and traditions.