Located between two and seven degrees north of the Equator, Malaysia is formed by 13 states – Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Perak, Pulau Pinang, Kedah, Perlis, Sabah and Sarawak; and three Federal Territories – Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Labuan. Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan are located in East Malaysia, while others are in Peninsular Malaysia.
With an area of approximately 329,847 square kilometres, and warm tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C, Malaysia houses an infinite range of exciting tourism products throughout the year for visitors to explore and enjoy.
The history of Malaysia started in the early 15th century with the establishment of the Melaka Sultanate. The country achieved independence on 31 August 1957 as the Federation of Malaya. Malaysia was formed in 1963 with the entry of Sabah and Sarawak.
Manufacturing constitutes the largest component of Malaysia's economy, while tourism and primary commodities, namely petroleum, palm oil and timber, are also major contributors to the country's economy.
Malaysia is a fascinating country with a vibrant multicultural population. Besides the Malays and the native groups, immigrants from China, India, Indonesia and other parts of the world have all contributed to the multi-racial composition of its population.
Based on statistics from the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the country's population in 2020 is estimated at 32.7 million people. Out of the 29.7 million citizens, the Bumiputera (Malays and Orang Asli or indigenous peoples) comprises 69.6 percent of the population, the Chinese (22.6 percent), and Indians (6.9 percent), while others (1.0 percent).
The country's evolution into a cultural melting pot is evident in its unique blend of religions, traditions, festivals, languages, food, and many more. Its cultural diversity can also be largely attributed to the country's long and ongoing interactions with the world and colonial rule by the British, the Portuguese and the Dutch.
Indeed, 'Malaysia Truly Asia' is not merely a tagline. The country truly embodies the spirit of racial diversity and unity, which is the very element that makes it unique.
The official religion in Malaysia is Islam, but other religions including Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity are practiced freely.
The national language is Bahasa Melayu (Malay), but English is widely spoken. Most Malaysians are multilingual, speaking various languages and dialects, such as Mandarin, Cantonese and Tamil.
Prepare for a stress-free journey by planning ahead! Before embarking on your adventure to the breathtaking country of Malaysia, equip yourself with essential information to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Situated in Sepang, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 (KLIA) and Terminal 2 (KLIA 2) serve as the central entrance to Malaysia. These two airports, separated by a short distance of only two kilometers, are conveniently located approximately 50 kilometers away from the bustling capital city of Kuala Lumpur. A quick express train ride of 30 minutes connects Terminal 1(KLIA) and Terminal 2 (KLIA 2) to the vibrant hub of KL Sentral.
Opened in 1998, the modern and state-of-the-art Terminal 1 (KLIA) is a major aviation hub in the region, catering to more than 60 airlines and serving over 120 direct destinations and more than 1,000 destinations indirectly.
Ranked as one of the top 10 airports in the world in the latest global airport survey, Airport Service Quality (ASQ), Terminal 1 (KLIA) is also the winner of numerous major international airport awards. Terminal 1 (KLIA) boasts world-class facilities and can accommodate the world's largest passenger aircraft – the Airbus A380. It also houses a huge variety of international and local retail brands and duty-free outlets, cafés and restaurants, and other facilities such as premium passenger lounges. Terminal 2 (KLIA 2) is the world's largest low-cost carrier terminal.
Opened in May 2014, it is designed to cater to the exponential growth of low-cost travel in the region. It was also built to replace the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT).
In addition to Terminal 1(KLIA) and Terminal 2 (KLIA 2), Malaysia boasts a variety of international and domestic airports that connect visitors to destinations across the country. The international airports include Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Langkawi, and Penang, providing convenient access for international visitors. For domestic travel, there are 16 airports, including Melaka, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah (Subang), Sultan Abdul Halim Airport (Alor Setar), Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport (Kuantan), Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (Ipoh), Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (Kota Bharu), Sultan Mahmud Airport (Kuala Terengganu)
| Malaysia Airlines | Air Asia |
|---|---|
| Malaysia Airlines, known as MAS, proudly serves as the flag carrier of Malaysia. Website: https://www.malaysiaairlines.com |
AirAsia, a renowned Malaysian low-cost carrier, is known for its extensive network of non-stop flights and partnerships with more than 700 airlines. Website: https://www.airasia.com/en/gb |
Malaysia welcomes visitors from Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei through different entry points for those arriving by road.
| Country | Border |
|---|---|
| Singapore | Johor Bahru |
| Thailand | Kelantan, Perlis, Kedah and Perak |
| Brunei | Sabah & Sarawak |
| Indonesia | Sarawak |
To gain entry into Malaysia with a Singapore-registered car, it is necessary to acquire a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP)and the driver must possess a valid license. To find out more details, please visit the official website of VEP.
To successfully enter Malaysia with a car registered in Thailand or Brunei, it is crucial to obtain an International Circulation Permit (ICP) and possess a valid driver's license. For comprehensive information, please visit the official ICP website.
Every day, buses commute between Singapore, Thailand, and Brunei to reach Malaysia. To ensure a smooth journey, it is advisable to visit websites like Red Bus,Easy Book and 12go which offer detailed schedules and convenient booking options.
The train journey from Thailand and Singapore to Malaysia offers unparalleled convenience. To find out more about travelling to Malaysia by train, visit Keretapi Tanah Melayu or Malayan Railways Limited website, which is the main rail operator in Peninsular Malaysia.
Located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Port Klang serves as the country's largest modern seaport, providing easy access to both Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. Alongside Port Klang, there are several other significant seaports in Malaysia, including Penang Port, Port of Tanjung Pelepas, Kuantan Port, Bintulu Port, Tawau Port and Kota Kinabalu.
Before entering Malaysia, there are several requirements that visitors must meet. These include having a valid passport or document, obtaining a visa if necessary, possessing a valid return ticket and enough funds to cover expenses, and ensuring that visitors are not illegal immigrants. Additionally, visitors must fill out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) 3 days before the departure date. You can visit the website to fill out your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card effortlessly.
Please visit the official portal of the Immigration Department of Malaysia for more details about the entry requirements
ASEAN nationals, except Myanmar, can enjoy a stay of up to one (1) month without the need for a visa. For stays longer than one month, visas are necessary, except for citizens from Brunei and Singapore.
Malaysia Tourist Visa application can be applied at any nearest Malaysian Embassies and High Commissions Office Abroad. Application can also be made online through the eVISA Portal.
To access the necessary information on Visa requirements for different countries, simply visit the official website of the Immigration Department of Malaysia.
Explore the breathtaking destinations of Malaysia by taking advantage of the convenient domestic flight network connecting various states. Start on an unforgettable journey to Langkawi, Kuching, Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Johor, and Kuala Lumpur, each offering a unique blend of culture, nature, and adventure.
Explore a selection of domestic flights offered by renowned airlines listed below:
Malaysia offers an excellent transportation system that is both affordable and convenient. There are various modes of transportation to move around the country.
When driving in Malaysia, tourists who are living outside Malaysia or South East Asia must obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). Despite Singapore being part of the ASEAN countries, individuals with a Singaporean driver's license are not permitted to use it when driving a Malaysian car in Malaysia. Therefore, even if one is residing in Singapore, they must still obtain an IDP for their driver's license. The IDP is available to anyone who is at least eighteen years old and possesses a valid driver's license that will remain valid for at least one more year.
Discover a wide array of car rental choices that are ready for you to explore, featuring reputable companies such as SOCAR, Kayak, Avis, Hertz Malaysia, GoCar, and many others. Immerse yourself in the fascination of individually curated rental rates, enabling you to personalize your expedition to absolute flawlessness.
Visitors who intend to drive in Malaysia should take note that the roadways are categorized into four different types: Expressways, Expressway tolls, Federal Roads, and State Roads.
Source: https://www.angloinfo.com/how-to/malaysia/transport/driving/on-the-road
Malaysia enforces stringent road regulations, which include:
Embark on a magnificent adventure through Malaysia's vibrant cityscapes and local wonders by immersing yourself in the extraordinary railway system. Travel effortlessly across the country through a multitude of train lines, including the MRT, LRT, KTM, Monorail, and the prestigious ETS.
A comprehensive bus network stretches across the entire nation, ensuring convenient and accessible transportation for all.
Seamlessly reach your desired destinations with the ease and convenience of the user-friendly Grab app, enhancing your journey with efficient e-hailing services.
Hop onto a ferry to travel to islands around the country. Ferry and boat services are popular modes of transportation to get around Malaysia to visit the beautiful islands that the country is home to such as Redang, Tioman, Perhentian, Sibu, Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Pangkor and Langkawi. Feel the wind in your hair and take in the beautiful scenery as you step onto Malaysia's ferries. There are also cruise offers throughout the country that take you on a magical tour to view the beautiful landscapes of Malaysia.
The currency unit of the Malaysian currency is the Malaysian Ringgit, with the code MYR. It is commonly recognized by the symbol RM and is also referred to as Ringgit Malaysia.
Bank notes are available in various denominations, including RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50, and RM100. Coins, on the other hand, are issued in 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen, and 50 sen denominations.
When it comes to payment methods, most hotels, shopping complexes, restaurants, and shops in Malaysia readily accept international credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club.
In addition, for those who prefer a convenient, cashless experience. Furthermore, the country has embraced digital payment methods such as Touch N Go, GrabPay, and Boost as well as bank transfers which are widely accepted and utilized by locals and tourists alike.
For those who prefer to use travellers' cheques, they can be exchanged at local banks. However, it's worth noting that visitors bringing in significant amounts of foreign currencies are required to make declarations.
Malaysian hospitals and clinics are easily accessible to those who require them. Public and private hospitals and clinics are both located in every city. Malaysia's healthcare facilities and services are top-notch and provide you with excellent aid and comfort. Government hospitals and clinics are open for 24 hours.
Given the perpetual warmth of the tropical climate in this country, visitors must prioritize their well-being by applying sunscreen, staying hydrated, and wearing appropriate attire to combat the humidity.
Malaysia, by and large, maintains a commendable standard of food hygiene. Additionally, the availability of bottled water and soft beverages is extensive.
Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of GMT (GMT +8:00) and 16 hours ahead of US Pacific Standard Time.
Religious holidays and festivities typically receive 1 or 2 days of observance. Public holidays, such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Christmas Day, and Wesak, are among the religious holidays that fall into this category. Additionally, several other public holidays are typically awarded a single day of recognition. Examples of these include National Day (31st of August), Malaysia Day (16th of September), Labour Day (1st of May), Islamic Day (date varies), Agong's Birthday (3rd of June), and numerous others.
Each year, Malaysia will have school holidays during the months of March, May, September, and December. Optimize your travel plan, as expenses tend to rise and popular attractions become more crowded during school holidays. Plan smartly for a smoother and more enjoyable adventure in Malaysia.
A standard 3-pin plug and socket is commonly used. The supply voltage in Malaysia is 240V and at a frequency of 50 Hz.
The main telecom operators in Malaysia are CelcomDigi, Maxis, Umobile, and Tune Talk. Conveniently, prepaid SIM cards can be easily purchased at airports, malls, and city centers. For short-term visitors to Malaysia, there are traveller SIM card packages available. These packages typically include preloaded credit and a specific amount of minutes for calls and data.
Below are the area codes for domestic calls:
| City | Area Code |
|---|---|
| Alor Setar | 04 |
| Ipoh | 05 |
| Johor Bahru | 07 |
| Kangar | 04 |
| Kota Bharu | 09 |
| Kota Kinabalu | 88 |
| Kuala Lumpur | 03 |
| Kuala Terengganu | 09 |
| Kuantan | 09 |
| Kuching | 82 |
| Melaka | 06 |
| Penang | 04 |
| Pulau Langkawi | 04 |
| Pulau Tioman | 07 |
| Sandakan | 89 |
| Seremban | 06 |
| Sibu | 84 |
| Taiping | 05 |
When travelling to Malaysia, it is important to familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs.
This includes understanding the dress codes, tipping etiquette, and appropriate behaviour at religious sites. Here are some guidelines to follow when visiting Malaysia:
By being informed and respectful of the local customs, you can have a more enjoyable and culturally immersive experience during your visit to Malaysia.
When entering places of worship, such as mosques and temples, it is important to remove your shoes.
Many of these religious sites also provide robes and scarves for female visitors and men wearing shorts. While it is generally allowed to take photographs at these places, it is always courteous to ask for permission beforehand.
Toasting is not a common practice in Malaysia due to the Muslim population's abstinence from alcohol. Moreover, it is advised to refrain from pointing with the right forefinger. Instead, the right thumb can be used by creating a gentle fist with the hand and placing the thumb above it.
Deal with a travel agent licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia. Know and understand the terms and conditions of the tour packages that they bought. Use tour operators and transportation services licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia. Use a valid licensed tour guide approved by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia. Use only valid licensed transportation services approved by government agencies. Do not deal with any illegal agent or individual. Tourists who deal with unlicensed travel agents or tour operators risk NOT getting good services as stated in the package. NOT being covered by insurance. NOT being covered by the Tourism Industry Act. NOT being paid any compensations or reimbursements.
Malaysia is equipped with a well-established system to provide immediate help during emergencies. The Auxiliary police, stationed in various regions, are crucial in delivering swift assistance. Here are the essential contact details to remember in case of an emergency:
In various public places like shopping centers, terminals, and many other locations, one can enjoy the convenience of accessing complimentary WIFI. Nevertheless, certain free WIFI networks may necessitate a sign-in or registration process. Additionally, cafes, eateries, and establishments that serve beverages also offer patrons the perk of complimentary WIFI.
When it comes to culinary delights, Malaysia has gained international fame for its diverse selection of food and beverages. The local cuisine is a definite crowd-pleaser and a must-try for tourists visiting the country. Immerse yourself in the tantalizing flavours of Malay, Indian, Chinese, and other cuisines Malaysia proudly offers.
With its perpetual warm climate, Malaysia is famous for its tropical setting. Throughout the day, the sun's rays can be scorching, necessitating the appropriate attire to combat the heat.
When it comes to commemorating your journey to Malaysia, there is an extensive array of unique and memorable gifts and souvenirs to choose from. Whether it be traditional attire, exquisite pewter items, expertly handcrafted crafts, delectable Malaysian treats, vibrant Malaysian Batik, stunning Sabah pearls, or even more treasures, you can find them all at various locations across the country. Make sure to explore Karangkraf, a bookstore featuring a diverse selection of local books and magazines. For added convenience, Karangkraf operates an online store, facilitating seamless purchases for those interested in acquiring particular books.
Whether you're exploring the lively Central Market, marvelling at the iconic KLCC, browsing the Karangkraf online store, or strolling through the charming local shops, you'll undoubtedly find the perfect keepsake that captures the essence of your Malaysian adventures.
| Stop | Google Address |
|---|---|
| Coffee and Bun | Click Here! |
| Kedai Kopi Lai Foong | Click Here! |
| Air Mata Kucing | Click Here! |
| Ah Loh's Apom Balik | Click Here! |
| Mochi | Click Here! |
| Secret Laksa Shop | Click Here! |
| ABC Shaved Ice | Click Here! |
| Leaf & Co. Café | Click Here! |
| Luckbros Kopi | Click Here! |
| Kwai Chai Hong | Click Here! |
| Stop | Google Address |
|---|---|
| MTR 1924 | Click Here! |
| Tea Thambi | Click Here! |
| Vivekananda Ashrama | Click Here! |
| Little India Walkabout | Click Here! |
| Saravanaa Bhavan | Click Here! |
| New Master Bakery | Click Here! |
| Buddhist Maha Vihara Temple | Click Here! |
**All information are from Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB)