Malaysia tours
Discover the Essence of Asia in Malaysia” – This phrase perfectly captures the true essence of Malaysia, where a blend of diverse Asian cultures coexist. From the Muslim Malays to the culturally rich Chinese, Hindu, and Muslim Indians, and the indigenous Orang Asli and Dayaks, each ethnic group brings its own language, cultural practices, and traditions to the table. Immerse yourself in their vibrant celebrations and savor the delectable array of cuisines. But what truly sets Malaysia apart is its breathtaking turquoise beaches, making it a tropical paradise for travelers. Experience the underwater world through diving and snorkeling, and marvel at the country’s aquatic wonders.
Passport & Visa
Visa requirements for Malaysia vary depending on the traveler’s nationality. Fortunately, citizens of many countries can enter Malaysia without a visa for short stays.
For travelers who do require a visa, applications can be submitted either as a printed visa or an electronic visa (eVisa). Printed visa applications must be lodged in person at a Malaysian Embassy or Consulate.
Citizens of the United States, most European countries, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and several other nations are visa-exempt for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
Visitors from Russia and some neighboring countries are generally granted a 30-day stay upon arrival. Similar entry conditions apply to citizens of many countries in Africa, Central America, and South America.
Please note that final entry approval is determined by the Malaysian Immigration Department, in accordance with current Malaysian laws and regulations, regardless of visa exemption status.
Currency
Banknotes currently in circulation include RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50, and RM100.
Exchange rates are subject to fluctuation and should be checked prior to departure; as a reference, 1 USD ≈ MYR and 1 EUR ≈ MYR.
Malaysia has rapidly transitioned toward cashless payments, with e-wallets, credit cards, and debit cards widely accepted, particularly in major cities and tourist areas.
ATMs are readily available nationwide, allowing cash withdrawals; however, international transaction fees may apply, so travelers are advised to check with their banks in advance.
Banking hours are generally Monday to Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and banks are closed on weekends.
Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards, though some merchants and banks may apply a 2–4% service charge for card transactions.
Weather
The best time to visit Malaysia is from December to April, when weather conditions are generally more favorable across most regions. The country enjoys a hot and humid tropical climate year-round, with short rain showers caused by the monsoon season, even during drier months.
Weather patterns vary between the east and west coasts of the peninsula, so travel conditions may differ by destination and time of year. Visitors are advised to pack light clothing and rain protection for comfort.
January and February are particularly attractive months, offering pleasant temperatures and vibrant cultural experiences, including major festivals such as Chinese New Year and Thaipusam.
For travelers interested in local culture, the Sabah Fiesta in May and the Gawai Festival in June provide excellent opportunities to experience traditional music, dance, cuisine, and community celebrations.
Vaccinations & Medicines
Travelers are advised to consult a travel clinic or their family doctor at least 4–6 weeks before departure to allow sufficient time for any recommended vaccinations to take effect.
Malaysia currently imposes no COVID-19 vaccination, testing, or quarantine requirements for entry, regardless of travelers’ immunization status. Entry regulations are subject to change, so visitors should check official updates before departure.
Health authorities commonly recommend vaccinations against Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Polio, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Meningitis, depending on travel itinerary and personal health conditions. Malaria prevention may be advised for travelers visiting specific remote or rural areas.
To reduce the risk of minor illnesses during travel, it is recommended to carry basic medications, such as paracetamol, pain relievers, and allergy medicine, for personal use.
Phone & Internet Service
Malaysia’s international dialing code is +60. To make a call to Malaysia, dial 00 + 60 + the area code (without the leading 0) + the recipient’s phone number.
For convenient transportation, travelers may choose private ride-hailing and transfer services, including Grab, MyCar, Asia Ride, and Kumpool, which are widely used in major cities and tourist areas for bikes, cars, and vans.
Flights & Airports
Malaysia is served by a modern and well-developed aviation network, featuring six international airports and sixteen domestic airports, designed to meet growing travel demand and ensure efficient air connectivity nationwide.
- Major International Airports in Malaysia include:
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)
- Langkawi International Airport
- Kuching International Airport
- Penang International Airport
- Kota Kinabalu International Airport
- Senai International Airport
Malaysia is home to a range of full-service and low-cost airlines, including Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air (formerly Malindo Air), Firefly, MASwings, Berjaya Air, and SKS Airways.
Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier, operates extensive routes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to destinations across Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Meanwhile, AirAsia and Batik Air are leading low-cost carriers, offering a wide selection of domestic and international flights with competitive fares.
Security
Malaysia has a tropical climate, with an average annual temperature of around 25.4°C, making it a year-round travel destination.
The hottest months are typically from April to June, when temperatures and humidity are at their peak. Malaysia experiences two main monsoon seasons: the Southwest Monsoon (April–September) and the Northeast Monsoon (October–March), which influence rainfall patterns across the country.
Annual rainfall varies by region, averaging around 100 inches nationwide. The driest area is Kuala Kelawang, near Kuala Lumpur, while the wettest location is Maxwell’s Hill, northwest of Ipoh, receiving up to 200 inches of rainfall per year. In East Malaysia, Sabah records annual rainfall of approximately 80–140 inches, whereas Sarawak is among the wettest regions, with annual precipitation of 120 inches (3,050 mm) or more.
Language
Malay (Bahasa Malaysia) is the official language of Malaysia and is spoken by more than 80% of the population. English is widely used and functions as the second official language, making communication easy for international travelers.
Malaysia is a multilingual country, with Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil being the three most commonly spoken languages nationwide. In total, the country is home to over 130 living languages, reflecting its rich cultural and ethnic diversity.
In Kuala Lumpur and other major urban areas, Mandarin and Malaysian Chinese dialects are widely spoken, especially within the local Chinese community.
Time difference
Malaysia time zone: UTC/GMT +8
Electricity
The electrical outlets in Malaysia are Type G, with a standard voltage of 240V and a frequency of 50Hz. If the standard voltage of your electronic devices is between 100V and 127V, it is recommended to bring a voltage converter before traveling to Malaysia. In addition, travelers may need a plug adapter to ensure compatibility with local electrical sockets and to safely use their personal electronic equipment.
On-site traffic
Useful addresses
National Tourist Board of Malaysia
9th Floor, No. 2, Tower 1, P5/6, Precinct 5, 62200 Putrajaya, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3 8891 8000
Embassy of Malaysia in France
2 bis, Rue de Benouville, 75016 Paris, France
Tel: +33 1 45 53 11 85
Embassy of France in Malaysia
Level 31, Integra Tower (The Intermark), 348 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3 2053 5500
Emergency only: +60 1 2201 3540
Embassy of Belgium in Malaysia
Suite 10-02 (10th Floor), Menara Tan & Tan, 207 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3 2162 0025
Fax: +60 3 2162 0023
Embassy of Switzerland in Malaysia
16 Pesiaran Madge, P.O. Box 12008, 50764 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3 2148 0622 | +60 3 2148 0751
Fax: +60 3 2148 0935
High Commission of Canada in Malaysia
17th Floor, Menara Tan & Tan, 207 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3 2718 3333
Fax: +60 3 2718 3399
