Discovering new places is something incredible, meeting new people and trying the typical food of another country is a fantastic adventure. So, this time we bring you an adventure that you should not miss. Malaysia, located in the Southeast Asia, is a country divided into two zones, the Peninsular Malaysia (in the Malay Peninsula) and East Malaysia (in Borneo Island).
With more than 32 million inhabitants, Malaysia is a beautiful country with amazing landscapes, tropical forest and pristine beaches. In addition, the capital Kuala Lumpur is a tourist center with attractions that your eyes will dazzle. Keep reading and learn more about the different ways that you have to enjoy the Malay country!
How to get there
If you want to make your next trip to Malaysia, then you have seven different ways to get there. Yes, there are seven international airports in this Asian country. Continue reading about the main and most popular airports in Malaysia:
The first on the list is the Kuala Lumpur International Airport located in the capital. This airport is considered one of the best in all over the world due to all the facilities that it has and the good service provided. There you can find several ATMs if you need to get cash, restaurants and stores. It offers bus service, car and limousine rental, and a high-speed rail system that makes it a perfect place to land and start your new journey.
The second busiest and most popular airport in Malaysia is the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. It has duty-free shops, restaurants, nursery and more. It is accessible by road; you can go to the city center by bus or taxi.
Finally, the third best airport in Malaysia is the Penang International Airport, near Georgetown. In a year, it has handle over 7 million passengers. It is an excellent option because it has outlets, restaurants and transportation services such as taxi and bus services.
Visa Information
You do not need a visa to enter Malaysia if you are traveling as a tourist. You can stay up to 90 days in the country, only take into account that your passport must be valid for at least six months from the moment you arrive to the country.
Best time to visit the country
The best time to start your trip around Malaysia depends on which cities you are going to visit and which activities you prefer to do. However, the truth is that this country is amazing if you travel during the dry months.
Let's start with June. During this month, you can expect dry weather in Tioman, Redang and the Perhentians, with temperatures around 32°C. This season is great to go scuba diving and snorkeling, and watch the beautiful sunset. July is a busy month on the east coast. The weather is hot and sunny with temperatures around 31°C, excellent to visit the beautiful beaches of this country. It is also busy because one of the most important celebrations on the Islamic calendar takes place: the Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
If you want to travel to the west coast, the best moment is during October and November when the temperatures are around 31°C. You can expect sunshine on Penang and Langwaki. The major attraction is the beginning of the Islamic New Year.
Safety
Overall, Malaysia is a safe country to travel. However, it is important to keep some tips in mind in order to have a pleasant journey. If you need to get a taxi, the best way is calling a taxi service and avoid taking them down on the streets. This is to make sure they charge you the correct rate. The risk of pickpocket is high, so be careful in touristic and crowded areas, keep your belongings very close to you. Like in any other country around the world, there are places that are better to avoid. In the case of Malaysia, it is better avoid traveling to the islands close to the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines.
Budget
One of the first things that we think about when we plan a new trip, is how much it will cost us. That is a key information, and here we will show you the average prices of common expenses, such as accommodation and food. You should expect to spend around RM298 ($71) per day. The average budget for a week is RM2,086 ($497.97) and for two weeks RM4,172 ($996).
Let’s see how much you can afford with RM2,086 ($83.55) per day:
- Hotel or Hostel: RM164 ($39.15)
- Food: RM64 ($15.28)
- Local transportation (taxis, buses, subway): RM45 ($10.74)
- Entertainment (shows, movie tickets): RM77 ($18.38)
Let’s break down some more specific food and drinks prices:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: RM5 ($1.07) – Soup with chicken, meat or meatballs (Soto)
- Mid-range restaurant: RM39 ($11.91) – Three-course meal
- Soft Drink: RM2.45 ($0.58) – 0.33-liter bottle
- Beer: RM15 ($3.58) – 0.5-liter draught
Currency
The official currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM). One RM is equal to $0.24. Dollars are not accepted in any stores in the country, but you can exchange your cash if you bring some. However, the best way to get cash in Malaysia is using an ATM. During your trip you are going to need lots of cash. Almost everything is paid with it, except hotels and some restaurants that accept credit cards. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in the places mentioned. However, take into account that you will need to pay in cash to pay for street food and local transportation.
Interesting facts about the culture
Malaysia is a country full of abundant nature and spectacular islands. The official language is Malay; however, there are many others indigenous languages spoken there. It is home of four World Heritage Sites designated by the UNESCO. These places are the Gunung Mulu National Park, Kinabalu Park, the historic cities of Melaka and George Town, and the archaeological heritage site of the Lenggong Valley.
The cuisine in Malaysia is amazing. One of the most popular dishes is called Nasi lemak, which is basically rice cooked with coconut milk and with a topping of chili sauce. Another famous dish is the Ikan bakar, which consists in grilled fish accompanied with rice and vegetables.
The economy in this country is the fourth largest in Southeast Asia, which means that this country has grown-up in a rapid way since their independence in 1957. The people in Malaysia are very proud of their economic success. We are sure that you will enjoy meeting their people, trying their food and visiting the beautiful places that this multicultural country has.
What to do in Malaysia
The Asian continent is a marvel worth seeing and Malaysia is no different. The country´s territory covers more than 300,000 square kilometers. Kuala Lumpur is one of the most popular cities in the country, which has the highest twin towers in the world (the Petronas Towers), the central market, the energy of nightlife and much more to see.
The best sights
- The Petronas Towers, in Kuala Lumpur: The most imposing twin towers in the world, with 88 floors, are one of the most emblematic tourist attractions in Malaysia.
- Batu Caves, in Kuala Lumpur: Limestone caves with steep steps, Hindu temples, shrines, and a huge statue.
- Kuala Lumpur Tower, in Kuala Lumpur: One of the tallest towers in the world with panoramic views of the city and revolving restaurant.
- Genting Highlands, in Mount Ulu Kali: Known as “the city of fun on top of the cloud”. It is an integrated hill resort, comprising hotels, shopping, malls, theme parks and casinos.
- Central Market, in Kuala Lumpur: Cultural heritage place and Art Deco Façade with shops, restaurants, and an outdoor setting.
- Langkawi Sky Bridge, in Langkawi: Curved suspension bridge between mountains and above the trees forest for hiking with amazing views.
One of the most relaxing activities, which can also be very fun, is taking a dip on a beautiful sun beach, and what’s more, in Malaysia, there are some of the most incredible beaches in Asia. You will not only enjoy its beaches, because it has amazing landscapes too.
- Langkawi Archipelago: It is one of the most beautiful areas of Malaysia, with more than one hundred islands. It has beaches with clear water to enjoy a good sunny day. The best beaches and islands are Pantai Cenang, Tanjung Rhu Beach, Pulau Payar, and Pulau Rebak Besar.
- Perhentian Islands: It is an Archipelago with two main islands, Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil. It is a magic place with fine sand beaches and clear turquoise and emerald green waters. The best beaches are Turtle Bay, Mini Turtle Beach, Plata Pir, Romantich Beach, and Long Beach.
- Penang National Park: Land and sea sites used by scientists, researchers and nature lovers to explore the natural treasures of Penang Island.
- Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park: It is a reserve of five islands, which has beautiful white sand beaches, ideal for swimming, snorkeling and boating enjoying the wonders of the sea.
How to get around in Malaysia
The best and most common way to get around Malaysia is by bus. Traveling by bus is the cheapest way, and it is reliable and comfortable. The Intercity buses usually have air conditioning, so that makes the journey much more enjoyable. You need to buy your tickets at the bus stations, where staff from different companies are going to be ready to assist you in case you need it.
There are also local buses, which will be very helpful when you want to travel to small towns.
Another way to get around is by train. There are the express and local services. The first one is much more comfortable, with modern trains that are fully air-conditioned and cover the main cities and touristic areas, the second one is cheaper and less luxurious, but covers small towns and village that you cannot miss if you visit Malaysia.
Other ways to get around in Malaysia are by boat, so you can enjoy the beautiful views and beaches while traveling, by plane, if you need to reach long distances in a short time, and by car, if you want to travel by yourself you can rent a car. You only have to be twenty-three (23) and have a driving license.
How to stay connected in Malaysia
Even if you are traveling for work or vacation, you will need to stay connected all the time in Malaysia. Roaming is a common way to be able to use you phone in a foreign country, however, most of the times it is very expensive. You can also use the public hotspots in public places such as cafes and restaurants, but the down side is that you need to stay inside to enjoy the service. That is why we recommend you to buy a local or an international prepaid SIM card.
The local operators in Malaysia are Maxis, Celcom and Digi. You can get a SIM at the airport; the staff will offer you different packages that you can choose depending on your needs.
Find below a more broad selection of SIM Cards that we do recommed for your visit in Malaysia.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I rent a car?
It is a good idea to rent a car in Malaysia.
Which airports can I fly to?
The best airports are the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, the Kota Kinabalu International Airport and the Penang International Airport.
What are the most popular types of hotels?
The most popular accommodation types are hotels, beach resorts, and hostels.
How much does a holiday cost?
You can spend around RM2,086 ($83.55), including standard accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment.
What are the best things to do?
If you are traveling to Malaysia, you have to visit the beaches, the capital and the national parks.