Malaysia Travel Tips

Visa

Citizens from 63 jurisdictions can enter Malaysia for 90 days without a visa, including all European Union countries, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Japan, South Africa, etc.

Citizens from 95 jurisdictions, including Hong Kong, Singapore, and Mexico, can get a free entry to Malaysia for 30 days.

Nationals of Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, India, and so on can apply for e-Visa.

Spending

In big cities, a breakfast or a supper costs about 5-8 RM. A meal in an upmarket restaurant costs about 15-30 RM.

Currency

Travelers can exchange for Ringgit in any Money Exchanger, which is accessible in airports, shopping malls, and hotels. Most hotels charge extra fee for exchange. It is recommended to exchange currency in Kuala Lumpur before leaving for other cities, for the favorable exchange rate there.

Credit Card

The use of credit cards is common in the country; many stores accept credit card payment. However, it is better to prepare some cash in case of paying for small businesses.

Tips

There is no regulation of tips, but travelers can give 5-10 RM to express their contentment for the service. They don’t need to give tips at restaurants, because 6% government tax and 10% service tax are included in the bill.

Accommodation

Hotels do not provide toiletries, so travelers need to prepare toothbrush and toothpaste themselves.

Except upscale 5-star hotels, most hotels charge the fee in advance and require a deposit of about 25%-50% of the expense.

There are some home-transformed hotels where travelers can share information and experience with each other, and seek some advice about local custom from the owner. But this kind of hotel is less in quantity, so it is not easy to be found.

Hot Hotels

Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

Tune Hotel klia2, Kuala Lumpur

Eastern And Oriental Hotel, Penang

Le Dream Boutique Hotel, Penang

Hatten Hotel Melaka, Melaka

Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu

Adya Hotel, Pulau Langkawi

Foods

Travelers can taste delicious foods from all over the world, such as Chinese, Indian and Portuguese food.

The staple food in the country is mainly rice, together with a kind of spicy shrimp paste. The dishes are mainly made of beef, chicken, and fish seasoned with chili and onion. The unique tastes of famous dishes in Malaysia, such as satay, sour shrimp, coconut milk rice, rojak, and hot and sour fish, gain popularity of travelers.

Hot Restaurants

China Town (Jalan Petaling), Kuala Lumpur

Jalan Alor, Kuala Lumpur

Yu Kee Bak Kut Teh, Kota Kinabalu

Welcome Sea Food Restaurant, Kota Kinabalu

Kedai Kopi Yee Fung, Kota Kinabalu

Chung Hua Hainanese Chicken Rice, Melaka

Drinking Water

The tap water is drinkable, but most people prefer bottled water or boiled water.

Shopping

1. Pavilion Mall, Kuala Lumpur

Located near the city center, the mall offers brands suitable for all walks of life and various delicious foods. With comfortable environment, it is one of the major sites of Kuala Lumpur.

Travelers can obtain a Pavilion Tourist Reward Card by their passports at the 3rd floor that is valid for 8 days. The staff will provide a manual with the latest discount information.

2. San Shu Gong, Melaka

It is a famous store selling local specialties, including Gula Melaka (palm sugar), durian cake, egg yolk puff, and sticky rice cake. Reserved orange having fabulous effects for sore throats is also a must try.

3. Central Market, Kota Kinabalu

It is an agricultural products market selling a variety of sea fish, fruits, vegetables, and grilled fish and shrimp.

4. Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall, Langkawi

It is a shopping mall selling fashionable dresses, fine jewels, shoes, hand bags, watches, and glasses. There also are antique shops and souvenir shops.

5. Komtar, Penang

It is a 65-storey mansion recognized as a landmark of the city. The ground floor is the biggest shopping mall and the liveliest place of Penang. There is a supermarket selling local specialties at a low price.

6. Handicraft Market, Kota Kinabalu

As the most famous market in Sabah, travelers can buy handicrafts made of shells and starfishes here. Pearls are also worth buying, for the low price and reliable quality.

Festivals

1. Sabah Kaamatan Festival, May 30-31

It is a celebration to express thanks for good harvests. There are outdoor parades and cultural performances during the festival, so it is a good time to travel to Sabah.

2. Merdeka Eve Celebration, August 30

It is held on the day before the National Day with colorful songs and dances, spectacular firework shows, and performances by local artists.

At night, people will count down for the coming National Day and watch flag-raising ceremony. The song of “Merdeka” will resound through the skies.

3. National Day, August 31

On the day there will be a grand celebration with various parades, performances, and contests held in major cities. Besides, the commercial buildings and houses will hang national flags on the roof.

Do’s and Don’ts

1. Do not accept or deliver goods with the left hand, which is perceived of impoliteness.
2. Do not point at people with the right index finger.
3. Take off shoes when entering temples.
4. Males should wear a “songkok”, and females should wear long-sleeved coats and long pants when entering mosques.
5. Ask for permission before taking photos in temples and mosques.
6. Malaysians always give gifts to their guests, so travelers should accept them to show friendliness.

Phone Card

Maxis, DIGI, and Celcom are the major telecommunication companies in Malaysia. Travelers can buy phone cards at airports, bus stations, and convenience stores and ask the shop assistant to switch the language and open internet service.

Network Service

Most cafés, hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls provide free Wi-Fi service.

Power Outlets

Power outlet: Type G
Voltage: 240V
Frequency: 50Hz

Useful Telephone Numbers

Police: 999
Fire: 994/992
Ambulance: 999
Telephone directory assistance: 103
Emergency call: 000