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South-Eastern Asia

MalaysiaTravel guide

Explore Malaysia visa rulesCommon scams in Malaysia

Malaysia is in Southeast Asia, with land on the Malay Peninsula and northern Borneo. It offers modern cities, rich food traditions, tropical beaches, jungles and wildlife.

Why go

  1. Explore Kuala Lumpur and its famous Petronas Twin Towers.

  2. Visit George Town for food, colonial buildings and its mix of cultures.

  3. Enjoy beaches and diving around Sipadan and the Perhentian Islands.

  4. Explore the jungles, caves and wildlife of Malaysia's national parks.

  5. Escape the heat in the tea-growing Cameron Highlands.

Best time to go: Weather depends on the region. From October to February, heavy rain and flooding affect Borneo and the peninsula's East Coast, while Penang and Langkawi largely escape this monsoon; the milder April-to-October monsoon reverses the pattern.

Getting there

By air

  • Most international flights arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, often shortened to KLIA. Its airport code is KUL.
  • Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and AirAsia X connect Malaysia with many overseas destinations. Emirates also serves Kuala Lumpur through Dubai.
  • Kota Kinabalu, Penang, Kuching, Langkawi and Johor Bahru also have flights to regional destinations.

By land

  • A shuttle train links Woodlands in Singapore with Johor Bahru. Connections to other Malaysian trains may involve long waits, so keep a bus option in mind.
  • Trains from Thailand connect with Malaysian trains at Padang Besar. Get off at the station in Malaysia, where both countries carry out border checks.
  • Long-distance buses enter Malaysia from Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. Frequent public buses also connect Singapore and Johor Bahru.

By sea

  • Ferries connect Peninsular Malaysia with parts of Indonesia and southern Thailand.
  • Daily ferries connect Muara in Brunei with Labuan.

Customs

  • You may not carry more than the equivalent of US$10,000 per person in Malaysian ringgit into or out of Malaysia.
  • There is no limit on foreign currency, but you must declare cash and traveller's cheques if their combined value exceeds US$10,000 per person.
  • Non-Muslim travellers aged 21 or older may bring up to one litre of alcohol.

Getting around

  • Plane

    Flying is the only practical way to travel between Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. It also serves some remote parts of Borneo. AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines offer domestic flights. Firefly operates propeller-plane services from Penang and Subang. Air Borneo links inland communities in Sabah and Sarawak with coastal cities. Carry your passport when travelling between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia, or between Sabah and Sarawak. These journeys have immigration checks.

  • Bus

    Buses are the cheapest way to travel around Malaysia. Towns of any size have terminals with connections elsewhere. Transnasional and NICE/Plusliner are among the larger, more reliable companies. The source recommends 24-seat luxury buses for long journeys. Reserve seats ahead for weekends and holidays. You can buy tickets directly at Kuala Lumpur's TBS bus terminal. Some booking websites accept only Malaysian credit cards. Some bookings also require a station fee. Bring a sweater, long trousers and socks for overnight journeys. Bus air conditioning can be very cold. Some drivers speed or overtake dangerously. Reporting details are displayed on the backs of large vehicles.

  • Train

    Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad, the national railway operator, provides generally reliable and relatively cheap services in Peninsular Malaysia. The western route serves places including Padang Besar, Butterworth, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru. The eastern route branches at Gemas and continues towards Tumpat. Keep your ticket until you leave your destination station. Staff check it before allowing you out. Tickets can be booked up to six months ahead through the railway website, app or telephone service.

  • Car or motorcycle

    Drive on the left. Expressways charge tolls. Allow extra travel time on the East Coast and in Sabah and Sarawak, where roads are less developed. Large cities have heavy traffic and confusing roads. Watch carefully for motorcyclists, especially at night. Rental agencies usually require a valid driving licence. Larger companies may also require a credit card for a deposit. Record the vehicle's condition and fuel level before and after rental. Ask for a refund for excess fuel where possible.

What to see and do

  • Kuala Lumpur

    See a modern, multicultural capital and the famous Petronas Twin Towers.

  • George Town

    Explore colonial buildings, varied communities and a city known for excellent food.

  • Malacca

    Discover several centuries of Malaysia's colonial and imperial history.

  • Cameron Highlands

    Visit tea plantations and enjoy cooler temperatures.

  • Bako National Park

    Visit one of the best places to see proboscis monkeys.

  • Gunung Mulu National Park

    See huge caves, limestone formations and tall stone pinnacles at this World Heritage Site.

Food and drink

  • Nasi lemak

    Coconut rice served with accompaniments such as chilli paste, boiled egg, cucumber, fried anchovies and peanuts.

  • Nyonya or Peranakan cuisine

    Cooking that combines Malay and Chinese traditions.

  • Penang char kway teow

    A regional speciality associated with Penang.

  • Kajang satay

    A local speciality associated with Kajang.

  • Ipoh bean sprout chicken

    A regional chicken dish associated with Ipoh.

  • Laksa

    A name used for different noodle dishes. Penang laksa and Sarawak laksa are quite different.

Money

Malaysian ringgit, written as RM; its currency code is MYR. One ringgit equals 100 sen.

  • Near Singapore and Brunei, check which currency a quoted price uses. Their dollars are also called ringgit in Malay.
  • Some street sellers may be reluctant to accept 5 sen coins.
  • Check food prices before ordering, especially at cheaper places without displayed prices.
  • Prices marked with '++' have tax and a service charge added. Check the total before paying.

Tipping: Tipping is not customary, and many air-conditioned restaurants include a 10% service charge. Hotel bellboys expect RM5–10 for carrying bags; a RM5–10 massage tip is optional.

Typical costs

  • A hostel bed and food from street stalls can cost less than RM50 per day. Allow roughly twice that for more comfort, especially in East Malaysia.
  • Kuala Lumpur is generally more expensive than the rest of the country.
  • Some rural motorcycle and scooter rentals start at RM25 per day.
  • Some bus bookings require a RM2 station fee. Stations may add RM0.40 for insurance, which you can decline.
  • Hotels and hostels charge international visitors a tourism tax of RM10 per room per night. It may be missing from the advertised rate.
  • The accommodation section advises adding 16% to listed prices for service charges and taxes.

Language

  • Malay is the official language.
  • English is widely spoken in tourism and among the middle and upper classes. Some Malay helps elsewhere.
  • Chinese languages include Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, Hakka and others.
  • Tamil is the most commonly spoken Indian language; Malayalam, Punjabi and Telugu are also spoken.
  • Some communities near Thailand speak Thai dialects.
  • Indigenous languages include Iban, Kadazan, Semelai and Temuan.
Makan
Eat.
Kopi
Coffee.
Teh
Tea.
Teh o
Tea without milk.
Teh ais
Iced milky tea.
Teh o ais
Iced tea without milk.
Kurang manis
Less sugar.
Teh kosong
A request for tea with no sugar.

Staying safe

  • Malaysia is generally safe for visitors, but bag-snatching, pickpocketing and petty theft occur. Watch valuables closely in markets and on public transport.
  • Keep your bag on the side away from the road. Walk facing oncoming traffic and stay a few feet back from the road.
  • Avoid deserted areas and return to your hotel before midnight. Women should take extra care at night.
  • Watch for reckless motorcyclists when crossing roads. Some turn left through red lights.
3 common scams in Malaysia, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Remove your shoes before entering a home or place of worship. Some hostels also require this.
  • Use your right hand when eating by hand or giving a gift.
  • Ask people how they would like to be addressed, as naming customs differ.
  • If you need to point, use a closed fist with the thumb extended.
  • Recognise that swastikas in Hindu and Buddhist temples are religious symbols.

Don't

  • Do not point with your forefinger or your feet.
  • Do not touch another person's head.
  • Do not stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. This is associated with death and temple incense.
  • Do not use your left hand to handle food when eating by hand.

Staying healthy

  • Malaysia is warm throughout the year, with typical temperatures around 32°C at noon and 26°C at midnight.
  • Highland areas are cooler. Mount Kinabalu can have temperatures below 10°C.
  • Heavy monsoon rain can cause flooding in Borneo and on the peninsula's East Coast from October to February.
  • Food outlets are generally fairly clean. Ice at street stalls may have lower hygiene standards than ice in restaurants.

Where to stay

  • Cities and towns offer accommodation from budget rooms to luxury hotels.
  • Check the full price before booking. Service charges and taxes may be excluded from advertised rates.
  • International visitors must pay a tourism tax of RM10 per room per night at hotels and hostels. This may be added separately.
  • Almost all hotels ban durians because of their smell. Bringing one into your room can lead to a large cleaning fee.

Trips to Malaysia

Day-by-day itineraries by snuck, shaped around you.

5 nights
A City and Island BreakKuala LumpurLangkawiFrom, per person~US$734
 6 nights
At Malaysia's Favourite TablesKuala LumpurIpohGeorge Town, PenangFrom, per person~US$873
 8 nights
Malaysia from Streets to ShoreKuala LumpurGeorge Town, PenangLangkawiFrom, per person~US$1,120

Outdoor adventures in Malaysia

Malaysia has rainforest parks, mountain climbs, sandy beaches and excellent scuba diving. Explore the jungles of Borneo, dive around offshore islands or try an easy forest walk near Kuala Lumpur. Rainy seasons vary by coast, so timing matters.

  • Mount Kinabalu

    ClimbingSabah, East Malaysia

    Head to Kinabalu National Park in Sabah to climb Mount Kinabalu.

    • Temperatures on the mountain can fall below 10°C.
    • The October–February north-east monsoon brings heavy rain to Borneo and can cause flooding.

  • Sipadan diving

    Scuba divingSabah, East Malaysia

    Dive around Sipadan, an island off the easternmost tip of Malaysian Borneo.

  • Perhentian Islands diving

    Scuba divingTerengganu, Peninsular Malaysia

    March–October

    Visit the Perhentian Islands off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia for diving and beaches.

    • The October–February north-east monsoon brings heavy rain to the east coast and can cause flooding.

  • Redang diving

    Scuba divingEast coast of Peninsular Malaysia

    March–October

    Visit Redang, an island off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, for scuba diving.

    • The October–February north-east monsoon brings heavy rain to the east coast and can cause flooding.

  • Tioman diving

    Scuba divingEast coast of Peninsular Malaysia

    March–October

    Visit Tioman, an island off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, for scuba diving.

    • The October–February north-east monsoon brings heavy rain to the east coast and can cause flooding.

  • Taman Negara rainforest exploration

    WildlifeKelantan, Pahang and Terengganu

    Visit Taman Negara to explore its extensive rainforest.

  • Gunung Mulu National Park

    CaveEast Malaysia

    Visit remote Gunung Mulu National Park for its huge caves and limestone scenery.

  • Bako National Park monkey watching

    Wildlife

    Visit Bako National Park to look for proboscis monkeys.

  • Langkawi beaches

    BeacheWest coast of Peninsular Malaysia

    Visit the Langkawi islands for sandy beaches, with many resorts offering places to stay.

  • Layang Layang diving

    Scuba diving

    Choose Layang Layang as a less well-known Malaysian diving destination.

  • FRIM forest hikes and canopy walkway

    HikeKuala Lumpur areanear Kuala Lumpur

    Easy Early in the day

    Take KTM Komuter to Kepong or Kepong Sentral, then take a short taxi ride to the Forestry Research Institute of Malaysia.

    • Cost: RM5.30 entry; RM10.60 for the canopy walkway.
    • Arrive early, as rain is more likely later in the day.

  • Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve

    TrekKuala Lumpurnear Kuala Lumpur

    Easy

    Go to the forest reserve at the base of KL Tower. Walk on your own or arrange a free guided tour through the tower.

    • Cost: Guided tours are free.

  • Bukit Kledang trails

    HikeMenglembu, Ipoh areanear Ipoh

    Early morning or late evening

    Start from Menglembu and ask local walkers for the trails up the Menglembu-Kledang Hills. A paved road also leads towards the summit.

    • Most trails are exposed and hot. Take a hat and water.

  • Ulu Geroh rainforest walk

    WildlifeHills east of Gopengnear Gopeng

    Drive about one hour from Gopeng to Ulu Geroh village. Join a walk led by guides from the local Orang Asli community.

    • The final half of the drive follows a rough road. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is preferred.

  • Lost World Hot Springs and Spa

    Hot springTambun, Ipohnear Ipoh

    Visit the Lost World of Tambun complex for the hot springs. The complex also arranges tours into nearby limestone caves.

    • Cost: RM40–50 listed for the Lost World of Tambun complex in July 2015; a separate hot-spring price is not given.

  • Bukit Panorama sunrise hike

    HikeSungai Lembing, Pahangnear Kuantan

    Early morning for sunrise

    Travel by bus, taxi or car to Sungai Lembing, about 40 km northwest of Kuantan. Trek up Bukit Panorama for sunrise.

  • Klebang Beach kite flying

    BeacheMalaccanear Malacca

    Go to Klebang Beach and buy a kite to fly there.

    • Cost: A kite costs RM1.50; a styrofoam airplane costs RM5.

  • Melaka on bike

    CyclingMalaccanear Malacca

    3 hours

    Arrange cycling with Melaka on bike at 117 Jalan Tiang Dua. Pickup is available anywhere in town.

    • Cost: RM100 for 3 hours.

  • Teluk Chempedak beach and kayaking

    KayakingPahangnear Kuantan

    Go to Teluk Chempedak, 5 km northeast of Kuantan. The beach has facilities for kayaking and boating.

  • Balok Beach kitesurfing and windsurfing

    More to doPahangnear Kuantan

    Kitesurfing is possible all year; best December–March.

    Go to Balok Beach, 13 km north of Kuantan, to learn kitesurfing or try its well-known windsurfing.

  • Cherating turtle sanctuary and beach

    WildlifePahang

    Turtle viewing is seasonal; months are not given.

    Head towards Club Mediteranee in Cherating. The turtle sanctuary is at the resort entrance.

  • Kuantan firefly boat tour

    WildlifePahangnear Kuantan

    At night

    Arrange a firefly tour through a local travel agent. The trip uses a battery-powered boat on the river.

  • Seadoo Safari watercraft ride

    More to doTebrau Strait, Johornear Johor Bahru

    Arrange personal watercraft riding along the Tebrau Strait with Seadoo Safari at R&F Mall, Block G-07.

  • Tristan Park dirt biking

    More to doUlu Tiram, Johornear Johor Bahru

    Visit Tristan Park at 21 Jalan Kekabu 11, Taman Desa Cemerlang, Ulu Tiram, for dirt biking.

  • Batu Hitam Beach

    BeacheKuantan areanear Kuantan

    Visit Batu Hitam in the Kuantan area to see its black and dark stones.

Airports, metros and trains in Malaysia

Airports with scheduled flights

  • BKIKota Kinabalu International AirportKota KinabaluMain international airport
  • KULKuala Lumpur International AirportSepangMain international airport
  • KCHKuching International AirportKuchingMain international airport
  • LGKLangkawi International AirportLangkawiMain international airport
  • PENPenang International AirportPenangMain international airport
  • JHBSenai International AirportJohor BahruMain international airport

Metro and subway

  • Kuala LumpurRapid KL156 stations241.6 kmsince 1996

Trains

Rail network
2,041 km
Electrified
1,028 km

People and safety in Malaysia

Religion

Most people are Muslim. Mixed.

  • Muslim64%
  • Buddhist19%
  • Christian9%
  • Hindu6%
  • No religion2%
  • Other<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex relationships are illegal

  • The law allows up to 20 years in prison.
  • Legal gender change is not recognised.

Check your own government's travel advice before you go, and be careful with public displays of affection and dating apps.

Women travellers

Ranked #67 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

36% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 167 of 198 countries can visit Malaysia easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required167
  • eVisa28
  • Visa required2
  • Admission restricted1

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Oceania14 of 14 countries
  • Americas34 of 35 countries
  • Europe44 of 46 countries
  • Asia41 of 49 countries
  • Africa34 of 54 countries

Questions

Can I get by with English?

English is widely spoken in tourism and among the middle and upper classes. A little Malay helps outside these settings.

What money does Malaysia use?

Malaysia uses the Malaysian ringgit, written as RM, with the currency code MYR. One ringgit equals 100 sen.

What weather should I expect?

Expect warm weather throughout the year and seasonal heavy rain. The highlands are cooler than the lowlands.

Can I buy bus tickets at a station?

Yes, the source specifically says tickets are easy to buy directly at Kuala Lumpur's TBS bus terminal. Reserve ahead for weekends and holidays.

How do I travel between Kuala Lumpur and Malaysian Borneo?

Flying is the only practical option, and there are no ferries between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. Carry your passport for immigration checks.

Do I need to tip?

Tipping is not customary, and many restaurants include a service charge. Hotel bellboys expect RM5–10 for carrying bags.

Will the advertised hotel price be the final price?

It may exclude service charges and taxes. International visitors also pay a tourism tax of RM10 per room per night at hotels and hostels.

What should I know before eating local food?

Check prices before ordering where none are displayed. When eating by hand, use your right hand; you can also request a fork and spoon.

Which number should I call in an emergency?

Call 999 for police, fire or emergency medical services.

What should I do when entering a home or place of worship?

Take off your shoes. Some hostels require this too.

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