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It depends on your nationality. Currently, Malaysia has visa-free arrangements with over 90 countries, allowing travelers to stay between 14 and 90 days without applying for a visa. For example:
On the other hand, you will most likely need to apply for a visa in advance. It’s always a good idea to double-check the current visa policy on the official website of the Malaysian Immigration Department or by contacting the nearest Malaysian embassy.
Yes, Malaysia provides an electronic visa (eVisa) and an online registration system called eNTRI (for India, China, Nepal, Bangladesh, and a few others). This makes the application process much more convenient, as you can skip embassy visits altogether.
Visit the official website at imi.gov.my, fill out your personal details, upload a scanned copy of your passport and a passport photo, and submit proof of flight tickets and hotel reservations.
Once you pay the visa fee by credit or debit card, you’ll receive your visa via email within 2–3 working days. Most eVisas are valid for 30 days (single entry), although multiple-entry options are available for specific purposes.
The eVisa is currently the most common way to obtain a Malaysian tourist visa. Photo: BOL News
The standard stay is 30 days per entry with an e-visa. Some multiple-entry visas may allow you to come and go over a longer validity period, but the number of days per stay remains limited. It's important to remember that tourist visas do not permit employment or long-term stays.
Generally speaking, Malaysia does not allow tourist visa extensions unless you have a valid, urgent reason. In those cases, you can visit the nearest immigration office to request a special pass, but approval is not guaranteed. If you're approaching the end of your stay, the best option is to exit the country before your visa expires. In some cases, travelers choose to briefly leave and re-enter (known as a visa run), but immigration officers may question frequent re-entries, so it’s not a long-term solution.
The official language is Bahasa Malaysia (Malay), but due to historical factors, English is widely spoken. Many Malaysians are bilingual or trilingual, and you’ll also hear Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, and Tamil being used in everyday life.
Absolutely! Translation apps can be a lifesaver. Google Translate is the go-to tool for most travelers. If you're from an East Asian country, Papago is an excellent alternative with great support for Korean, Japanese, and Chinese.
You can easily communicate with Malaysians using basic English words and phrases. Photo: Angela / Beyond the trip
The official Malaysian currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR - RM). Smaller unit used for coins is sen.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly used, while American Express is accepted in higher-end establishments. ATMs are easy to find in cities and airports, and they typically accept international cards. That said, you should always carry some cash.
Malaysia has a slightly higher cost than other countries in Southeast Asia, but it is still affordable. You can enjoy a comfortable trip without breaking the bank. Budget travelers can easily find decent hotels or hostels for under USD 20 per night and tasty street food meals for just USD 1–3. A full meal at a mid-range restaurant might cost around USD 5–10. Even domestic flights and long-distance buses are relatively cheap compared to Western countries.
Malaysia's banknotes and coins. Photo: Shore Excursions Asia
One of the most important things to remember is that Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country. When entering mosques or temples, always remove your shoes and cover your shoulders and knees.
Using your right hand for giving, receiving, eating, and handshakes is considered respectful. The left hand is typically reserved for personal hygiene. When pointing, avoid using your index finger; instead, use your thumb with your fingers closed, or gesture with your whole hand.
Read more about Malaysian customs here: 15 things you must not do in Malaysia
You should know some Malay greetings like “Selamat pagi” (good morning) or “Terima kasih” (thank you). And don’t worry when get lost on the streets, many people are happy to help if you ask for directions or recommendations.
Malaysian cuisine is a flavorful fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous traditions, making it one of the most diverse and exciting food scenes in Southeast Asia. The most common flavors you will see in Malaysia are curries and coconut flavor.
Street food is generally safe to eat in Malaysia. Just go where locals are lining up, it’s usually a good sign. Some must-try dishes we recommend:
Malaysian people have a great fondness for curry and coconut. Photo: Asian Inspirations
In major cities, public transportation is efficient and well-connected. Kelana Jaya LRT, MRT, and monorail systems make it simple to get around without a car. You can also use Grab, a popular ride-hailing app (similar to Uber).
At a longer distance, Malaysia has a reliable bus and coach network that connects major towns and tourist destinations. Buses are inexpensive and comfortable, with frequent routes running between places. If you're heading to island destinations like Langkawi or Tioman, you'll need to take a ferry, and these are generally punctual and tourist-friendly.
In rural or smaller towns, public transport may be limited, so renting a car or hiring a private driver is sometimes the most practical option.
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, shopping malls, and airports. Urban areas even have public Wi-Fi. The connection speed is always fast and stable. If you need internet on the go, many mobile plans also allow tethering, or you can rent a portable Wi-Fi device (pocket Wi-Fi) for group travel.
If your phone is unlocked (not being fixed with a mobile providers), you can pick up a local prepaid SIM card at the airport or mobile shops. The most popular mobile providers are Maxis (Hotlink), Celcom, Digi, and U Mobile.
And staying connected is affordable. For example, you can get a SIM with around 10 – 20 GB of data for less than USD 10, often with a validity of 7 to 30 days.
Being near the equator, Malaysia has a tropical climate, which means it’s warm and humid year-round. There is no winter here. The temperatures generally range from 25°C to 33°C and fluctuate little between months of the year. There are two main seasons: the dry season and the monsoon (rainy) season, although rain can fall at any time of year.
The west coast of Peninsular Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi,...) experiences its wettest months from May to October, when the southwest monsoon brings heavier rainfall. Meanwhile, the east coast (Perhentian Islands, Tioman Island, and Terengganu) is hit by the northeast monsoon from November to February.
Actually, there isn't really a single “best” time to visit Malaysia. Or rather, the best time can vary depending on where you're going. That's because the country stretches across two separate land masses, each with its own local climate.
For west coast areas, December to March is ideal with plenty of sunshine and less rain. If you’re heading to the east coast islands, plan your trip between April and September for good weather and calm seas. So, from March to May, shoulder season sees the best weather across (most of) Malaysia.
However, Malaysia is a tropical paradise all year round. Photo: Forever Vacation
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions travelers wonder about when visiting Malaysia. Asia King Travel hopes these answers have helped boost your confidence for the journey ahead. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to make sure every moment of your trip is truly worthwhile.
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