Top 7 things to know before visiting Malaysia

Malaysia is a vibrant Southeast Asian country known for its diverse cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. From the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur to the sandy beaches of Langkawi, this Southeast Asian gem is a paradise for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts. 

Before setting foot on this land, let Asia King Travel inform you of everything notable about Malaysia!

Things to know before visiting Malaysia

1. Visa requirements in Malaysia

Visa requirements in Malaysia

The visa requirements in Malaysia will depend on your nationality. Citizens from Europe, the United States, and Australia can enter this country without a visa for up to 90 days. Check the visa requirements for your country and ensure you comply with the visa regulations to avoid any issues.

2. Currency and Payments in Malaysia

Currency and Payments in Malaysia

The official Malaysian currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Traveling to Malaysia, we recommend you change or withdraw money locally – depending on the conditions of your card. We can pay by card in some restaurants, but in some cases, cash is the best option.

Malaysia is famous for hawker food and numerous food streets, and in these locations, people usually pay directly by cash. Therefore, it is advisable to take some Malaysian Ringgit with you and pay on the spot.

3. Local etiquettes for travelers to Malaysia

These are just a few travel tips to keep in mind when visiting Malaysia. Learning and respecting Malaysian culture is crucial for tourists visiting this place.

Respect for Cultural Norms 

Malaysian culture is known to be conventional; therefore, it is advisable to avoid acting in a way that deviates from accepted cultural and behavioral norms. These actions cover anything that draws attention to people. Although Malaysians may make allowances for foreigners, you should be cautious until you become familiar with the limitations.  

Greetings and Body Language 

Greetings and Body Language of Malaysian

In Malaysia, greetings and body language play an important role in social interactions. Here are some key points to keep in mind

The common greeting across all ethnicities in Malaysia is a handshake. Another way to greet people is placing your right hand on your chest and bowing slightly. This gesture, called salam, means a heartfelt greeting. For the elders, you should nod your head or bow slightly to show respect towards them. 

Dining Etiquette 

In their culture, Malaysians eat with their spoon and fork using their right hand. At the dining table, visitors should use their right hand to pass food to others and their mouth. Leaving a small amount of food on your plate implies that the meal was filling and satisfying while walking during the meal is believed to be poor etiquette.

4. What to wear when traveling to Malaysia 

What to wear when traveling to Malaysia

It is highly recommended that tourists dress modestly, with long-sleeved clothes that can cover most of the body. In the case of women, Muslim women traditionally wear a tudung (veil or scarf) over their head and cover their bosom. Meanwhile, people do not expect female foreigners to do the same unless they are visiting mosques or religious places.

5. How to travel around Malaysia

Different means of transport to opt for Malaysia

• Bus: Malaysia has a comprehensive and easy-to-use national bus network, which promises a reliable and inexpensive to visitors.
• Taxi: Taxis are available in big cities and on large islands like Langkawi, Penang, and Pangkor. While taxis are convenient, they can be pricey compared to other modes of transport.
• Car Rental: Beside from public transport, there are many car rental companies and travel companies offer private transport within Malaysia.
• Budget Flights: Budget flights are a great option for hopping around the region. They are especially suitable for traveling between different parts of Malaysia and neighboring countries.
• Train: Malaysia has a limited railway network from south to north. While it may not be the quickest means of transport, train travel can be a fantastic way to meet locals. 
• Ferry: Malaysia's ferries are a common type of transport, particularly for reaching the islands. Popular ferry routes include Langkawi to Alor Setar and Penang, The Perhentian Islands, and Pangkor Island. Ferries also operate between Kota Kinabalu and Labuan in Sabah.

It's important to note that transportation options may vary depending on the region and specific destinations within Malaysia. Additionally, plan your trip, especially during festivals when there may be increased demand for transportation services.

6. Weather in Malaysia

Malaysia's weather features high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. The country experiences two distinct monsoon seasons, the Southwest Monsoon and the Northeast Monsoon.

• The Southwest Monsoon (May to September): heavy rainfall in the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, including destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
• The Northeast Monsoon (November to March): heavy rainfall in the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, including destinations like Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

The average temperature in Malaysia ranges from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F), with coastal areas being cooler due to sea breezes. It is advisable to carry an umbrella or raincoat when visiting Malaysia, as sudden showers are common even outside of the monsoon seasons.

7. Budget for traveling through Malaysia

Budget for traveling through Malaysia

• Accommodation: Budget hostels, guesthouses, or dormitories cost around MYR 30-150 per night. Meanwhile, upscale hotels or resorts with luxurious service can cost you around MYR 300-500 or more per night.
• Food: Explore local street food stalls and hawker centers where you can find delicious meals for as low as MYR 5-10 per dish. Indulge in a wide range of dining options, from mid-range to high-end restaurants, with prices varying from MYR 40-100 depending on the establishment.
• Transportation: Public transportation options like buses and trains, usually under MYR 10 for short distances. If you are not on a budget, consider private transfers, luxury car rentals, or domestic flights for comfort, convenience, and efficiency.

Conclusion

In conclusion, having a thorough understanding of important details before traveling to Malaysia is essential for a joyful trip. We hope our travel tips on getting a visa, cultural customs, and local etiquette are helpful for you. Travelers can fully immerse themselves in the beauty and friendliness of this Southeast Asian country after adjusting to local habits, making their trip both memorable and respectful. 

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