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Malaysia Information

Overview

Malaysia is one of the rising stars of South-East Asian tourism, a nation looking to the future while cherishing the ways of the past. Centuries of trade have resulted in a vibrant mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous tribal cultures, creating a veritable melting pot of peoples, traditions and religions that makes it a deeply intriguing place to visit.

Tropical island resorts and endless white, sandy beaches offer a taste of paradise, while beneath warm coral seas, world-class dive sites await exploration. Orang-utans, the oldest rainforest in the world, city skyscrapers and majestic mosques and temples plus a gorgeous coastline are enough to tempt even the most jaded visitor.

The region now known as Malaysia was first mentioned in Chinese and Sanskrit records of the seventh and eighth centuries. In subsequent centuries the area was under the influence and loose control of various Thai and Indonesian empires, including the great Sumatra-based civilisation of Sri Vijaya.

The British were relatively late arrivals to the region in the late 18th century, but they played a key role following the European wars of the 1790s and, in particular, the defeat of The Netherlands by France in 1795. The Federated Malay States were created in 1895, and remained under British colonial control until the Japanese invasion of 1942.

After Japanese defeat in 1945, the 11 states were once again incorporated as British Protectorates and, in 1948, became the Federation of Malaya. In 1963, the Federation of Malaya merged with Singapore and the former British colonies of Sarawak and Sabah (North Borneo) to form Malaysia. Singapore seceded to become an independent state in its own right in 1965, leaving Malaysia in its present form.

Such history highlights why Malaysia is so ethnically and culturally diverse. Even better, the magnificent landscape is no less diverse - dense jungles, soaring peaks and lush tropical rainforests harbour an abundant flora and fauna.

Author

Lucy Moss

Top Things To See

 Admire Kuala Lumpur’s architectural gems including the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, in Independence Square, which blends Victorian and Moorish architectural styles; Kuala Lumpur Railway Station, which resembles a Moorish palace; and the striking National and Friday Mosques. 

 Come over all romantic at Kellie’s Castle. Surrounded by rubber plantations, the magnificent ruins of the unfinished castle are all that remains of Scotsman William Kellie Smith’s nostalgic ambition to recreate an authentic piece of his Scottish homeland.

 Tour Malaysia’s most impressive mosques including Kuala Kangsar; the Ubudiah Mosque; the State Mosque in Seremban; the Tranquerah Mosque, one of Malaysia’s oldest, in Malacca; Kuching ’s Sarawak State Mosque, with its magnificent gilt domes; and Labuan ’s futuristic An’nur Jamek Mosque.

Explore subterranean Malaysia, with a visit to the Hindu shrine at the Batu Caves, or the cave temples at Perak Tong, Sam Poh Tong and Kek Lok Tong. The Museum Cave has a display of statues and murals from Hindu mythology. 

 In Gunung Mulu National Park (website: www.mulupark.com), a World Heritage Site, visit the most extensive cave system in the world, including the Deer Cave, Clearwater Cave and The Cave of the Winds. The park is also home to Sarawak’s last nomadic tribe.

Traverse Malaysia’s stunning rainforests and jungles to obtain different vistas of beauty. Templar Park, 22km (14 miles) north of Kuala Lumpur, is a well-preserved tract of primary rainforest. Jungle paths, swimming lagoons and waterfalls lie within the park boundaries. 

 Be at one with nature in Malaysia’s largest national park, Taman Negara (website: www.taman-negara.com). Surrounded by the world’s oldest tropical forest (supposedly 130 million years old), the park is a favourite haunt for outdoor enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

Don a pair of binoculars at the Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary in Ipoh, host to over 150 species of birds. Lucky visitors may see smooth otters, long-tailed macaque and ridge-back dolphins. 

 Horticulturalists and bird lovers alike should head for Penang Bird Park (website: www.penangbirdpark.com.my). This landscaped park in Seberang Jaya is home to over 400 bird species and specially designed aviaries are placed among manmade islands with beautiful waterfalls and ornamental gardens.

 Visit the twin islands of Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil. The country’s most beautiful islands boast pristine white beaches, crystal clear waters and are still relatively unexploited. The islands are popular for scuba-diving and snorkelling with accessible reefs.

For an unusual attraction, go to the Snake Temple in Penang, which swarms with poisonous snakes, their venomous threat countered by heavily drugging them with incense. 

 In the southern state of Johor be sure to watch the trance-inducing Kuda Kepang dances in Muar, accompanied by the euphony of ghazal music and devotional chanting.

 In the interior of Pahang, visit Malaysia’s answer to Loch Ness: Lake Chini ’s waters are said to contain mythological monsters that guard the entrance to a legendary sunken city.

See orang-utans in their natural environment. The Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre in Sandakan has many of these ‘wild men of Borneo’ - in fact, it has the world’s largest orang-utan population.

Take respite from Malaysia’s humid cities and soak up the magnificent views from the mountain resorts of the Central and Cameron Highlands. 

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Top Things To Do

 Attend one of Malaysia’s annual festivals, magnificent spectacles bursting with colour. Puja Umur (the Sultan’s birthday) is celebrated with a week-long festival, beginning with a parade in Kota Bharu. The Annual Penang International Dragon Boat Festival is also popular.

 Scuba-dive in the tropical waters off Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. Prime sites include: Layang Layang; Miri; Pulau Redang; Pulau Sipadan; Pulau Tioman; Tunku Abdul Rahman Park; Pulau Tenggol; Pulau Paya Marine Park; Pulau Perhentian; Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park; and Labuan Island.

 Go jungle trekking in the Taman Negara National Park (Peninsular Malaysia). There are many clearly marked trails including a canopy walkway. Expert guides should be hired from the Wildlife Department at the Taman Negara Resort at Kuala Tahan.  

 Ascend South-East Asia’s highest peak, Mount Kinabulu (4,094m/13,432ft), located in the Kinabalu National Park. No technical skills are required, but a guide and a climbing permit (which can be bought on location) are compulsory.

 Play one of Malaysia’s traditional, unusual sports, including gasing, or top spinning (called Main Gasing), which uses tops fashioned from hardwood and delicately balanced with lead; Wau-kite flying; and Sepak Takraw, a game like volleyball, played with a ball made of rattan strips.

 Stay in a Malaysian longhouse, which are common along the rivers in Sarawak and Sabah, and are really entire villages housed under one single roof, inhabited by native communities. Visitors should be accompanied by a local guide.

Ride the train along Malaysia’s central railway, which travels through dense jungle. It commences near Kota Bahru and continues via Kuala Krai, Gua Musang, Kuala Lipis and Jerantut to meet the Singapore-Kuala Lumpur railway line at Gemas.

 Visit The Forestry Research Institute’s protected stretch of jungle, 15km (9 miles) northwest of Kuala Lumpur. There are a number of low eco-impact trails to explore.

 Bathe in the restorative waters of the Pedas Hot Springs, 30km (18 miles) south of Seremban. Visitors will find bathing enclosures, dining and recreational facilities.

Take a river cruise back through time in Malacca. Founded in the early 15th century, Malacca remains predominantly a Chinese community, although there are many reminders of periods under Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. 

 Stroll through the Tasek Perdana Lake Gardens, one of Kuala Lumpur’s best-known natural landmarks. Within the gardens are Parliament House and the National Monument, an impressive brass structure and one of the world’s largest free-standing sculptures.  

 Take in a spectacular cityscape from the viewing level of Kuala Lumpur ’s voluminous Petronas Twin Towers, which dominate the city at a height of 436m (1,453ft). Alternatively ascend the dizzying heights of the Menara Kuala Lumpur. 

 Feel the stresses and strains of daily life ebb away on Penang’s sun-kissed beaches.  

 Spend, spend, spend in the free port and duty-free shopping haven of Langkawi Island, where pristine sandy beaches await at the end of a long shopping trip. 

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.

Going Out

Food and Drink

In multiracial Malaysia, every type of cooking from South-East Asia can be tasted. Malay food concentrates on subtleties of taste using a blend of spices, ginger, coconut milk and peanuts. There are many regional types of Chinese cooking including Cantonese, Peking, Hakka, Sichuan and Taiwanese. Indian and Indonesian food is also popular. Korean and Thai food are available in restaurants. Western food is served throughout the country. Although the country is largely Islamic, alcohol is available.

Things to know: Table service is normal, and chopsticks are customary in Chinese restaurants. Indian and Malay food is eaten with the fingers. Set lunches, usually with four courses, are excellent value for money.

National specialities:
• Sambals (a paste of ground chilli, onion and tamarind) is often used as a side dish.
• Blachan (a dried shrimp paste) is used in many dishes.
• Ikan bilis (dried anchovies) are eaten with drinks.
• Satay (consists of a variety of meats, often chicken, barbecued on small skewers and served with a spicy peanut dipping sauce and a salad of cucumber, onion and compressed rice cakes).
• Gula Malacca (a firm sago pudding in palm sugar sauce).

National drinks: 
• Locally brewed beers such as Tiger and Anchor are recommended. 
• The famous Singapore gin sling.
• Sugar cane juice.

Tipping: 10% service charge and 5% government tax are commonly included in bills.

Nightlife

Kuala Lumpur has a selection of reputable nightclubs and discos, most belonging to the big hotels. Nightclubs generally stay open until 0500 or 0600 and usually request a cover charge which includes the first drink free. Many of Kuala Lumpur’s bars have a happy hour, offering two drinks for the price of one, between 1700-2000/2100. Bintang Walk is a lively spot and has a good selection of alfresco bars and coffee shops.

Penang is also lively at night, larger hotels having cocktail lounges, dining, dancing and cultural shows. There are night markets in most towns, including both Kuala Lumpur and Penang Chinatown. Malay and Chinese films often have English subtitles and there are also English films. The national lottery and Malaysia’s only casino at Genting Highlands are government-approved and visitors are not supposed to gamble elsewhere.

Shopping

Shopping in Malaysia ranges from exclusive department stores to street markets. Bargaining is expected in the markets, unless fixed prices are displayed. Kuala Lumpur is a popular shopping destination, rivalling Singapore and Hong Kong. Suria KLCC, a shopping mall with a spectacular fountain, gardens and a beautiful piazza, houses a great selection of leading couture outlets. Times Square, the city’s largest mall, Star Hill and Lot 10 are popular shopping centres. The islands of Labuan and Langkawi are duty-free zones. Cameras, pens, watches, cosmetics, perfume and electronic goods are available duty-free throughout Malaysia. Malaysian speciality goods include pewterware, silverware and brassware; batik; jewellery; pottery; and songket. Enquire at Malaysian Royal Customs and Excise about claiming cashback on duty-free goods.

Shopping hours: Most shops keep their own opening hours, usually within the range of 1000-2200.

Climate

Tropical without extremely high temperatures. Days are very warm, while nights are fairly cool. The main rainy season in the east runs between November and February, while August is the wettest period on the west coast. East Malaysia has heavy rains (November to February) in Sabah and in Sarawak. However, it is difficult to generalise about the country’s climate, as rainfall differs on the east and west coasts according to the prevailing monsoon winds (northeast or southwest). Average daytime temperatures in Kuala Lumpur are around 27°C (82°F) year round.

Required Clothing

Lightweight clothes are worn throughout the year. Waterproofing is advisable all year.

Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day. 
10 Jan Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year).
1 Feb* Federal Territory Day.
7 Feb Chinese New Year.
20 Mar Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of Prophet Muhammad).
1 May Labour Day.
19 May Wesak Day (Birth of Buddha).
7 Jun King’s Birthday.
31 Aug National Day.
1-2 Oct Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan).
28 Oct** Deepvali. 
8-9 Dec Hari Raya Haji (Feast of the Sacrifice).
25 Dec Christmas. 
29 Dec Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year).

2009
1 Jan New Year’s Day. 
20 Jan Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year).
1 Feb* Federal Territory Day.
26 Jan Chinese New Year.
9 Mar Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of Prophet Muhammad).
1 May Labour Day.
2 May*** Wesak Day (Birth of Buddha).
7 Jun*** King’s Birthday.
31 Aug National Day.
20-21 Sep Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan).
18 Oct** Deepvali. 
27-28 Nov Hari Raya Haji (Feast of the Sacrifice).
25 Dec Christmas. 

*Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur and Labuan only.
**Except Labuan and Sarawak.
***Date to be confirmed.

Note

(a) Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Hari Raya Puasa, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Hari Raya Puasa itself and Hari Raja Haji may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region. (b) Buddhist festivals are also timed according to phases of the moon and variations may occur.

Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: Yes

Malaria

Special Precaution: Sometimes*

Rabies

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: Yes

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: No**

Health Care

Health insurance is recommended. Hospitals are found in all the main cities and can deal with all major needs. Private hospitals provide a high standard of medical care. In an emergency, dial 999.

Note

* Malaria risk exists only in certain regions. Urban and coastal areas are usually safe.

** A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age arriving within six days from infected areas.

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

Ringgit (MYR; symbol RM) = 100 sen. Notes are in denominations of RM100, 50, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 sen. The Ringgit is often referred to as the Malaysian Dollar.

Currency Exchange

The best currency for exchange is the Pound Sterling, but US Dollars are also widely accepted. All commercial banks are authorised foreign exchange dealers; major hotels are only licensed to buy or accept foreign currency in the form of notes and traveller’s cheques. It may be difficult to exchange foreign currencies outside the main tourist centres.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted.

Traveller's Cheques

Accepted by all banks, hotels and large department stores. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in Pounds Sterling, US Dollars or Australian Dollars.

Currency Restrictions

Restrictions apply.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0915-1630 (some branches open on Saturdays). Banks in Kelantan and Terengganu open Sun-Thurs 0915-1600/1630.

Passport/Visa

British

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Australian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Canadian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

USA

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Other EU

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No/1
Return Ticket Required: Yes

Passports

Passport valid for at least six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas

Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to three months; (1) nationals of Bulgaria may stay visa-free for up to one month.

Visa Note

(a) Nationals may still require a pass upon arrival, even if they are permitted to enter Malaysia visa-free. (b) All visitors must have proof of adequate funds and an onward or return sea or air ticket. (c) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Contact Addresses

Malaysian High Commission in the UK

45 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8QT, UK
Tel: (020) 7235 8033.
Website: www.kln.gov.my/mission/london
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0915-1215 (consular section).

Tourism Malaysia in the UK

Malaysia House, 57 Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DU, UK
Tel: (020) 7930 7932.
Website: www.malaysiatrulyasia.co.uk

Embassy of Malaysia in the USA

3516 International Court, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 572 9700.
Website: www.kln.gov.my/mission/washington

Tourism Malaysia in the USA

120 East 56th Street, Suite 810, New York, NY 10022, USA
Tel: (212) 754 1114/5.
Website: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my 

Travel Advice

Warning

Most visits to Malaysia are trouble-free.

Malaysia shares with the rest of South-East Asia a threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. 

It is believed that terrorists and criminal elements are continuing with plans to kidnap foreign tourists from the islands and coastal areas of Eastern Sabah. Action taken by the Philippines Armed Forces in January 2007 against terrorist groups in the southern Philippines may heighten this risk. Boats travelling to and from offshore islands and dive sites are possible targets. Travellers who wish to visit resorts on, and islands off, Eastern Sabah should exercise extreme caution.

Malaysia has periodic problems with air quality reaching hazardous levels because of smoke haze.

Travellers planning to travel over the border to Thailand should be aware that there has been a resurgence of terrorism in southern Thailand, particularly in the far southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla. All but essential travel to these Thai provinces is advised against. Travellers should also maintain high levels of vigilance when travelling to, or through, the neighbouring province of Satun. There have been reports that Thai military presence in Satun is being increased due to insurgency fears.

Malaysia is a multicultural but predominantly Muslim country, and as such visitors should respect local social conventions. During the fasting month of Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims. As a courtesy, visitors may wish to avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public places.

Travellers should not become involved with drugs of any kind: possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment or the death penalty.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

• Malaysia Overview
• Malaysia Things to See
• Malaysia Things to Do
• Malaysia Events
• Malaysia Climate
• Malaysia Public Holidays
• Malaysia Health
• Malaysia Currency
• Malaysia Passport & Visas
• Malaysia Contact Addresses
• Malaysia Travel Advice