Malaysia is a melting pot of ethnicities, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, and various indigenous groups. This diversity is reflected in its festivals, languages, traditions, and especially its cuisine, offering a blend of flavors and dishes that are hard to find elsewhere.

Malaysia is also home to some of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests. Places like the Taman Negara National Park, which is estimated to be over 130 million years old, and the diverse ecosystems of Borneo’s Sabah and Sarawak states are prime examples. These areas are habitats for a vast array of flora and fauna, including rare species such as the Malayan tiger, orangutans, and proboscis monkeys.

Malaysians are known for their hospitality and friendliness towards visitors. English is widely spoken, making communication easy and travel more comfortable for international tourists.

Whether you’re into extreme sports, leisurely beach days, or exploring underwater marine life, Malaysia has it all, making it a compelling choice for a vacation destination.

• Visa: Many nationalities can enter Malaysia without a visa for stays of up to 90, 30, or 14 days, depending on the country. However, please check the latest visa requirements for your nationality.

• Vaccinations: Depending on your travel plans in Malaysia, vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid are often recommended because you can contract these diseases through contaminated food or water.

• Flight Booking: Check out our flight booking tips to make sure you get the best value for your money.

• Currency: The currency of Malaysia is the Ringgit, abbreviated as RM. ATMs are widely available in urban and tourist areas, and credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, cash is king in local markets, street food stalls, and rural areas.

• Rawa Island: A small island located off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in Johor. Known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, Rawa is a perfect getaway for those looking to relax and enjoy water sports in a relatively untouched setting.

• Pangkor Island: Situated off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Perak, Pangkor Island is known for its historical sites, forests, and beautiful beaches like Pasir Bogak and Teluk Nipah. It’s a great spot for a more laid-back beach experience.

• Mantanani Islands: A group of three isolated islands off the northwest coast of Kota Belud in Sabah, Borneo. These islands are known for their stunning beaches, clear waters, and the opportunity to see dugongs, also known as sea cows.

• Kapas Island: Just a short boat ride from Marang, Terengganu, Kapas Island is known for its  peaceful atmosphere, clear waters, and beautiful coral reefs. It’s an ideal spot for snorkeling, kayaking, and relaxing away from the crowds.

• Sipadan Island: Located off the coast of Sabah in Borneo, Sipadan is renowned as one of the world’s best dive sites. While the island itself is protected and overnight stays are not allowed, the surrounding waters offer excellent diving experiences to see turtles, barracudas, and diverse coral species.

• Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur: Once the tallest buildings in the world, these famous towers dominate the Kuala Lumpur skyline. The sky bridge on the 41st floor offers visitors a breathtaking view of the city.

• Mount Kinabalu, Sabah: The highest peak in Southeast Asia, located in the Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a popular destination for climbers and nature lovers, offering great views.

• Langkawi: An archipelago of 99 islands known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and natural attractions such as the Langkawi Sky Bridge, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, and Dataran Lang (Eagle Square).

• Taman Negara: One of the world’s oldest rainforests, offering a chance to experience Malaysia’s incredible natural beauty through jungle treks, canopy walks, and river cruises.

• Cameron Highlands: A hill station known for its tea plantations, strawberry farms, and cooler climate. It’s a perfect place for trekking, visiting butterfly gardens, and enjoying nature.

• Nasi Lemak: Often considered the national dish of Malaysia, Nasi Lemak is rice cooked in coconut milk, served with a spicy sambal (a spicy chili sauce), fried crispy anchovies, toasted peanuts, boiled egg, and cucumber.

• Satay: Marinated, skewered, and grilled meats served with peanut sauce, rice cakes, and a small serving of acar (pickles). Satay comes in various meat options including chicken, beef, and lamb.

• Char Kway Teow: It’s a stir-fried noodle dish that includes shrimp, bloody cockles, Chinese lap cheong (sausage), eggs, bean sprouts, and chives in a mix of soy sauce.

• Laksa: There are various types of Laksa in Malaysia, but the most famous are Penang Laksa, known for its sour fish-based soup, and Laksa Lemak from the Peranakan culture, known for its coconut milk-based soup.

• Cendol: A refreshing dessert perfect for Malaysia’s hot climate, made from shaved ice, coconut milk, jelly noodles made from rice flour with green food coloring (usually derived from the pandan leaf), and palm sugar.

• Visit a Longhouse in Sarawak or Sabah: Experience the traditional lifestyle of the indigenous people of Borneo by visiting a longhouse. Some communities offer stays or visits where you can learn about their way of life.

• Explore the Rainforests: Join a guided tour in one of Malaysia’s ancient rainforests, like Taman Negara or Borneo’s Danum Valley, to learn about the indigenous flora and fauna and possibly visit an indigenous village.

• Learn Traditional Crafts: Participate in workshops to learn traditional crafts such as batik painting, wood carving, or weaving, which are offered in various cultural villages and centers.

• Tea Plantation Visit in the Cameron Highlands: Experience the British colonial heritage and the scenic beauty of tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands, where you can learn about tea production and enjoy the cool climate.

• Explore the Peranakan Culture: Particularly in Penang and Melaka, explore the Peranakan (Straits Chinese) heritage through its distinctive architecture, antique shops, and unique cuisine.

• Greetings: Traditional Malay greeting involves a light handshake followed by placing your right hand over your heart, which signifies sincerity. However, not all Malaysians may follow this, and a simple nod or smile can also be appropriate.

• Shoes Off: It’s customary to remove shoes before entering a Malaysian home, and this practice is sometimes observed in certain shops or offices, especially if they are carpeted or if there’s a noticeable place for shoes at the entrance.

• Use Your Right Hand: The right hand is considered clean and should be used for eating and handing over or receiving items. The left hand is traditionally seen as unclean.

• Gift Giving: When offering gifts, use both hands. Gifts are not always opened upon receiving. Avoid giving alcohol, pork products, or anything made from pigskin due to Islamic dietary laws. Gifts wrapped in yellow are reserved for royalty, and green is often associated with Islam and Malay royalty, so choose your wrapping paper accordingly.

• Tipping: Tipping is not a widespread practice in Malaysia, as most hotels and restaurants include a 10% service charge in bills. However, small tips for taxi drivers or for exceptional service are appreciated.

Before international travel, you should always make a plan for how you’ll use your phone.

Malaysia roaming charges can add up quickly, and you don’t want to get stuck with a huge phone bill after an amazing vacation.

Carrier travel data packages are often expensive, with limited data and a lot of restrictions.

A budget-friendly way to avoid Malaysia roaming charges is to download a Malaysia eSIM that comes with a prepaid Malaysia data package.