ESSENTIAL TRAVEL TIPS TO MALAYSIA
On this page, I have compiled some important information and tips for your visit to Malaysia. Knowing this information will make your stay more pleasant.
Entry into Malaysia
For most countries, a visa is not required for entry. However please refer to the relevant authorities in your own country or the Malaysian High Commission for confirmation. Visitors to Malaysia have only to fill up an immigration form upon arrival. This usually allows you a stay of up to three months as a tourist.
Please note that Malaysia has strict anti-drug laws. Drug possession carries the mandatory death sentence.
Language
The official language in dealing with the government is Bahasa Malaysia (Malay). However this is not a stringent rule when it comes to foreign visitors. English is widely spoken especially in the private sector and by the man-in-the-street. If you would like to learn some basic Bahasa Malaysia or Malay, check out my book and DVD section at http://astore.amazon.com/malaysiatoda-20
Other than these two languages, Mandarin and Tamil are the other common languages especially among the Chinese and Indians respectively. Malaysia is home to over 50 ethnic groups, each with their own language and dialects, so expect to find other languages mainly in the rural areas.
Finance and Administration
The local currency is Ringgit Malaysia (RM). One RM is equivalent to 100 sen. Money changers are commonly found in airports, shopping malls, hotels and commercial areas in the cities. Major credit are accepted in most shops, eateries and business establishments.
Malaysian offices, both in the private and public sector work a five day week, Mondays to Fridays. The exceptions are the states of Kelantan and Terengganu that observe a Sunday to Thursday work week due to a large Moslem population who go for prayers on Fridays.
Banks open at 9.30 am to 4 pm, give or take up to half an hour depending on which bank. Offices in the private sector usually open from 8.30 or 9 am to 5 pm. The government offices start work at 8.15 am till 4.30 pm. Shopping malls in major cities open from 10 am to 10 pm. The time zone in Malaysia is GMT+8.
In Malaysia, especially in major cities, you will find many 24-hour eateries, convenience stores (like 7-Eleven) and petrol stations.
The telephone country code for Malaysia is +6. Cell (mobile) phones are generally usable in all but the most remote parts of the country.
Religion
Although Islam is the official religion, all other religions are freely practiced in Malaysia. These other religions include Christianity, Buddhism, Taoism and Hinduism. As such, mosques, churches and temples are found in many towns. In addition, many native people in Malaysia still practice their animistic faith especially in the rural areas.
Clothing
Malaysia is a tropical country so warm clothing is not necessary unless you are visiting the highlands. Do bring along clothing suitable for the activity you partake in.
If you enter a private home, it is customary to remove your footwear. In places of worship, usually shoes, shirts and long pants, dresses or blouses and skirts are the norm.
There are no nude beaches in Malaysia so please bring appropriate swimwear.
Generally, light and casual clothes will do just fine. For official or formal functions, smart casual dressing or batik (a local official clothing) is expected.
Food and Accommodation
Malaysia is a food haven with an immense variety of food available. Since Malaysia is a Moslem country, you will find Moslem eateries a common sight in every town. If you see the word ‘halal’, it refers to food that is permitted for Moslems to eat. The opposite of that is ‘haram’. All hotel food is halal.
Service tax is included in the bills for food and accommodation so tipping is not necessary.
Emergency and Sickness
In case of emergency, the number to call are 999 for the police, 991 for the ambulance and 994 for the fire brigade.
If you fall sick, you can either go to government hospitals, private clinics or pharmacies. I personally recommend private clinics if a doctor’s consultation is required (government hospitals are usually over-crowded). Most hotels have an in-house clinic. If you require specific medicines, do bring along your own as far as possible. Alternatively, you can get some generic medicine at a pharmacy.
