Malaysia Travel Destinations
Welcome to Malaysia, a land of contrasts where diverse languages and cultures merge to create a truly unique Southeast Asian nation. Here you’ll find a captivating landscape that ranges from the sun-drenched beaches and coral reefs of the coast to the lush rainforest of Borneo and the refreshingly cool highlands.
Whether you’re a short-term vacationer looking for a tropical escape, or a long-term budget traveler seeking an affordable adventure, Malaysia has something for everyone! With its stunning natural beauty, fascinating history and vibrant culture, there’s much to explore in this vibrant and diverse country.
From the colonial charms of Malacca to the vibrant street life in Kuala Lumpur, there’s something to captivate and delight in every corner of the country. And with its impressive selection of accommodation, dining and entertainment, there’s no shortage of things to do here.
So come and discover the many faces of Malaysia – from its urban metropolises to its remote rural villages, you’ll find plenty of friendly locals, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences. And who knows, you might even find yourself wanting to stay a little longer.
Interesting Facts About Malaysia
Malaysia truly is a paradise on Earth! From its ever-present sunshine to its stunningly beautiful seashores and majestic views, Malaysia has something for everyone. But did you know that the country has an abundance of interesting facts that are lesser known among the common crowd? Let’s explore some of these captivating facts and discover the history and pride that have shaped Malaysia into the wonderful place it is today!
Did you know that Malaysia is the only country in the world located on both the mainland of Southeast Asia and the island of Borneo? It’s true! This makes Malaysia a truly unique destination for its visitors.
Malaysia is home to some of the oldest rainforests in the world. The country’s lush jungles are filled with exotic wildlife and plants, and are considered to be a biodiversity hotspot.
Malaysia is known for its vibrant culture. The country is the proud host of several festivals like the Thaipusam festival and the Chinese New Year. There is also the Malaysian Grand Prix, which is the first Formula One Grand Prix to be held in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia is a vibrant melting pot of different cultures. The country’s population is made up of Malays, Chinese, Indians and several indigenous groups. This mix of cultures has led to a unique and vibrant cuisine, which includes dishes like Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai and Mee Goreng.
Malaysia is also known for its amazing shopping. There are plenty of malls, department stores and markets to explore, all offering up a range of goods including electronics, clothing, jewelry and more.
With a population of more than 31 million people, Malaysia is a multicultural country, with Malays, Chinese, Indians and other indigenous people making up the majority of the population.
The Malaysian flag was designed in 1963 by Mohamad Hamzah, a 29-year-old architect, when the Federation of Malaya replaced the Malayan Union. The flag features 14 alternating red and white stripes, representing the federation’s 14 states. The 14-point star in the canton stands for the unity between these states.
Malaysia follows a unique rotating monarchy system, in which nine ethnic Malay state rulers take turns to become the king for a term of five years.
The national currency of Malaysia is Ringgit, which means ‘jagged’ in the Malay language; and refers to the serrated edges of the Spanish silver dollars that were used in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Malaysia Transport
The transport system in Malaysia has come a long way since its introduction during the British colonial rule. Funded and supported by the government, the transport system in Malaysia is now diverse and up-to-date. The main highway connects the country to the Thai and Singapore borders and stretches out to around 800 kms. Generally speaking, the transport system in Peninsular Malaysia is more developed than that of East Malaysia.
We can divide the transport system in Malaysia into four main categories: road transport, railways, air transport and water transport. Kuala Lumpur is the main transport hub of the country, as it serves as the center of the public transport system.
Road Transport
The most common and reliable form of transport in the country. With modern highways and expressways, you can get to most places in the country with ease. There are also many public buses and taxis, which are cheap and reliable means of transport.
Rail Transport
Another form of transport, connecting many cities and towns in the country. It is a reasonably priced and comfortable way to travel between cities. There are also many intercity trains, which provide a convenient way to travel within the same region.
Air transport
The most expensive form of transport, but it is also the quickest way to get around. The two main airports in Malaysia are Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Penang International Airport. There are also many small airports scattered around the country.
Overall, the transport system in Malaysia is diverse and reliable. With so many options available, you can easily travel around the country in comfort and with ease. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, there is a transport option to suit everyone in Malaysia.
Malaysia Weather and Temperature
Malaysia is a tropical paradise for anyone looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its year-round warm temperatures, the weather is never too hot and temperatures range from a mild 20°C to about 30°C. Although it’s sometimes quite humid due to its proximity to water, the climate is always pleasant and enjoyable.
The monsoon season also varies from region to region, with the south-west experiencing its monsoon season from May to September, while the north-east takes the wettest period from November to March. For beach holidays, the best times to visit are January and February on the west coast, April in Sabah, and June and July on the east coast and in Sarawak. However, the monsoon season on the Peninsular Malaysia coastline is different, with Kuala Lumpur experiencing rainfall from March to April and September to November.
No matter where you visit in Malaysia, you’re guaranteed to experience breathtakingly beautiful weather. The average annual rainfall on the Peninsular is 2500 mm while East Malaysia experiences 5080 mm. With its wonderful climate, Malaysia is the perfect destination for anyone looking for an idyllic and peaceful escape. Friendly, hospitable locals and beautiful scenery make it an unforgettable travel experience.
Travel Tips
Attire
The general rule of thumb when it comes to dressing in Malaysia is to expose as little bare flesh as possible – both for men and women. To make sure you’re following the dress code, we suggest keeping your torsos covered, with shirt sleeves coming down to the elbow (long-sleeved tops are preferable for women) and shorts or skirts extending down to the knee (long trousers are ideal). It’s also important to avoid figure-hugging clothes, particularly for women.
In cities like Kota Kinabalu, the dress code is a bit more relaxed, as well as on the beach or when engaging in sporting activities. But it’s still best to err on the side of caution and respect the dress code.
It’s also important to note that in Muslim tradition, the soles of shoes are considered unclean, having been in contact with the dirt of the street. So it’s polite to take your shoes off before entering someone’s home – Muslim or otherwise.
Communication
A big part of Malaysian culture is the value placed on tact and diplomacy. This means that Malaysians don’t always tell it as it is. Rather, they are likely to be polite and tactful in their words, not wanting to cause any offense or hurt anyone’s feelings. This is why it is not uncommon for a Malaysian to say something like ‘yes’ when they really mean to say ‘no’.
It is also common for Malaysians to be indirect with their opinions and ideas. Instead of just coming out and saying what they think, Malaysians will usually work their way around to the point, using intuition to figure out the right timing. Malaysians often find it offensive or insensitive when someone is too blunt and direct with their words.
In Malaysia, manners and politeness are highly valued. People are expected to be humble and modest in their dealings with others. Humility is key to any successful interaction, and it is this quality that makes Malaysians so pleasant to be around.
In conclusion, Malaysian culture is one which values politeness, tact, and diplomacy. Malaysians have a natural softness and gentleness in their communication style, and humility is a virtue that is highly prized. With these values in mind, it is easy to see why Malaysians are so friendly and welcoming.
Power
Malaysia is known for its reliable power infrastructure, and power sockets are no exception. Malaysia has a standard voltage of 240 volts and a frequency of 50 Hz. The most common type of power socket used in Malaysia is the three-pin, flat-blade socket. This type of socket is used throughout the country and can be found in the majority of homes, offices, and other public buildings.
Malaysian Language
Malaysia is a diverse and multicultural country, with a population of over 30 million people and 137 different languages! The official language of Malaysia is Malay, also known as Bahasa Malaysia, which is spoken by over 80% of the population. Apart from being one of the two official languages of Malaysia, Malay is also the language of the national anthem. Malay is a fascinating language, with a variety of 10 different dialects spoken throughout the country. Of all these dialects, Bahasa Indonesia, common to the southern Malay Peninsula, is the most important and widely used. It is one of the most tolerant languages and is the language of the majority.
However, the second official language of Malaysia is English, which is also one of the most commonly spoken languages. It is used in higher education and in the business sector, and is a great tool for international communication. The other main languages spoken in Malaysia are Mandarin and Tamil.
Malaysia is an amazing country, with a fascinating history and culture. It is renowned for its rich heritage, diverse population and various languages. Its official language, Malay, is an important part of its cultural identity and is used by a large majority of Malaysians. The other official language, English, is also widely spoken and used in many aspects of life.
So, if you are ever visiting Malaysia, make sure to take the time to learn some Malay and show your respect for the culture and language of the country. You will be sure to find that Malaysians will be very welcoming and friendly, no matter what language you speak!
Malaysian Religion
Islam is the official religion of Malaysia, and is followed by approximately three-fifths of the population. This is one of the most significant ways in which Malaysians differentiate themselves from non-Malay citizens. By law, all Malaysians must be Muslim.
The Chinese people of Malaysia generally follow either Buddhism or Daoism, though a small minority adhere to various Christian denominations. Meanwhile, the majority of Indian and Sri Lankan people practice Hinduism, while the Pakistanis are predominantly Muslim. There is also a Christian population among the Indians.
The Sikh people of Malaysia are largely followers of Sikhism, which is their own religion. Other non-Malay indigenous peoples of Malaysia have adopted Islam, while some communities still adhere to their own local religious beliefs and practices. In Sarawak, the Iban and Bidayuh communities usually follow either Anglican, Protestant or Roman Catholic denominations. The Melanau, however, are primarily Muslim, with some Christian followers.
To sum up, Malaysia is a multi-religious and multi-cultural country, with a large Muslim population. This is the result of centuries of history, and the nation’s commitment to religious freedom and cultural diversity.
Permits for Immigration and Entry in Malaysia
Are you a foreign national who is not a Malaysian citizen but wishes to enter and reside in Malaysia as a permanent resident? If so, you can apply for an entry permit according to Section 10 of the Immigration Act and Section 4 of the Immigration Regulations 1963.
It is important to note that an entry permit is issued in the form of a document and must be kept safe alongside your passport and other travel documents.
The Immigration Office issues Entry Permits based on four (4) categories: Investors and Experts (A1), Professional (A2), Spouse of Malaysian citizen and Child / Children of Malaysian citizen below age of 6, and Point System. Each category has its own set of requirements and regulations, so it’s important to look into each one before applying.
Malaysia Visitors Permits
Most visitors to Malaysia do not need a visa to enter the country – as long as you have a valid passport! However, some nationalities do require a visa to visit Malaysia, so it’s important to check your visa requirements before you travel.
Once you’ve arrived in Malaysia, you’ll be issued with an entry permit stamp on your passport for 14, 30 or 90 days. The length of time you’ll be able to stay in Malaysia depends on your country of origin and usually ranges from 14 to 30 days. Some European and American citizens even have the privilege of staying up to 90 days!
We know that planning your trip to Malaysia can be a bit confusing and it’s important to be aware of the various visa requirements and entry permit stamps. But don’t worry – help is at hand! You can contact the Malaysian Immigration Department if you have any questions or concerns about visa requirements for your specific nationality.
Malaysia Health and Safety
Here you can find the most up-to-date information.
Malaysia Currency
Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a frequent traveler, or an investor in Malaysian financial markets, understanding the Malaysian Ringgit and its role in the country’s economy is essential.
The Malaysian Ringgit (RM) is the official currency of Malaysia and is divided into 100 sen. Coins come in 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 sen denominations, while banknotes are available in 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 RM denominations.
The Malaysian Ringgit is one of the most traded currencies in the world and is widely used in Southeast Asian countries. As a result, it has been a strong and stable currency since its introduction in 1974.
In terms of its purchasing power, the Malaysian Ringgit is a very strong currency, particularly for those coming from countries with weaker currencies. This is due to the fact that Malaysia has a strong and thriving economy, and its monetary system is backed by the country’s strong reserves of foreign exchange.
It is also relatively easy to transfer money in and out of Malaysia, making it a great option for those looking to invest or transfer money abroad.
At the same time, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with investing in Malaysian currency, as well as other foreign currencies.
These risks include the potential for exchange rates to fluctuate drastically, and the potential for capital loss due to the fluctuations. For this reason, it is important to do your research and understand the risks before investing in any foreign currency.
For those looking to travel to Malaysia, the Malaysian Ringgit is the ideal currency to use. Not only is it widely accepted in many places in the country, but it also provides easy access to financial services such as ATMs, banks and money changers.
We hope you found this guide to the Malaysian currency helpful. Whether you’re traveling to Malaysia or investing in the country’s currency, understanding the Ringgit and its role in the economy is essential. With the right information, you’ll be able to make the most of your financial opportunities in Malaysia.
Malaysia Banks
In Malaysia, the banking industry is regulated and monitored by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), the country’s central bank. BNM works to ensure the safety, soundness, integrity and stability of the banking system by setting its own prudential standards and regulations.
The two main banking services provided in Malaysia are conventional banking and Islamic banking. Conventional banking services are provided by commercial banks and include deposit accounts, loans, mortgages, credit cards, leasing and more. Islamic banking services are offered by Islamic banks in the country, conforming to the principles of Sharia law, and include Murabaha, Mudarabah and Wakalah financing.
The commercial banking sector in Malaysia is quite diverse, offering a range of products and services to meet the needs of consumers and businesses. Some of the major players in the sector are Maybank, CIMB, Public Bank, RHB, AmBank, Hong Leong Bank, Alliance Bank, Bank of China, and Standard Chartered. Each of these banks offers a variety of products and services, such as savings accounts, current accounts, credit cards, loan facilities, treasury services and more.