Malaysia, also most popularly nicknamed the East Indies, is a surprising package of affordable adventure in lush forests and bustling cities, with a unique touch of ancient and modern heritage! As it’s the second most friendly country in Asia, tourists usually forget to consider the social norms and other factors that determine the success of their trip.
Knowing about the culture, transport, society, and seasons is a must, so here are some Malaysia travel tips to surprise the local guides with your extensive knowledge of navigating the country!
Best Time of the Year to Explore Malaysia: Beating the Heat
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Malaysia is as tropical as India, so you must prepare for high humidity, sudden showers, and sweat! As an Asian, you’re definitely trying to escape the rain on vacation. Those visiting Malaysia for the first time will be surprised to know that every part of the country receives rainfall in different months.
Book your India to Malaysia flight in advance to enjoy a lot of sunbathing and a few cloudy days from March to September. July is slightly crowded, being the peak tourism month. You’ll have to deal with heavy showers and thunderstorms if you visit between October and February.
Bright & Light Clothes only!
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Your suitcase must be filled with bright-coloured clothing, no matter the season and month you plan to visit Malaysia. Even during the rainy season, Malaysia retains its high temperatures of 32°C. Light, airy clothing will make it easier for you to explore outside air-conditioned spaces for hours.
Don’t forget to throw in a light cardigan or jacket to keep you warm in air-conditioned restaurants, malls, and buses, as the temperatures are always set to the lowest. One of the most necessary Malaysia travel tips is to pack a few formal clothes in case you need to visit any public office in Malaysia. Here is a list of a few items you should toss out of your suitcase when planning a trip to Malaysia:
- Gels, liquids, and aerosols over 100 ml
- Dry ice over 2.5 kg
- Seafood, meat, vegetables, fruits, and flowers
- Magnets
- Weapons
Get your Malaysia visa online, as it is one of the most necessary Malaysia travel requirements and also carry a passport, return tickets, and photographs.
Navigating Malaysia: Bus, Train, or Taxi?
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Malaysia has many modes of public transportation to explore while sticking to your budget. The most common transportation used by tourists here is the air-conditioned buses that move within cities which you can book online in advance, costing less than ₹100. Like India, Malaysia also has local and sleeper long-distance trains operated by the KTM. For comfortable transport, book a taxi through the Grab app. You can hop on ferries or boats to cross water bodies and get to the surrounding islands instead of sitting in a taxi for long hours.
When are you visiting Malaysia? Yes, the month and date matter greatly since most of the country’s population picks up their bags and embarks on a journey to their hometown a few days before the Chinese New Year and other Muslim, Hindu, and Catholic festivals. Ensure all your long-distance transport tickets are reserved weeks before if you’re visiting during such months.
Dealing with Cash exchange in Malaysia
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You don’t need a Malaysia travel guide when it comes to cash exchange in the country as they have cashless transaction options in crowded cities, allowing you to pay directly with an Indian credit or debit card. A must do in Kuala Lumpur is to visit the ATMs and withdraw enough ringgit to last you for a day if you plan to explore any of the smaller towns. You can also purchase forex online at the best rates in India itself.
Looking for helpful Malaysia travel tips to explore on a budget? Read How to Travel to Malaysia on a Budget!
The Food will remind you of Home
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The delicious Malaysian cuisine is inspired by a blend of Indian, Chinese, Thai, Javanese, and Sumatran cuisines. You will be reminded of home as it offers a combination of spicy and nutty flavours that match the local cuisine of India. Some foodie Malaysia travel tips about the dishes to try out are:
Curry Laksa: A delicious meal of noodles served in a decadent coconut curry.
Nasi Lemak: Malaysia’s national dish, Nasi Lemak is a delicious combo of rice and coconut drenched in a spicy chilli sambal.
Hokkien Mee: Inspired by Chinese cuisine, this noodle dish is flavoured with soya sauce and meat or prawns are added to enhance flavour.
Bak kut teh: A breakfast meat bone tea served with raw garlic and chillis that is made of tender pork and spices.
Nasi Kandar: Missing Indian food in Malaysia? Order this curry dish served on top of white rice to take you back home in a single bite!
One of the most important Malaysia travel tips is to avoid tipping, as the service charge is usually part of your bill already. These local meals served on a paper plate are 100% much more delicious than anything you’ve ever tried!
Thwarting the High Alcohol Prices
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Have you booked your Malaysia tour package to celebrate your birthday or anniversary? You might not be able to begin your special day with a cheer as heavy taxes are excised on alcohol as the country is predominantly Muslim. You can easily get cheaper alcohol on islands like Tioman and Langkawi where no additional taxes are added to the items you purchase. Central cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ipoh, etc are quite expensive for a party with alcohol.
Also read: 8 Must do Things in Malaysia
Do: Point with your Thumb
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When pointing at something in the distance or giving directions, it’s always best to use your thumb in Malaysia. Using your index finger is seen as a disrespectful and rude gesture, symbolizing aggression.
Do: Don’t worry about not knowing Malay. Speak in English
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As English is taught in most Malaysian schools, you can have a basic conversation with most locals without speaking Malay, especially in big cities! However, one of the best Malaysia travel tips to get closer to locals is to make some effort to learn a few common words, like:
- Terimah Kasih: Thank you. Sama sama: welcome as a response
- Selamat Jalan: Goodbye
- Ya: yes
- Tidak: No
- Cantik: beautiful
- Tolong: please
- Dah Makan: Have you eaten? (helpful If you’re making a new friend in Malaysia)
One of the most useful Malaysia travel tips 2024 to navigate the city is to learn the basic numbers from zero to ten.
Do: Eat Durians out of your Accommodation Space
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One of the most important things to do in Malaysia rarely anyone mentions is not to take your durian inside any of the hotels in Malaysia. The smell is impossible to get rid of, even with the strongest and best detergents and perfumes. It is good manners to avoid eating this fruit outside closed doors.
Do: Eat only with your Right Hand
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Locals consider using the right hand to eat an act of respect, as the left hand is considered to be the washroom hygiene hand. One of the main travel tips to Malaysia is to never use your left hand to grab food or touch your food with it during your meal to avoid being the target of many stares.
Do: Respect the Belief of the Supernatural
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Disrespecting nature is as severe as disrespecting the King or Prime Minister of any country in Malaysia. These beliefs date back to before other religions spread throughout the country. Mainly why you’ll see the locals ask for permission before urinating in forests. They also avoid picking up shiny things or rocks and taking them home from forests.
Don’t: Wear revealing clothes
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Like most Asian countries, Malaysia is pretty conservative when it comes to dressing up since Islam is the main religion. If you’re a female traveller, avoid wearing clothes that go above your knees and those with open backs for safety. This rule stands especially in holy places like mosques and temples for people of all genders.
Don’t: Men must not initiate a handshake
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Malaysians are very particular about their personal space, so you cannot go around shaking hands with people you meet while touring the city. If you’re a male traveller, please note that it is disrespectful and goes against tradition to shake hands with a woman unless they initiate the handshake. This is to show respect and consideration for the comfort of all women, as per Islamic laws. A polite nod or hello will go a long way.
Another of the most important Malaysia travel tips is to avoid touching the heads of anyone in the country, no matter the age or gender.
Don’t: Ever gift sharp items
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Are you invited to a house party and need to buy a gift? One of the most important things to avoid in Malaysia when it comes to gifting is all sharp items, no matter how much you think your friend needs them. Gifting a sharp object is considered unlucky and shows the intention of harming someone in Malaysia. So, think of your gifts as much as your outfits!
These Malaysia travel tips are perfect to get you accustomed to the country as a first-time traveller, covering travel, customs, money transaction details, and weather. Tell us all about how these tips helped you when you get back from your trip. Wishing you a happy vacation!
FAQs- Malaysia Travel Tips
What to prepare for a trip to Malaysia?
You must prepare a Malaysia visa, a passport valid for six months, and your Malaysia Digital arrival card. Don’t forget to check the luggage requirements before packing.
What do I need before travelling to Malaysia?
All visitors entering Malaysia must have a visa, Malaysia Digital arrival card, and passport that is valid for six months.
What do you need to do before entering Malaysia?
Book a return ticket before entering Malaysia. Keep a passport, visa, and your Malaysia digital arrival card on hand.
What to wear in Malaysia as a tourist?
Tourists, especially female travellers, must avoid clothing that shows too much of their skin. Avoid backless and sleeveless clothing and short pants and skirts. It might be fine to wear such clothes in public but keep in mind to wear modest clothing in holy spaces.
Can females wear shorts in Malaysia?
Wearing shorts is not appropriate for women in Malaysia as women must follow more conservative dress codes.
Should I cover my hair in Malaysia?
You’re not expected to cover your hair when visiting and exploring Malaysia.
What are the rules for tourists in Malaysia?
From 1st December 2023 and 31st December 2024, Indian citizens can visit Malaysia for 30 days without a visa. This is only applicable if you have a passport with a validity of six months and a filled MDAC form must be submitted three days before you arrive online.
Is Malaysia visa free for Indians?
Indian citizens with a passport don’t need a visa to explore Malaysia till 31st December 2024.
What can I bring into Malaysia?
You can bring in under 1 litre of liquids, including alcoholic beverages. Visitors should avoid bringing magnetized items, food items, medications without prescriptions, and dry ice.
If you like this, you’ll also love:
- 6 top theme parks in Malaysia
- Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur- Malaysia’s Top Tourist Attraction
- 30 interesting facts about Malaysia
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