Malaysia is a fascinating country that offers a blend of modern cities like Kuala Lumpur and natural wonders like the rainforests in national parks and conservation areas such as the Danum Valley. The richness of its cultural landscape is amplified by the diverse population, which includes Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese, and Indigenous communities.
You’ll find the people in Malaysia to be incredibly friendly and open-minded. Since a majority of the population speaks English, making new friends and meeting people is usually pretty easy.
Before traveling to Malaysia, travelers need to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). This electronic registration system simplifies the arrival process. Instead of the old paper-based disembarkation/embarkation card, you now just need to present the QR code confirmation of your submission upon arrival.
Make sure your standard vaccinations are up-to-date before you go. If you’re planning an extended stay, it’s wise to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, and Rabies. Also, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if you’re arriving from a high-risk area for the disease. For those heading into rural parts of Malaysia, anti-malaria tablets and mosquito repellent are highly recommended.
Malaysia, like other Southeast Asian countries, has a hot and humid climate year-round. Pack light and loose clothing, but also include some long-sleeved items and pants for visits to areas outside typical tourist spots and for entering sacred places, as a significant portion of the population is Muslim.
If you’re traveling between June and October, prepare for the monsoon season. Waterproof clothes, boots, and an umbrella could be very handy during this time.
Internet access is very reliable across Malaysia. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hostels, hotels, coffee shops, malls, and even airports. If you prefer a more stable connection, consider getting a prepaid sim card, which can range from 20 to 50 MYR, depending on the plan and provider. Using a virtual private network (VPN) is a good idea when accessing public Wi-Fi.
Malaysia consists of two main regions: Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo. There are no land connections between these regions, giving each its own unique character. Peninsular Malaysia is where you’ll find the bustling cities and some of the country’s most exquisite temples and delicious cuisine. In contrast, Malaysian Borneo is a paradise for adventurers, offering activities such as scuba diving at Sipadan, seeing orangutans, and climbing Mount Kinabalu.
You can explore both regions in one trip, as flights are the fastest and most convenient way to travel between them. Malaysia’s beaches, especially those on Perhentian Island, are world-class and rival the stunning coastlines of Thailand and Indonesia. The country’s affordable scuba diving experiences are another great attraction.
A huge highlight of visiting Malaysia is the diverse and delicious food. From the local favorite Nasi Lemak, made with creamy coconut milk, to a vast array of dishes from all over Asia available at street food stalls and a variety of restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every palate.