Malaysia Travel Planning – Essential Tips & Insights for your Dream Trip

Malaysia is a fascinating country known for its cultural diversity, stunning nature, and idyllic beaches.
Many travelers planning a trip to Southeast Asia often think of Thailand or Indonesia – but Malaysia deserves just as much attention!
Whether you want to experience the vibrant city life of Kuala Lumpur, explore paradise islands like Langkawi, or venture into the dense jungles of Borneo, Malaysia offers unforgettable experiences for every kind of traveler.

In this article, we've put together some useful travel tips and general information to help you before and during your trip to Malaysia.

1. BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA

Malaysia is a year-round travel destination, so the best time to visit really depends on your personal preferences.
Like many tropical destinations, Malaysia has distinct dry and rainy seasons.

On the west coast of Malaysia, the rainy season lasts from April to October.
That’s why the best time to visit this part of the country is between December and March, when the weather is usually dry and sunny.
For a trip to Borneo, the best time is between March and October, as the period from November to February tends to be wetter.

Good to know: Dry season doesn’t mean there’s no rain at all – there’s simply less rainfall than during the wet season, but occasional showers can still happen.

During our round trip in March, we experienced several heavy but short rain showers in both western Malaysia and Borneo.
We never really found it to be a problem – unless we didn’t find shelter in time.
After those short, intense downpours, the sun usually came back out quickly and dried everything in no time.

2. IDEAL TRAVEL DURATION FOR MALAYSIA

Just like the ideal time to visit, the perfect travel duration for Malaysia really depends on your personal preferences.
Many tourists spend around two weeks in Malaysia, which is more than enough to get a great first impression of the country.

However, if you want to dive deeper into the culture and explore not only mainland Malaysia but also islands like Langkawi or Borneo, you should definitely plan for more time.
We recommend spending around three weeks to truly experience the unique beauty of the country at a relaxed pace.

In general, the longer you stay, the better.
During our parental leave, we spent a total of six weeks in Malaysia – and we’re convinced we could have easily filled several more weeks with unforgettable experiences.

By the way: Want to know which countries we visited during our five-month parental leave trip through Southeast Asia and what we experienced there?
Then feel free to check out the following posts:

• Traveling Cambodia with a Baby – Tips, Useful Information & Our Experiences
• Bali Round Trip with a Baby – Route, Tips & Highlights
• Thailand Round Trip with a Baby - Route, Tips & Highlights‍
• Vietnam Round Trip with a Toddler – Itinerary, Tips & Highlights‍

3. MALAYSIA’S OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

The official language is Malay (Bahasa Malaysia), which is spoken by the majority of the population.
However, many other languages are also spoken, such as Mandarin, Tamil, and various local dialects used by different ethnic groups.

Malay has a simple grammar and is pronounced the way it’s written. Unlike Thai, Malay is not a tonal language, which makes it easier to learn.

English is also widely spoken, especially in cities and tourist areas. In more rural regions, however, English may be less commonly understood.
We believe it’s always helpful to learn a few words in the official language – it makes communication with locals easier and leaves a positive impression.

Here are some useful Malay words:

• Hello / Good morning – Selamat Pagi
• General greeting (formal/neutral) – Selamat Sejahtera
• Thank you – Terima Kasih
• Yes – Ya
• No – Tidak
• Goodbye – Selamat Tinggal

GOOD TO KNOW

If you're traveling to Malaysia, make sure to bring a suitable power adapter. Malaysia uses plug type G, the same as in the UK. Plug types commonly used in other countries – such as type C (Europe), type A (USA, Canada), or type I (Australia) – are not compatible without an adapter.
You can find the right adapter here: Malaysia Travel Adapter.

4. TIME DIFFERENCE

Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+8), and the time remains the same all year round, as Malaysia does not observe daylight saving time.
This means the time difference between your country and Malaysia will depend on your local time zone and whether your country uses daylight saving time.
For example, if it’s 12:00 noon in London (UTC+0 during winter), it’s 8:00 pm in Malaysia.

5. RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY IN MALAYSIA

Malaysia is a multi-religious country, with Islam as the dominant religion. Around 60% of the population are Muslims, primarily of Malay descent.
In addition, there are large Buddhist, Christian, and Hindu communities, especially among the Chinese and Indian populations.
Different religions are respected and generally coexist peacefully in Malaysia.
Mosques, Buddhist temples, and Hindu shrines can be found throughout the country and play an important role in daily life.
Tolerance and respect for other religions are highly valued in Malaysian society.

6. CURRENCY & PAYMENT METHODS

The official currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR or RM).

You can easily withdraw cash from ATMs in most cities and tourist areas using major credit cards. The fees depend on your bank.

Credit cards are accepted in many restaurants, bars, and hotels.
However, in remote rural areas and at some small street food stalls, cash is the only payment option.
This also applies to tips, which are often given in cash.
It's therefore a good idea to always carry enough cash with you, preferably in small bills.

If you want to exchange foreign currency, you can do so at banks or licensed money changers in cities and larger towns.
It's worth comparing exchange rates, as they can vary.
Don’t forget to bring your passport, as it’s usually required for currency exchange.

Our tip: Avoid exchanging money at currency exchange booths in the airport, as the rates there are often unfavorable. If you urgently need cash, it's usually better to withdraw it from an ATM, as the exchange rate is generally more favorable.

7. ENTRY & ARRIVAL IN MALAYSIA

Entry into Malaysia is possible with a valid passport. All travel documents must be valid for at least six months upon arrival.
For many nationalities, including those from the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and much of Europe, no visa is required for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
Upon arrival, travelers receive a “Social Visit Pass” – a stamp in the passport that permits a short-term tourist stay.

You may be asked to show proof of onward or return travel, as well as sufficient financial means to support your stay.

Flight times to Malaysia vary depending on your point of departure.
For example, a direct flight from London to Kuala Lumpur takes about 13 hours.
Major international airlines, including Malaysia Airlines, operate regular long-haul flights to Kuala Lumpur.
Tools like skyscanner can help you find and compare the best flight options for your journey.

8. GETTING AROUND IN MALAYSIA

Whether you're traveling on the Malaysian mainland or on the island of Borneo, there are plenty of options to get from A to B.
Thanks to the well-developed road network and solid infrastructure, getting around is generally easy and straightforward.

BY TAXI & RIDE-HAILING SERVICES

During our trip through Malaysia, Grab was the transport option we used most frequently.
Whether you're in Kuala Lumpur, George Town, Langkawi, or on the island of Borneo, popular apps like Grab, Bolt, and 12.Go.Asia (a transport platform developed specifically for Asia) make it easy to book rides for both short and long distances.
Prices are very affordable compared to many Western countries, making these services popular with both tourists and locals.

Traditional taxis in Malaysia – usually red or yellow – are equipped with a meter and typically start at a base fare of around 3 MYR.
Tipping is not expected, but it's always appreciated.

BY SCOOTER

Scooters are also a popular mode of transport in Malaysia, though not as common as in neighboring countries like Thailand or Indonesia, where they are the main way to get around. Still, renting a scooter can be a practical and budget-friendly option if you want to explore the surrounding areas independently and with more flexibility.
You'll find plenty of rental shops both in cities and rural areas.

Here are a few things to keep in mind before renting a scooter in Malaysia:

• Left-hand traffic: Malaysia drives on the left side of the road.
• Riding experience: If you’re not very experienced, it’s a good idea to practice in quieter areas first. In big cities like George Town, traffic can be dense and chaotic, so starting in a metropolis might not be the best idea.
• Driver’s license: You’ll need a valid international driving permit (IDP) along with your national license. Both documents must be presented if you’re stopped by police.

Good to know: While there is no nationwide law explicitly prohibiting young children or babies from riding on scooters, local authorities – especially in regions like Borneo – may discourage or restrict it for safety reasons. Helmets are mandatory for all riders, including passengers, and child-sized helmets are rarely available.
During our trip with our daughter, we chose not to use a scooter, as it was neither safe nor recommended in many places.

BY BUS

The bus is a popular means of transportation in Malaysia, especially for travel between major cities and tourist destinations.
Tickets are affordable and can be purchased at the station or online through platforms like 12.Go.Asia.

While schedules do exist, they are not always strictly followed, so it's a good idea to allow for some flexibility in your travel plans.

BY TRAIN

Trains are a popular and affordable way to travel in Malaysia.
While the railway network is relatively limited, some routes are ideal for exploring the country by train.
On Peninsular Malaysia, there are two main lines: one running along the west coast and another along the east coast.

The most well-known route follows the west coast, stretching from Padang Besar in the north (at the Thai border) down to Gemas in the south.
Along the way, you’ll pass major cities such as Butterworth (a suburb of George Town on Penang) and Kuala Lumpur.

Train types and comfort levels vary depending on the route and class.
On some routes, the trains are simple and functional, while others offer a more modern and comfortable experience with air-conditioning and assigned seating.
You can buy tickets at the station or easily book them in advance online through 12.Go.Asia.

BY PLANE

Malaysia has a well-developed domestic flight network that connects many cities across the country.
Domestic flights are a great option for travelers who want to cover long distances in a short amount of time.
Airlines like AirAsia, Firefly, and Malaysia Airlines operate routes to nearly all major tourist destinations within Malaysia.

During our trip, we chose to fly from George Town to Kuching on Borneo and back.
We booked our flights in advance using Asia-focused transport apps such as 12.Go.Asia or AirAsia.
These platforms often offer more affordable options compared to global alternatives like Skyscanner.

9. HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION

Malaysia offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels and mid-range hotels to luxurious resorts and all-inclusive stays.
In addition, there are many self-catering options such as apartments, often located in modern high-rise buildings and equipped with amenities like pools, gyms, convenience stores, and small playgrounds. Platforms like Tripadvisor and booking.com make it easy to find the perfect place to stay based on your preferences and budget.

During our 6-week trip through Malaysia, we stayed in a mix of hotels and modern apartments.
Here’s a quick overview of the most beautiful and comfortable places we stayed at:

• Modern Suite in George Town, Penang Island
• LoFF Suite 2 Bedroom at Kuching Riverine Resort in Kuching
• Bedrock Hotel in Ipoh  
• Queen Suites Tropicana The Residence in Kuala Lumpur City Centre – A luxurious suite near the iconic Petronas Towers

10. FOOD & DRINK IN MALAYSIA

Malaysian cuisine is as diverse as the country itself, shaped by a mix of Chinese, Indian, and Indonesian influences.
Dishes often feature fresh vegetables, herbs, spices, meats such as chicken or beef, as well as seafood and rice.

Rice and noodles are staples in many meals. Here are some traditional dishes you definitely should try:

1. Laksa – A spicy noodle soup served in variations like Asam Laksa (sour and spicy) and Curry Laksa (with coconut milk). It typically includes rice noodles, herbs, shrimp or chicken.
2. Nasi Lemak – A popular breakfast dish made with coconut rice, spicy sambal, a hard-boiled egg, peanuts, and cucumber. It’s often served with chicken, fish, or beef.
3. Char Kway Teow – Stir-fried flat rice noodles with shrimp, egg, tofu, and a savory soy-based sauce. A classic Malaysian street food.
4. Satay – Grilled meat skewers served with a rich peanut sauce. A beloved snack across Malaysia.
5. Fresh Fruits & Desserts – Malaysia is known for exotic fruits like durian, rambutan, and mangosteen. Popular desserts include Cendol (green rice noodles in coconut milk and palm sugar) and Kuih (bite-sized cakes made with coconut milk and sugar).

If all of this sounds a bit too exotic for your taste and you prefer more "Western" food, don't worry – that's easy to find too.
Especially in the larger cities, you'll come across plenty of Western-style restaurants and international fast-food chains.
Just keep in mind that prices tend to be a bit higher than for local food.

Alternatively, in every major city you’ll find large supermarkets or hypermarkets offering everything you need for self-catering.
Some of the most popular chains include AEON, LuLu Hypermarket, and Mydin.

Our tip: If you're in Kuala Lumpur and enjoy Shawarma, don’t miss Halab Gate Shawarma. Every day, a long queue forms outside this small shop – people line up to try the delicious, freshly made chicken or beef Shawarma, served with rice or fries.

11. VACCINATIONS FOR MALAYSIA

Although Malaysia is a tropical destination, no specific vaccinations are legally required for travelers from most countries.
However, certain vaccinations are recommended for extended stays or travel to rural areas.
These include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, and Typhoid.
They are especially advised for travelers who plan to visit remote regions or may have close contact with animals.

For up-to-date information and personalized recommendations, consult your doctor or check official health advisory websites in your home country.

12. LOCAL SIM CARD OR WIFI?

Getting a Malaysian prepaid SIM card is highly recommended for travelers who plan to leave their hotel frequently or go on a road trip.
With a prepaid SIM, you can easily check opening hours, order a Grab (ride-hailing), navigate with Google Maps, and use social media apps like WhatsApp.
You can also make phone calls in case of emergencies.

The most common prepaid SIM card providers for tourists in Malaysia are Maxis, Digi, and Celcom.
All offer strong 4G coverage and even 5G in many areas.
Prices are fairly similar across providers, especially for stays of up to 15 days.

It’s best to buy your prepaid SIM card right upon arrival at the airport.
You’ll need to show your passport at the time of purchase, which you should have with you anyway.
This way, you’ll be connected as soon as you land.

Provider booths are usually located near the baggage claim area.
The staff will help activate the SIM card and ensure it’s working properly. You can pay by cash or credit card.

If you don’t buy a SIM card at the airport and decide to get one later, you can visit a provider store—just search for one on Google Maps.

13. TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR MALAYSIA

HEALTH INSURANCE

Medical treatment costs in Malayisa are not covered by most national health insurance plans, so having private international health insurance is essential.
Some credit cards include international health insurance. If that’s not the case, we recommend comparing options on portals like VisitorsCoverage to find suitable coverage.
Typically, international health insurance is quite affordable per year, and in an emergency, it’s well worth the cost.

Our tip: Make sure the policy includes comprehensive coverage with no limit on claim amounts and covers repatriation in case of a serious illness.
Also, keep all receipts for medical treatments and medications you paid for upfront, so you can file claims with your insurance later or use them as proof of treatment.

TRAVEL LUGGAGE INSURANCE

Unfortunately, luggage or valuable items may sometimes get lost during a trip.
We opted for additional travel baggage insurance for the duration of our trip due to our expensive (tech) gear like cameras and drones.
This insurance is also typically inexpensive per trip or year and is invaluable in case of loss. Find and compare the best travel baggage insurance on VisitorsCoverage.

Our tip: Be sure to get comprehensive coverage with no claim limits, especially for high-value items!

14. OTHER IMPORTANT TIPS

• Travel Adapter: Malaysia uses plug type G, so be sure to bring a compatible adapter. Common plug types used in many countries, such as type C or F, are not compatible with Malaysian outlets. You can find the right adapter here: Malaysia Travel Adapter.
• Drinking Water: Do not drink tap water! It’s recommended to drink only bottled water.
• Tipping: Tipping is not as common in Malaysia as it is in some other countries, but it is still appreciated.
• Bargaining: Haggling is common at markets and with street vendors, but prices are fixed in supermarkets and larger stores.

WANT EVEN MORE TIPS, INSPIRATION, AND SIGHTS FOR YOUR MALAYSIA TRIP?THEN BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR OTHER POSTS:

• Traveling Malaysia with a Baby - Tips, Facts & Our Experiences
• How to Cross the Border from Thailand to Malaysia: Train, Bus, Shuttle, Taxi or on Foot

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Find affordable Transfers with 12Go.com
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Discover the best accommodations
• The best Travel Guides for Malaysia
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Malaysia

‍

Note: This blog post contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we earn a small commission. There is absolutely no change to the price for you.