Know Before You Go


Malaysia is an interesting country wherein you can do plenty of things from exploring jaw dropping landmarks, scenic wonders, picturesque beaches to lively festivities and celebrations. To have an ultimate escapade know something about Malaysia before leaving home.


Entry Formalities

  • Passport/Travel Documents
    Visitors to Malaysia must be in possession of valid passport/travel documents with a minimum validity of six months beyond the period of intended stay. In the case of a national passport not recognised by the Malaysian Government, the holder must be in possession of a document in lieu of passport obtainable at the nearest Malaysian Mission abroad. The national passport must also ensure his re-entry into the country of his citizenship.

    • Every visitor to Malaysia has to fill in a Disembarkation Card (IMM. 26). The card has to be handed over to the Immigration Officer on arrival together with the national passport or other internationally recognized travel document endorsed for travel into Malaysia. A passport/travel document is also necessary for travel between Sabah and Sarawak.

    • Visitor passes issued for entry into Peninsular Malaysia are not valid for entry into Sarawak. Fresh visit passes must be obtained on arrival at the point of entry in Sarawak. However, subject to conditions stipulated, visit passes issued by the Immigration Authorities in Sabah and Sarawak are valid for any part of Malaysia.  

  • Visa Requirements:

    • Commonwealth Citizens (except Bangladesh/India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), British Protected Persons or Citizens of the Republic of Ireland and Citizens of Switzerland, Netherlands, San Marino and Liechtenstein do not need a visa to enter Malaysia.

    • Citizens of Albania, Austria, Algeria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Republic of Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, Italy, United States of America, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, North Yemen, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Tunisia do not require a visa for a Social and Business visit not exceeding three months.

    • Nationals of ASEAN Countries do not require a visa for a Social and Business visit not exceeding one month.

    • Citizens of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, South Yemen do not require visa for a Social and Business visit not exceeding 14 days.

    • Citizens of Bulgaria, Romania and Russia do not require a visa for a Social and Business visit not exceeding one week.

    • Nationals of the Republic of China, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cuba, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, North Korea, Nepal, Myanmar, Taiwan, Vietnam and all Certificate of Identity (CI) holders must obtain a visa before entering Malaysia.

    • Citizens of nations other than those stated above (except Serbia Montenegro and Israel) are allowed to enter Malaysia for a Social and Business visit not exceeding one month without having a Visa.

    • A visitor intending to visit any part of Malaysia is required to be in possession of only one visa to travel direct from one part of the nation to another.

  • Visas are issued by Malaysian Diplomatic Missions abroad or British Consulates which act for Malaysia in countries where no diplomatic representation of Malaysia is established. All visitors to Malaysia should inquire at the nearest Malaysian Diplomatic Mission for the latest entry procedures and requirements.

Weather / Climate

The country usually experienced tropical weather but the good thing is it is never too scorching. Its average temperature ranges from 20° C to 32° C. Rainy days occur between November to February nevertheless traveling in Malaysia is always a pleasure.

What to Wear

Since the country has tropical climate in which it is sunny almost all year round it is better to wear light garments. In entering temples and mosques, women are advised to wear clothing with long sleeves and loose pants or long skirts.

When to Visit

Everyday is the best time to visit Malaysia because its beauty and charm never ceases. However, like any famous travel destinations all over the world, it has its own peak season also. It is highly suggested that you visit the country from May to September, as the weather is fine and perfect to laze around in the long stretch of soft white sands. If you will go for festivities and carnivals, tour the country on the months of November-January.

Time Zone

Malaysian time zone is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and Coordinated Universal Time.

Currency

The country’s local currency is known as Ringgit Malaysia (RM). It comes in the form of both notes and coins and are issued in the following denominations 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 10, 5, 2 and RM1 whilst coins include 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents and RM1 denominations.

Business Hours

The country operates in a normal eight working hour system with Saturdays as half-working day and Sunday as a day off. However, there are states in Malaysia practiced different working hours like in Kedah. Their full working days is on Saturday to Wednesday whilst Thursday is treated as half day in work. On the other hand, private establishments open from 9:00 in the morning to 5:00 in the afternoon. This is from Monday to Friday whilst on Saturday they start from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Tipping

Tipping solely depends on you however, major establishments like first class hotels and restaurants include an additional 10% service charge to your bills.

Water

Generally, it is safe to drink water straight from the tap but it is much safer if you drink from bottled ones to avoid yourself in catching water related diseases.

Tourist Police

Need help? Seek the Malaysian Tourist Police Unit for assistance. These tourist police officers patrol in different corners of the streets to render service and safeguard traveler’s security.