Picture a land where people live among temples and high-rise towers, just moments away from tropical beaches and rainforests. That’s Malaysia.

The thrumming metropolis of Kuala Lumpur is one of a kind. In no other place will you find the likes of the glorious national mosque side by side with glimmering skyscrapers like the Petronas towers. Just kilometres north of here, the sacred Hindu shrines of Batu caves, paint an even more eclectic picture of this multi-faceted country. The strangely colonial island of Penang and the luxurious beaches of Langkawi will erase everything you thought you knew about Malaysia. And if you think this diversity is impressive, just wait til you try Malaysia’s world-famous food. 

Malaysia travel highlights

Our Malaysia trips

Tailor-Made trips

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Articles on Malaysia

Malaysia holiday information

Malaysia facts

Local culture of Malaysia

Geography & environment

Shopping guide to Malaysia

Malaysia festival calendar

Food & drink in Malaysia

Further reading

Malaysia travel FAQs

  • Australia: No - not required
  • Belgium: No - not required
  • Canada: No - not required
  • Germany No - not required
  • Ireland: No - not required
  • Netherlands: No - not required
  • New Zealand: No - not required
  • South Africa: No - not required
  • Switzerland: No - not required
  • United Kingdom: No - not required
  • USA: No - not required

The above nationalities do not need visas to visit Malaysia as a tourist for up to three months. Other nationalities should check with their Malaysian embassy or consulate.

Tipping isn’t common practice in Malaysia. Some restaurants may include a 10% surcharge with the bill. Other than that, there’s no need to tip for services. 

Malaysia has good internet access in the cities, but rural and remote areas will have little to no service.

Mobile coverage is good across Malaysia except in some rural and remote places. Remember to activate global roaming with your provider if you wish to use your mobile while traveling. 

Malaysia has both Western-style toilets and squat toilets, depending on where you go. Soap and toilet paper aren’t always provided so you may like to carry some with you.

  • Hawker food snack = 3 MYR
  • Cup of teh tarik (tea) = 1-2 MYR
  • Beer in a bar or pub = 8 MYR
  • Souvenir t-shirt = 10-20 MYR

Drinking tap water is not considered safe in Malaysia. For environmental reasons, avoid buying bottled water and bring a bottle or canteen with you. Ask your leader where you can access filters to refill your supply, or carry your own purification tablets with you. 

You’ll be able to use your credit card in places like hotels, malls and restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, however many local businesses may not accept credit cards.

Malaysia has plenty of ATMs in its rural areas but less of them in rural and remote places.

Yes. All peregrine passengers are required to purchase travel insurance prior to their trip. Your insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day.

For a current list of public holidays in Malaysia go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/Malaysia/public-holidays