Malaysia travel guide
Malaysia Tourism | Malaysia Guide
You're Going to Love Malaysia
From bustling cities to lush nature, a trip to Malaysia is a mix of delicious food, rainforests and wildlife, as well as islands that will take your breath away.
What to do in Malaysia
1. Visit Kuala Lumpur
From trying Malaysia street food at Jalan Alor to visiting the famous Petronas Towers and the Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur will fascinate you with its cultural mix.
2. Visit Georgetown
Georgetown is a multicultural hub located in Penang. Visit Buddhist and Chinese temples, relax in the Penang Botanic Gardens, or head to the Penang Hill for a special view.
3. Marvel at Tea Plantations
Head to the Cameron Highlands where you can admire tea plantations and visit tea factories to learn the making process.
4. Hike in Mount Kinabalu National Park
Active travelers will love discovering this national park, which offers panoramic views. If you want to take it easy, visit the Botanical Garden instead.
5. Go Diving and Snorkeling at the Perhentian Islands
A trip to the Perhentian archipelago is a must for any deep-sea lovers. Go snorkeling or swim with giant turtles. Relax at the beaches.
When to visit Malaysia
Malaysia is hit by two monsoons throughout the year. In the south, this happens from May to September, and October to March in the north. Keep this in mind when booking your trip to Malaysia and avoid monsoon season.
How to Get to Malaysia
Entry Requirements
Nationals of most countries can enter Malaysia with an entry permit stamp given on arrival for stays ranging from 14-90 days. Israeli citizens need to hold a letter of approval from the Malaysian Ministry for admission.
Plane
Malaysia is well-connected through flights and its national airline, Malaysian Airlines, flies to 150 countries. Low-cost airline AirAsia offers cheaper flights to and from a range of countries throughout Asia and Oceania.
Train
International Express trains are available from Thailand, connecting Bangkok with Padang Besar, and operated by Thai rail company State Railway of Thailand. It is also possible to arrive by train from Singapore with the Shuttle Tebrau line.
Car
It is possible to drive into Malaysia from all 4 bordering countries, with crossings available from Thailand, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia.
Bus
Direct bus connections are available from Singapore with a large number of services available, as well as Thailand and Indonesia. There are no direct connections to Brunei, but trips from the border are possible.
Boat
Ferries are available daily from various points in Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, and a more limited amount of ferries are available from the Philippines, linking the Zamboanga Peninsula to Sandakan.
Popular airports in Malaysia
Popular airlines serving Malaysia
Where to stay in Malaysia
Mid-range hotels are available throughout the country and are one of the most popular options for accommodation. If you are on a budget, hostels and apartment rentals are available in all touristy areas. For a bit of a splurge, you will find 5-star hotels in all the big cities.
Where to stay in popular areas of Malaysia
Most booked hotels in Malaysia
How to Get Around Malaysia
Public Transportation
A small metro system and 3 lines of monorail are available in Kuala Lumpur, but for the most part, the country functions on trains and buses, the latter being the cheapest travel option.
Trains
KTMB operates long distance trains throughout the country except for the areas of Sabah in Borneo. Electric trains service the northern part of the country, while the south still runs on diesel trains for the most part.
Bus
Buses are the most popular mode of transport as they can get you anywhere around the country. The two main bus companies are Transnasional and NICE/Plusliner.
Car
Malaysia has an excellent network of roads and highways, which makes driving easier than in other Asian countries. If you are planning to rent a car, please note that you will be driving on the left side of the road.
Plane
A large number of flights connect the country through AirAsia, Malaysian Airlines and Firefly. Some regional airlines offer flights on specific routes, such as Berjaya Air, which flies to resort islands.
Best car hire deals in Malaysia
Economy
2 Adults, 2 Bags
S$ 27/day
Passenger van
5 Adults, 2 Bags
S$ 121/day
The Cost of Living in Malaysia
The cost of everyday living in Malaysia is relatively inexpensive, with a cheap meal costing as little as 10 MYR (2.50 USD), a sit down meal for 2 costing around 60 MYR (15 USD), transportation starting at 3 MYR (0.75 USD) for a one-way trip, and groceries costing around 150 MYR (35 USD) per week. Major hotels and restaurants accept credit cards, but cash is best for small transactions.