The Ultimate Travel Guide To Malaysia For First Timers

Are you planning a trip to Malaysia but don't know where to begin? Don't worry—we are here! In this travel guide Malaysia, we will explain everything you need to know before you visit Malaysia. You'll find your answers here about how to travel to and get around Malaysia, as well as information on the best destinations to visit, what currency to bring, which languages are spoken there, and more.

Malaysia is one of the most visited countries in Southeast Asia and it is easy to see why!

This Southeast Asia country has something for every traveler, from bustling cities, tropical islands, to ancient rainforests.

What can I expect when traveling to Malaysia?

Malaysia is quite similar to the other well-known countries. Gorgeous sandy beaches, crystal clear water and great locations for diving, snorkeling, and other water sports may all be found here. 

Additionally, you may get up close and personal with wildlife and unspoiled nature. Whether it is the well-known proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, or orangutans. If all of this is not enough, the country's interior has a lot of culture, history, and typical city life.

Malaysia is one of the most visited countries in Southeast Asia

Best time to visit Malaysia

Unfortunately, there is no exact answer to this question. The weather is already unpredictable in other countries, and Malaysia is no exception.

In general, between November to August is the best time to visit other areas of Peninsular Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur. Even though the temperatures are constant year-round, this is the best time to avoid the worst of the monsoon season. Remember that it can still rain occasionally, so make sure you have your raincoat when going out.

If you want to travel to the East Coast of Malaysia, you should plan your vacation between March and September. Visiting the tropical rainforests of Borneo's Sabah or Sarawak is also recommended during this time.

You can read more about Month-By-Month Guide For Visiting In Malaysia

Best time to visit Malaysia

How to get around in Malaysia

Traveling in Malaysia is quite simple. With a great infrastructural network means you can look forward to a hassle-free trip. This Malaysia travel guide book has put together all the necessary transportation information to help you plan your Malaysia adventure and explore this beautiful country.

By bus

The nationwide bus system in Malaysia is extensive and user-friendly, with frequent express buses between all major cities and towns. Bus travel in Malaysia can be effective, but it is not always safe due to a combination of good roads and careless drivers. 

It is a good idea to book tickets online in advance on busy weekends and public holidays. The air conditioning can be extremely freezing, so even in the tropical heat outside, you will still need to rug up to keep comfortable on long travels.

You might have to take older fan-cooled buses to get to more remote destinations.

By train

Malaysia's railway network is limited from south to north. It is not the quickest way, because the train will stop at most rest stops along the way, but we think it is well worth it since it is a fun way to meet some locals.

By boat

To get to the small tropical islands offshore, you can only travel by boat. These are usually small-sized boats that can take you to the islands easily. Most boat trips take between 30-45 minutes. It takes about 2 hours to sail in a wooden jungle boat to visit the Taman Negara.

Domestic Flights

In case you have limited time or would prefer to travel longer distances faster, domestic flights are the best choice. Flying is the best option for certain routes, for example, the one between Penang and the east coast. The most often used airline is Air Asia, followed by Silk and Batik Air.

Local transportation

For a more authentic experience, we always advise visitors to take the local transportation in the cities and towns. Additionally, it allows you to explore at your own pace and chat with the locals.

You can take a taxi, Tuk-Tuk, or moped depending on your preference.

How to get around in Malaysia

Visa, currency, budget, and language in Malaysia

Visa

All international visitors wishing to travel to Malaysia will need a visa, except visitors from countries on the exempt country list for Malaysia visas. You can check the visa requirements for Malaysia here.

If your country is not included in the list of exempt countries, a Malaysia visa will be REQUIRED for you. Applying for the appropriate sort of visa depends on your purpose for visiting Kenya as well as the documents you have been recommended. Travelers from all over the world may now apply for a Malaysia eVisa at home without having to go to their local Malaysian embassy or consulate.

Currency and payment

The Malaysian Ringgit, denoted MYR, is the currency used in Malaysia. Currently, €1 is equivalent to 5 MYR. Depending on the conditions of your card, we advise you to exchange or withdraw cash locally for your travel to Malaysia. In some restaurants, we could pay with a card, but this was not the case everywhere. Acceptance is not very high, particularly if you use American Express. Therefore, it is worth bringing some Euros with you so that you may exchange them for MYR on the spot.

Budget when traveling to Malaysia

As always, the budget you need to travel depends a lot on your travel habits. Of course, a budget trip to Malaysia is also an option. If you typically travel through Southeast Asia with a backpack, you'll also pay a lot less in Malaysia. But if you like luxury hotels, you'll need to spend a little more money.

Language

Worried about a communication gap? The majority of Malaysians are multi-lingual, therefore there is no need to fear. Of course, Bahasa Melayu is the official language, but educated locals and those employed in the service industry also frequently speak English. Mandarin, Cantonese, Tamil, Hokkien, and many more languages are also spoken.

Particularly in Kuala Lumpur, English is widely spoken. Malaysians have realized the value of the English language as a tool for business and travel since multinational enterprises and foreign visitors have become more prevalent.

Visa, currency, budget, and language in Malaysia

Best places to visit Malaysia

If this is your first trip to Malaysia, all planning may seem overwhelming. As a first-timer in Malaysia, you should tour Kuala Lumpur and visit at least one night market.

Everything else is up to your personal preference. Would you prefer to focus on diving and snorkeling? Then, you will discover nice places in Malaysia's east or Borneo. You cannot miss Sabah and the Kinabatangan Wetlands if you like to explore the jungle, go on a hike, and see the wildlife. In addition, Langkawi is a great option if you are looking for the perfect place for your honeymoon.

If you want to learn more about Malaysia, please check out 10 Best Places To Visit In Malaysia here.

We really hope that this travel guide Malaysia will help you with your travel plans and ensure that you will have a memorable holiday in Malaysia.