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Malaysia e-Visa is not available for Malaysia passport holders. If you want to know about entering Malaysia, please kindly contact Malaysia Embassy or at the Head office of the Department of Immigration in Malaysia.
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Kuala Lumpur boasts an efficient and affordable public transportation network that makes exploring the city convenient for visitors. The integrated rail system includes the MRT and LRT lines which cover most major attractions and neighborhoods, with fares ranging from RM 0.80 to RM 8.00 depending on distance traveled. The Monorail provides excellent connectivity between popular areas like KL Sentral and Bukit Bintang.
For budget travelers, the Go KL City Bus offers free rides around the central tourist district, while the extensive RapidKL bus network reaches areas not covered by rail. The KTM Komuter train service is ideal for longer journeys within the Klang Valley region, connecting Kuala Lumpur to surrounding suburbs and towns.
In 2025, Malaysian travelers will encounter new travel restrictions primarily due to the implementation of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
Starting in 2025, Malaysian citizens will be required to apply for an ETIAS before entering participating European countries. Malaysian citizens can stay for short stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes. This online application must be completed at least 96 hours before departure, and it is designed to enhance security by screening travelers from non-EU countries.
Travelers must also have a machine-readable e-passport to qualify for ETIAS. Although there are no COVID-19 vaccination requirements for entering Malaysia at the moment, travelers should remain aware of other entry rules. For example, they must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within three days before arriving.
Since travel regulations are constantly changing, travelers must stay updated. They should check for any updates on visa requirements or travel advisories throughout the year. These new rules emphasize the need for Malaysian travelers to plan their 2025 trips carefully, ensuring they meet both Malaysian and international travel requirements.
By 2025, Malaysia’s travel insurance regulations are expected to change to improve travel safety and ease immigration. One of the key changes could be the requirement for international visitors to have travel insurance. This insurance would cover things like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage to protect visitors financially during their stay.
While Malaysia is not currently enforcing strict COVID-19 regulations, insurance may also need to cover COVID-19-related expenses, such as treatment or quarantine. These changes are aimed at protecting the country’s healthcare system as well as tourists.
Travelers will also have to show proof of insurance when applying for visas or the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), so it will be an important part of travel planning. As the rules change, tourists will need to check the insurance requirements for their trip because different visa types and entry rules might have different expectations. These changes show that the Malaysian government wants to protect travelers while keeping Malaysia a popular place to visit.
In 2025, the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) regulations for Malaysia will continue to be enforced after being implemented on 1 October 2024. This system requires all foreign-registered vehicles, especially those from Singapore, to have a VEP to enter Malaysia.
The VEP is a radio frequency identification (RFID) card that is valid for five years. It serves multiple purposes, including managing vehicle entry, collecting road tolls, and tracking traffic fines. Once the VEP is fully operational, compliance checks are expected to be more stringent. Specifically, you will be fined up to RM2,000 or possibly jailed if you do not have a valid permit.
In addition, with the aim of meeting the needs of Singaporean drivers, the Malaysian government plans to improve the registration process by increasing the number of installations in Johor Bahru. The infrastructure improvements are aimed at streamlining operations. They are also designed to reduce waiting times for vehicle owners applying for a VEP card.
Overall, no major changes are anticipated to the VEP requirements for 2025. Ongoing adjustments are likely to be made to improve the registration process and enforcement measures. Authorities will monitor the situation and respond to challenges encountered during the initial implementation.
To get to Pangkor Island, visitors usually start their journey by going to Lumut, a coastal town in Perak, Malaysia. The most popular route is to take a bus from Kuala Lumpur’s Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), which runs every 30 minutes and costs around RM30, taking about four and a half hours.
Alternatively, visitors can choose to take a boat to Batu Gajah, then take a taxi or bus to Lumut. Once in Lumut, the main mode of transport to the island is by ferry. There are two ferry services: one from Lumut that takes around 40 minutes, and one from Marina Island that is a 10-minute faster journey. Ferry fares are quite reasonable, with a return ticket from Lumut costing RM10.
Once on the island, transport options include free pink taxis (microvans) and motorbike rentals, which are popular due to the island’s small size and limited transport options. Motorbike rentals typically range from RM25-40 a day, making it a reasonable option for exploring Pangkor’s scenic routes.
In general, combining a bus or train ride to Lumut followed by a scenic ferry will be an accessible route to see the beauty of Pangkor Island.
There are several ways to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang:
By Train and Ferry:
Take the train from Kuala Lumpur Sentral to Butterworth. From Butterworth, take the ferry to Penang Island. This journey takes about 4 hours and costs RM 27–113.
By Flight:
Fly from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Penang International Airport (PEN). The flight takes about 1 hour, and the total travel time, including transfers, is around 2.5 hours. Prices range from RM 85–250.
By Bus and Ferry:
Take a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth and then the ferry to Penang. This option is budget-friendly, costing RM 27–54, and takes about 5 hours and 20 minutes.
By Car:
Drive from Kuala Lumpur to Penang, which takes about 3 hours and 48 minutes, covering a distance of 354 km.
Intercity buses represent the most comprehensive network for interstate travel in Malaysia, offering frequent departures, comfortable coaches with amenities, and affordable fares connecting virtually every major city and town. Premium operators like Aeroline and KKKL provide luxury options with spacious seating and onboard refreshments.
For scenic routes, consider Malaysia's rail network operated by KTM, particularly the jungle-lined East Coast line or the historic North-South route. Domestic flights operated by Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Firefly are time-efficient for longer distances, especially when traveling between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak).
Malaysia's long-distance buses are remarkably reliable with punctual departures and comfortable travel experiences. Premium operators maintain modern fleets with air conditioning, reclining seats, onboard entertainment, and WiFi connectivity. Express services between major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru run hourly during peak times.
Transnasional, Plusliner, and Konsortium Bas Ekspres dominate the interstate routes with excellent safety records. During holiday periods, advance booking is essential as services can be fully booked days ahead. Most long-distance buses now offer online ticketing through platforms like BusOnlineTicket and Easybook.
Currently, Malaysia does not have operational high-speed trains. The conventional KTM ETS (Electric Train Service) reaches speeds of up to 140km/h, which is considered medium-speed by international standards. This service primarily connects Kuala Lumpur with northern cities like Ipoh and Penang.
The Kuala Lumpur–Singapore high-speed rail project has been revived after previous postponements and is now expected to be completed around 2031. When operational, this 350km/h service will reduce travel time between these major Southeast Asian cities from 4+ hours to just 90 minutes.
To strengthen border security and expedite immigration processes, Malaysia has implemented a new travel requirement. All foreign travelers entering Malaysia are required to fill out the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) before they arrive. This digital project intends to strengthen security and public health measures while streamlining admission processes and guaranteeing a more seamless travel experience.
The Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) is an online form that visitors must complete to provide health-related and essential travel information. When entering Malaysia, it serves as a pre-arrival document to speed up immigration processing.
The majority of international tourists visiting Malaysia are required to complete the MDAC. But there are several exceptions:
To guarantee a smooth entrance procedure, visitors to Malaysia should frequently check for updates on MDAC requirements. Following the guidelines will ensure that tourists do not have to wait around to take in Malaysia's rich history, breathtaking scenery, and lively culture.
Travelers are highly encouraged to visit the official MDAC website, which is run by Malaysia's Immigration Department, for a comprehensive list of exemptions and other further information.
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