Malaysia
Travel guide & places to visit in Asia
- Capital
- Kuala Lumpur
- Currency
- Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
- Language
- Malay (official), English, Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese), Tamil
- Best time
- March, April, May
About Malaysia
Upper-middle-income economy. Electronics, palm oil, petroleum, tourism. Diverse multicultural society.
Geography
Area: 330,803 sq km
- • Tropical: hot, humid year-round
- • Monsoon: northeast Nov-Mar, southwest May-Sep
- • Cooler in Cameron Highlands
Government
Type: federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Economy
GDP: $372.7 billion
Per Capita: $11,400
Demographics
Population: 33,871,431
Languages: Malay (official), English, Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese), Tamil
Religions: Muslim 61.3%, Buddhist 19.8%, Christian 9.2%, Hindu 6.3%
Explore Malaysia's Regions
Discover 16 distinct regions, each with unique landscapes and culture.
Major Cities in Malaysia
Explore 50 cities with unique attractions and experiences.
Places to Visit
island
Manukan Island
Malaysia
island
Perhentian Islands
Malaysia
Pinnacles in Mulu
Malaysia
artmuseum
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Malaysia
top
Crystal Mosque
Malaysia
Pinang Peranakan Mansion
Malaysia
Travel Essentials
Contact & Emergency
Phone Code: +60
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
fire: 994
police: 999
ambulance: 999
universal: 999
Practical Info
Electricity: 240V / 50Hz / Type G
Driving: Left
Water: Bottled only
Tipping
- • Not expected — 10% service charge usually added
- • Round up at hawker stalls
- • Not part of Malaysian culture
When to Visit Malaysia
Best Months
March, April, May, September, October
Peak Season
Dec-Feb (east coast monsoon but west coast dry)
Off Season
Nov-Feb (east coast monsoon, some islands close)
- Jan-Feb
Chinese New Year, Thaipusam
- May
Harvest Festival (Sabah)
- Jun-Jul
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
- Nov
Deepavali
Top Destinations in Malaysia
- 1Kuala Lumpur (Petronas Towers, Batu Caves)
- 2Langkawi (duty-free island)
- 3Penang (food capital, George Town UNESCO)
- 4Borneo/Sabah (Mount Kinabalu, orangutans)
- 5Cameron Highlands
- 6Malacca (UNESCO)
- 7Perhentian Islands
- 8Taman Negara (rainforest)
- 9Ipoh
- 10Sarawak (longhouses, caves)
- 11Tioman Island
- 12Kota Kinabalu
Cultural Tips
- Malaysia is multicultural — Malay, Chinese, Indian cultures coexist
- Food is incredible and cheap — hawker centers are the way to eat
- Remove shoes when entering homes and mosques
- Dress modestly at mosques and in conservative areas
- Don't eat with your left hand
- Alcohol is available but expensive due to taxes — beer is MYR 15-20
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malaysia safe?
Very safe. One of Southeast Asia's safest countries. Petty theft exists in KL. Borneo wildlife can be dangerous — follow guides.
How cheap is Malaysia?
Excellent value. Budget: MYR 100-200/day ($22-44). Street food: MYR 5-15 per meal. Beer is the only expensive thing (MYR 15-20).
Penang or Langkawi?
Penang for food (George Town is Asia's food capital) and culture. Langkawi for beaches and duty-free shopping. Both in 5-7 days combined.
What to Buy in Malaysia
Countries Bordering Malaysia - Cross-Border Travel Guide
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