From it’s vibrant capital Kuala Lumpur to lush green rainforests; Malaysia is a fantastic travel destination that offers almost anything you could ask for. This wonderful country is home to hundreds of exotic locations and important cultural sites waiting for you to discover. We made a short list of useful travel tips for Malaysia that we think you should have a look at it before you pack your suitcase.
Essential Travel Tips for Malaysia
- Official language is Malay in Malaysia but there are more than enough people living in urban areas and major touristic destinations can speak English.
- The Malaysian Ringgit is the local currency in Malaysia. You can find ATM machines in the bigger cities and famous tourist spots. When you are using cash, don’t accept RM500 and RM1000 denominations because they are demonetized. Some of the small merchants and street vendors don’t always accept credit cards; therefore you should always carry a little bit cash with you.
- In general, tipping is not common across Malaysia, most people won’t expect you to tip but some restaurants include a service charge in the bill.
- Although Malaysia is a modern country, certain areas of the country are conservative. Therefore, you may need to wear modest outfits in some places. If you are planning to visit lots of temples or spend time in rural areas, you may need to dress a little bit conservatively. Some temples might ask you to cover your legs and hair as well; therefore bringing a scarf or a pashmina is always a good idea.
- Generally the tap water is not that bad. However, depending on your location, you may encounter with rusty pipes and water with bad taste and odor. We suggest you to always prefer bottled water which is a lot safer and tastes better. Also, bottled water is not expensive in Malaysia.
- Bring an umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket and a pair of comfortable shoes for hiking and sightseeing. You may want to bring water-proof backpack or a dry bag to protect your camera and other electronics from rain.
- Bring a mosquito repellent with you.
If you have any questions or want to add something to our list, please don’t hesitate to comment below!
If you would like to read more information about the best honeymoon resorts in Malaysia or best time to visit Malaysia, click here to see our main article.