ABOUT MALAYSIA

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian nation divided into two distinct regions: Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia, which lies on the island of Borneo. It is renowned for its cultural diversity, blending Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous traditions, making it a vibrant, multicultural society. Islam is the official religion, but the country embraces religious pluralism, with major festivals such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali celebrated widely.

The capital city, Kuala Lumpur, is a dynamic hub known for its impressive skyline, dominated by the Petronas Twin Towers. Economically, Malaysia is a powerhouse in Southeast Asia, with key sectors including manufacturing, electronics, oil and gas, and a rapidly expanding tourism industry. The nation's landscapes are equally diverse, featuring lush rainforests, mountain ranges, and idyllic beaches, with tourist hotspots like Langkawi and Mount Kinabalu attracting visitors from around the world.

With a tropical climate, Malaysia is a year-round destination, offering both urban exploration and eco-tourism experiences in its rich biodiversity. Politically, Malaysia operates under a unique system of constitutional monarchy, where the king is selected from one of nine Malay sultans every five years.

Malaysian cuisine is another standout, with its flavorful fusion of cultural influences. Dishes like nasi lemak, roti canai, and char kway teow are beloved by locals and visitors alike. Additionally, Malaysia is making a name for itself in sectors such as technology and innovation, and in sports like badminton and motorsports, especially with the prominence of the Sepang International Circuit, which hosts the MotoGP Malaysian Grand Prix and in the past hosted F1 races.

Entry into Malaysia

To enter Malaysia, most visitors do not require a visa for stays between 14 and 90 days, depending on their nationality. A passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry is mandatory. Upon arrival, travellers may be asked to provide proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for their stay.

Currency

The currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit, abbreviated as MYR and symbolised as RM. It is divided into 100 sen. Banknotes come in denominations of RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50, and RM100, while coins are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, and 50 sen. The Ringgit is stable and widely used across the country in cash transactions, although digital payment methods such as debit/credit cards and e-wallets are increasingly popular.

Foreign currency, particularly the US Dollar (USD), can be easily exchanged at banks, money changers, and airports. Exchange rates fluctuate, but as of recent trends, 1 US Dollar typically exchanges for about 4.50 to 4.70 Malaysian Ringgit. This rate may vary slightly depending on where you exchange your money and prevailing market conditions. It’s advisable to check current rates before exchanging large amounts of cash.

ATMs are widely available, and many accept international cards, allowing travellers to withdraw local currency directly. In urban centres, most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls, accept major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. However, it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller transactions, especially when travelling to rural areas or local markets where card payments may not be accepted.

Electricity

Malaysia uses a 230V power supply with a frequency of 50Hz. The plug type commonly used is type G, featuring three rectangular prongs, similar to the plugs used in the UK.

Mobile services

Mobile services in Malaysia are offered by several providers, including Maxis, Celcom, Digi, and U Mobile. SIM cards can be purchased easily at airports, convenience stores, and mobile phone shops. Prepaid plans with data are relatively affordable, and network coverage is good throughout the country, especially in urban areas.

However, if you need mobile data, we recommend apps like Airalo.

Important telephone numbers

Important numbers:

• Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 999
• Tourist Police: +60 3-2266 2222
• Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Information: +60 3-8776 2000
• Hospital Putrajaya: +60 3-8312 4200
• Note that the country's calling code is +60.

Interesting facts about Malaysia

Home to the World’s Tallest Twin Towers
The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004 and remain the tallest twin towers globally, standing at 452 metres.

Multicultural Harmony
Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures, with Malays, Chinese, Indians, and indigenous groups coexisting. This diversity is reflected in the country’s festivals, food, and traditions.

A Constitutional Monarchy with a Rotating King
Malaysia has a unique monarchy system where the king, called the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, is elected from one of the nine hereditary Malay sultans for a five-year term.

Diverse Wildlife
Malaysia is home to some of the world's most biodiverse rainforests, hosting rare species like the Malayan tiger, orangutans, and the Bornean pygmy elephant.

Tropical Islands
Malaysia has many stunning islands, such as Langkawi, Perhentian Islands, and Redang, known for crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and some of the best diving spots in the world.

Influence of Spices
Malaysia was once a major part of the ancient spice trade, which has heavily influenced its cuisine. Popular dishes like nasi lemak and laksa are famous for their rich and spicy flavours.

Multi-Religious Society
While Islam is the official religion, Malaysia embraces religious freedom. There are also significant communities of Buddhists, Hindus, and Christians, with many religious festivals celebrated.

Borneo’s Mount Kinabalu
Located in Sabah, Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Southeast Asia at 4,095 metres. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, drawing adventurers from around the world.

Genting Highlands 
Genting Highlands is a popular hill resort located in the Titiwangsa Mountains, about 1,800 meters above sea level. It’s famous for its cool climate, entertainment options and scenic views. 

Sepang International Circuit
Malaysia is known in the motorsport world for the Sepang International Circuit, which has hosted prestigious events like the Malaysian Grand Prix for both Formula 1 and MotoGP.

Largest Flower in the World
Malaysia is home to the Rafflesia, the largest flower on Earth, which can grow up to 1 metre in diameter and is found in the rainforests of Borneo.