Malaysia is one of the easiest countries in Asia for independent travel: it is safe, affordable, well connected and largely English-speaking. Still, a little planning goes a long way, especially when it comes to the monsoon and to local customs. This guide gathers the practical essentials so you can travel with confidence.
When to go: understanding the monsoons
Malaysia is tropical and hot all year round, with temperatures typically between 27 and 33 degrees Celsius and high humidity. There is no cold season, only wetter and drier periods that differ between coasts.
- The east-coast monsoon runs roughly from November to February, bringing heavy rain to the east coast of the peninsula and to Borneo. During this time many east-coast islands, such as the Perhentians and Redang, close down or become hard to reach.
- The west coast, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi, is generally drier and best from around December to April.
In practice you can visit Malaysia at any time of year, you simply choose which coast to focus on. Even in the wet season, rain often falls in short, intense afternoon downpours rather than all day.
Getting around
Malaysia has excellent and inexpensive transport. Domestic flights on AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines connect the peninsula with Borneo and outlying towns quickly and cheaply. Intercity buses are comfortable, air-conditioned and remarkably affordable, linking almost every town. Trains run by KTM, including the fast and modern ETS services, glide up and down the west coast.
Within Kuala Lumpur, an efficient network of LRT, MRT and monorail lines makes getting around simple, and the ride-hailing app Grab is available across the country for taxis, cars and even food delivery. For most travellers a combination of budget flights, buses and Grab covers everything.
Money and the ringgit
The currency is the Malaysian ringgit (MYR), divided into 100 sen. Cash is still widely used, especially at hawker stalls and markets, but cards and mobile payment are common in cities. ATMs are everywhere. The rechargeable Touch n Go card and its e-wallet are extremely useful for tolls, public transport, parking and many shops, and are worth setting up early in your trip.
Visas and entry
Malaysia is welcoming to visitors. Citizens of many countries, including most of Europe, the United States, Australia and much of Asia, can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, while others receive up to 30 days. Requirements change, so always check the latest rules and complete the online arrival card before you travel.
Languages
The national language is Bahasa Malaysia (Malay), but English is very widely spoken, especially in tourism, business and cities, making Malaysia one of the easiest destinations in Asia for English speakers. You will also hear various Chinese dialects and Tamil, reflecting the country's mixed population. Learning a few words of Malay, such as terima kasih for thank you, is always appreciated.
Religion and etiquette
Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country that is also home to large Buddhist, Hindu and Christian communities, and respect for this diversity matters. When visiting mosques, dress modestly, cover shoulders and knees, remove your shoes and, for women, cover the hair; robes are often provided at the entrance. The same modesty applies at Hindu temples. During the fasting month of Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking conspicuously in public during daylight in more conservative areas. As across much of Asia, use your right hand for giving, receiving and eating, and ask before photographing people.
Health, safety and practicalities
Malaysia is a safe destination with low levels of violent crime; normal urban caution against pickpocketing is enough. The main challenges are the heat and humidity, so drink plenty of water, use sun protection and pace yourself. Stick to bottled or filtered water rather than tap water. No special vaccinations are required for most visitors, though it is wise to consult a travel clinic before longer jungle or Borneo trips.
Electricity is 240 volts using the British-style three-pin type G plug, so travellers from many countries will need an adapter. With cheap and delicious hawker food, moderately priced accommodation and a superb transport network, Malaysia is friendly to almost any budget, from backpacker to luxury.