12 Essential Malaysia Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
We think that Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia’s most diverse and underrated travel destinations. It offers a rich mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous cultures, along with colonial heritage and lush landscapes. We think it’s ideal for first-time visitors looking for a blend of Asian cities, nature, and beaches.
We’ve visited Malaysia several times and always find something new to discover. From the vibrant streets of Kuala Lumpur to the jungles of Borneo and the white sands of Langkawi, here are our 12 essential Malaysia travel tips to help you plan your first trip with confidence.
12 Essential Malaysia Travel Tips
1. Check Visa Requirements in Advance 🛂
Many nationalities, including travellers from the UK, EU, US, Australia, and New Zealand, can enter Malaysia visa-free for 30 to 90 days.
Tips:
✔️ Confirm your eligibility via the official immigration website. A visa takes between 2 – 7 days to process so don’t leave it till the last minute.
✔️ Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months and have at least three blank pages in it. You will be asked to show proof of onward travel at the application stage.
✔️ There is no fee for visa-free entry but you must ensure you get your entry stamp at immigration.
💡 Tip: Keep a printed or digital copy of your return ticket in case you’re asked at immigration.
2. Malaysia Is a Year-Round Destination ☀️🌧️
Malaysia is hot and humid year-round. You should expect temperatures around 30°C (86°F) and sudden tropical downpours whenever you choose to visit.
Tips:
✔️ Bring light, breathable clothing and an umbrella or rain jacket.
✔️ The best time to visit the west coast (Langkawi, Penang) is November – March.
✔️ The best time to visit the east coast (Perhentian Islands, Redang) is from April – October.
✔️ Borneo (Sabah & Sarawak) has mixed weather year-round.
💡 Tip: Rain often comes in short bursts so plan activities for early in the day and research a few indoor alternatives.
3. Currency and Payments 💳💵
Malaysia uses the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR or RM). Credit cards are accepted in most cities, but cash is still useful.
Tips:
✔️Use ATMs in banks or malls to get the best rates.
✔️Carry small notes for local food stalls, public toilets, and small purchases.
✔️Digital payments (e.g. GrabPay, Touch ‘n Go eWallet) are growing in popularity.
💡 Tip: Avoid currency exchange at airports as the rates are usually poor.
4. Dress Modestly but Comfortably 👕🧕
Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, and while it’s more relaxed than other Muslim countries, modest clothing is appreciated especially outside major cities. It also shows that you respect the local religion and customs.
Tips:
✔️ Lightweight trousers or long skirts with sleeved tops work well for both genders.
✔️ In major cities like KL and George Town, shorts and sleeveless tops are fine but bring a cover-up for religious sites or rural areas.
✔️ If you’re planning to visit mosques remember that arms, legs, and hair must be covered. Scarves are usually provided but we prefer to bring our own.
💡 Tip: Wear shoes that are easy to slip on/off as many religious sites require removal.
5. Learn a Few Malay Phrases 🗣️
English is widely spoken in urban areas, but we always find that locals appreciate tourists using a few words in Bahasa Malaysia.
Useful phrases:
✔️ Selamat pagi – Good morning
✔️ Terima kasih – Thank you
✔️ Berapa? – How much?
✔️ Tandas di mana? – Where is the toilet?
💡 Tip: Chinese, Tamil, and English are also commonly spoken, reflecting Malaysia’s diversity.
6. Stay Connected with an eSIM or Local SIM 📱
Whether you’re navigating cities or jungles, it’s easy to get online in Malaysia.
Tips:
✔️ Buy a SIM card from providers like Hotlink, Celcom, or Digi at the airport or convenience stores.
✔️ Use an eSIM (e.g. Airalo) for instant access without physical cards.
✔️ Free Wi-Fi is common in malls, hotels, and restaurants.
💡 Tip: Use Grab (Malaysia’s ride-hailing app) for taxis, food delivery, and even payment.
7. Try All the Street Food (Safely!) 🍛🍜
Malaysia is a food paradise, and street food is a must. We love Malaysian food and it’s always a highlight of our trips.
Top dishes to try:
- Nasi lemak – Coconut rice with sambal, egg, anchovies & peanuts
- Char kway teow – Wok-fried flat noodles
- Roti canai – Flaky flatbread with curry
- Teh tarik – Sweet frothy milk tea
Tips:
✔️ Look for busy hawker stalls with high turnover. This means the food you order will likely be cooked fresh to order.
✔️Don’t drink tap water. Always buy bottled or use filtered water.
✔️ Use hand sanitiser before meals.
💡 Tip: Try hawker centres in Penang and KL for the best variety and hygiene.
8. Getting Around Malaysia Is Easy🚖🚇
Transport in Malaysia is convenient and affordable, especially with Grab. This app allows you to book and prepay local taxis.
Tips:
✔️ Download the Grab app for taxis and food delivery. Using the app means you won’t have to haggle over a fare price before making your journey.
✔️ KL has an efficient metro and monorail system which is great for sightseeing. There’s also a high speed train linking the city to the airport. Using the Touch n Go prepaid smart card will save time and money
✔️ Long-distance buses and trains connect cities affordably so travelling extensively around Malaysia is easy and within most budgets.
💡 Tip: Domestic flights are cheap and convenient for longer journeys (e.g. KL to Borneo or Langkawi).
9. Respect Local Customs and Religion 🙏
Malaysia’s multicultural society is tolerant, but respectful behaviour is expected.
Tips:
✔️ Dress conservatively in rural or religious areas. Avoid clothing with graphic images or offensive slogans.
✔️ Don’t raise your voice or argue in public as it’s frowned upon.
✔️ Always remove shoes before entering homes and places of worship.
💡 Tip: Friday is a prayer day for Muslims so be aware that some places may open later or be busier around mosque times.
10. Tipping Isn’t Mandatory, But It’s Appreciated 💰
Tipping is not a strong tradition in Malaysia, but it’s welcome for good service.
Tips:
✔️ In restaurants, round up or leave 5–10%.
✔️ Tip hotel staff and guides a few ringgit.
✔️Use small notes for tipping such as RM1, RM5, and RM10.
💡 Tip: Some restaurants and hotels include a 10% service charge so check your bill before leaving a tip.
11. Wildlife and Nature Are a Malaysian Highlight But Travel Responsibly 🦧🌿
From orangutans in Borneo to pristine islands in the Perhentians, Malaysia is rich in biodiversity. Its wildlife and nature attracts visitors from all over the world but to avoid environmental damage and animal exploitation, it’s essential that visitors travel responsibly.
Tips:
✔️ Visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre or Kinabatangan River in Borneo.
✔️ Snorkel or dive in Tioman, Perhentian, or Redang Islands.
✔️ Use ethical tour operators and avoid wildlife photo ops with captive animals.
💡 Tip: The dry season is best for island travel (April–October on the east coast).
12. Embrace the Blend and Take Your Time 🧘♀️
Malaysia is a place where temples, mosques, rainforests, and skyscrapers coexist. There’s so much to see and do – and to absorb – that we recommend not rushing through it. Slow down, balance cities with nature and you’ll fall in love with Malaysia like we did.
Tips:
✔️ Spend time in Kuala Lumpur, but also explore Penang, Melaka, Langkawi, and Borneo.
✔️ Mix city life with nature and culture. Visiting only cities can lead to overwhelm.
✔️ Plan downtime into your itinerary as Malaysia is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.
💡 Tip: The more you explore, the more you’ll discover as Malaysia is full of hidden gems!
Final Thoughts
Malaysia is welcoming, and deliciously diverse. It’s also, generally speaking, a safe country in which to travel so it’s perfect for first-time travellers to Southeast Asia.
From bustling night markets and colonial towns to island retreats and jungle adventures, it’s a destination with something for everyone.
With these tips in hand, you’ll be well on your way to making the most of your journey. Vary your itinerary, slow down and we guarantee you’ll fall in love with Malaysia’s magic.
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