Malaysia is known for its unique culture, diverse cuisine, beautiful natural landscapes and modern cities. The main cities travellers visit include the capital Kuala Lumpur, known for its modern cityscape, iconic Twin Towers, and unique cultural and shopping attractions. Kota Kinabalu, in particular, offers a wide range of nature-oriented activities in the beautiful coastal area, as well as fantastic hiking trails on Mount Kinabalu.
1. Malaysia Quick Facts
Language Malay (official), English, Chinese
Religion Islam
Currency Malaysian ringgit (MYR, RM)
Visa 90 days visa-free (Visa-free countries only)
Power Plugs 240 V 50 Hz (G Type)
Capital Kuala Lumpur
ATM ATM are also readily available, allowing you to withdraw local currency using your credit or debit card.
Use card
Visa and Mastercard are accepted everywhere abroad. You can use your credit card at shopping malls and restaurants. When paying with a credit card, make sure to pay in the local currency, i.e. Ringgit. Paying in your home currency will cost you an additional 5-10% in fees.
Useful APP
Google Maps
Whats App
Grab
2. Packing for your trip
Air plain Ticket
Dollar Flight Club has made it easier and cheaper to buy flights to the Airport.
SIM card
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices.
New member one-time use 15% discount coupon
10% discount coupon for multiple use by all members.
The Kuala Lumpur Luggage Delivery Service
We hope you’ll consider using our carrier delivery service to make your trip to Kuala Lumpur more comfortable.
Pacsafe Pro safe 800 Luggage Lock
Good protection against snatchers or impulse thieves.
Universal Power Adapter
One of the most essential but most forgotten items in your travel gear? A power adapter!
Travel insurance
Prepare for risky situations Travel insurance can be a big help in the event of an emergency
GoPro HERO11
If you want to capture your own memories of your travels, GoPro is the way to go. It’s small, has great image quality, and is easy to carry around
Sunblock
Bali is known for its hot climate and the sun can be intense. Pack sunscreen with a high SPF factor to protect your skin.
First aid kit
It’s a good idea to bring some first aid kit with you for minor illnesses or indigestion while travelling. You’ll be able to respond quickly if you need medication. If you need to pack your own medication, pack it along with a ‘prescription’.
3. Transportation
Touch n Go transport card (card purchase fee 5 ringgit) Minimum recharge fee 25 ringgit Cash only.
LRT: Kelana Jaya is available with prices ranging from 0.70 – 2.50 RM per section, Ampang is available with prices ranging from 0.70 – 2 RM per section, and
MRT: Routes in Kalang and Putrajaya, with prices varying by section. Tap on the destination you want to go to, pay in cash and a togeun will come out. You can take a picture of the token and put it in when you get in and out.
Moeorail KL also accepts tokens or Touch n Go cards.
From December 2023, travellers will be able to use the GOKL circular bus for 1 Ringgit.
Taxi
RM3 for the first 1km or 3 minutes, plus RM0.25 for every 200m/every 36 seconds (50% surcharge for 00:00 to 06:00), but due to the high rate of extortion, we recommend using the metered taxi app Grab.
GOKL circular buses are 1 ringgit for travelers and
MRT/Monorail is tokens or Touch n Go cards are accepted.
Kuala Lumpur Transit Map
These maps can be saved to your phone, and you don’t need an internet connection to view the downloaded maps. With offline monorail, cable car, train, MRT, and LRT maps of Kuala Lumpur, you can get where you need to go.
4. Safety
In crowded areas, such as Kuala Lumpur, the chances of being pickpocketed are higher.
Walking alone as a woman during the day isn’t a problem, but it’s best to avoid walking off the beaten track if possible.
Useful phone numbers for tourists
Police/Fire/Emergency: 999
5. Climate
Malaysia has a hot and humid tropical rainforest climate with average humidity of 63-80% and average temperatures of 21°C (70°F) – 32°C (90°F) all year round. The rainy season generally runs from November to March, but varies by region.
6. price
The cost of living in Malaysia is low, especially for groceries, public transport and fruit.
McDonald’s Combo Meal: 16.7 Ringgit
Water (550ml): 2.2 Ringgit
Starbucks Americano Grande size 12.20 ringgit
7. Travel precautions
Malaysian tap water should not be used for drinking due to its high lime content and old, corroded pipes. Buy bottled water or carry a water filter.
Be aware that touching your head is very disrespectful. Pointing your finger is also very rude.
Tourist tax : Almost all goods include a value-added tax of 6 per cent of the price of the goods, which is refundable for tourists.
8. Etiquette & Service Tip
Drinking alcohol is prohibited in Malaysia due to the Islamic culture.
The head is considered a sacred body part, so you shouldn’t stroke or touch a child’s head just because they’re cute, but it’s okay to pat them on the shoulder.
It is customary to offer guests a drink, so be careful not to decline as this could be misinterpreted.
When shaking hands, Muslims place the right hand lightly on the chest and the left hand is considered unclean.
When pointing at someone, clasp your right hand and point with your thumb, not your index finger.
Tip.
Tipping is not required in Malaysia.
Taxes and service charges are included in the cost of your meal, so you don’t need to tip extra, but you can tip a taxi driver 1 to 2 ringgit and a hotel bellboy or tour guide 5 ringgit.
9. Holidays
The public holidays in Malaysia in 2024
Monday Jan 1, New Year’s Day Regional Holiday Most states
Sunday, Jan 14, Birthday of the Sultan of Negeri Sembilan Regional Holiday Negeri Sembilan only
Thursday Jan 25 Thaipusam Regional Holiday Several states
Thursday Feb 01, Federal Territory Day Regional Holiday Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, Putrajaya
Thursday, Feb 8, Isra and Miraj Regional Holiday Kedah, Perlis and Negeri Sembilan
Saturday Feb 10, Chinese New Year National Holiday, 1st day of 1st lunar month
Sunday Feb 11 Chinese New Year Holiday National Holiday 2nd day of 1st lunar month
Tuesday Feb 20 Malaysian Declaration of Independence Day Regional Holiday Melaka
Monday Mar 4, Anniversary of Installation of the Sultan Regional Holiday Terengganu
Tuesday Mar 12: Beginning of Ramadan Regional Holiday Johor, Kedah, Malacca
Saturday, Mar 23, Birthday of the Sultan of Johor Regional Holiday Johor only
Thursday, Mar 28: Nuzul Al-Quran Day Regional Holiday All regions except Johor, Kedah, Malacca, Sabah, and Sarawak
Friday Mar 29: Good Friday Regional Holiday Sabah and Sarawak
Wednesday Apr 10, Hari Raya Aidilfitri National Holiday End of Ramadan
Thursday, Apr 11, Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday National Holiday Second day of holiday for Eid Al-Fitr
Monday, Apr 15, Declaration of Malacca as a Historical City Regional Holiday Malacca
Friday Apr 26 Birthday of the Sultan of Terengganu Regional Holiday Terengganu only. Always celebrated on 26 April
Wednesday, May 1, Labour Day, Regional Holiday, International Workers’ Day
Sunday May 12, Mother’s Day Not A Public Holiday 2nd Sunday in May. Not a public holiday
Friday, May 17, Birthday of the Raja of Perlis Regional Holiday Perlis only
Wednesday May 22, Wesak Day National Holiday: Birth of Buddha
Wednesday, May 22 The Sultan of Pahang Hol Regional Holiday Pahang
Thursday May 30 Pesta Kaamatan Regional Holiday Sabah and Labuan only
Friday May 31 Pesta Kaamatan Regional Holiday Sabah and Labuan only
Saturday Jun 01, Gawai Dayak Regional Holiday Sarawak
Sunday Jun 02, Gawai Dayak Regional Holiday Sarawak
Monday Jun 03, Birthday of SPB Yang di Pertuan Agong National Holiday, 1st Monday in June
Monday Jun 03, Gawai Dayak Regional Holiday Sarawak
Sunday Jun 16 Father’s Day Not A Public Holiday 3rd Sunday in June. Not a public holiday
Sunday Jun 16: Arafat (Haj) Day Regional Holiday
Monday Jun 17: Hari Raya Haji National Holiday Festival of Sacrifice
Tuesday Jun 18: Hari Raya Haji Holiday Regional Holiday Some states
Sunday, Jun 30, Birthday of the Sultan of Kedah Regional Holiday Kedah only
Sunday, Jul 7, George Town Heritage Day Regional Holiday Penang only
Sunday, Jul 7, Awal Muharram National Holiday Hijri New Year
Saturday, Jul 13, Birthday of the Governor Regional Holiday Penang
Monday, Jul 22, Sarawak Day Regional Holiday
Tuesday Jul 30, Birthday of the Sultan of Pahang Regional Holiday Pahang only
Sunday Aug 11, The Sultan of Johor Hol Regional Holiday, Johor only
Saturday Aug 24 Melaka Governor’s Birthday Regional Holiday Melaka
Saturday Aug 31 National Day National Holiday Independence Day
Monday Sep 16: Malaysia Day National Holiday Became a Federal Holiday in 2010
Monday Sep 16: Maulidur Rasul National Holiday Birthday of Prophet Muhammad
Sunday Sep 29: Birthday of the Sultan of Kelantan Regional Holiday Kelantan only
Monday, Sep 30 Birthday of the Sultan of Kelantan Holiday Regional Holiday Kelantan only. Second day
Saturday Oct 5 Birthday of the Governor of Sabah Regional Holiday Sabah only. 1st Saturday in October
Saturday, Oct 12, Birthday of the Governor of Sarawak Regional Holiday Sarawak only
Thursday, Oct 31, Deepavali Regional Holiday The festival of lights. Except Sarawak
Friday Nov 1, Birthday of the Sultan of Perak Regional Holiday Perak
Wednesday, Dec 11, Birthday of The Sultan of Selangor Regional Holiday Selangor
Tuesday Dec 24 Christmas Eve Regional Holiday Sabah
Wednesday, Dec 25: Christmas Day National Holiday
2025 National Public Holidays:
Wednesday, 1 January : New Year’s Day ; National except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis &Terengganu
Tuesday, 14 January : YDPB Negeri Sembilan’s Birthday ; Negeri Sembilan
Monday, 27 January : Israk and Mikraj ; Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Perlis & Terengganu
Wednesday, 29 January : Chinese New Year ; National
Thursday, 30 January : Chinese New Year Holiday ; National except Kelantan
Saturday, 1 February : Federal Territory Day ; Kuala Lumpur, Labuan & Putrajaya
Tuesday, 11 February : Thaipusam ; Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Putrajaya & Selangor
Thursday, 20 February : Independence Declaration Day ; Melaka
Sunday, 2 March : Awal Ramadan ; Johor & Kedah
Monday, 3 March : Awal Ramadan Holiday ; Johor
Tuesday, 4 March : Installation of Sultan Terengganu ; Terengganu
Tuesday, 18 March : Nuzul Al-Quran ; National except Johor, Kedah, Melaka, Negeri, Sembilan, Sabah &Sarawak
Sunday, 23 March : Sultan of Johor’s Birthday ; Johor
Monday, 24 March : Sultan of Johor’s Birthday Holiday ; Johor
Monday, 31 March : Hari Raya Aidilfitri ; National
Tuesday, 1 April : Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday ; National
Wednesday, 2 April : Hari Raya Aidilfitri Holiday ; Melaka
Friday, 18 April : Good Friday ; Sabah & Sarawak
Saturday, 26 April : Sultan of Terengganu’s Birthday ; Terengganu
Sunday, 27 April : Sultan of Terengganu’s Birthday Holiday ; Terengganu
Thursday, 1 May : Labour Day ; National
Monday, 12 May : Wesak Day ; National
Saturday, 17 May : Raja Perlis’ Birthday ; Perlis
Thursday, 22 May : Hari Hol Pahang ; Pahang
Friday, 30 May : Harvest Festival ; Labuan & Sabah
Saturday, 31 May : Harvest Festival Holiday ; Labuan & Sabah
Sunday, 1 June : Hari Gawai ; Sarawak
Monday,2 June : Hari Gawai Holiday ; Sarawak
Monday,2 June : Agong’s Birthday ; National
Tuesday, 3 June : Agong’s Birthday Holiday ; Sarawak
Friday, 6 June : Arafat Day ; Kelantan & Terengganu
Saturday, 7 June : Hari Raya Haji ; National
Sunday, 8 June : Hari Raya Haji Holiday ; Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis & Terengganu
Monday,9 June : Hari Raya Haji Holiday ; Kelantan, Perlis & Terengganu
Sunday, 22 June : Sultan of Kedah’s Birthday ; Kedah
Friday, 27 June : Awal Muharram ; National
Sunday, 29 June : Awal Muharram Holiday ; Kedah
Monday,7 July :Georgetown World Heritage City Day ; Penang
Saturday, 12 July :Penang Governor’s Birthday ; Penang
Tuesday, 22 July :Sarawak Day ; Sarawak
Wednesday, 30 July : Sultan of Pahang’s Birthday ; Pahang
Thursday, 31 July :Hari Hol Almarhum Sultan Iskandar ; Johor
Sunday, 24 August : Melaka Governor’s Birthday ; Melaka
Monday, 25 August : Melaka Governor’s Birthday Holiday ; Melaka
Sunday, 31 August : Merdeka Day ; National
Monday, 1 September : Merdeka Day Holiday ; National except Kedah,Kelantan & Terengganu
Friday, 5 September : Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday ; National
Sunday, 7 September : Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday Holiday ; Kedah
Tuesday, 16 September : Malaysia Day ; National
Monday, 29 September : Sultan of Kelantan’s Birthday ; Kelantan
Tuesday, 30 September : Sultan of Kelantan’s Birthday Holiday ; Kelantan
Saturday, 4 October : Sabah Governor’s Birthday ; Sabah
Saturday, 11 October : Sarawak Governor’s Birthday ; Sarawak
Monday, 20 October : Deepavali ; National except, Sarawak
Friday, 7 November : Sultan of Perak’s Birthday ; Perak
Thursday, 11 December: Sultan of Selangor’s Birthday ; Selangor
Wednesday, 24 December: Christmas Eve ; Sabah
Thursday, 25 December: Christmas Day ; National
*National holidays are normally observed by most governmental and private organizations.
*State holidays are normally observed by certain states in Malaysia or when it is relevant to the state itself.
The main hollidays of each major religion are public holidays, taking place on either the western calendar or religious ones.