Helpful Tricks and Tips for Travelling to Malaysia

Guest Post by Ella at Trekbible

If you’re seeking helpful travel tips for Malaysia, you’re in for a treat. Malaysia is a magical country that boasts stunning natural beauty, a rich cultural heritage, and a diverse range of attractions that cater to every traveller’s interests.

From the pristine beaches renowned for their excellent diving spots to the picturesque cities and national parks offering an immersive experience of the lush tropical rainforests, Malaysia is a traveller’s paradise. Besides, Malaysia’s colonial roots and tea plantations add a unique charm to its beauty.

So, why limit your visit to just a few days when there is so much to explore and experience? Plan an excellent Malaysia holiday, immerse yourself in the country’s fascinating culture, tantalize your taste buds with the delectable local cuisine, and bask in the warmth of the locals’ hospitality. Malaysia is a destination that will leave you spellbound and yearning for more.

You’ll love travelling to Malaysia and its capital Kuala Lumpur.

Helpful Tips and Tricks for Travelling to Malaysia

Join me as we delve into some valuable and practical tips and tricks you should know before embarking on your journey to the beautiful country of Malaysia. From exploring the bustling cities to lounging on pristine beaches, we’ll cover everything you need to make the most of your travel experience.

Diversity & Festivals to look out for in your Malaysia Travel

Starting with the basics, Malaysia is diverse. With an ample Muslim population, all Muslim holidays are observed, including Ramadan, which usually ends in June. Prominent Buddhist, Hindu, and Chinese influences bring many festivals and traditions to Malaysia.

Plan a trip around their festival to see a particular culture. So, if you’re hoping to experience that stellar celebration at the end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, come during Hari Raya Aidilfitri. With such a celebration, you will likely be welcomed into the party as a guest. Be prepared for this with modest clothes and a healthy appetite!

Chinese New Year is also a great time to visit, as the cities come to life with festivals, parades, shows, and performances. Red is the colour of the new year, so come ready to celebrate. To experience the Buddhist influence, come during Vesak Day in May. This is when they honour the life, death, and enlightenment of Buddha. The temples will be decorated, and decadent vegetarian food will abound.

Our last two festivals are Hindu festivals: Deepavali and Thaipusam. Deepavali is commonly known as the Festival of Lights, and yes, it lives up to its name. In the evenings, lanterns, lights, colours, and high energy abound as Hindus celebrate the victory of light over darkness, which essentially means the triumph of good over evil.

Our last festival, Thaipusam, is more of a heads-up so you know what you’re getting into if you travel in January. A tribute to a specific Hindu God, followers will be holding spiked alters that cut into their bodies. So, know beforehand if you want to attend this festival or take a beach day.

Batu Caves is a cultural and popular tourist area.

Basics & Safety for When You Visit Malaysia

If you plan to visit Malaysia, you must know some crucial details. Malaysia is a vibrant and diverse country with many cultures and religions. You’ll find a fusion of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures in the country, which makes for a unique and exciting experience. The primary language in Malaysia is Malay, but most people speak English quite well, so you won’t have trouble communicating with the locals.

Malaysia is generally safe, but it’s always good to be aware of your surroundings. Petty theft and pickpocketing are typical in crowded areas like markets and bus stations. Therefore, keeping an eye on your valuables, travel documents, and money secure is essential.

Additionally, it’s recommended to avoid travelling to the Eastern Sabah region on the island of Borneo due to a recent rise in kidnappings. While Malaysia is a beautiful country with much to offer, it’s always better to be cautious and prioritize your safety while travelling.

Watch your belongings at popular tourist attractions such as Petronas Twin Towers.

Weather: The Best Time to Go on a Vacation in Malaysia

Malaysia is situated in Southeast Asia and is known for its tropical, humid climate. Being close to the Equator, the temperature remains hot and humid all year round, making it ideal for those who love the warmth.

However, the country doesn’t have distinct seasons. Instead, the East Coast experiences a monsoon season from November to mid-February. During this time, rainfall is frequent and heavy, causing floods and landslides in some areas. On the west coast, the rainy season is from April to October, with the heaviest rainfall from May to August.

To visit Malaysia, you must check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. If you’re travelling during the rainy season, remember to bring an umbrella or raincoat!

Budgeting for your Malaysia Trip

Malaysia is less expensive than Western destinations, but depending on your travel style, you can spend as much or as little as you want. Staying in hostel dorms can be as cheap as $3, while you can splurge on a luxurious hotel for over $50. Of course, there are all sorts of things in between.

Meals can also be as cheap – from street food starting at $1 and reaching up to $15 – $20 if you want something spectacular. Alcohol has a hefty tax on the mainland, so most will range between $3 – $6. It is important to note that Malaysia has won the Guinness League of Excellence Award, meaning it will have the creamiest drink outside of the German Homeland.

Getting around can be cheap or a pain, depending on what you choose. Taxis in Malaysia are known to be difficult and usually unmetered. They will charge you whatever they want, so agree on a fee beforehand. Depending on your destination, local buses and trains are the most reliable, ranging from just fifty cents to a few dollars.

Choose the suitable accommodation to suit your budget when travelling to Malaysia.

What to See, Where to Go in Malaysia

Now that you’re ready with an understanding of culture and logistics, where should you go to the beautiful country of Malaysia? Let’s start in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. The most iconic part of the skyline is the Petronas Twin Towers. Rising far above the city, they can boast the title of the tallest twin towers in the world. If you’re not hesitant about heights, walk on the sky bridge connecting the two or check out the view from the 86^th floor.

While in the city, take advantage of the plethora of street food vendors. Try some apam balik, a sweet, nutty pancake snack or satay. While you may have had meat on a stick before, it is something else when roasted to perfection all day outside. Take note that being a predominately Muslim country, pork will be a rare find. Lastly, make sure to try the laksa wherever you go. Using a brothy base with meat, veggies, and coconut milk, it will be a warming and homey dish to make you fall in love with the country just a little more.

Malaysia is known for its natural beauty, so explore the Taman Negara National Park. You can backpack for miles, stroll through the rainforest, or picnic at an overlook. If you like canoeing or rock climbing, hire a guide and go on a trek. If you’re fit enough for 272 steps uphill, go to the Batu Caves. Made of limestone, the three caves house a temple. A stunning sight where culture, nature, and tradition meet, it is one of the most beautiful and authentically Malaysian places to visit.

The beaches in Malaysia and islands off the coast are known for their stunning scenery and epic diving. Take a ride or a dip on any of them and enjoy soaking up the sun. If you’re hoping for more privacy, head to one of the islands, such as Langkawi. The islands of Redang and Perhentian are known for their over thirty dive sights and shipwrecks. As the islands are more known as tourist destinations, the alcohol tax is lifted on many of the islands as there is a lesser Muslim population.

As you explore nature all over Malaysia, stop and enjoy the small villages along the way. This is where you’ll get to know the people who have the privilege of calling Malaysia home. If you go to Penang, enjoy the street art adorning nearly every city corner. It is spunky and unusual at times but breathtaking.

I hope this has given you a glimpse into how to start planning your Malaysian trip. There is so much packed into this country that it is a must-see destination if you’re already heading to the Eastern part of the world. So, grab your rain jacket and adventurous spirit and head on!

See the little heritage sites in Malaysia, like Merdeka Square in KL.