When to Go

It's hot and humid year-round in Malaysia with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C (68°F), even at night, and usually climbing to 30°C (86°F) or more during the day. The tropics can take some adjusting to so take it easy when you first arrive and avoid running around in the heat of the midday sun.

The temperature averages around:

Temperatures in the lowlands range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF). The highlands are cooler, where temperatures range between 15°C (59° F) to 25°C (77°F). Annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm.

What to Pack

We have compiled a “what to pack” list specifically made for the needs of a traveler in Malaysia. Staying on resorts or in hotels in Malaysia minimizes the list as they provide most everything. There are also shops located in hotels and in Malaysia where you should find your basic needs.

• Sunscreen with high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) - The sun is strong throughout the year in the country. Proper care against sunburn must be constantly taken.

• Sunglasses

• Hat or Cap for shade from the sun

• Light cotton clothing

• Insect Repellent

• Bathing Suits

• Credit Card (Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Diners Club, and Eurocard are accepted)

Festivals and Culture of Malaysia

Having had an interesting past and being a part of the international spice route many hundreds of years ago, Malaysia has turned into a mosaic of cultures. Everything from its people to its architecture reflect a colourful heritage and an amalgamated culture. Malays, Chinese, Indians and many other ethnic groups have lived together in Malaysia for generations. All these cultures have influenced each other, creating a truly Malaysian culture.

The largest ethnic groups in Malaysia are the Malays, Chinese and Indians. In Sabah and Sarawak, there are a myriad of indigenous ethic groups with their own unique culture and heritage.

Festivals:

New Year's Day Hari Raya Aidiladha, Chinese New Year, Awal Muharam, Birthday of Prophet Muhammad, Labour Day, Wesak Day, King's Birthday, National Day, Deepavali# Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Christmas

Bhasa Melayu

Malay (Bahasa Melayu) is an Austronesian language spoken in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and Thailand. Malay has many words borrowed from Arabic, Sanskrit, Portuguese, Dutch, certain Chinese dialects, and more recently from English.

The earliest known inscriptions in Malay were found in southern Sumatra and on the island of Bangka from 683-6 AD. They were written in an Indian script during the time of the kingdom of Sri Vijaya.  When Islam arrived in southeast Asia during the 14th century, the Arabic script known as the Jawi script was adapted to write the Malay language. In the 17th century, under influence from the Dutch and British, the Arabic script was replaced by the Latin alphabet.

Health Care

The sun is strong throughout the year in the country. Proper care against sunburn must be constantly taken. Dehydration and loss of salt through perspiration are two other common problems for the unprepared traveller. Drink plenty of fluids and replace your salt loss. Make sure you pack clothing suitable for a warm humid climate.

Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles. If possible, avoid tap water, fountain drinks, and ice cubes.
 

"WARNING: Singapore treats drug offences EXTREMELY severely: simple possession of a single dose may get you a year in prison. The mandatory sentence for trafficking is death by hanging. "

Local Customs & Practices of Malaysia:

When visiting Malaysia, the visitor should observe local customs and practices. Some common courtesies are as follows:

• It is polite to call before visiting a home Shoes must always be removed when entering a Malaysian home

• Drinks are generally offered to guests. It would be polite to accept.

• The right forefinger is not used to point at places, objects or persons. Instead, the thumb of the right hand, with the four fingers folded under, is the preferred usage.

• Shoes must be removed when entering places of worship such as mosques and temples. Some mosques provide Robes and scarves for female visitors.

• Toasting is not a common practice in Malaysia. The country's large Muslim population does not drink alcohol

Malaysia Shopping - a Shopper's Paradise

Notice how much joy people get from having something new.....

Kuala Lumpur is a shoppers paradise. There is a wide range of shopping establishments and modern air-conditioned shopping malls, department stores, handicraft centers, duty-free shops, bazaars and night markets. Among the items high on the shopping list of tourists are pewter, batik, duty free items, electrical products, sportswear and handicrafts. For a very different experience visit the night markets or 'pasar malam' which begin their trading activities in the late afternoon. These open-air markets feature hawker stalls that sell a variety of local produce, foodstuff, clothing and cakes. Bargaining is a common practice. One can see a number of street artists and traditional medicine vendors.

The Shopping Carnival, an annual sale held in March/April in Kuala Lumpur and other major cities in Malaysia is an opportunity time to pick up great bargains. Kuala Lumpur, the national capital, has a number of shopping districts. The most popular is the Bukit Bintang area, which is bounded by Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Imbi. This is the oldest shopping center. This place has local and international goods such as clothes, fashion accessories, footwear, sports goods, electrical equipment, pharmaceutical products, computers and furniture. Other popular areas are Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Ampang, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, Petaling Street, and Jalan H.S. Lee.

Most shops are open 0900-1700 daily, with the malls open later 1000-2200. Some shops close on Sundays, but all of the malls are open.

Entry Formalities and Malaysia Visa:

All travellers are required to go through immigration clearance on arrival into Malaysia. Visitors must satisfy the following basic entry requirements before they are allowed to enter Singapore:

• A passport with at least 6 months validity;

• Valid Malaysia Visa;

• Confirmed onward/return tickets;

The documents required when applying for a Malaysia visa are:

• Original passport valid for at least 6 months.

• Two photocopies of passport

• Two photocopies of visa application form (Form IMM.47)

• Two passport size photograph of applicant

• Original air ticket and two photocopies (confirmed and returned ticket)

• Bank statement / traveller's cheques

• Covering letter to the Visa officer mentioning the purpose of travel.

• Payment of visa fee

Time required to issue Malaysia Visa: From 4 working days to 4 weeks. It is advisable to allow plenty of time.