Getting there
The national carrier of Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines, the capital of Malaysia. Air Asia, the low cost carrier, also flies from the Gold Coast, Melbourne and Perth to KL and frequently has cheap flight deals. You can also travel to Malaysia by train or bus from Thailand or Singapore, or bus from Brunei or Indonesia.
Culture and customs
The official language of Malaysia is Malay, though English is spoken in the main cities. In some rural areas more obscure dialects are spoken. Sometimes you might hear ‘Manglish’ - a cross between the two! According to Wikipedia, Manglish some key phrases in Manglish are:
Wat la yu? (What lah you?) spoken in a rising disappointing tone means How could you? or How stupid can you get?
Sure ah? spoken in rising question tone means Are you sure?
O.K. wat? (OK what?) spoken in rising questioning OK and lowering assuring tone means Isn't this good enough? (with intent to assure that it is good enough) or This should be acceptable, isn't it?
When ah? Who ah? How ah? Why ah? Where ah? in rising ahs mean When? Who? How? Why? Where? respectively
Practicalities – visas, vaccinations, and staying safe
SmartTraveller says that Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly, and recommend that you contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Malaysia for the most up-to-date information.
SmartTraveller also strongly advises that you reconsider your need to travel to the islands, dive sites and coastal areas of Eastern Sabah because of the high threat of kidnapping by terrorists and criminals.
According to TravMed.com, if you have come from a zone where Yellow Fever is prevalent, (ie Africa or South America) and you are over 1 year of age, you will be required to have a valid vaccination certificate. This is the only required vaccination for Malaysia, however it’s wise to ensure your childhood vaccinations are up to date and to take precautions for diseases for which there is no vaccination such as Malaria or Dengue Fever.
Currency
Malaysian currency is the ringgit. Other currencies are generally not accepted, but you can exchange currencies at licensed money changers, banks or airports. ATMs exist in most of the major cities but if you are heading out into the provinces it’s best to take some cash. You can check the exchange rate here.Weather
Malaysia has a tropical climate but without the intense heat of other areas. Waterproof clothing is recommended all year round. The rainy season in the East is mainly between November and February, while in the West it is usually August. Average day temperatures in Kuala Lumpur is 27 degrees, year-round. You can check the weather for when you’re planning to go here.
Food
Malaysian food is a fusion of Chinese, Indian and Malay food, and there is a huge variety of dishes to choose from. Popular Malaysian dishes include satay, nasi lemak, rendang, roti canai, murtabak, laksa, chicken rice, and fried noodles. Like Indonesia, it’s recommended you eat at restaurants and hotels, where the food is considered safe, rather than the street vendors. You’re also advised to avoid ice in your drinks, and it’s best to drink sealed bottled water.
Things to do and see
Malaysia is well known for diving and there are many beautiful areas to enjoy.
Diving Pleasures suggests great dive sites at Perhentian Island, Redang Island, and Tioman Island in West Malaysia. There are also well-known dive sites on the islands of Sipadan and Layang-Layang, which are in Sabah, East Malaysia (however SmartTraveller recommends caution in visiting these areas because of the risk of kidnapping). While diving in Malaysia you may see manta rays, turtles, sea horses and garden eels, or just drift along the multitudes of gorgonians and the many diverse species of corals.
If you prefer shopping, Kuala Lumpur is a mecca for electrical goods, clothes, and computer goods. You can buy beautiful batiks (traditional Malaysian cloth) or handcrafted souvenirs; it’s best to buy these from local traders rather than major shopping centres.
Disclaimer
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