Malaysia - Everything You Need To Know Before You Go

Malaysia is a country of diverse contrasts from the modern, vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur to the unique historic town of Penang, the tropical paradises of Langkawi and the Perhentian Islands, the rolling green hills of the Cameron Highlands, and one of the most unique islands in the world- Borneo.

On top of all that, Malaysia also has some of the best cuisines and street food in the world, as well as world class diving, beautiful and diverse temples, colourful street art, delicious and unique tropical fruits, pristine beaches, lush jungles and unique animals.

Malaysia is a melting pot of many different Asian cultures- Muslim Malays, religiously diverse Chinese, Hindu and Muslim Indians, as well as the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. With such a diverse population, this is what makes the food in Malaysia an adventure on its own.

Malaysia is less visited than its neighboring countries, which means it’s less touristy, which is always a win!

Batu Caves malaysia — The colorful Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur

MY EXPERIENCE

As a solo female traveler, I traveled Malaysia for 1.5 weeks in the mainland, and 1 week in Borneo in February 2019 and I LOVED it. I visited Kuala Lumpur, Penang, the Cameron Highlands and Kota Kinabalu, Ranau, Sepilok and the jungle in Borneo.

I would love to go back and explore Malaysia some more. Kuala Lumpur quickly became one of my favourite cities and a place I could consider living, and I also fell in love with Penang’s charm. And the food is unreal!

BEFORE YOU GO

YOU LIKELY WON’T NEED A VISA

Most nationalities don’t require a tourist visa for Malaysia and can stay for 30-90 days for free. However, check beforehand as a few countries do require visas in advance.

TAKE DUKORAL

It’s an over-the-counter oral vaccine that protects you from traveler’s diarrhea for 3 months. This means you can enjoy street food, at discretion, without ruining your trip. I always take Dukoral and indulge in street food and fresh fruit. And I accidentally ate undercooked chicken satay (which is NOT a common occurrence) and I was fine.

GET TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is an absolute must for all international travel. It offers a lot more than just medical protection- it covers you if your baggage is delayed or lost, if you need to return home for a family emergency, or if something gets stolen or breaks. And if you do get seriously ill or injured, it can save you thousands of dollars.

I use and recommend World Nomads for travel insurance. They’re an affordable and reputable company and you can buy and renew an insurance policy quickly and easily online. As a Canadian, I find their policies cover a lot more than the other insurance companies in Canada and at a cheaper rate.

BE AWARE OF MAJOR HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVALS

Be aware of Lunar New Year and important Islamic holidays, like Ramadan and Eid al-Adha. I was in Malaysia for Lunar New Year and while there are cool things about experiencing it, it drives up accommodation and flight prices, places book up and some places close, so it can be a little inconvenient. And it’s a week long celebration.

Pavilion Mall KL — Chinese New Year decorations

GETTING IN

Kuala Lumpur is a major international airport and hub for Asia, so you can find cheap flights here. You can also start your Malaysia trip by crossing from Thailand or Singapore. Or you can start your Malaysia trip in Borneo, like I did.

WHEN TO GO

Malaysia is near the equator, so the temperatures are similar throughout the year, however, there are wet and dry seasons. Know that it will be hot and humid in most of Malaysia year round and some rain is not uncommon in the dry season as well. The Cameron Highlands and Mount Kinabalu (Borneo) will be cooler year round due to their higher elevation.

Overall, it’s best to visit peninsular Malaysia in the spring, but the east and west coasts have slightly different weather, so it’s best to research the best time specific to where you want to visit in Malaysia and what kind of activities you want to do. For example, it’s best to visit Langkawi and Penang on the west coast from January to February, while Malaysia’s east coast has heavy rain from November to March, which is not ideal for things like diving.

The best time to visit Borneo is the dry season from March to October, which is also the best time to see orangutans in the wild. However, since it is a rainforest, heavy rain can happen at any time, so be prepared. Overall, Sarawak gets more rain than Sabah and April to December is the best time for diving.

COMMUNICATION

THE LANGUAGE IS MALAY

Malay uses the Roman alphabet (thanks to the Dutch), so it’s possible to read and understand a little Malaysian because some words are similar to English. Malay is also very similar to the Indonesian language.

MOST LOCALS YOU ENCOUNTER AS A TOURIST SPEAK ENOUGH ENGLISH

A lack of English is very rarely a problem, unless you’re really getting off the beaten path.

LEARN A FEW PHRASES IN THE LOCAL LANGUAGE

The locals appreciate it.

Hello = halo

Thank you = terima kasih

GET A LOCAL SIM CARD

They’re dirt cheap, you’re connected almost everywhere and you don’t have to rely on the sometimes crappy or obsolete wi-fi in rural and jungle areas. Make sure your phone is unlocked before you leave. Celcom has the best coverage. I had service in the jungle in Borneo with Celcom, while others with different SIM cards did not.

THE COUNTRY AND THE PEOPLE

MALAYSIA IS HOME TO THE WORLD’S SEXIEST GINGERS (THE ORANGUTANS)

There are only two islands in the world where you can see orangutans and one of them is part of Malaysian Borneo (you can also see the orangutans in Indonesian Borneo and Sumatra in Indonesia as well).

Sepilok malaysia borneo orangutan — Mom and baby orangutans in Sepilok rehabilitation centre in Borneo. Unfortunately, I didn’t spot any in the wild in Borneo, so for this reason, I felt Sumatra in Indonesia is better for seeing wild orang-utans.

THE TEMPLES ARE DIVERSE AND STUNNING

The melting pot of cultures in Malaysia produces very different and beautiful architecture styles. Even if religious places aren’t your thing, Malaysia might change your mind because the architecture is so beautiful. See The 3 Most Beautiful Must-See Temples in Kuala Lumpur.

malaysia Kek Lok Si Penang — Kek Lok Si temple in Penang

PENANG IS ONE OF THE MOST COLORFUL, CHARMING AND UNIQUE PLACES IN THE WORLD

And it’s a major hot spot for street art and street food, which are considered some of the best in the world.

Penang street art — Some of the famous, interactive street art in Penang

MALAYSIA IS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES IN THE WORLD FOR SCUBA DIVING

Go diving in Sipadan in Borneo and the Perhentian Islands.

THE NIGHTLIFE IN KUALA LUMPUR IS A LOT OF FUN

Which was unexpected because I kept hearing about how conservative Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia were. Head to Changkat, the popular bar street in Bukit Bintang where it’s not uncommon for ladies to get free drinks (yes, free drinks) during certain hours.

VISIT THE CAMERON HIGHLANDS FOR A BREAK FROM THE HEAT

Where you’ll find lush green hills of tea plantations, hiking, cooler weather and strawberries.

malaysia Tea plantations Cameron Highlands — Tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands

GET USED TO SQUAT TOILETS

Squat toilets aren’t everywhere, but they can’t be avoided in certain places, especially in rural areas and on bus routes.

BYOTP (BRING YOUR OWN TOILET PAPER)

A lot of public toilets don’t supply toilet paper (they use a “bum gun” or a bucket of water instead), so it’s a good idea to carry a little toilet paper with you. They often don’t supply soap either, so also carry hand sanitizer. But you can’t flush the toilet paper because the pipes can’t handle it, so there is usually a garbage where you can dispose of it.

THE CULTURE AND ETIQUETTE

YOU MUST REMOVE YOUR SHOES BEFORE ENTERING A HOME OR TEMPLE

As well as some accommodation, guesthouses and restaurants. Shoes are considered very dirty because they carry bacteria, like E. coli. However, sometimes your shoes go missing or a dog eats them (I’ve had both happen a few times). For this reason, I recommend carrying your shoes inside with you. It’s helpful to wear shoes or sandals that are easy to slip off and on.

FEET ARE NOT A VIBE

Feet are considered very dirty. Never show the soles of your feet to anyone while you’re sitting.

THE LEFT HAND IS CONSIDERED UNCLEAN

The left hand is typically used in the washroom and therefore considered unclean. Use your right hand for paying and eating.

SAVING FACE

Malaysians are incredibly friendly, warm and welcoming people and they highly value harmonious social interactions. Avoid getting visibly angry, raising your voice or getting into an argument as it will cause embarrassment. Keep your cool and smile during interactions.

AVOID SHOWING AFFECTION IN PUBLIC

Malaysia is conservative, so hugging and kissing in public is extremely taboo.

TIPPING

Some tipping has become more common for westerners in Malaysia. Nicer restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill, but if it’s not included, feel free to leave a few coins or up to 10%. It’s not expected, but it is appreciated. You can also tip a little to hotel staff, tour guides and spa service providers. Hand the tip directly to the person who you want to tip.

WHAT TO WEAR

MALAYSIA IS CONSERVATIVE

Malaysia is an Islamic majority which means it’s quite conservative. It’s not mandatory to cover up (unless you’re in a religious place), but you’ll feel more comfortable and it’s more respectful if you do. However, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and the beach areas are more open and relaxed.

YOU MUST DRESS MODESTLY AT TEMPLES

Men and women must have their shoulders and knees covered while visiting most temples (Chinese temples are more chill). At the popular temples, you can often borrow or rent a covering.

MOST OF MALAYSIA IS VERY HOT AND HUMID

Which means you’ll be sweaty pretty much all the time, which can make dressing modestly difficult. Try to wear looser, breathable clothing. You won’t have this problem in the Cameron Highlands where it’s cooler.

How to deal with humidity and heat while traveling — After exploring for a few hours in the afternoon in Penang in mid-February.

DON’T WALK AROUND IN A BIKINI OR WITHOUT A SHIRT

Unless you’re at the beach.

GETTING AROUND

MALAYSIANS DRIVE ON THE LEFT

Thanks to the Brits.

YOU WON’T FIND TUKTUKS OR THE ABUNDANCE OF MOTORBIKES, LIKE THE REST OF SOUTHEAST ASIA

But you can rent a scooter/motorbike to get around in places like Langkawi and Borneo etc.

BUS

This is the most common way to get between cities and towns. Use Easybook for booking buses, trains and flights in Malaysia.

PLANE

You can find cheap flights within Malaysia with Air Asia and FireFly. However, many connections between regional airports require a change of plane in Kuala Lumpur, making flying less of a time-saver than it may seem.

TRAIN

You can take trains from Singapore, between certain cities, and within Kuala Lumpur.

BOAT

You’ll encounter boats if you’re visiting Penang, Langawi, the Perhentian Islands and within Borneo.

USE THE GRAB APP WITHIN CITIES

It’s the Asian form of Uber and you can choose a car or motorbike to pick you up. Get the app here and download and set it up before you leave for your trip. It’s safe, easy and reliable because you don’t have to haggle on a price and the driver can’t get lost.

THE FOOD AND DRINKS

If you’re a foodie, Malaysia will be a dream for you. With Chinese, Indian, and Malay influences, Malaysian food is some of the best in the world. If you like Singaporean and Indonesian food, you’re going to love Malaysian food. All 3 cuisines share many similarities, thanks to their shared histories, proximity, and ethnic makeup.

YOU MUST EAT THE STREET FOOD IN MALAYSIA!!!

The street food is world class, especially in Penang. And it’s quick and budget-friendly, so it’s winning all around. I took a cooking class in Penang and it was a lot of fun!

MUST-TRY MALAYSIAN FOOD

Nasi Lemak – Malaysia’s national dish of coconut rice served with spicy sambal, dried anchovies, roasted peanuts, cucumber, egg and chicken.

Char Kway Teow – One of Penang’s most famous and popular dishes of smokey stir-fried noodles with soy, shrimp, chilies and pork lard.

Mee Goreng – Smokey stir-fried noodles with shrimp, chicken, beef or veggies.

Beef Rendang – One of my favorite dishes in the world! Slow-cooked beef coconut curry with a flavor explosion of spices (spices meaning flavor, not hot spicy).

Nasi Goreng – Stir-fried rice and veggies with chicken or shrimp.

Roti Jala – Thin crepes of turmeric and coconut milk which make a great snack.

Roti Canai – Classic Malaysian breakfast of a soft, yet flakey and crispy flatbread served with curry.

Satay – Delicious BBQ meat on a stick that has been marinated in a sweet and slightly spicy peanut sauce.

Won Ton Mee – Noodles and pork in a delicious broth.

Laksa – Rich coconut curry noodle soup

Nasi Kandar – Rice served with a variety of sides and then flooded with curry.

Apam Balik – Sweet peanut pancake

Apam balik malaysia food — Apam balik- sweet peanut pancakes

The fruit (especially in Borneo) – Malaysia has all the freshest and ripest mango, watermelon and pineapple you could ever dream of. But it also has a ton of fruits you’ve likely never heard of like jackfruit (my fave!), dragon fruit, durian, mangosteen, longan, rambutan and many more.

If you haven’t tried durian before, you should give it a try as it’s the king of fruits in Malaysia. It’s definitely an acquired taste, but you should try it.

Borneo gets even more extra with its alien fruit selection. This is where you’ll find the best and most unique fruit in Southeast Asia. Some people travel to Borneo purely for the fruit. You’ll find chempedak and terap, which are close relatives of jackfruit (and two of my favorites), as well as many different kinds of durian and much more. See here for more unique Bornean fruits.

Terap fruit in Borneo. It’s similar to jackfruit and kind of tastes like banana ice cream. One of my faves!

You can also try the yummy tropical fruit in juice and smoothie form.

MUST-TRY MALAYSIAN DRINKS

Tea is a big deal in Malaysia as it’s both produced and consumed heavily in the country.

Teh Tarik (pulled tea) – This national drink of Malaysia of strong black tea, condensed milk and sugar are combined and poured through the air between two cups until a rich, frothy concoction of hot milk tea is created.

Kopi (coffee) is also very popular in Malaysia. Visit a Kopitiam (coffee shop) to get your coffee fix. Try white coffee, which is a lighter roast due to the beans being roasted with palm oil, and then it’s served with condensed milk.

Air Mata Kucing – An iced fruit juice made from winter melon, monk fruit, dried longan and sugar. It’s nutritious, refreshing and not too sweet.

Alcohol is less readily available in Malaysia because it’s an Islamic country, but it’s easier to find in Kuala Lumpur.

ACCOMMODATION

There’s something for every budget in Malaysia- you can stay in a dorm room at a hostel for less than $10US per night, or a basic private room for as little as $20US per night, or you can ball out and spend hundreds of dollars to stay at fancy boutique hotels. And there’s everything in between.

MONEY AND COSTS

THE RINGGIT IS THE CURRENCY

$1US = 4MYR

YOU CAN TRAVEL MALAYSIA ON ANY BUDGET

Malaysia is very affordable to travel. You can travel for as little as $25US per day as a budget traveler by staying at hostels. However, on a super tight budget, you can even get by on $15US per day.

IT’S A CASH-BASED ECONOMY

Credit cards and bank cards aren’t used for most day-to-day transactions, so you’ll rarely be able to use them, aside from at nicer hotels and restaurants.

BARGAINING IS LIFE

Malaysia operates on bargaining. Get an idea of how much things should cost and bargain fairly. A few extra coins is nothing to you, but everything to a vendor. Make sure you “save face” during bargaining transactions.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

THE DEATH PENALTY IS ENFORCED FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING

You’re not exempt if you’re a foreigner.

DO NOT DRINK THE TAP WATER

Stick to filtered or bottled water.

MONKEYS

Sure, monkeys are cute, but they can be sinister and vicious as hell, as well as carry rabies and steal your belongings (including your bag and phone). So keep this in mind when you think they’re cute and want to pet, feed and take selfies with them. Do not eat around monkeys as they can become aggressive and they will steal your food.

FEMALE TRAVELERS

As a solo female traveler who traveled Malaysia, I can confidently say that it’s a safe place for solo female travelers. Sure, there are a few annoying/obnoxious/creepy men, but those are found in every country in the world. Dress modestly to avoid extra unwanted attention, especially when in transit between cities/towns.