MALAYSIA
OVERVIEW
From the iconic Petronas Twin Towers piercing the Kuala Lumpur skyline to the historical charm of George Town in Penang, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Malacca, abrimming with street art and delicious aromas, Malaysia offers a sensory feast.
MALAYSIA Travel guide
Getting to Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur Internation Airport (KUL) in Kuala Lumpur is the most popular hub with numerous direct flights from around the world. Direct flights are available from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad.
VISA
- From December 1, 2023, until December 31, 2026, Nationals of the People’s Republic of China and India are EXEMPTED from visa requirements for tourist purposes (Single Entry Visa) when traveling to Malaysia.
- For multi-entry visa you can either apply online.
- Or through Atlys or Vfs Global.
Best Time to Visit
Malaysia is divided into West Malaysia (also known as Peninsular Malaysia) and East Malaysia.
- The best time to visit West Malaysia is between December and February.
- The best time to visit East Malaysia is between March and October.
Best Places to Visit in Malaysia
- Kuala Lumpur
- Perak
- Pahang
- Malacca/ Melaka
- Johor
- Terengganu
- George Town
- Penang
- Sarawak
- Borneo
- Sabah
Types of Accommodations in Malaysia
All types of accommodations are available in Indonesia. Be it Hostels, Apartments, Guest Houses, 4 Star Hotels & Luxury Stays
In case you are looking for sustainable stays then you can book through Eco Lodges Anywhere
Local Food and Drinks in Malaysia
- Beverage – Kopi, Kopi Cham, Teh Tarik
- Breakfast – Kaya Toast
- Meals – Mie Goreng, Roti Canai, Nasi Lemak, Hokkien Mee, Roti Tisu, Rendang, Nasi Kerabu, Nasi Dagang, Roti Jala, Sup Kambing, Sambal Udang, Lemang, Char Kway Teow, Roti Tisu, Tepung Pelita
- Sides – Lor Bak, Ikan Bakar, Pisang Goreng, Rojak, Curry Puff, Popiah, Hinava
- Fruits – Lontong, Durian, Cempadak, Rambutang
- Dessert- Kuih, Ais Kacang, Cendol, Apam Balik, Bahulu, Kapit
You can also check out these 18 MUST-TRY Malaysian Delicacies
Types of Transportation in Malaysia
- Malaysia LRT MRT – The entire Map of the MASS rapid transit (MRT)
- Light rapid transit (LRT)
- Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM Kommuter – the main rail operator)
- Monorail Line
- Inter-city bus – The main bus station for inter-city buses leave from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS).
Applications to Download
- Malaysia LRT MRT – The entire Map of the MASS rapid transit (MRT)
- Light rapid transit (LRT)
- Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM Kommuter – the main rail operator)
- Monorail Line
- Grab – Usually an expensive option.
- Touch n Go App – TnG eWallet
- Easybook – Check the website. You can book bus, ferry and train tickets on this site
Things to Remember
- Carry portable fans.
- Local currency is the Malaysia Ringgit (MYR).
- Credit cards are widely accepted.
- Apply for a Touch n Go Card
You can purchase the card at the KL Airport –
KLIA: Self-Service Kiosk (Level 2, near carpark, on the way to Sama Sama Hotel) | Watsons’s (Lot F67a, First Floor, Persiaran Komersial Klia)
KLIA 2: Watson’s (L2-8 and L3-15) | KK Mart (Unit L2m-20), Self-Service Kiosk (SSK)
P.S. – You can use the train shuttle between KLIA and KLIA2.
- Learn a few basic Malaysian phrases, English is widely spoken.
- For calling either purchase a local sim or activate an e-sim.
- There’s an entry fee for tourist attractions.
EXPERIENCES & ITINERARIES
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is Malaysia visa-free for Indians?
No, Malaysia is not visa-free for Indians. But until December 2026 China and India are exempt from visa requirements for tourism purposes (this is for Single entry).
- Where can one apply for e-Visa for Malaysia?
You can apply for Malaysian e-Visa here.
- Is Malaysia expensive for Indian tourists?
Considering the currency value is higher than Indian Rupee it is expensive, but INR 30,000 is sufficient for a week (excluding accommodation and flights).
- How to book multi-entry visa for Malaysia?
You can apply for a multi-entry Malaysian e-Visa here.
- Is Malaysia expensive for Indian tourists?
Considering the currency value is higher than Indian Rupee it is expensive, but INR 30,000 is sufficient for a week (excluding accommodation and flights)
- What is the capital of Malaysia?
The capital of Indonesia is Kuala Lumpur
- How many time zones are there in Malaysia?
Malaysia has only one time zone – MST
- What is the time difference between India and Malaysia?
Malaysia is 2.5 hours ahead of India.
- What is the currency of Malaysia?
It is Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).
- What religion does Malaysia follow?
Predominantly Islam since 63.5% of the population is Muslim along with Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and also indigenous tribe.
- What is the ideal duration of Malaysia Trip?
7 – 9 days if you are planning to cover Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Langkawi, 10 -14 days if you considering Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, George Town and Palau Islands. Add additional 7 days if you are planning Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia.
- How many UNESCO Heritage sites does Malaysia have?
There are 5 UNESCO heritage sites in Malaysia, namely
Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak (East Malaysia)
Kinabalu Park in Sabah (East Malaysia)
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley in Perak
The Archaeological Heritage of Niah National Park’s Caves Complex in Sarawak (East Malaysia)
- How many states are there in Malaysia?
Malaysia is divided into West Malaysia or Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia
West Malaysia consists of 11 states and two federal territories
- Johor
- Kedah
- Kelantan
- Malacca
- Negeri Sembilan
- Pahang
- Penang
- Perak
- Perlis
- Selangor
- Terengganu
- The two federal territories are Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.
East Malaysia comprises of two states and one federal territory
- Sabah
- Sarawak
- Federal Territory of Labuan
- What is famous in Malaysia to buy?
There are a lot of local products that one can buy from Malaysia
- Batik
- Songket (metallic threadwork)
- Pewter goods
- Labu Sayong (clay vessels)
- Dodol (sticky sweet made with coconut milk, rice flour and palm sugar)
- Bamboo handicrafts
- Pua Kumbu (ceremonial textiles)
- Sabah pearls
- Kerongsang (traditional three-piece broach set)
- Congkak (wooden board game)
- BOH tea
- Coffee
- What are the best markets in Kuala Lumpur?
- Central Market
- Petaling Street
- Chow Kit Market
- Jalan Alor
- Old Klang Road Market
- What are the best night markets in Kuala Lumpur?
- Vintage Night Market
- Jalan Alor Night Market
- KL Night Street
- Chow Kit Night Market
- Taman Dato’ Senu Night Market