Malaysia is one of the most diverse countries with a population composed of different ethnicities whose famous influences can be found in its rich cuisine. Look around and you can still see traces of its colonial past in stately old buildings like the unfinished Keele Castle and Town Hall. Although one often feels that Malaysia revolves around bustling cities and shopping districts, it also has an incredibly rich landscape. Malaysia is an easy place to travel to even for the first time. But, like any country, it pays to know a few things before you leave. Check out these Malaysia travel advice That will make your vacation unforgettable.
7 Malaysia travel tips for first-time visitors
Malaysia is undoubtedly one of the best places for holidays, but to ensure that your experience is also flawless, it is crucial to plan and pack wisely. Take a look at these top tips that will help you get the most out of your vacation.
1. About what to pack and what to wear
Malaysia is located near the equator and has a tropical climate. Most of the year it is hot and humid, although the highlands are cool. However, you won’t have to wear fleece. Our clothing tips for traveling to Malaysia include choosing lightweight clothing such as cottons and items with a loose fit. Choose light colors too and avoid black at all costs! You want it to reflect heat, not absorb it.
Malaysia is a modern country but it is still conservative, especially in certain areas. Exposing too much exposed skin is frowned upon and will lead to rejection. If you plan to visit a place of worship, you will be required to cover your hair or wear traditional clothing. As such, bring along a pair of scarves, light pants, and long skirts to wear in these places.
Suggested reading: Bali vs Malaysia: Choose Your Honeymoon Destination Type!
2. About transportation in Malaysia
Cities in Malaysia are closely connected and easy to navigate. Taxis, buses and trains can be used to get from one place to another. If you are in Kuala Lumpur, the KL Sentral station is your main point of departure as it connects the city to many other provinces.
Major cities offer inexpensive public transportation such as buses. It is also a convenient way to travel. Meanwhile, taxis are the most practical way to get around short distances. However, it is not assessed and you will need to settle your fare in advance. If you need to travel a route, you can choose a long-distance taxi or an intercity bus. For many travelers, taxis are the best option for short distances and public transportation for long trips.
Suggested reading: Top 19 Places to Visit in Kuala Lumpur in 2022: The City of Lights
3. About food
Next in our Malaysia travel guide is food. Like many countries in Southeast Asia, street food is very popular because it is cheap and delicious. You can find them almost anywhere but the best in the capital, Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Rojak (fruit and vegetable salad), abum balik (stuffed dumpling) and kwai chiap (duck and noodle soup) are a few examples of popular foods to try. There are many more with each sounding better than the next! Depending on what you eat and where you eat it, street food usually costs no more than INR 200.
Suggested reading: 14 Most Important Festivals In Malaysia In 2022 To Witness Its Vibrant Culture And Rich Traditions
4. About the best places to visit in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is the first place that comes to mind when you plan to visit Malaysia. However, there are other equally wonderful destinations. Check out our suggestions for short trips to Malaysia and those for longer holidays.
Rawa Island: Perfect for a fun holiday, Rawa is a beautiful atoll in Johor. It is famous for its abundance of white doves called rawa, which gave the island its name. Snorkeling is one of the main things to do here and you can spend days exploring the marine life.
Penang: The state of Penang is rich in tourist hotspots such as the capital, Georgetown, and the attractive old city centre. This UNESCO World Heritage site is full of ancient buildings including religious institutions and colonial buildings. As you move away from the city, you’ll find stunning beaches and bustling fishing villages. Penang Hill and Penang National Park offer great hiking opportunities, and if you are an outdoors lover, you will enjoy the scenery and wildlife spotting.
Langkawi: About 100 islands make up the Langkawi archipelago. The main island features green hills and a picturesque beach that invites travelers to explore. Diving here is huge and is the best way to get to know the marine attractions.
While you’re here, you can rent a pocket wifi device to keep in touch with your loved ones, and of course, go online to share enviable photos! Langkawi doesn’t have a public transportation system, so getting around means you’ll have to walk, hire a taxi, or rent a two-wheeler.
kuala lumpur: The capital of Malaysia is a place bustling with energy. The modern city is the best place for shopping and nightlife in the country. It is also home to the Petronas Towers, twin skyscrapers that were at one time the tallest buildings on earth. Tourist centers like the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery give you a look into the history of the capital city through dioramas and guided tours. Kuala Lumpur also has the Batu Caves, which is a limestone cave with shrines.
Johor Bahru: Johor’s capital, Johor Bahru, is a vibrant city with a mixture of ancient temples, mosques, and amusement parks. It is also home to the country’s first international amusement park, Legoland. It’s not just kids who will enjoy it; Adults will have fun too!
For the first-time visitor, travel advice to Legoland Malaysia includes pre-booking a taxi to your hotel. This will help you avoid paying an exorbitant fare to get home from taxis waiting outside the park. Like most amusement parks, food is pricey, so think about eating in advance!
Suggested reading: The best hotels in Malaysia: for those who love life to the fullest
5. About the best things to do in Malaysia
The first activity in our Malaysia guide is to enjoy sights such as Legoland, Georgetown and beaches. Once you verify them, you can move on to other places.
One of the Kuala Lumpur Malaysia travel tips is to explore Jalan Alor where food seems to be everywhere you look. Go in the evening when the street comes alive with vendors selling delicious Malaysian food. If you are in Langkawi, go island hopping to discover what the archipelago has to offer. Half-day and full-day tours can be booked along with activities such as snorkeling and diving. Don’t miss a visit to Malacca where you can explore the architecture and admire the red-painted buildings.
Suggested reading: Top 10 Places For Shopping In Malaysia: Street stores to make room for galleries
6. About their local language
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Before visiting Malaysia, learn some phrases in their local language that will help you get around the places. It is possible that they do not speak English or your native language. Phrases like “how much”, what time it is, etc. can help you a lot in some situations. The locals will not appreciate your effort but they will love you more for speaking their language and showering you with more love and hospitality.
7. About local events and festivals
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If you want to make the most of your trip in Malaysia and have unique experiences, keep an eye on the local events and festivals that take place during your visit. This is one of the best ways to travel more like a local than a tourist. And trust us, you will have the time of your life on these occasions and they will make your trip different from other people’s.
read more: 9 vibrant Hindu temples in Malaysia that capture the country’s secular spirit
We hope these five tips for traveling to Malaysia will help you when planning your vacation. But hey, there is one more thing we can do for you, which is to plan a customized trip in Malaysia for you. So, simply choose one of our packages for a holiday in Malaysia and let TravelTriangle customize your trip for you.
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please note: Any information posted by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended as a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one should not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of his or her choice.
Frequently asked questions about a vacation in Malaysia
What are the most important safety tips for traveling to Malaysia?
Some of the things that you need to keep in mind for your safety while traveling to Malaysia are:
1. Be aware of your surroundings.
2. Keep your passport securely with you at all times.
3. Read about local laws.
4. Make sure you don’t wander off alone until late at night
Are there any clothing tips for a trip to Malaysia?
Since Malaysia is a tropical place, some of the things you need to keep in mind while packing ensure that you pack comfortable summer clothes that are mostly cotton more than anything else.
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