| History
and Culture |
There
is a strong interlink between the country’s multi-racial
and multicultural makepup and its history. Besides the local
Malays and the native groups, immigrants from China, India,
Indonesia and other parts of the world have all contributed
to the multiracial composition of its population. Its interesting
cultural diversity can be largely attributed to the country’s
long and on-going interaction with the outside world and
colonial rule by the Portuguese, dutch and the British.
Consequently, the evolution of the country into a cultural
melting pot is evident in the unique blend of religions,
socio-cultural activities and traditions, dressing, languages
and food. |
| Entry
Requirements |
Visitors
to Malaysia must be in possession of a valid passport or
travel document with a minimum validity of six months beyond
the intended visiting period. Most nationalities do not
require visas for social or business visits.
For
further information, please check with the nearest Malaysian
diplomatic mission or Tourism Malaysia office. More imigration and Visa info.
|
| Best
time |
Between
March to October. Check
out the climate. Try to avoid public and school holidays. |
| Language |
Malay
is the native tongue but English is widely spoken. |
| Currency |
RM
(Ringgit Malaysia) and sen (cents). View currency exchange.
Foreign currencies can be converted at banks and money changers.
All
travellers, both residents and non-residents, are required
to complete the Traveller’s Declaration Form (TDF). The
revised TDF has two separate sections and columns for
residents and non-residents to declare their currencies;
the blue section for residents and the white section for
non-residents.
Residents
are only required to declare in detail the exact amount
of ringgit carried when they enter or leave the country
only if the amount is in excess of RM1,000. They are also
required to declare in detail the exact amount in foreign
currency, including the country only if the amount exceeds
the equivalent of RM10,000. Residents do not have to declare
any amount of foreign currency, including traveller’s
cheques, carried with them when they re-enter the country.
Non-residents are required to declare the exact amount
of foreign currency carried when they enter or leave the
country only if the amount exceeds the equivalent of USD2,500.00.
Residents
are required to keep the TDF in their passport when they
leave the country and surrender the TDF on their return
journey instead of the current practice of filling two
separate TDFs when they leave and re-enter the country.
Likewise, non-residents will continue with the current
practice which requires them to keep the TDF with their
passport and surrender the TDF on leaving their country.
|
| Time |
Eight
hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard
Time. |
| Electricity |
Voltage
is 220 – 240 volts A C at 50 cycles per second. |
| Telephones |
Local
calls can be made from public phones using coins or pre-paid
cards. International calls can be made from public phones
with card phone facilities or at any Telekom offices |
| Weights
and Measures |
Malaysia
follows the metric system in weights and measures. |
| Where
to stay |
Accommodation
ranges from five star hotels to delightful wooden beach
chalet. |
| The
people |
Friendly,
warmth, Easy going and hospitality is assured. |
| Vocab
guide |
Some
simple translation from English to Malay. Useful words. |
| Eating
out |
Local
food normally is hot and spicy. Before you eat ask the chef
not to put some hot stuff like chili, pepper, etc. |
| Tipping |
Tipping
is not a common practice. So you don't have to give tip
after your meal, etc. Generally if you want to give a tip,
the amount is usually RM1. |
| Motion
Sickness |
There
are different kinds of medicines that can treat motion sickness.
If you couldn't stand the sea sick, get an anti motion sickness
pills which is available at local drugstore. While at the
sea, try not to focus on one object because it disturb the
co-ordination between your eyes and brains. Look around
and see the beautiful view. Sucking a sweet lemon can also
help. |
| Before
you go |
- Make
sure you make copies of important documents.
- Confirm
your reservation with your travel agent.
- Get
important telephone numbers like your local travel agent
and embassy.
|
| More
info |
contact
us. |
| |
|
