| 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 or other telecomunication providers |
| 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.
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| More info: |
contact us. |
