Travel Tips

Malaysia
Malaysia is located in the heart of Southeast Asia, with a total land area of 330,200 km2. It is divided into two main regions: Peninsular Malaysia, which lies just south of Thailand, and East Malaysia, which can be found north of Indonesia on the island of Borneo.

The country is buoyant and wealthy and has moved towards a pluralist culture based on a vibrant and interesting fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and numerous native groups, with a population of 20 million people. It is a land of many natural beauties, from white sandy beaches to rolling hills.

Most visitors to Malaysia stick to the insane headlong rush of Kuala Lumpur, the colonially soothing Cameron Highlands Hill Station or the hedonistic torpor of Langkawi. However, the island of East Malaysia offers spectacular wildlife, longhouses and the awe-inspiring Mt Kinabalu.

Malaysia's love of Western-style industrialisation is abundantly clear in its big cities. Aside from the gleaming glass of the 21st Century, though, Malaysia boasts some of the most superb beaches, mountains and national parks in Asia.

Brief history/ Legend/ Myths
Like many other countries Malaysia is rich with legends of their origin. The peninsula came under the rule of the Cambodian-based Funan, the Sumatran-based Srivijaya and the Java-based Majapahit empires, before the Chinese arrived in Melaka in 1405. About 1400 Parameswara, a Sumatran prince, founded the kingdom of Malacca on the site of present-day Melaka. He was converted to Islam, Islam arrived in Melaka at about the same time and spread rapidly which traders from India had already brought to the area, and Malacca became a centre for the further spread of the Muslim faith. Malacca prospered and expanded its influence into most of the Malay Archipelago, but in 1511, it was conquered by the Portuguese under Afonso de Albuquerque. The Portuguese in Malacca survived constant fighting with neighbouring Johor, Aceh in Sumatra, and other states. The Portuguese took control in 1511. Melaka's wealth soon attracted European powers. In 1641, however, Malacca fell to the Dutch. The British established a thriving port in Penang in 1786 and took over Melaka in 1795.

The British traded for spices and colonised the interior of the peninsula when tin was discovered. East Malaysia came into British hands via the adventurer Sir James Brooke (who was made Rajah of Sarawak in 1841 after suppressing a revolt against the Sultan of Brunei) and the North Borneo Company (which administered Sabah from 1882). Gradually, the Federated Malay States were created in piecemeal fashion over the course of the 19th century.

The final pieces of the Malaysian mosaic fell into place when Britain took formal control of both Sabah and Sarawak after World War II. The indigenous labour supply was insufficient for the needs of the developing rubber and tin industries, so the British brought large numbers of Indians into the country, altering the peninsula's racial mix.

The Japanese over ran Malaya in World War II. Communist guerrillas who fought the Japanese throughout the occupation began an armed struggle against British rule in 1948 and Malaya achieved independence on 31 August 1957.

- Commonwealth Citizens (except Bangladesh/India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), British Protected Persons or Citizens of the Republic of Ireland and Citizens of Switzerland, Netherlands, San Marino and Liechtenstein do not need a visa to enter Malaysia.

- Citizens of Albania, Austria, Algeria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Republic of Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, Italy, United States of America, Bahrin, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, North Yemen, Oman, Saudi Arabia,Qatar United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Tunisia do not require a visa for a Social and Business visit not exceeding three months.

- Nationals of ASEAN Countries do not require a visa for a Social and Business visit not exceeding one month.

- Citizens of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and South Yemen do not require visa for a Social and Business visit not exceeding 14 days.

- Citizens of Bulgaria, Romania and Russia do not require a visa for a Social and Business visit not exceeding one week.

- Nationals of the Republic of China, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cuba, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, North Korea, Nepal, Myanmar, Taiwan, Vietnam and all Certificate of Identity (CI) holders must obtain a visa before entering Malaysia.

- Citizens of nations other than those stated above (except Serbia Montenegro and Israel) are allowed to enter Malaysia for a Social and Business visit not exceeding one month without having a Visa.

- A visitor intending to visit any part of Malaysia is required to be in possession of only one visa to travel direct from one part of the nation to another.

Visas are issued by Malaysian Diplomatic Missions abroad or British Consulates which act for Malaysia in countries where no diplomatic representation of Malaysia is established. All visitors to Malaysia should inquire at the nearest Malaysian Diplomatic Mission for the latest entry procedures and requirements.

Climate
Malaysia enjoys a tropical climate with plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Average temperatures range between 22°C and 33°C. The annual southwest monsoon is from April to October and from October to February for the northeast monsoon. The average annual rainfall is high at about 250cm. Much of the rainfall is concentrated in the late afternoons. Humidity is high throughout the year.

Custom Regulations
Items such as cameras, watches, pens, portable radio-cassette players, perfume, cosmetics and lighters are duty-free in Malaysia. Visitors bringing in dutiable goods may have to pay a deposit for temporary importation, refundable on departure - usually 50% of the value (remember to keep your receipt of purchase and obtain an official receipt for any tax or deposit paid).

Language
Malay is the official language. English is widely spoken especially in business. Tamil, Mandarin and other Chinese dialects like Cantonese, Hakka are also spoken.

Time
Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 16 hours ahead of United States Pacific Standard Time.

Currency
The Malaysian currency is the Ringgit (RM) which is divided into 100 sen. Currency comes in notes of RM1, RM2, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50 and RM100. Coins are issued in 1 sen, 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen, 50 sen and RM1 denominations.

Dress Code
Lightweight or mixed-fibre clothing is normal with only medium-weight woollens being required for visits to the cooler highland areas.

Water
It is generally safe to drink water straight from the tap. Bottled mineral water, however, is easily available in shops and supermarkets.

In the event you need medical care, there are private clinics in most towns. It is a good idea to take out a medical insurance before you travel, as Malaysia does not have reciprocal health service agreements with other nations. For over-the-counter prescriptions, there are pharmacies and 'Chinese medical halls'.

Health Regulations
No vaccination is required for cholera and smallpox.

Etiquette
To avoid "cultural offences," here are some tips:
- Remove shoes when entering homes and places of worship.
- Dress neatly in suitable attire which covers arms and legs when visiting places of worship.
- Handle food with your right hand.
- Do not point your foot at someone.
- When giving or receiving money gifts to/from a Malaysian, do so with your right hand.