Malaysia

Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia, on the (Malay) peninsula, as well as on northern Borneo. The country is one of Asia's new tiger economies, having seen great economic and human development during the last decades. While the capital Kuala Lumpur is a cosmopolitan city, deep jungles cover some of the land.

Regions

Malaysia is divided into two main geographical regions, commonly known as Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia.

Peninsular Malaysia

West Coast (Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan, [[Malacca (state) | Malacca]]) The more developed region, offering the modern capital, Kuala Lumpur, UNESCO World Heritage cities with colonial flare and the Langkawi archipelago.

East Coast (Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu) The more traditional Muslim region, home to Taman Negara (National Park), numerous unspoilt islands and the Jungle Railway, which winds through the rural hinterlands.

South (Johor) Comprising just one state, two coastlines, endless palm oil plantations and the gateway to Singapore overland.

East Malaysia

Sabah Superb scuba diving in Sipadan island plus muck diving at Mabul, nature reserves and the federal enclave of Labuan and the mighty Mount Kinabalu.

Sarawak The southern state of East Malaysia. Home to traditional longhouses, lush jungles and national parks in contrast to the state capital, Kuching.

Muslim Friendly Cities in Malaysia

[[File:Stadhuys and Clock Tower at night in Malacca.jpg|1280px|Stadhuys_and_Clock_Tower_at_night_in_Malacca]]

• Kuala Lumpur — the multi-cultural capital, home of the Petronas Twin Towers
• George Town — the capital of Penang and Malaysia's second largest city, famed for its colonial-era architecture, multi-cultural populace, food and arts scene
• Malacca — the historical city of Malaysia with colonial-style architecture
• Ipoh — the capital of Perak, with a historic colonial old town
• Johor Bahru — capital of Johor, and the gateway to the neighbouring city-state, Singapore
• Kuantan - capital of Pahang and commercial centre of the East Coast
• Kota Kinabalu — close to tropical islands, lush rain forest and Mount Kinabalu
• Kuching — capital of Sarawak
• Miri — resort city of Sarawak located near the border of Brunei and gateway to UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gunung Mulu National Park

Other Muslim Friendly Destinations in Malaysia

• Cameron Highlands — famous for its tea plantations
• Perhentian Islands (Pulau Perhentian) — glittering jewels off the East Coast still undiscovered by mass tourism
• Taman Negara — a large area of rainforest National Park spanning Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu
• Kinabalu National Park — home of Mount Kinabalu
• Langkawi — an archipelago of 99 islands known for its beaches, rainforest, mountains, mangrove estuaries and unique nature. It's also a duty-free island
• Sipadan (Pulau Sipadan) — one of the best dive spots in the world
• Redang (Pulau Redang) — popular island destination for scuba divers
• Tioman (Pulau Tioman) — once nominated one of the most beautiful islands in the world
• Fraser's Hill — a time warp to the colonial era

Must See Masjids in Malaysia

Masjid Negara (National Mosque), Kuala Lumpur

Masjid Negara is one of Malaysia’s most iconic mosques, known for its modernist design and impressive capacity to accommodate up to 15,000 worshippers. It features a unique umbrella-like roof and a blend of traditional Islamic and contemporary architectural elements.

Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad, Kuala Lumpur

Situated at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers, Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad is one of the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur. Its Moorish architecture, with domes and minarets, makes it a picturesque landmark in the city.

Masjid Putra (Putra Mosque), Putrajaya

Putra Mosque, located in Malaysia’s administrative capital of Putrajaya, is renowned for its pink-domed structure and beautiful lakeside setting. The mosque can accommodate around 15,000 worshippers and is a stunning example of modern Islamic architecture.

Crystal Mosque, Terengganu

The Crystal Mosque in Terengganu is a marvel of contemporary mosque design, featuring crystal-like panels that illuminate at night, creating a spectacular sight. Its location by the Terengganu River adds to its allure, making it a must-visit for tourists.

Masjid Kristal (Crystal Mosque), Kuala Terengganu

Another mosque known for its unique architecture is the Masjid Kristal in Kuala Terengganu. Its crystal-like facade, set against the backdrop of the sea, offers a mesmerizing view and attracts visitors from around the world.

Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah, Kuantan

Masjid Sultan Ahmad Shah in Kuantan is notable for its golden dome and elegant design, reflecting a blend of Islamic and Moorish influences. It stands as a symbol of religious devotion and architectural beauty in the city.

Ubudiah Mosque, Perak

Ubudiah Mosque in Perak is renowned for its striking golden domes and intricate Islamic architectural details. It is often regarded as one of Malaysia’s most beautiful mosques, attracting visitors with its grandeur and historical significance.

Zahir Mosque, Alor Setar

Zahir Mosque in Alor Setar is one of the oldest mosques in Malaysia, known for its five domes representing the five pillars of Islam. Its traditional Malay-Islamic architecture and historical importance make it a significant cultural landmark.

Masjid Negeri Sabah (Sabah State Mosque), Kota Kinabalu

Masjid Negeri Sabah is a prominent mosque in Kota Kinabalu, featuring a striking blue and Gold dome that reflects the state’s cultural heritage. It serves as a religious and cultural center for the Muslim community in Sabah.

Kapitan Keling Mosque, Penang

Kapitan Keling Mosque in Penang is a historic mosque dating back to the early 19th century, built by Indian Muslim traders. Its architecture blends Indian, Moorish, and (Malay) influences, making it a unique and culturally significant site. These mosques not only serve as places of worship but also showcase Malaysia’s rich Islamic heritage and architectural diversity, attracting visitors from various backgrounds to admire their beauty and significance.

An introduction to Malaysia

Malaysia is a mix of the modern world and a developing nation. With its investment in the high technology industries and moderate oil wealth, it has become a rich nation in Southeast Asia. Malaysia, for most visitors, presents a happy mix: there is high-tech infrastructure and things generally work well and more or less on schedule, but prices remain more reasonable than, say, Singapore. The demographics between the rich and poor can also be quite apparent: for example, a high rise luxury condominium building built right across the street from old, rundown shop lots or flats. However, you will not find extreme rural poverty or gigantic slums as in other places in Southeast Asia.

In terms of attractions, peninsular (West) Malaysia contains islands with gorgeous beaches and a fraction of visitors found in Thailand's most popular beaches, mountain retreats surrounded by tea plantations, interesting historical cities, World-famous food, and the highly modern, multi-cultural capital of Kuala Lumpur. East Malaysia contains lush jungles with diverse native population and wildlife, as well as stunning natural attractions such as giant caves, beautiful mountains and fantastic diving sites. Notably, however, Malaysia is not as popular among backpackers as other Southeast Asian destinations such as Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, partly due to the relatively higher costs, and partly due to the more religious and conservative, albeit generally tolerant, culture.

Get in

Immigration formalities

Most nationalities can enter Malaysia without a visa and can reside in Malaysia for 14 to 90 days, depending on their nationality.

Transit Visas

Even though citizens of Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka normally require a visa and they can transit the same airport for up to 120 hours provided they arrive and depart on the same airline, land at Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Penang or Senai (near Johor Bahru) and present a genuine air ticket.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Malaysia

National carrier Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has extensive coverage within Asia, as well as intercontinental Flights to Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and regularly ranks high in airline quality assessments. Low-cost carrier AirAsia and its sister company, AirAsia X], now connects an ever-expanding set of countries including Australia, China, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, New Zealand and the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam. Emirates Airlines also flies from most cities to Kuala Lumpur via Dubai, Flights to Perth, Australia, make a brief stop in KLIA.

• AirAsia, ☎ +60 3 8775-4000 (hotline within Malaysia: 1 300 88 9933)
• Malaysia Airlines, ☎ +60 3 7846-3000 (hotline within Malaysia: 1-300-88-3000)
• Emirates Airlines ☎ +60 36 207 4999

Most international flights land at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) (IATA Flight Code: KUL). KLIA's predecessor and the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (IATA Flight Code: SZB) in Subang near Kuala Lumpur handles chartered and turboprop aircraft for regional operators Firefly and Berjaya, ☎ +60 3 7846 8228 (ticketing only);, ☎ +60 3 2145 2828.

Other airports which have significant numbers of Flights to regional destinations are Kota Kinabalu (Sabah), Penang, Kuching (Sarawak), Langkawi and Johor Bahru. Many major Malaysian cities have services to Changi via AirAsia or Firefly.

Travel by train to Malaysia

• To/from Thailand: Direct sleeper train services operated by the State Railway of Thailand connect Bangkok (Thailand) and Butterworth, while Keretapi Tanah Melayu (Malaysian Railways) runs trains between Hat Yai (Thailand) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). Both trains cross the border at [[Padang Besar (Malaysia) | Padang Besar]] where (Thai) and Malaysia immigration formalities are all conveniently done in the station. There is also a less used eastern route from Hat Yai to (Thai) border town Sungai Kolok, but there are no through trains to the nearby Malaysian station at Wakaf Bahru (near Kota Bharu).
• To/from Singapore: There's a shuttle train service which runs seven times each way during the morning and evening periods from Woodlands Train Station (in the north of Singapore) to JB sentral in Johor Bahru, costing MYR5 from the Malaysian side and SGD5 on the Singapore side. Conventional intercity trains then connect Johor Bahru with Gemas and Tumpat, near Kota Bharu. They don't always match up to the shuttle times, so be prepared for long waiting times or get a backup plan by bus should you miss the shuttle. Early morning trains to Singapore and late evening trains to Malaysia are usually packed on the weekdays and the traffic flow reverses on the weekends. When travelling from Singapore into Malaysia, both Singaporean and Malaysian immigration checks are conducted at Woodlands Train Station before boarding the train for Malaysia. In the reverse direction, Malaysian immigration checks are conducted at JB Sentral before boarding, while Singaporean immigration checks are conducted on arrival in Woodlands.

By bus

Long-distances buses/coaches into Malaysia run from Brunei, Indonesia Borneo, Singapore and Thailand. Please see the relevant city pages for more details.

• Brunei - there are buses to Miri and Kota Kinabalu, leaving from the waterfront in downtown Bandar Seri Begawan. There are also buses to Limbang.
• Indonesia - direct buses operate between Pontianak in [[West Kalimantan and Kuching in Sarawak.
• Singapore - a multitude of bus companies operate direct routes from Singapore to various destinations in Peninsular Malaysia, including Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, East Coast cities and even the Kuala Lumpur suburbs of Petaling Jaya and Subang Jaya. Frequent buses make the short run between Singapore and Johor Bahru, and you can save a few bucks by changing at JB's Larkin hub to a affordable domestic bus instead of taking a more expensive direct bus.
• Thailand - several companies operate services from Kuala Lumpur and other cities in Malaysia to Hat Yai, where direct connections are available to Bangkok and many other (Thai) destinations.

By road

Land crossings are feasible from Southern Thailand and Singapore into Peninsular Malaysia, as well as from Brunei and Kalimantan (the Indonesian side of Borneo) into Sarawak. An International Drivers Permit (IDP) is required. See the respective city or state pages for more detailed information.

• Brunei - the main crossings are at Sungai Tujoh on the Miri, Sarawak, to Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei) road, and the Kuala Lurah-Tedungan checkpoint which is used for traffic travelling between Bandar Seri Begawan and Limbang in Sarawak. You can also access the Temburong neighborhood of Brunei by road from Limbang via the Pandaruan (Puni on the Brunei side) checkpoint and Lawas via Trusan (Labu on the Brunei side).
• Indonesia - the main crossing is at the Tebedu-Entikong checkpoint on the main Kuching -Pontianak road. Various other minor border crossings used by local residents are not necessarily open to Foreign Muslims.
• Singapore - the two crossings are the Causeway which links Johor Bahru with Woodlands in Singapore, and the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link which links Iskandar Puteri with Tuas in Singapore. See Johor Baru#Get in|Johor Bahru Get in section and Singapore#Get in|Singapore Get in section for more details.
• Thailand - international checkpoints (with the (Thai) towns in brackets) include Wang Kelian (Satun) and [[Padang Besar (Malaysia) | Padang Besar]] (Padang Besar (Thailand) | Padang Besar) in Perlis, Bukit Kayu Hitam (Sadao) in Kedah, Pengkalan Hulu (Betong) in Perak, and Rantau Panjang (Sungai Kolok) in Kelantan. (Thai) immigration has long been known to demand a bribe of RM2/20 Baht per person to stamp you in or out, though there have been some crackdowns on this.

Particularly if entering from Singapore, make sure that your passport has been stamped by Malaysia Immigration before you drive off from the checkpoint. There have been reports of immigration officers "forgetting" to stamp the passports of travellers upon arrival, and such travellers being subject to arrest, imprisonment and fines of several thousand ringgit when trying to depart Malaysia.

By boat

Ferries connect various points in Peninsular Malaysia with Sumatra in Indonesia and South (Thailand) | Southern Thailand, Sarawak with Brunei, and Sabah with East Kalimantan in Indonesia and Mindanao in the Philippines. Luxury cruises also run from Singapore and sometimes Phuket (Thailand) to Malaysia.

• Brunei - ferries daily between the Muara Ferry Terminal in Brunei and Labuan island and Lawas in Sarawak. Speedboats, mostly in the morning, also run between Bandar Seri Begawan jetty and Limbang, Sarawak.
• Indonesia - the main jumping-off points from Indonesia are the Riau Islands of Batam, Bintan and Karimun; Dumai, Medan and Pekanbaru on the Sumatra mainland as well as Nunukan in East Kalimantan. Ferries link Batam with Batu Pahat and Johor Bahru;Bintan with Johor Bahru; Karimun with Batu Pahat and Kukup in Johor; Dumai with Malacca, Muar in Johor, Port Dickson (in Negeri Sembilan) and Port Klang and the port for Kuala Lumpur; Pekanbaru with Malacca. Daily ferries also link Nunukan with Tawau in Sabah. There are also minor crossings like between Bengkalis in Riau and Batu Pahat; Sumatra and Malacca and Muar in Johor; and Tanjung Balai Asahan in North Sumatra with Port Klang and the port for Kuala Lumpur.
• Philippines - ferries run between the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sandakan, Sabah.
• Singapore - daily passenger boats run between Changi Point and Pengerang, between Tanah Merah and Sebana Cover Resort, as well as between Changi and Tanjung Belungkor, all in Johor. See the Singapore Get in section for details.
• Thailand - four ferries daily (reduced to three during Ramadan) between Tammalang at Satun and Kuah on Langkawi, Malaysia. Vehicle ferries operate between Ban Taba near Tak Bai in Narathiwat province and Pengkalan Kubur in Kelantan, Malaysia, while passenger boats run between Ban Buketa in Narathiwat province and Bukit Bunga in Kelantan.

On foot

It is feasible to enter Malaysia from Thailand by foot at Wang Kelian and [[Padang Besar (Malaysia) | Padang Besar]] (both in Perlis), Bukit Kayu Hitam (Kedah), Pengkalan Hulu (Perak) and Rantau Panjang (Kelantan). Crossing from Singapore into Malaysia on foot by crossing the Causeway or Second Link is illegal.

Get around

By plane

Largely thanks to budget carrier AirAsia, Malaysia is crisscrossed by a web of affordable flights with advertised "promotional" prices starting at RM9 for flights booked well in advance. Flying is the only practical option for traveling between peninsular Malaysia and Borneo, as well as reaching some of the more remote outposts of Borneo. State carrier Malaysia Airlines also has competitive fares which now offers equal or even lower priced tickets if booked in advance through the internet, with sustaining class of hospitality. And their offshoot Firefly has a handy network radiating out of Penang previously, has also began operating from the Subang (Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah) airport.

Berjaya Air also flies small Dash-7 turboprops from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to its own airports on the resort islands of Pangkor, Redang and Tioman. Prices are steep (from RM214 plus fees one way), but this is by far the fastest and more comfortable way of reaching any of these.

In Sabah and Sarawak, MASWings, operates turboprop services linking interior communities, including those in the Kelabit Highlands, with coastal cities. MASWings took over the rural air services network from FlyAsian Express on 1 October 2007, which in turn took the service over from Malaysia Airlines 14 months before that.

Travel by train to Malaysia

Long-distance trains in Malaysia can rarely match road transport in terms of speed, but state operator Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) provides relatively affordable and generally reliable services around Peninsular Malaysia (but not Sabah/Sarawak in Borneo). The main western line connects Butterworth, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru, while the eastern line runs through Gua Musang and the Taman Negara to Kota Bharu, near the (Thai) border and the Perhentian Islands.

The pride of KTMB's fleet is the ETS (Electric Train Service) from Butterworth to Gemas, running modern air-conditioned trains daily at 140 km/h. The rest of the network, though, is mostly single-track, with slow diesel locos and all too frequent breakdowns and delays. In May, 2016 KTMB ceased all sleeper trains on the western line, following the electrification of the track to Gemas. An air-conditioned 2nd class only, diesel shuttle train now connects the section from Gemas to JB Sentral. KTMB hopes to have full ETS service on the western line by 2020.

The Jungle Railway is the apt description for the eastern line between Tumpat (close to the (Thai) border) and Gemas, including stops at Gua Musang, Kuala Lipis, Jerantut (for Taman Negara) and Wakaf Bahru (for Kota Bharu and the Perhentian Islands). The original "Jungle Train" is the slow daytime service which stops at every station (every 15-20min or so). It's 3rd class only, meaning no air-con and no reservations, and some stops may be lengthy as it's a single line and all other trains have priority - hence the "Jungle Train" waits in side loops along the way so that oncoming or overtaking trains can pass. Some find it to be a fascinating and stunningly scenic ride; others feel there's not much to see when you're in the jungle. The eastern line also has one night express train (for which reservations are feasible and recommended) going in each direction. In addition to air-con seats and these trains have Superior Night (ADNS) sleeper cars, which have upper and lower berths along each side, each bunk having a solid partition at each end and a side curtain for privacy. The carriages shake and rattle quite a bit but are comfortable and clean.

Tickets can be booked and even printed online at KTMB's site. Enquiries and reservations can be made by phone at KTMB's call centres, ☎ +60 3 2267-1200 (Malaysia) or, ☎ +65 6222-5165 (Singapore).

In East Malaysia and the only railway line is run by Jabatan Kereta Api Negeri Sabah (JKNS), running from Tanjung Aru near Kota Kinabalu to the town of Tenom.

Rent a Car or Limousine in Malaysia

Malaysia has an excellent highway network, culminating in the North-South Expressway along the West Coast from Singapore all the way to the (Thai) border. Gasoline or locally known as Petrol is slightly cheaper than market prices at RM1.90/litre (Ron 95) (in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak). Tolls are payable on expressways, but these are priced at varying degrees, ranging from expensive to reasonable: driving the length of the nation (734 km) from the (Thai) border to Singapore costs RM108 (~US$25). While you can drive from Singapore to Thailand within a day on the West Coast and the highway system is considerably less developed on the East Coast, with no expressways, and even less so in Sabah and Sarawak, so be sure to factor in additional travel duration if travelling in those areas. Toll prices for highways and causeways inside major cities, especially Kuala Lumpur, is priced exorbitantly ranging from RM4.00 to RM7.00 for each exit.

While driving quality and habits in Malaysia are better than in most of the rest of Southeast Asia and they are not necessarily great, especially compared to what visitors from most GCC countries are used to at home. Traffic in Malaysia drives on the left, a legacy left by the British. Beware reckless motorcyclists, especially at night, and especially if you are a pedestrian: local residents typically disregard a red light for left turns, putting pedestrians at risk. As a motorist, at traffic lights, motorcyclists will accumulate in front of you - let them drive away first to avoid accidents.

Care is needed when driving in larger cities, such as Kuala Lumpur and George Town. Problems include apparently suicidal motorcyclists, congested traffic lanes throughout the day, and bewildering roads especially in the older parts of the city where planning was virtually nonexistent by the then British colonial occupiers. Out of town, however, cars and motorcycles are the best and sometimes the only way to explore the nation. Some of the more rural areas have motorcycles and scooters to rent for as little as RM25/day, a great way to explore the local area or larger islands like Langkawi. As expected, most rental agencies will require a valid drivers licence to be presented upon rental. Fuel levels are often compared before and after rental, as well as for damage, so ensure everything is documented, and request a refund of any excess fuel if feasible. The bigger automobile rental services like Hertz and Avis may also require you to have a valid credit card where a deposit will be authorised but not deducted from (unless there is damage to the car).

Taxis are available in all cities and larger towns, although in smaller places you may have to call one (ask any shopkeeper or consult the yellow-pages). You will generally need to negotiate the fare in advance, although prepaid coupon taxis are usually available at airports. RM5 should suffice for a short cross-town trip, while RM100 is enough to hire a taxi for a full day.

In Kuala Lumpur and the budget taxis are usually coloured Red and White (City taxi - these taxis are not allowed to travel out of the city e.g. to another state) or Yellow. Taxis are usually small saloons such as Proton Wira and run on NGV (Natural Gas). The Blue taxis are larger saloons or MPVs (Multi Purpose Vehicles) and more luxurious. These cost typically 25-30% more than the budget taxis & are normally available at taxi stands all over Kuala Lumpur including the major malls & hotels. The Red & White taxis can be hailed off the roads & are metered. Ensure that the taxi driver is a Malaysian (all drivers must have a taxi permit &amp license with their photo on it) before you board, as unscrupulous taxi owners have been known to rent their taxi out to unlicensed stand-ins. Like in most other countries, a foreigner on a work visa are only allowed to work in the job/industry specified in the visa. All taxi drivers must be Malaysian or a PR holder as the Malaysian government does not issue work visa to Foreign Muslims to drive taxis.

Additionally, beware of unlicensed taxis (taxi sapu) at the airports. They can literally take you for a ride. There will be agents at the airports offering travellers their taxi service, even pretending to be legitimate. As unbelievable as it may sound, some have been known to rob first time visitors hundreds of ringgit for a single trip into the city, charging 100 times more than the correct fare. At the airports always get your taxi from the authorised operators' booths set up in the airport itself & never from anyone that solicits directly. They will always claim to be legitimate but are rarely licensed and may be unsafe. The taxi operator booths can provide you with receipts. Another tip is to book your taxis in advance. All good hotels' concierge will be able to assist you with this. If travelling in an unlicensed taxi you may not be covered by your travel insurance should that taxi be involved in a mishap.

The most popular ride hailing apps are Grab. On Grab, you can pay with cash—drivers have change.

By bus

The cheapest way to travel in Malaysia is by bus. All towns of any size have a bus terminal offering connections to other parts of the nation. There are many companies of varying degrees of dependability, but two of the largest and more reliable are Transnasional and Plusliner. 24-seater "luxury" buses are recommended for long-distance travel.

If travelling on holidays or even over the weekend, it is advisable to reserve your seats in advance. Many bus companies allow for you to book online directly through their website. However, some only allow online booking via eHalal Hotels for individuals with Malaysian credit cards, which is not really convenient for international visitors. Luckily, most bus operators have banded together into two booking portals and are particularly handy if you have specific destinations but are not sure which bus company to use. Both allow payment with any credit card and require a nominal fee for their service (usually RM1-2).

Air conditioning on some buses can be extremely cold so don't forget to bring a good sweater, pants and socks, especially for overnight journeys on luxury buses!

What to see in Malaysia

Malaysia is a fascinating country with many faces. It's multi-ethnic and multi-cultural, and its attractions vary from the iconic Petronas Towers in bustling Kuala Lumpur to perfect sandy beaches lined with palm trees and dense jungles with orangutangs and tigers.

There are various impressive national parks. Expeditions range from those where you hardly lose sight of the hotel to those where you are fully immersed in the jungle for weeks, with only the guide and yourself. To spot a tiger or wild elephant in its natural habitat you might have to spend more than a few days in the wild, but you'll have no trouble seeing smaller wildlife. Bako National Park is the oldest national park in Malaysia and one of the best places to see proboscis monkeys. The vast jungles of Taman Negara have become a popular destination for ecotourism|ecotourists, just like the remote but gorgeous Gunung Mulu National Park, a World Heritage Site famous for its limestone karst formations, stone pinnacles and huge caves. To escape from the muggy tropics, do as the English did and head up to the cool tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands and the quaint Tudor-style village on Fraser's Hill or climb Mount Kinabalu in Sabah.

For many people, Malaysia brings pictures of pristine beaches with great diving opportunities to mind - and for good reason. Sipadan off the coast of Sabah, and the beautiful Perhentian Islands are among the best (and most popular) places. Coastlines in the less industrialized parts of the nation, in general, are well worth driving through for their natural beauty and relaxing seaside kampung (villages). Follow the crowds to the postcard perfect sands of the Langkawi Islands, where you can obtain a cocktail on the beach and stay in one of the many resorts.

If you're most interested in taking the pulse of a city, don't miss Kuala Lumpur's crazy quilt ultra-modern skyline, including the famous Petronas Twin Towers. George Town and the capital city of Penang, is known for its great food, colonial architecture, and relatively long-standing and institutionalized Chinese, Peranakan and Indian communities, who share the city with ethnic Malays, Thais and Eurasians. Ipoh is a good choice if you enjoy a somewhat slower paced city that features elegant colonial-era buildings from about 100 years ago, and Malacca is for those who want to trace the colonial and imperial history of Malaysia several hundred years further back. For a completely different experience, head to Kota Bharu to discover a unique conservative Islamic regional culture influenced by Thailand, only a few kilometers away, or visit the diverse cities of East Malaysia, like Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. Especially when travelling with children, consider visiting one of the nation's excellent zoos, such as Taiping Zoo, Kuala Lumpur's Zoo Negara and Malacca's Zoo.

What to do in Malaysia

Malaysia has excellent scuba diving. The most popular spots are the islands off the East Coast of peninsular Malaysia (Perhentian, Redang, Tioman and many more), although the dive season is limited to April to September. However and the most famous dive site — often ranked among the best in the world — is Sipadan, off the easternmost tip of Sabah|Malaysian Borneo. There are many other less well known sites, like Layang Layang.

Whitewater Rafting

You can find tame Grade I to incredibly difficult and dangerous Grade V rapids in Malaysia's many national parks:

• Jeram Besu - Grade I-III - Pahang
• Telom River - Grade V - Pahang
• Kuala Perahu - Pahang
• Lipis River - Pahang
• Anak Jelai River - Grade I-II - Pahang
• Tembeling River - Grade I-II - Pahang
• Sedim River - Grade III-IV - Kedah
• Sungai Selangor - Grade I-III - Selangor
• Kiulu River - Grade II - Sabah
• Padas River - Grade III-IV - Sabah
• Sungai Itek (Kampar River) - Grade I-III - Perak
• Sungkai River - Grade I-II - Perak
• Singoh River - Grade V - Perak
• Endau River - Johor
• Nenggiri River - Grade I-III Kelantan
• Kuala Kubu Bahru, Selangor

Martial Arts

Malaysia is home to a uniquely (Malay) style of martial arts known as silat. Silat tournaments are held between different schools in the nation, and the Southeast Asian Games is the premier international tournament in silat, with competitors from the neighbouring countries as well. There is also an equally traditional stylised dance version of silat called silat ung, which is quite worth seeing if you have the chance.

In addition and there are also many kung fu masters among the ethnic Chinese community, and Malaysia is consistently one of the top performers in international wushu competitions.

Music

Malaysia is home to a uniquely (Malay) form of singing called dikir barat. Dikir barat is typically sung by a choir, though there may also be solo parts, and is also either sung a capella, or accompanied only by percussion instruments. Dikir barat competitions are fairly popular among the (Malay) community, and are frequently broadcast on Malaysian national television.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Malaysia

Money Matters & ATM's in Malaysia

The Malaysian currency is the Malaysian ringgit, abbreviated as RM (ISO code: MYR). It is divided into 100 sen (cents). The ringgit is sometimes informally referred to as the dollar and you may see the '$' symbol on older notes. There are coins of RM0.05 (silver), RM0.10 (silver), RM0.20 (silver or gold), and RM0.50 (silver or gold) as well as bills of RM1 (blue), RM5 (green), RM10 (red), RM20 (orange), RM50 (green/blue) and RM100 (purple). 5 sen coins are mainly given as change in large establishments or supermarkets whereas peddlers and street vendors might be reluctant to accept them. The Singapore and Brunei dollars are commonly called ringgit in (Malay), so when near border areas you might want to check to be sure which currency they are quoting the price in.

Foreign currencies are not generally accepted, although you might get away with exchanging some US dollars or euros even in more remote areas, but do expect a lot of stares and some persuasion. The major exception is Singapore dollars, which are accepted by KTMB and toll roads, but at a highly unfavorable 1:1 exchange rate (an anomaly dating back to when the ringgit was interchangeable with the Singapore dollar, prior to the 1970s).

Currency exchange counters can easily found in major shopping areas and have a better exchange rate than in banks and airports. Be sure to say the amount you wish to exchange and ask for the 'best quote' as rates displayed on the board are often negotiable, especially for larger amounts. Large foreign banknotes, such as €500, are almost imfeasible to change for a good rate in some areas, especially in Sabah or Sarawak, where the banks offer a much lower rate comparing to the one you'd get if changing a banknote of smaller amount. Some money exchangers in Kota Kinabalu or Kuching even may refuse your business if you have large foreign banknotes, so the best option is to bring smaller notes unless you are willing to shop around.

Banking

ATMs are widely available in cities, but do stock up on cash if heading out into the smaller islands or the jungle. Credit cards can be used in most shops, restaurants and hotels, although skimming can be a problem in dodgier outlets. For credit card usage, make sure your credit/debit card is chip based as most merchants no longer accept magnetic strips based cards.

Banks in Malaysia do handle international transactions. These ranges from a nominal fee if you are an account holder to a slightly more expensive amount if you are only walking in to use a certain service. International banks such as Citibank & HSBC have their presence in Malaysia, with the latter having branches throughout the nation. Local banking giants are Maybank, Public Bank & CIMB Bank, & they are a very good alternative to the earlier mentioned banks, especially in terms of pricing, local knowledge & presence as well as international services available e.g. money transfers. For any enquiries and transactions, get a number, sit down and wait for your turn to be served. (There is no need to queue while you wait in air-conditioned comfort!)

Banks are open Monday-Friday from 09:30-16:00 and selected banks are open Saturday 09:30-11:30 except on the first and third Saturdays of each month. In the states of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu and they are open Sunday-Thursday from 09:30-16:00.

Due to fraud risk, many Malaysian ATMs do not allow you to withdraw using foreign debit cards. If your card is rejected, try another ATM. This is unique to Malaysia and is not applicable to Thailand, Singapore, or Indonesia. If you call your bank or even Visa/MasterCard and they are often not aware because the transaction is declined by the Malaysia bank. Make sure to bring cash or other forms of money in case your debit card is rejected.

Costs

Most Western visitors will find Malaysia quite cheap, although it is noticeably more expensive than neighbouring Indonesia. You can live in hostel dorms and feast on hawker food for less than RM50 per day, but you'll wish to double this for comfort, particularly if travelling in more expensive East Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur is also generally more expensive than the rest of the nation. At the other end of the spectrum, luxury hotels and air fares are comparatively affordable, with even the fanciest 5-star hotels costing less than RM400/night.

Bukit bintang from kl monorail 2009 - Bukit Bintang, a popular shopping area in Kuala Lumpur

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Malaysia. However, a small tip is typically appreciated if you have been provided with exemplary service. Service charge of 10% is included in total bill in most air-conditioned restaurants. Most expensive restaurants, bars and hotels may indicate prices in the form of RM19++ ("plus plus"), meaning that sales tax (6%) and service charge (10%) will be added to the bill. Hotel tax of 5% may also be added to this.

Shopping

Kuala Lumpur is a shopping popular for clothes, electronics, watches and computer goods, with very competitive prices by any standard. Local Malaysian brands include Royal Selangor and British India. Traditional Malaysian fabrics (batik) are a popular souvenir. The cheapest place to easily buy ethnic souvenirs (especially wood-based) is in Kuching, East Malaysia, and the most expensive place is in the major, posh Kuala Lumpur shopping centres.

In general shops are open 10:30-21:30/22:00 in the large cities. They open and close for business earlier in the smaller towns and rural areas. Some shops may also be closed on certain days, such as in Malacca where many shops and restaurants close on Tuesday.

If you buy too much while shopping in Malaysia (which is quite easy to do), surface postage rates are very reasonable. Excess luggage at the airport is still high but not as high as in many other countries. Check first with your airline.

Muslim Friendly Food & Restaurants in Malaysia

The crossroads of (Malay), Chinese and Indian cuisine, Malaysia is an excellent place to makan (eat in Malay). Look out for regional specialities and Nyonya (Peranakan) cuisine and the fusion between (Malay) and Chinese cuisine|Chinese cooking. There is even unique Eurasian cooking to be found in the Portuguese Settlement in Malacca and the heartland of the Eurasian community of Portuguese descent.

Malaysians are very proud of their cooking and most towns or even villages have their own delicious specialities such as Penang char kway teow, Kajang satay, Ipoh bean sprout Chicken, Sarawak laksa, Kelantanese nasi dagang, Sabahan hinava, and many, many more. Most of them rely on word of mouth for advertising and are frequently located in the most inconvenient, out-of-the-way places so you might want to try asking the local residents for their personal recommendations.

If you intend to travel around Malaysia trying out the local food, don't be fooled by the names. Sometimes two entirely different dishes from different parts of the nation can be known by the same name. For example, laksa refers to completely different Noodles dishes in Penang and Sarawak.

Generally, you can eat pretty much anywhere in Malaysia. Food outlets are comparatively clean - the only thing you should avoid when you frequent the street or hawker stalls is ice for your drinks, since the blocks of ice used there might not be up to your hygienic standards. In actual restaurants this is not a problem. Also you might want to avoid ordering water from hawker stalls or the mamak restaurants as you will usually be served unboiled tap water.

Cheaper places often do not display prices; most will charge tourists honestly, but check prices before ordering to make sure.

Eating habits run the gamut, but most foods are eaten by fork and spoon: push and cut with the fork in the left hand, and eat with the spoon in the right.

As eating is a favourite 'pastime' of Malaysians and the majority are adept at using chopsticks, regardless of background. Noodles and Chinese dishes typically come with these, while (Malay) and Indian food can be eaten by hand, but nobody will blink an eye if you ask for a fork and spoon instead.

If eating by hand, always use your right hand to put your food in your mouth, as Malays and Indians traditionally use their left hand for dirty things like washing up after using the restroom. When eating with chopsticks at Chinese restaurants, take note of the usual etiquette and most importantly, do not stick your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of Rice. This is reminiscent of incense sticks burning at the temple and has connotations of wishing death on those around you. If eating in a group, serving dishes are always shared, but you'll get your own bowl of Rice and soup.

For information about individual dishes in Malaysia, please see the Malaysian cuisine eHalal Travel Guide.

Where to eat

[[File:Beaufort Sabah KedaiKopi-01.jpg|1280px|Beaufort Sabah KedaiKopi-01]]

The cheapest places to eat are hawker stalls and coffeeshops, known as kedai kopi in (Malay) or kopitiam in Hokkien. These shops sell, besides Coffee, many other types of food and fruit drinks. Particularly popular and tasty are mamak stalls, run by Indian Muslims and serving up localized Indian fare like roti canai. Most hawker stalls stay open till late and some even operate on shifts so you can find the same stall offering different food at different points throughout the day. You can also do take away from any stall, just ask for bungkus (Malay) or ta pao (Cantonese). A hawker meal will rarely cost you over RM5. Hygiene standards in Malaysia, while not up to that of neighbouring Singapore or GCC countries, is still reasonable and much better than say, China or most of the rest of Southeast Asia. Just be observant, and generally speaking, if a stall is patronised by local residents, it should be safe to eat there.

One step up on the scale is the kedai makanan or the more Asian-style restoran. A type to look out for is the nasi kandar restaurant (commonly called nasi campur or nasi padang), with a vast range of Curries and toppings to ladle on top of your Rice.

Seafood restaurants (makanan laut) are comparatively pricy but still excellent value by most standards; do check prices before ordering though. Local prawns are gigantic, Chinese-style steamed fish is a treat and crab served with sticky chilli Sauce is particularly popular.

Last but not least, some less adventurous options. Food courts in shopping malls are a good way to sample local delicacies in air-conditioned comfort, paying only a small premium over hawker prices. And yes, you can also find McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), KFC, Pizzas Hut and the usual suspects plus imitators throughout Malaysia.

Dietary restrictions

Being a Muslim-majority country, finding Halal food in Malaysia is easy, but most Chinese stalls and restaurants are not Halal. Ask if in doubt. Meals at (Malay) restaurants and Western fast food restaurants like McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizzas Hut are Halal Restaurants at major hotels are not certified 'Halal' as they serve alcohol as well, but with the exception of Chinese restaurants and they generally don't serve Beef. Local Muslims will eat at Western, Chinese and Indian eateries if there is a Halal sign on the walls. Most of the restaurants tend to display their certification or Halal sign on their places. Halal certification is awarded and enforced by a government agency, usually JAKIM.

There are no kosher establishments in Malaysia, so Yahudi visitors will have to bring their own food with them. Kosher grocery stores and restaurants can be found in neighbouring Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines and Vietnam, so you might want to stop in one of those countries to stock up before entering Malaysia.

Vegetarianism is well-understood by the Chinese and Indian communities (not so by the Muslim Malays and other indigenous minorities) and some Halal restaurants or hawker stalls will be able to come up with something on request (DO state "no Meat, no fish, no seafood - ASK for vegetables and/or eggs ONLY"), but don't rely entirely on menu descriptions: innocuous-seeming dishes like "fried vegetables" etc. will often contain Beef bits in non- Chinese restaurants, shrimp paste (belacan, commonly used in (Malay) and spicy Chinese dishes), fish Sauces, etc. Indian restaurants usually have very good Vegetarian selections - the roti (Indian flat bread - any kind; including roti canai, roti naan, capati, tosai) are good choices, and DO insist on being given dhal (lentil-based Curries dip) lest you'll be given a fish Curries dip. Purely Vegetarian Chinese restaurants (often serving remarkable "mock meat" products made from tofu, gluten etc.) are quite easy to find in big urban areas with a large ethnic Chinese population. Getting Vegetarian food in rural areas, especially those near fishing villages or in Muslim/Malay-dominated regions, may be more difficult, but learning some basic (Malay) vocabulary will go a long way to help you get your message across — see the (Malay) phrasebook#Eating|Malay phrasebook. Upmarket Western restaurants, such as those serving Italian cuisine will normally have some good Vegetarian options.

Veganism is commonly understood in this part of the world and is largely mistaken as a synonym for vegetarianism, yet the safest bet for a vegan is to patronize a Chinese Buddhist Vegetarian restaurant (most Chinese Vegetarian restaurants are crucially vegan and operated on Buddhist principles of non-killing and compassion, and thus they abstain from using dairy products, eggs, and the 5 fetid vegetables [onions, garlic, leeks, etc.] discouraged in Mahayana Buddhism). And if you're still feeling uneasy or unsure, do not hesitate to ask.

Drink

Malaysians like both coffee (kopi) and tea (teh), especially the national drink teh tarik ("pulled tea"), named after the theatrical 'pulling' motion used to pour it. By default, both will be served hot, sweet and with a dose of condensed milk; request teh o to skip the milk, teh ais for iced milky tea, or teh o ais for iced milkless tea. Drinking with no sugar at all is considered odd, but asking for kurang manis (less sugar) will ease the pain. However, if you really want no sugar at all, you can try asking for "teh kosong."

Another peculiar local favourite is the kopi tongkat ali ginseng, a mixture of Coffee, a local aphrodisiacal root, and ginseng served with condensed milk that's touted as an alternative to viagra and red bull combined and is usually advertised with a picture of a bed broken in half.

Other popular nonalcoholic options include the Chocolates drink Milo and lime juice (limau). Freshly made fruit juices are also widely available, as well as a wide range of canned drinks (some familiar, some less so).

There is also a local drink comprised of white soya milk and black grass jelly (cincau) called soya cincau. It can be ordered at most hawker centres and local roadside cafes (kedai kopi/kopitiam).

Buy Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Malaysia

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At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Malaysia ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Malaysia. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Malaysia, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

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Muslim Friendly hotels in Malaysia

Malaysian Hotels and hostels are required to charge a tourism tax on international visitors: RM10 per room per day, which may not be included in the advertised rates.

Budget hotels and youth hostels are available in most cities and around most tourist destinations. As with most good accommodations, some are more reliable than others.

Mid-range hotels are readily available just about anywhere. Prices of 3-4 star hotels are upwards from RM100 and are generally reliable in terms of quality.

5-star hotels, service apartments and resorts are found in larger cities like Kuala Lumpur, George Town, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. Also, almost all islands have upscale resorts and spas for the wealthy traveller.

Learn

Malaysia's universities are well-regarded and draw exchange students from near and far. Among Malaysia's universities and the undisputed most prestigious one is the University of Malaya (UM), located in Kuala Lumpur. In addition, several foreign universities have established campuses in Malaysia.

Work

Obtaining a working visa takes some effort. The easiest way to work in Malaysia is probably to work for an overseas company and get posted to Malaysia. In order to obtain a work permit, you need to have an offer from your future employer who will have to do the paperwork for you. It's expensive and comes with many restrictions if a company wants to hire a foreigner and as such next to imfeasible. As stated above, a feasible way is to get transferred. Finding a job is otherwise unlikely unless you are married to a local and even then it remains difficult.

Working days in the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Johor are from Sunday to Thursday, while in most other states and the working days are from Monday to Friday. Weekend holidays are on Saturday and Sunday, while in the states of Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Johor are on Friday and Saturday.

Stay healthy

Tap water is drinkable straight off the tap, as it is treated, but even local residents boil or filter it first just to be on the safe side. When travelling it is best to stick to bottled water, which is very affordable.

Ice in drinks might be made from tap water but nowadays, most restaurants and even roadside stalls use the cylindrical variety with a hollow tube down the middle that are mass-produced at ice factories and are safer to consume.

Heat exhaustion is common, but do consume lots of fluids, use a hat and sunscreen and shower often!

Peninsular Malaysia is largely malaria-free, but there is a significant risk in Borneo especially in inland and rural areas. Dengue fever occurs throughout Malaysia in both urban and rural areas, and can be avoided only by preventing mosquito bites. The mosquito that transmits dengue feeds throughout the daytime, and is most active at dawn and dusk. If you experience a sudden fever with aches and lethargy, seek medical attention immediately. Aspirin and ibuprofen should not be used until dengue fever has been ruled out. Mosquito repellents (ubat nyamuk) are widely available. Be careful with mosquito coils, which can easily start fires: set them on a plate or other non-flammable surface and extinguish them before going to sleep.

Haze from burning vegetation in neighbouring Indonesia may come and go without warning from the months of May to August so travellers with respiratory ailments should come prepared.

Most public washrooms make a small charge (generally between RM0.20-RM2.00, usually depending on the standard of the facilities) so keep some loose change to hand. If the condition of the sitting toilets is questionable, use the squatting toilets instead - both are usually available, and some believe that the latter are more hygienic and (if you can get used to them) are just as easy to use as sitting toilets.

Peninsular Malaysia is largely free from earthquakes as there are no nearby faultlines, though tremors can occasionally be felt when a major quake occurs in neighbouring Indonesia. East Malaysia, on the other hand, especially the area around Mount Kinabalu, does experience occasional earthquakes (such as the fatal one occurring in 2023). Typhoons also generally do not occur. However and the November - Jan monsoon season often results in flooding due to torrential rains, and landslides are known to occur, most notably on the East Coast. Tsunamis are a rare occurrence, though Penang and a few islands on the north of the West Coast were hit by the infamous tsunami in 2004.

Healthcare

The standard of healthcare in Malaysia is generally high, and Malaysia is rapidly emerging as a popular destination for medical tourism, with treatment costs in general far cheaper than in neighbouring Singapore and GCC countries. Almost all Malaysian doctors are able to speak English fluently, while most other medical staff are able to converse in at least basic English.

Government healthcare facilities are affordable and good, though they tend to be understaffed and consequently, waiting times are long. Due to the shorter waiting times and sometimes hotel-like levels of comfort, most expatriates and visitors prefer to seek out private medical care. Malaysia's largest private healthcare groups are Parkway Pantai, which operates the well-known Gleaneagles and Pantai hospital chains, and KPJ Healthcare. Private medical costs can be high and having travel insurance is a very good idea.

Respect

What's in a name? Malay names are usually given name + bin or binti (son/daughter) + father's name. Mohammed bin Abdullah would usually be called Mohammed by his friends, and Mr. Mohammed for business. Sometimes and the person's given name appears after the Mohammed or Abdul (example: Mohammed Faizal bin Mohammed Nasser) so, in such a case, he would usually be addressed as Mr. Faizal.
- Chinese place their family name first, so Tan Ah Heng is Mr Tan for business and Ah Heng to his friends. Many have Western names, so he may also be known as John Tan.
- Indian names are complex, but the south Indian (Tamil) names usually found in Malaysia have two patterns: either given name + a/l or a/p (anak lelaki (son of)/anak perempuan (daughter of)) + father's name, or father's initial + given name. Given names are often long and may be abbreviated, so Thirumurugan a/l Govindasamy may just be addressed as Thiru by his friends and Mr Thiru for business.
- Other ethnic minorities, such as the Iban and Kadazan have their own naming conventions.
The foolproof method and therefore, is to ask how the person would like to be addressed.

Telecommunications in Malaysia

Telephone numbers

The country code for Malaysia is +60.

[[File:Sandakan Sabah Public-Phone-Booths-01.jpg|1280px|Sandakan Sabah Public-Phone-Booths-01]]

Landlines

Malaysian landline phone numbers have either seven or eight digits. The country is also divided up into areas which have been assigned two or three digit area codes, which have to be dialled when calling from outside the area. The area codes are:

• 03 - Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Selangor (all are Klang Valley), Pahang (Genting Highlands only)
• 04 - Kedah, Penang, Perlis
• 05 - Perak, Pahang (Cameron Highlands only)
• 06 - Malacca, Johor (Muar neighborhood only), Negeri Sembilan
• 07 - Johor (all neighborhoods except for Muar)
• 082 - Sarawak (Kuching and Samarahan neighborhoods)
• 083 - Sarawak (Sri Aman and Betong neighborhoods)
• 084 - Sarawak (Sarikei, Sibu and west Kapit neighborhoods)
• 085 - Sarawak (Miri and Limbang neighborhoods)
• 086 - Sarawak (Bintulu neighborhoods and Belaga)
• 087 - Sabah (Interior Division), Labuan
• 088 - Sabah (West Coast and Kudat Division)
• 089 - Sabah (Sandakan and Tawau Division)
• 09 - Kelantan, Pahang (all neighborhoods except Genting Highlands), Terengganu

Area code 02 has been assigned for calls made from Malaysia to Singapore. This means there's no need to call Singapore's country code 65 when calling from Malaysia.

International direct dialing (IDD) calls from landlines to all other countries should use the prefix 00 followed by the nation code.

To call a Malaysian number:

• From overseas except Singapore dial the international access code and the nation code for Malaysia and the area code without the "0", and then the phone number.
• From Singapore dial 02 and the area code with the "0", and then the phone number.
• From outside the local area dial the full area code, followed by the phone number. There are no exceptions to this rule, except when using a mobile phone.
• From within the local area just dial the phone number without any code.

Mobile phones

Malaysia also has four mobile telephone service providers, Maxis, DiGi, Celcom, and U Mobile which utilise codes 012, 013, 014, 016, 017, 018, 019. Network connection in Malaysia is excellent. Mobile number portability has been implemented in Malaysia, meaning a code like 012 that traditionally belonged to Maxis, can now be a DiGi subscriber. Mobile networks utilize the GSM 900 and 1800 systems. 4G (WCDMA), EDGE & HSPDA networks available in larger towns. International roaming onto these networks is feasible if your operator allows it. Prepaid SIM cards for sale at airports are pretty affordable; a one-week SIM card with a good amount of data might cost about RM20-30 (2022).

To call a Malaysian mobile number:

• From overseas dial the international access code and the nation code for Malaysia and the mobile telephone provider's code without the "0", and then the telephone number.
• From within Malaysia dial the provider's code with the "0", and then the telephone number.
• From mobile phone to mobile phone within Malaysia dial the provider's code with the "0", and then the telephone number. Although you can drop the provider's code if the two phones share the same provider, you will still get through if the provider's code is dialled.

To call from Malaysia to another country:

• From a landline dial the international access code "00" followed by the nation code and the phone number. For example, dialing the United States from Malaysia you would dial 001 followed by the U.S. area code and phone number. On the Maxis network, take advantage of 50% IDD rates via IDD132, which doesn't require any registration, just dial "132" prior to the "00".
• From a mobile phone same as from a landline (above).An alternative, and simpler, approach on many mobile phones is to press & hold the zero button to enter a "+" (plus sign) before the nation code and phone number. The "+" represents (in any country) the appropriate international access code. On the Maxis network, take advantage of 50% IDD rates via IDD132, which doesn't require any registration, just dial "132" prior to the "00", and do not use the "+" symbol using this method.

Postal services

Many international courier services like Fedex, DHL and UPS are available in towns and cities but the main postal service provider is Pos Malaysia which reliably provides postal services to most countries in the world.

Postage rates in Malaysia are cheap. Much much cheaper than Thailand, Singapore or Vietnam, and surface post is available as well. In addition the mail is reliable and trustworthy.

When posting, do not seal the box. This is to allow for inspection in case illegal items are posted this way.

A local alternative to the international courier companies mentioned above is the Pos Laju, which provides just as reliable a service but at a fraction of the costs!

Non-urgent letters and postcards can be dropped in postboxes inside postal offices or red postboxes found outside postal offices and along primary streets. If there are two slots in a postbox use the one that says "lain lain" for international post.

Post offices are open Monday to Saturday 08:00-17:00 except public holidays, although a few in Klang Valley stay open until 22:00. In the states of Kedah, Kelantan, Johor and Terengganu they are closed on Fridays and public holidays.

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