FAQ Malaysia

Your passport needs to be valid for six months after your planned departure from Malaysia. You can find out more information on entry requirements our Visa, Passport and Money Advice page.

If you’re a UK passport holder, you’ll be granted a 3 month visa on arrival, so there is nothing you need to do in advance.

Yes, we would always recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance when travelling, especially overseas, that is suitable for your requirements and needs.

In the heat and humidity of Malaysia, we recommend packing lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Merino wool is a great option here as it has thermoregulating properties and is also sweat/odour resistant too. Alternatively, thin cotton or linen works well.

As Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country we would advise you to dress respectfully, covering your knees and shoulders if you aren’t on the beach.

It is always best to get the advice of a GP or travel nurse before travelling overseas to check which vaccinations you might need or if any boosters are required. The Fit for Travel website provides a comprehensive guide on all the vaccinations you should consider.

We know heading off on holiday is always a little bit stressful, especially on the day you leave, so we would advise doing these things before you depart:

• Check you have all your necessary documentation, including your passport!
• Take a photo of your documents and email it to yourself and travelling partners. Having a copy on your phone always comes in handy too.
• Ensure you have all your chargers and converters for any phones, cameras, tablets you are taking. A portable battery pack is a handy item to have in your hand luggage.
• Take snacks and a big bottle of water for your flight.
• Get to the airport with plenty of time to spare, we advise arriving 3 hours prior to your flight departure.
• Pack a change of clothes in your hand luggage and take a photo of your checked bag in case it goes missing en route.
• Sit back and relax knowing we have your holiday sorted!

Bahasa Malaysia is the primary language. Other languages spoken include Chinese, Tamil and English is widely spoken.

Here are some common phrases in Bahasa Malaysia that may be useful:

Hello: Selamat pagi (morning), Selamat tengah hari (midday), Selamat petang (afternoon/evening)
Thank you: Terima kasih
How much?: Berapa harganya?
Excuse me: Maafkan saya

As there is a melting pot of different cultures in Malaysia the cuisine is influenced by these. There are many local variations of dishes and specialities. You should expect a lot of rice, vegetables and meat, along with peanuts, egg and chilli. Traditionally, breakfast is Nasi Lemak; rice steamed in coconut milk, wrapped in a banana leaf, served with spicy curry, peanuts and a boiled egg. You will find lots of Chinese and Indian cuisine too – plenty of exciting dishes to try!

Malaysia is primarily a Muslim country, so it is respectful to cover your shoulders and wear shorts/trousers or a skirt below the knee. On the beaches, you can wear swimwear, but do be mindful of how others might feel and always cover up when going into beachside restaurants and cafes.

Malaysia is considered a safe place to travel to, the welcoming people and well set up infrastructure make for an enjoyable travelling experience. As always, it pays to be cautious with your belongings and use the safe in your room if one is provided.

We are contactable in the UK during office hours and our local partners in destination are available 24/7 for any support or help you might need. They are in the best position as they will be on the same timezone, they should be your first contact in a case of emergency.

The national Malaysian currency is the Ringgit (RM). This currency is also referred to as the Malaysian Dollar. The easiest method is to withdraw money from an ATM in a bank, you can take a small amount of cash with you and exchange in country if you would like.

Tipping isn’t necessary after a meal but we always suggest rounding the bill up to give a little extra. This is fairly customary in South East Asia but is completely discretionary.

If you have had a guide or driver with you for part of your trip, we recommend tipping around 10 MYR (around £2) per person per day. If you have particularly enjoyed their company then it’s always nice to give more.