Malaysia Travel Guide: Essential Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Travel

Malaysia, with its beautiful landscapes and rich heritage, is a vibrant country in Southeast Asia. This gem offers a plethora of experiences that will leave every tourist craving for more.

When planning a vacation to Malaysia, you must know about certain travel guidelines and safety tips. So, we have created a blog post covering everything from security measures to entry requirements to the laws and customs of this beautiful country.

Sit back, relax, and let us be your trusted guide as we navigate through the enchanting world of Malaysia!

Table of Contents

Security Measures

When traveling to Malaysia, it is important to take certain security measures to ensure a safe trip.

Conduct thorough research about the destination and its potential security risks.
Dress conservatively and avoid wearing expensive jewelry or accessories.
Keep a low profile to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.
Be cautious when using ATMs and cover the keypad while entering your PIN.
Secure your belongings in a money belt or concealed pouch.
Stay informed about local conditions and register with your embassy for travel alerts.
Use reliable transportation options and avoid traveling alone at night in secluded areas.

Exercise Normal Precautions

Being classified under Level 1, Malaysia is considered a relatively safe destination with a low level of crime and security risks. It indicates that you can have a smooth travel to Malaysia while exercising normal precautions.

Enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is highly recommended for travelers going to Malaysia. This free service allows U.S. citizens to register their trip to Malaysia with the nearest U.S. embassy. By enrolling in STEP, travelers can stay informed about safety conditions, receive important updates, and facilitate communication and assistance in case of emergencies.

Health Advice for Traveling to Malaysia

Here is a detailed Malaysia medical travel guide that will give you some health advice for traveling to Malaysia:

COVID-19: All travelers can enter Malaysia without vaccination or testing requirements but stay updated on the COVID-19 situation and follow local guidelines.
Medical Facilities: Good medical facilities exist in cities but vary in remote areas. Get travel insurance covering medical expenses and consider evacuation coverage.
Vaccinations: Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. Additional vaccines may be needed for specific trips.
Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Malaysia has dengue fever, Zika virus, and malaria risks. Use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and stay in screened or air-conditioned rooms.
Food and Water Safety: Practice good hygiene, drink bottled or filtered water, avoid ice cubes/raw food, and wash your hands regularly.
Heat and Humidity: There is high heat and humidity in Malaysia. Make sure you stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
Travel Insurance: It’s strongly recommended to have insurance covering medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.

Increased Caution in Eastern Sabah State

Exercise increased caution in the eastern area of Sabah State due to the risk of kidnapping. The nearby islands of Sipadan and Mataking, as well as the surrounding waters, have been known for incidents of foreigners being kidnapped. The area is very close to the Philippines, which is currently suffering from terrorism, which also increases the risk for tourists.

To ensure that you have a safe and happy experience, we recommend you ask questions and take all the necessary precautions suggested by your tour guide. We recommend that you avoid any travel to the east coast of Sabah.

There may be individuals who can try to trick you into giving your passport and will later blackmail you for money. So always stay vigilant and keep your personal belongings with you.

Entry Requirements for Malaysia

Here are the entry requirements for Malaysia summarized in short points:

Passport Validity : You should have a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months beyond your arrival date in Malaysia.
Visa Requirement : You might require a Malaysia visa depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. So, contact your country’s Malaysian embassy or consulate or visit the official website for more details. You can also check out the new Malaysia visa policies.
eVisa : Some nationalities are eligible for an electronic visa (eVisa) to enter Malaysia. Check if your country is eligible.
COVID-19 Restrictions : Vaccinated travelers do not require pre-departure or on-arrival COVID-19 tests. No quarantine orders are enforced upon arrival.
MySejahtera App : Install the MySejahtera app upon arrival for contact tracing purposes.

Local Laws and Customs

Here are 10 local laws and customs in Malaysia summarized in short points:

Respect for Religion : Malaysia is a multi-religious country, so respecting all religions and religious practices is essential.
Modest Dress : Dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Avoid revealing clothing and consider covering your shoulders and knees.
Removing Shoes : It is customary to remove your shoes when you enter homes, certain establishments, and places of worship, like mosques and temples.
Respect for Royalty : Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy. So you must always respect to the royal family and refrain from showing any disrespectful behavior or speech towards them.
Drug Laws : Malaysia has stringent drug laws, and drug trafficking is a serious offense.
So do not carry any medicine or item that is banned in Malaysia. You can also refer to the Malaysia travel guide/requirement for more details.
Forged Currency : If you are found carrying forged or fake currency notes or bank notes, it may lead to legal consequences and severe penalties.
Dual Legal System : Malaysia has a dual legal system with both secular and Sharia laws. Different states may have varying degrees of adherence to Sharia law.
Public Displays of Affection : Public displays of affection, particularly between unmarried couples, may be frowned upon in some conservative areas
Photography at Places of Worship : Always ask for permission before taking photographs at religious sites, as some may have restrictions or require a fee.
Littering : It is illegal to litter in public places in Malaysia. Dispose of your waste properly in the designated bins.

Conclusion

Staying safe and informed while traveling to Malaysia is essential for a smooth and enjoyable trip. You can ensure a hassle-free journey by following the security measures, exercising normal precautions, being cautious in Eastern Sabah State, and complying with entry requirements.

FAQ’s

Is Malaysia safe for tourists?

Malaysia is generally a very safe country to visit. Violent crime rates are low and terrorist attacks are uncommon. However, petty crimes like bag snatching and pickpocketing do occur, especially in busy tourist areas. Use common sense, avoid deserted areas at night, don't flash expensive items, and keep valuables secured.

What vaccinations do I need before going to Malaysia?

The CDC recommends typhoid and hepatitis A vaccinations for most travelers going to Malaysia. Malaria medication is advised if you're going to remote forested areas of Malaysian Borneo. Updating routine vaccines like tetanus is also a good idea.

What languages are spoken in Malaysia?

The official language is Bahasa Malaysia. English is widely spoken especially in cities and tourist areas. Various Chinese dialects, Tamil, and indigenous languages are also used in parts of the country. Learning a few Bahasa Malaysia phrases before traveling can help with interactions outside main tourist spots.

Is the water safe to drink in Malaysia?

It's best not to drink tap water in Malaysia. Only drink bottled water that's factory sealed to avoid water-borne illnesses. Use bottled or sterilized water for brushing teeth too. Ice at restaurants is generally safe if the establishment caters to tourists.

What currency does Malaysia use, and can I use my credit card?

The Malaysian Ringgit is the official currency. U.S. dollars and major credit cards are widely accepted at shops, restaurants and hotels in cities and tourist areas. However, have some local currency for paying smaller vendors, taxis etc.

Is it safe for women to travel alone in Malaysia?

Generally yes, though standard solo female travel precautions apply. Avoid deserted areas at night, don't take rides from strangers, and always watch your drink to ensure it isn't tampered with. Dress conservatively and avoid provocative clothing especially outside major cities to avoid unwanted attention.

Is Malaysia expensive to visit? What is the best way to get around?

Malaysia offers a good value-for-money trip. Accommodation, food, and transportation are quite affordable. Public transport like trains, buses, metro are reliable budget options to get around cities and between some tourist destinations. Domestic flights are inexpensive to reach Malaysia's islands and other remote attractions. Taking trains overnight saves on accommodation costs too.

Should I worry about health risks like dengue or malaria?

There is a low level risk of dengue in Malaysia. Protect yourself from mosquito bites by using repellent and prevent places for mosquito breeding. In a small number of cases, the zika virus is also present. However, malaria risk is mostly limited to rural jungle regions of Malaysian Borneo. The odds of most travelers contracting these diseases are very low by taking basic precautions.

I want to visit Borneo to see native wildlife and culture. Where should I go?

The Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak in northern Borneo offer the chance to see unique indigenous tribes, jungle wildlife like orangutans and elephants, incredible scenery and rich biodiversity. Top spots to consider include Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley and Maliau Basin for wildlife along with Longhouse visits on the Batang Ai River to immerse in traditional lifestyles.

Malaysia Travel Advice and Safety