Malaysia Travel Information & Guides

Malaysia - Land of many fascinations...Tiny kampongs, fine hotels, jungle-filled tropical valleys and cool mountain tea plantations, quiet white beaches and busy cities with some of the finest shopping in Asia: all these are part of Malaysia's magic.Malaysia enjoys warm weather all year round and the modern road and air systems mean that the entire country is easily accessible.Malaysia is a land of ready smiles and incredible contrasts that beckons the visitor with a rich diversity of experiences. Tiny kampongs, fine hotels, jungle-filled tropical valleys and cool mountain tea plantations, quiet white beaches and busy cities with some of the finest shopping in Asia: all these are part of Malaysia's magic.From the moment you land in Kuala Lumpur, you will be impressed by the state-of-the-art KL International Airport in Sepang.A visit to Malaysia would not be complete without a stopover in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. This modern city has much to offer the visitor with a range of accommodation from Tourist to Deluxe class. The shopping in Kuala Lumpur is fantastic - there are bargains galore, many modern shopping centres with a variety of goods and the Chinatown markets are great fun with many "copy" products available. It is truly a shopper's paradise.Not only has Malaysia some lovely beaches but also some spectacular resorts such as the Four Seasons and The Datai in Langkawi, Tanjong Jara Resort in Terengganu and the lovely Shangri-La properties in Penang and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. There are many islands to explore and it is also home to the world-renowned dive site of Sipadan in Sabah.There is much to see and do here, if its adventure you are after, explore the million year old rainforests, jungle trekking, see the Orang Utans (only found in Borneo or Sumatra), explore the many cave systems in Sarawak and see the unique flora and fauna that makes this place so special. And if you just want to do nothing head for one of the many superb beach resorts available.It's all here waiting for you!AirportsKuala Lumpur International Airport (Sepang) is 50 km (29 miles) south from Kuala Lumpur.Penang (Bayan Lepas) is 16km (10 miles) south of Georgetown, capital of Penang, Langkawi (Padang Mat Sirat), Kuching & Kota Kinabalu.Customs at AirportsProhibited are: Any goods from South Africa and Israel, any article bearing the imprint or reproduction of any currency note, bank note or coin which are current or have at any time been issued in any country.Import and export for non-residents of any amount of foreign currency and up to MYR 1,000 is allowed providing currencies are declared upon arrival. Travel declaration forms may be required to be filled out for all passengers regardless of age.The importation of illegal drugs into Malaysia carries the death penalty.Duty FreeDuty free allowance is 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225 grammes of tobacco, 1 litre of wine, spirits or malt liquor, cosmetics and perfumery to a total value of MYR200, one unit of each portable electrical or battery operated appliance for personal care and hygiene, a total max of MYR75 of dutiable food preparations, max MYR25 for each unit or set of souvenirs and gifts to a total maximum value of MYR200 if more than one unit or set.Items such as cameras, watches,pens, lighters, cosmetics, perfumes and portable radio cassette players are duty-free in Malaysia.Passport RequirementsVisa not required for stay of less than 2 months. Passports must be valid at least six months beyond period of intended stay.For any other than Australian passport holders please check with your travel agent regarding visa formalities.ClimateThere are no distinct seasons and temperatures vary very little year round, ranging from 21-32 ° C with cooler temperatures in the hill resorts.November to February is the rainy season for the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.During the months of April, May and October, the west coast experiences high rainfall.LanguageBahasa Malaysia (Malay) is the national and official language of the country.English is widely used all over the country especially in business. Other languages used are Chinese and Tamil.CommunicationsMost hotels have direct dialling facilities.Check with the operator for long distance and international charges, which may also be found in the telephone directory. Outgoing international code: 00.The international country IDD code for Malaysia is 60, for Australia 61.CurrencyRinggit, divided into 100 sen.Notes - $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, $1000.Coins - cents 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and $1Credit CardsMost large establishments in Malaysia will accept MasterCard, Visa, Diners Club and American Express.Time ZoneMalaysia's time is GMT + 8 hours, the same as Perth, normally 2 hours behind Sydney.HealthNo vaccinations are required for travellers entering Malaysia, but a Malaria risk exists in the deep hinterland and Sabah.Electricity220/250 Volts, 50 cycles AC Current, 3 pin British type plug.TippingA service charge of 10% is added automatically to restaurant and hotel bills, plus a 5% government tax, so tipping is unnecessary unless service is exceptional.