Malaysia Travel Guide

Malaysia has a vibrant mix of foreign and indigenous tribal cultures. Everybody speaks English, since its compulsory in local schools. Kuala Lumpur is downright cheap. The cost of 2-bedroom rental apartments begin at around $250 per month and 3-bedroom houses start at $35,000.

The Federation of Malaysia comprises Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Located 7 degrees north of the Equator, Peninsular Malaysia is separated from the states of Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea.

In the north of the peninsula is Thailand while its southern neighbour is Singapore. The population is 21 million. The capital city is Kuala Lumpur.

Malays who make up about 57% of the population are the predominant group with Chinese, Indians and other ethnic groups making up the rest. Bahasa Melayu Malay is the national language but English is widely spoken. The ethnic groups also speak various languages and dialects.

Islam is the official religion but all other religions are practiced freely. The government is a parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislative system. The Head of State is the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and the Head of Government is the Prime Minister.

The climate is warm and humid all year round. Temperatures range from 21C to 32C. Annual rainfall varies from 2000mm to 2500mm.

Visitors to Malaysia must be in possession of a valid passport or travel document with a minimum validity of six months beyond the intended visiting period. Most nationalities do not require visas for social or business visits. For further information, check with the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission or Tourism Malaysia Office.

The unit of currency is the Malaysian Ringgit indicated as RM. Foreign currencies can be converted at banks and money changers.

All residents and non-residents are required to complete the Travellers Declaration Form TDF. The revised TDF has two separate sections and separate columns for residents and non-residents to declare their currencies; the blue section for the residents and the white section for the non-resident.

Residents are only required to declare in detail the exact amount of ringgit carried when they enter or leave the country only if the amount is in excess of RM1000. They are also required to declare in detail the exact amount in foreign currency, including traveller's cheques carried, when they leave the country only if the amount exceeds the equivalent of RM10,000.

Residents do not have to declare any amount of foreign currency, including traveller's cheques, carried with them when they re-enter the country. Non-residents are only required to declare in detail the exact amount of ringgit carried when they enter or leave the country only if the amount is in excess of RM1000.

As for foreign currency, including traveller's cheques, declaration in detail is required only if the amount exceeds the equivalent of USD2500.

Residents are required to keep the TDF in their passport when they leave the country and surrender the TDF on their return journey. Non-residents are required to keep the TDF with their passport and surrender the TDF on leaving the country.

Electricity Voltage is 220-240 volts AC at 50 cycles per second.

Malaysia follows the metric system in weights and measures.

Local calls can be made from public phones using coins or pre-paid cards. International calls can be made from public phones with card phone facilities or at any Telekom offices.

The New Straits Times is the main English newspaper.

Drug trafficking carries a death penalty.

Penang is an island with the capital city of Georgetown in Malaysia near the northern border with Thailand. It's called the pearl of the orient because it's a resort island with lots of hotels and tourist attractions.

tourismpenang.gov.my

penang-traveltips.com/tourist-attractions.htm
2malaysia.com
about-malaysia.com/penang/
allmalaysia-hotels.comi