Malaysia Travel Tips For First Time Visitors

Malaysia is one of the most visited countries in the world. And it’s no wonder with all its natural beauty, colonial towns, beaches and street food are always going to be a major pull for any visitor.

Checkout our travel tips to Malaysia and things to do in Malaysia before going.

I would like to share my experience after a few times staying in this beautiful country and share some tips for people who are planning to visit Malaysia for the first time.

Malaysia Travel Tips

Here is our list of Malaysia Travel Tips.

The Climate is Hot and Humid

Malaysia is considered a tropical paradise due to its warm weather. The average temperature can be between 25ºC to 35ºC.

The rainy season on the west of the peninsula is normally between April to October. The rain lasts only for a short period.

The east coast has a heavier rainy season between November to February. During these rainy months, many of the beach resorts close and re-open in March.

Based on this I would recommend to go in the dry season, which is from April to September.

Do I Need To Tip

Malaysia is not a tipping country. You don’t have to tip and it’s not expected. There normally is a 10% service charge in the fancy restaurants and bars.

Malaysia is A Muslim Country

Malaysia is predominantly a Muslim country. Roughly 60% of the country are Muslims.

With Malaysia been considered a Muslim country, everyone still has the right to practice whatever religion they want.

Remove You Shoes

Remove your shoes before entering a Malaysian home, temples and mosques.

Not only does it show respect but it’s also customary to remove and leave footwear outside the house, temple or mosque.

Dress Conservatively

If visiting a religious building such a Buddha temple or mosque. Dress conservatively, so no shorts or hot pants, in other words don’t show too much skin.

If a monks or nuns enters, enter stand up to show respect.

Dress For The Weather

With Malaysia’s weather averaging around 28ºC – 35ºC everyday, all year round. Remember to wear light clothes.

Petty Crime Such As Pickpockets and Thief

Petty crime is a problem in Malaysia especially in tourist areas. Beware of your personal belongings as theft and robbery is quite high.

If you’re driving into Malaysia, then you might not want to wind down your windows on the highway because this might encourage motorcyclist robbers.

Get A Local SIM Card

You can buy a prepaid sim card with data plans at the airport. They are not expensive. Take an old or cheap smart phone with you to Malaysia.

Never Take a Cab / Taxi

The Malaysian cab/taxi drivers have a bad reputation for not using the meter.

If you need to use a taxi service for transport use Grab which is the local version of Uber.

Most Malaysians Speak English

Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or help if you need it. Most Malaysians can speak english and are more than happy to help.

Don’t Drink Too Much

The cost of a single beer bottle is expensive and it is recommended that you don’t drink a lot in Malaysia with it being a Muslim-dominated state.

Don’t Do Drugs

Just don’t do drugs. If you are caught with drugs in Malaysia the punished can be death by hanging.

Simply put if you are in possession of 1,000 gm or more opium (raw or prepared) or 200 gm or more cannabis or 40 gm or more cocaine will receive the mandatory sentence of death by hanging.

Punishment for lighter offences can range from imprisonment, rehabilitation to fines depending on the amount of drugs possessed and degree of offence.

Pack Light, Travel Light

Excessive luggage can become a nightmare. Travel Ultralight by packing as minimum as you can.

And you may buy stuff in Malaysia, you’ll need space for it in your luggage.

Don’t Drink The Tap Water

Don’t drink the local tap water. This with reduce your chances of getting sick while on your holidays. Here is a few things to bear in mind.

1. Clean your teeth and toothbrush with bottled water.
2. Remember to specify “No Ice” when ordering drinks at bars, hotels or restaurants.

Visiting During Ramadan isn’t A Problem

Ramadan is widely observed in Malaysia. Obviously with over 60% of the population being Muslim.

Non-Muslim aren’t expected to abstain from eating, drinking or smoking in public during the month of fasting unlike such places like Dubai.

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Wrapping Up

Finally, Malaysia is a great country to visit, with so many things to do in Malaysia and with these Malaysia travel tips, it will help you make most of your trip to Malaysia and more enjoyable.

And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on Malaysia Travel Tips has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is any more to add.

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