Malaysia offers an impressive variety of travel destinations and experiences. A journey through the country can provide new impressions every time, even for experienced visitors. Here, you can expect pristine nature, dreamlike beaches, comfortable hotels with excellent service, as well as diverse opportunities for excursions, water sports, diving, surfing, and cultural discoveries.
Malaysia is located on the Malay Peninsula south of Thailand and also includes the northwestern part of the island of Borneo. The west coast is washed by the Andaman Sea and the Strait of Malacca, and the east coast by the South China Sea. The country is known for its beaches, rainforests, and a unique culture shaped by Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is famous for its colonial architecture, modern shopping districts like Bukit Bintang, and impressive skyscrapers.
– West Malaysia (Malay Peninsula), bordering Thailand, Singapore, and Indonesia – East Malaysia (Borneo), bordering Brunei and the Philippines
The country has a well-developed transport network with six international airports. Train connections lead to the Thai border as well as to Singapore. In addition, many ferry connections operate to popular islands and holiday destinations.
Why Malaysia?
– Beautiful, pristine nature – Varied excursion options – Rich cultural heritage – Culinary paradise – White sandy beaches – Excellent diving and snorkeling – Good hotel infrastructure
Malaysia is located near the equator and has a tropical-humid climate, warm and rainy all year round. Average temperature: approx. 27 °C. Annual rainfall: approx. 2500 mm.
– Southwest monsoon: end of May – September – Northeast monsoon: November – March (brings more rain)
– Coastal areas: sunny, 23–32 °C, 100–300 mm rain/month – Lowlands: similar temperatures, but more rainfall – Highlands: cooler and more humid
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), 1 Ringgit = 100 Sen. Banknotes: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 MYR.
Older US dollar bills without a security strip (pre-2013) are not accepted.
Since September 1, 2017, a tourist tax of 10 MYR (approx. 2.50 USD) per room/night has applied nationwide, in addition to local taxes that vary by region:
The taxes are paid in cash at the hotel during check-in.
Malaysia is a multicultural country whose population consists of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and indigenous groups from Sabah and Sarawak. The people are considered extremely friendly and polite. The official religion is Islam; Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity are also widespread.
The hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia.
In many cities, mosques, temples, pagodas, and churches often stand in close proximity to one another – a sign of religious diversity.
– January 1 – New Year – Hari Raya Aidilfitri – Hari Raya Haji – Wesak Day – Prophet’s Birthday – August 31 – National Day (Merdeka) – Deepavali – December 25 – Christmas
Weekends vary by state: Some regions have Sat–Sun off, others Thu–Fri.
– Malaysian cuisine – spicy and aromatic – Chinese cuisine – mild and diverse – Indian cuisine – particularly rich in spices – European cuisine – available in many restaurants
– fresh seafood (crabs, mussels, shrimp, squid) – rice dishes – aromatic soups – vegetarian dishes in Buddhist restaurants
Street stalls offer fresh food, which is usually prepared immediately after ordering. Fruit should be washed with boiled water.
– Miniatures of the Petronas Towers – Pewter and copper goods (traditional crafts) – Wood carvings – Spices and ingredients for Asian cuisine – Handicrafts from India, Thailand, China, or Indonesia sold in ethnic quarters
– Export of Ringgit max. 5000 MYR – Duty-free: 1 l alcohol, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225 g tobacco – Perfume/cosmetics up to 200 MYR – Souvenirs up to 200 MYR – Gold max. 100 g
– Drugs – Weapons (unless authorized) – Pornographic material – Radios with certain frequencies – Goods from Israel – Clothing with Quran quotes
– Animals, birds, plants – Rubber tree seeds – Antiquities – Gold over 100 g – Counterfeits and pirated copies
– Emergency doctor: 991 – Fire department: 994 – Police: 999 – Tourist police: 21496590 – Kuala Lumpur Police: 21460522 – Tourist info: 21633664
Address: 22d Floor, Suite 22.02, Menara Tan & Tan, 207 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur Tel.: +60 3-2166-9552 E-mail: emb_my@mfa.gov.ua Working hours: Mon–Fri, 08:30–17:30