Money and payments
Cards and cash
Many ATMs, especially those of local banks, won't charge a fee for withdrawals in Malaysia (e.g.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Malaysia.
//
Asia · South-Eastern AsiaUsable guideCountry in Southeast Asia
Photo: Brandon Lim LW, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia, on the Malay Peninsula, as well as on northern Borneo. The country is one of Asia's tiger economies, having seen great economic and human development during the last several decades. While the capital Kuala Lumpur is a cosmopolitan city, deep jungles cover vast swaths of the land, and the offshore islands are home to pristine beaches and some of the world's best scuba diving sites. Malaysia is also a foodie's paradise, with its diverse ethnic groups contributing to an incredibly rich culinary heritage.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Malaysia.
Cards and cash
Many ATMs, especially those of local banks, won't charge a fee for withdrawals in Malaysia (e.g.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Malaysia.
English, Malay
The official language of Malaysia is Malay (officially Bahasa Malaysia, also commonly known as Bahasa Melayu).
Cybercafés are a thing of the past, since nowadays most people have mobile data.
Mobile networks
There are differences of opinion about whether and to what degree tap water is safe to drink.
There are differences of opinion about whether and to what degree tap water is safe to drink. It is treated and monitored, but the condition of the pipes is not always reliable.
Covered in the guide
The foolproof method, therefore, is to ask how the person would like to be addressed.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
the multi-cultural national capital, home of the Petronas Twin Towers
the capital of Penang and hub of Malaysia's second largest metropolitan area, famed for its colonial-era architecture, multi-cultural populace, food and arts scene
the historical city of Malaysia with colonial-style architecture
the capital of Perak, with a historic colonial old town and tin mining area
capital of Johor and Malaysia's third largest city, at the border with Singapore
capital of Pahang and largest city on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia
close to tropical islands, lush rain forest and Mount Kinabalu
capital of Sarawak, and largest city in East Malaysia
famous for its tea plantations
glittering jewels off the East Coast still undiscovered by mass tourism
a large area of rainforest national park spanning Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu
home of Mount Kinabalu
an archipelago of 99 islands known for its beaches, rainforest, mountains, mangrove estuaries and unique nature. It's also a duty-free island
one of the best dive spots in the world
popular island destination for scuba divers
once nominated one of the most beautiful islands in the world
Places in Malaysia on the World Heritage List.
Kinabalu Park
Listed 2000
Gunung Mulu National Park
Listed 2000
Niah National Park
Listed 2024
Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley
Listed 2012
Melaka and George Town, Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca
Listed 2008
Forest Research Institute Malaysia Forest Park Selangor
Listed 2025
List from Wikidata (CC0). Photos from Wikimedia Commons.
The more developed region, offering the modern capital, Kuala Lumpur, UNESCO World Heritage cities with colonial flair and the Langkawi archipelago. Perlis, Kedah and Perak are the gateways to Thailand overland.
Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca
The more traditional Muslim region, home to Taman Negara (National Park), numerous unspoilt islands and the Jungle Railway, which winds through the rural hinterlands. Kelantan is the gateway to Thailand overland.
Comprising just one state, two coastlines, endless palm oil plantations and the gateway to Singapore via a causeway or bridge.
Public transport and paid services in Malaysia.
By bus
Bus drivers (especially on more "rural" routes) sometimes drive carelessly, speed like maniacs, overtake on blind corners, etc. The vast majority of journeys are problem-free.
By train
State operator Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) provides relatively inexpensive and generally reliable services around Peninsular Malaysia (but not Sabah/Sarawak in Borneo).
By boat
Ferries link the mainlands of Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia with several outlying islands.
By plane
Flying is the only practical option for traveling between Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo, as well as reaching some of the more remote outposts of Borneo.
By car
Malaysia has an excellent highway network with over 2000 km of expressways, culminating in the North-South Expressway (Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan) along the West Coast from Johor Bahru at the border…
By taxi
Taxis are available in all cities and larger towns, although in smaller places you may have to call one (ask any shopkeeper or consult the yellow-pages).
By ride-hailing
The most popular ride hailing app is Grab, which took over Uber's former Southeast Asian operations. You can pay with your card (via the Grab app) or cash; most drivers have change.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Malaysia.
Finding apps for Malaysia…
Other ways to travel:By bicycle
Operators checked against their official websites in October 2026; services that have stopped running are not listed. Logos and Wikipedia links: Wikidata (CC0)
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Sepang · International · KUL
Loading places around the airport…
Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Kuala Lumpur
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 28° | 29° | 30° | 30° | 29° | 29° | 28° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 28° | 28° |
| Avg. low | 21° | 21° | 22° | 23° | 23° | 23° | 22° | 22° | 22° | 22° | 22° | 22° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 206 | 157 | 194 | 250 | 172 | 155 | 169 | 184 | 195 | 263 | 314 | 263 |
| Humidity | 88% | 86% | 85% | 86% | 87% | 87% | 87% | 87% | 87% | 87% | 88% | 89% |
Choose your passport and destination to see whether you need a visa.
Budget
$40
Per person, per day
Mid-range
$105
Per person, per day
Luxury
$265
Per person, per day
| Budget | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $20 | $60 | $160 |
| Food and drink | $10 | $20 | $45 |
| Local transport | $5 | $10 | $20 |
| Activities | $5 | $15 | $40 |
Estimate from World Bank price levels (2025). Actual costs vary by city and season. World Bank
—
We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 1 of 4Exercise normal precautions
Exercise normal precautionin Malaysia. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Malaysia is generally a safe destination for travelers. Exercise increased caution on islands and maritime areas off the coast of Eastern Sabah from Kudat in the north to Tawau in the south due to risk of kidnapping.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Advises against all but essential travel to parts of the country
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel Eastern Sabah coastal islands FCDO advises against all but essential travel to all islands and dive sites off the coast of eastern Sabah from Sandakan to Tawau, including Lankayan Island, due to the threat of kidnapping. This does not apply to the mainland of Sabah. Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel. Global travel impacts due to escalation in the Middle East Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights. Your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Before you travel: check travel advice for any countries or territories you are transiting through check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator review your travel insurance policy for coverage monitor local and international media for the latest information and sign up for travel advice email alerts. be mindful of your permitted length of stay in Malaysia Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations…
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Malaysia.
InspirationCelebrate Chinese New Year 2027 with festival dates, temple blessings, lantern displays, and top party spots across Singapore, Penang, and Taipei.
7 min read
Travel tipsFull 2026 list of visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries for Indian passport holders. Check entry requirements, stay limits, and transit visa rules.
6 min read
ItinerariesPlan your family trip with this guide to the best places in Malaysia with kids, covering theme parks, cool hill stations, and calm tropical beaches.
8 min read
Travel tipsThis Kuala Lumpur travel guide details top attractions, transit costs, budget strategies, and neighborhood dining for an easy capital visit.
6 min read
InspirationCompare Langkawi vs Penang to decide which is better for your trip, looking at beaches, world-renowned street food, transport costs, and hotels.
6 min read
Food & drinkMalaysia, Singapore and Brunei are former British colonies in Southeast Asia that are at the crossroads of Malay, Indian and Chinese cultures, and topped off with British influences from the colonial era.
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.
