Malaysia is a country located in Southeast Asia that comprises two separate landmasses. On the map, the land on the left is known as Peninsular Malaysia or West Malaysia, which shares a border with Thailand. On the right is East Malaysia, located on the island of Borneo, which shares a border with Indonesia.
The capital city of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur, situated in Peninsular Malaysia.
Travel Essentials for Malaysia
- Time Zone: Malaysia follows UTC+08:00.
- Currency: The local currency is the Ringgit (MYR). The exchange rate typically hovers around 1 USD = 4 MYR.
Getting to Know Malaysians
People from Malaysia are called Malaysians. They are generally courteous, reserved, and friendly to strangers. As a traveler, communication won’t be difficult since English is widely spoken as a second language.
Due to British colonization, Manglish (Malaysian English) is commonly spoken in offices. While the Malay language resembles Indonesian in structure and vocabulary, the pronunciation differs. Additionally, Malaysians are more influenced by British English due to their colonial history. For example, you might hear someone say, “Where is the lift, anyone?” instead of “Where is the elevator?”
Malaysia’s government follows the Westminster parliamentary system, another legacy of British rule. It is also the only federal country in Southeast Asia. The king serves as the head of state.
Malaysia’s Diverse Culture
Although Islam is the dominant religion (around 60% of the population), Malaysia is a multi-cultural society. You’ll meet locals identifying as Malay Chinese or Indian, reflecting Malaysia’s rich history when Chinese and Indian immigrants arrived as traders, laborers, and miners during British colonization.
Apart from Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism are also widely practiced.
While Malaysia embraces diversity, it’s important to dress modestly out of respect for the country’s cultural norms. Revealing clothing is discouraged, especially in mosques or conservative areas.
Malaysia Known For
Biggest Flower in the World
Malaysia’s lush rainforests are home to the Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower. This rare bloom can grow over 3 feet in diameter. However, witnessing this spectacle is a stroke of luck — the flower blooms for only one week before wilting, and it takes nine months to grow again.
Rubber and Palm Oil
Malaysia is one of the world’s major producers of rubber, alongside Thailand and Indonesia. The country is also a leading supplier of commercial hardwoods, petroleum, and natural gas.
Mount Kinabalu
Mount Kinabalu is Malaysia’s tallest mountain and the fourth tallest in the Malay Archipelago. It ranks 29th tallest in Asia. Reaching the summit takes about two days for physically fit individuals. Non-trekkers can still visit Kinabalu Park for a close-up view of this majestic mountain.
Petronas Tower
The iconic Petronas Twin Towers was the tallest building in Asia when it was built in 1998. Owned by Petroliam Nasional Company, the towers symbolize Malaysia’s progress and growing wealth.
Although now surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in height, the Petronas Towers remain the tallest twin towers in the world — a must-see for tourists visiting Kuala Lumpur.
Weather in Malaysia
Since Malaysia is a country near equator, don’t expect a winter. However, the weather of the country depends to where you are. The temperature could potentially increase to 15 degrees Celsius if you are planning to go in mountainous areas. To know more about the seasons in Malaysia, you may check this post.
Weather in Malaysia
Since Malaysia is near the equator, it does not experience winter. However, temperatures can drop to around 15°C in mountainous regions.
What to Bring to Malaysia
- Thick jackets are unnecessary, but bring an umbrella, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen due to Malaysia’s humid and rainy climate.
- While Malaysia is generally warm, it can get chilly between December and February.
- Malaysia’s conservative dress code encourages modest clothing, especially for women. Avoid wearing extremely short shorts, particularly when visiting mosques or conservative sites.
- Shorts are acceptable for beaches and water activities, especially in popular coastal destinations like Sabah and Kota Kinabalu.
- Electrical Information: Malaysia uses a 110V plug, so bring an adapter if needed.
- If you’re an adventurous traveler, don’t forget to pack your drone and GoPro to capture your memorable experiences!
