Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country located south of Thailand on the Malay Peninsula. It borders Singapore in the south and Thailand in the north. It is a tropical paradise renown for its beaches, rain forests, stunning scenery, natural beauty, and impressive skyscrapers.
The capital city, Kuala Lumpur, has the tallest twin towers in the world.
The country is divided into Western Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia) and Eastern Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo). Eastern Malaysia comprises about 60 percent of the total area, while Western Malaysia comprises 40 percent.
Malaysia has a population of 33 million people (in 2021). Malay is the official language. Other languages include English, Chinese (Cantonese), and Tamil. The official religion is Muslim. Sixty percent of the population are Muslim while twenty percent are Buddhists.
The country’s currency is the Malaysian Ringgit.
Malaysia is a very easy place to tour, even for first-time travelers. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful countries to tour.
Travel Tips for First Time Visitors
When to Visit
If you are planning a trip to Western Malaysia, the best months are December to February. If you are planning to visit Eastern Malaysia, the best months to visit are between May and September.
What To Wear and What to Pack
The country is located near the Equator and therefore it has a tropical climate. It is mostly hot and humid throughout the year, though the highlands are a bit cooler. You should select light-weight and loose-fitting clothes. You should also aim for brighter colors and avoid dark colors.
The country is mostly Muslim and is therefore very conservative. You should avoid exposing too much skin in public places. If you plan to visit mosques or temples, you should cover your hair and wear suitable clothes.
Transport
Malaysian cities are well connected and getting around is relatively easy. The KL Sentral Station in Kuala Lumpur links the city to other provinces.
Buses in major cities offer inexpensive public transportation. For shorter distances, you might consider using taxis.
Food
The country is famous for its cuisine. Street food is popular, cheap, and delicious. Kuala Lumpur and Penang are very famous for their street food. You can enjoy an omelet sandwich, Roti john, spicy Laksa soup, Char kway teow, Rendang, and Penang’s Nasi kandar.
Accommodation
If you are on a budget, you can opt to stay at affordable hostels. These hostels are very popular with backpackers. The most popular places to stay are the Chinatown adjacent to the Pasar Seni LRT station and Changkat in Bukit Bintang.
Amazing Places To Visit
Malaysia is an underrated tourist destination. Kuala Lumpur is the most popular tourist destination. However, there are numerous places one can visit. These include:
Rawa Island
It is a beautiful coral island located in Johor. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely holiday. It derives its name from the abundance of white dives called rawa. If you enjoy snorkeling, you will love the island.
Penang
Penang has numerous tourist attractions, such as the capital of George Town. It also hosts a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are numerous fishing villages and idyllic beaches in Penang. Penang National Park and Penang Hill offer awesome hiking spots. If you love the outdoors and nature, you will love exploring Penang.
Langkawi
The archipelago of Langkawi is made up of about 100 islands. The main island has a spectacular shoreline and green hills. Diving is a popular activity here. There is no public transport system, therefore you have to walk or hire a taxi.
Kuala Lumpur
The capital is one of the most popular tourist destinations. It boasts of the tallest twin towers in the world, the Petronas Towers. If you want to explore the city’s history you can proceed to Kuala Lumpur City Gallery.
Johor Bahru
Johor is a vibrant city comprised of theme parks, mosques, and ancient temples. It also features the first international theme park in the country referred to as Legoland.
If you are visiting Legoland, book a taxi in advance to avoid waiting and paying exorbitant fares. Food is very expensive in the theme park, you can opt for street food.