5 Important Things to Consider Before Going on Vacation in Malaysia
A top tourist destination in Asia, Malaysia boasts amazing sights, both natural and manmade. But before grabbing those hotel deals in Kuala Lumpur and exploring the capital, or visiting the beaches in Langkawi, make sure to consider these 5 things:
1. Check your passport's validity and whether you need a visa. Malaysia is an increasingly popular vacation spot for foreigners, as many take advantage of its visa regulations (or lack thereof). The country does not require foreigners to get tourist visas for stays that range from 15 to 60 days. However, citizens from the countries of Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are obligated to get a tourist visa. Nevertheless, those coming from visa-exempt countries should also check their passport, which should be valid for 6 more months after leaving Malaysia.
2. Know what's happening during your stay. As a melting pot of different cultures and religions, Malaysia has some sort of festivity or event happening all throughout the year. Because of these festivities, stores may have different operating hours, traffic conditions may be different, and so on. One example is the month-long commemoration of Ramadan, where Muslims fast from daybreak to sunset. Even if non-Muslims are not expected to participate in the fast, they are still expected to be courteous by not eating or drinking in public. Many restaurants are also closed during the day throughout the said month, replaced by Ramadan night bazaars that are put up in every city.
3. Consider the weather. While Malaysia can be generally visited all year round, you may have to evaluate the weather if you're going sightseeing. After all, the monsoon season, which ends in April, makes it hard to travel by land. Meanwhile, the months from May to September are generally considered the "dry" season. Since the other "dry" months are considered to be part of peak season, especially with its many festivities, it's better to travel in April and May. Some hotels in Kuala Lumpur, like Seri Cempaka Service Suites, even offer discounted rates during those months due to lower demand.
4. Learn some basic Malay phrases. The country may be once a British colony, but it still helps to know a few simple Malay phrases especially when trying to get around. Some examples include "selamat pagi" for good morning, "terima kasih" for thank you, and "tolong" or "silakan" for please. Interestingly, many people speak Manglish, or a combination of English, Malay, and other local languages.
5. Remember that it's a different country with a very different culture. Malaysia may not be as strict as countries in the Middle East when it comes to enforcing its own laws. However, it is still a predominantly Islamic country. Dressing conservatively is recommended, especially in rural areas. While attitudes in larger cities are more liberal, people are still advised to act appropriately and avoid public displays of affection if they don't want to attract unnecessary attention.
Armed with these tips, not only will you know when to secure hotel deals in Kuala Lumpur since you know the right time to travel. You'll also encounter fewer hassles throughout your entire trip.
1. Check your passport's validity and whether you need a visa. Malaysia is an increasingly popular vacation spot for foreigners, as many take advantage of its visa regulations (or lack thereof). The country does not require foreigners to get tourist visas for stays that range from 15 to 60 days. However, citizens from the countries of Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka are obligated to get a tourist visa. Nevertheless, those coming from visa-exempt countries should also check their passport, which should be valid for 6 more months after leaving Malaysia.
2. Know what's happening during your stay. As a melting pot of different cultures and religions, Malaysia has some sort of festivity or event happening all throughout the year. Because of these festivities, stores may have different operating hours, traffic conditions may be different, and so on. One example is the month-long commemoration of Ramadan, where Muslims fast from daybreak to sunset. Even if non-Muslims are not expected to participate in the fast, they are still expected to be courteous by not eating or drinking in public. Many restaurants are also closed during the day throughout the said month, replaced by Ramadan night bazaars that are put up in every city.
3. Consider the weather. While Malaysia can be generally visited all year round, you may have to evaluate the weather if you're going sightseeing. After all, the monsoon season, which ends in April, makes it hard to travel by land. Meanwhile, the months from May to September are generally considered the "dry" season. Since the other "dry" months are considered to be part of peak season, especially with its many festivities, it's better to travel in April and May. Some hotels in Kuala Lumpur, like Seri Cempaka Service Suites, even offer discounted rates during those months due to lower demand.
4. Learn some basic Malay phrases. The country may be once a British colony, but it still helps to know a few simple Malay phrases especially when trying to get around. Some examples include "selamat pagi" for good morning, "terima kasih" for thank you, and "tolong" or "silakan" for please. Interestingly, many people speak Manglish, or a combination of English, Malay, and other local languages.
5. Remember that it's a different country with a very different culture. Malaysia may not be as strict as countries in the Middle East when it comes to enforcing its own laws. However, it is still a predominantly Islamic country. Dressing conservatively is recommended, especially in rural areas. While attitudes in larger cities are more liberal, people are still advised to act appropriately and avoid public displays of affection if they don't want to attract unnecessary attention.
Armed with these tips, not only will you know when to secure hotel deals in Kuala Lumpur since you know the right time to travel. You'll also encounter fewer hassles throughout your entire trip.
