{"id":1017866,"date":"2020-05-06T00:33:28","date_gmt":"2020-05-05T17:33:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.asiantrails.travel\/?page_id=1017866"},"modified":"2025-11-25T16:01:40","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T09:01:40","slug":"malaysia-fast-facts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.asiantrails.travel\/destinations\/malaysia-fast-facts\/","title":{"rendered":"Malaysia Fast Facts"},"content":{"rendered":"
[mk_page_section bg_image=”https:\/\/www.asiantrails.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/asian-trails-malaysia-the-highlights-of-kuala-lumpur.jpg” bg_position=”center center” bg_stretch=”true” enable_3d=”true” bg_video=”yes” bg_gradient=”vertical” video_color_mask=”#000000″ video_opacity=”0.3″ top_shadow=”true” full_width=”true” full_height=”true” padding_top=”0″ padding_bottom=”0″ skip_arrow=”true” sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Malaysia
\n& Malaysian Borneo” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:center” use_theme_fonts=”yes” css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”” el_class=”mobile_h1″][vc_column_text align=”center” el_class=”white-text” css=”.vc_custom_1706691969224{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}”][\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][mk_page_section bg_color=”#ffffff” attachment=”fixed” bg_position=”center top” bg_stretch=”true” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ sidebar=”sidebar-1″][vc_column border_color=”#ffffff” visibility=”hidden-sm” width=”1\/6″][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][mk_padding_divider size=”60″][vc_custom_heading text=”Fast Facts” font_container=”tag:h6|font_size:42|text_align:center|color:%23252a32″ use_theme_fonts=”yes” css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1752659315282{margin-top: -20px !important;}” el_class=”fastfactsheader”][vc_separator color=”custom” border_width=”3″ el_width=”30″ css_animation=”fadeInUp” css=”.vc_custom_1706775823306{margin-top: 25px !important;margin-bottom: 40px !important;}” accent_color=”#f68b3a”][mk_padding_divider size=”50″][vc_tta_accordion title_tag=”h6″ style=”outline” color=”mulled-wine” gap=”15″ c_icon=”triangle” c_position=”right” active_section=”-1″ no_fill=”true” collapsible_all=”true”][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-plane-departure” add_icon=”true” title=”Visa and Arrival” tab_id=”1716799069284-df8332fe-aae64672-4bbc”][mk_table style=”style2″]\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Visa-free<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n
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  • Several nationals can stay in Malaysia for up to 90 days without a visa, including most EU member countries, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.<\/li>\n
  • ASEAN nationals except Myanmar can stay for up to 30 days without a visa.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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E-visa<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n
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Travellers that require a visa can submit an application for an e-visa online or contact the nearest Malaysian consulate. For up-to-date details and requirements, visit the website of Malaysia\u2019s Immigration Department<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC)<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n
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All travellers are required to submit a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within three days prior to arriving in Malaysia. The form can be completed via the MDAC online portal<\/a><\/span>. A printed copy of the completed form must be presented at the immigration counter upon arrival.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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Documents required on arrival<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n
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  • Passport valid for at least six months with two or more blank pages;<\/li>\n
  • Printed copy of Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Travelling to Malaysian Borneo<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n
The states of Sabah and Sarawak have independent immigration controls. Therefore, travellers should prepare to have their passports stamped upon arrival, even when flying domestically from Peninsular Malaysia.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n[\/mk_table][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1716880272540{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]All the above information may change without prior notice. It remains the traveller\u2019s responsibility to check visa requirements before travelling.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”fas fa-suitcase” add_icon=”true” title=”Essentials” tab_id=”1716799069307-df777b9a-3a784672-4bbc”][mk_table style=”style2″]\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Time zone<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n
GMT+8<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Language<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n
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Official language: Bahasa Malaysia<\/p>\n

English is widely spoken and understood throughout the country. Different dialects of Chinese, including Cantonese, Hokkien and Mandarin are also widely spoken and Tamil is spoken by the Indian sector of the population.<\/p>\n

In regional areas of Borneo, indigenous languages like Kadazan-Dusun in Sabah and Iban in Sarawak are commonly spoken among ethnic communities, although English is usually understood in urban areas.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

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What to pack<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n
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  • Light cotton clothing is recommended for Malaysia\u2019s tropical climate;<\/li>\n
  • Smart evening wear may be required for dining at hotels and high-end restaurants (please check the dress code for specific venues with your Asian Trails guide);<\/li>\n
  • Clothing that covers the arms and legs are recommended to protect against mosquitos;<\/li>\n
  • A lightweight raincoat may be useful if travelling during rainy season;<\/li>\n
  • Warm clothing is recommended if visiting mountainous areas such as the Cameron Highlands as temperatures can drop considerably, especially in the evenings;<\/li>\n
  • Thermal clothing is recommended if visiting Mount Kinabalu;<\/li>\n
  • Please note the following items of clothing are prohibited when visiting religious sites: shorts, short skirts or similar types of clothing;<\/li>\n
  • An umbrella can offer shade from the strong sun and\/or rain;<\/li>\n
  • Reusable water bottle;<\/li>\n
  • Sun hat and sunscreen. If visiting coastal areas, be sure to choose mineral-based sunscreens labelled \u2018non-nano zinc oxide\u2019 or \u2018non-nano titanium dioxide\u2019 to minimise harm to marine life. These products are available locally;<\/li>\n
  • Insect repellent;<\/li>\n
  • Universal plug adaptor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    These additional items are recommended when travelling in Borneo:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Light comfortable clothing, such as shorts, loose fitting, long-sleeve shirts and light cotton t-shirts; light long trousers are recommended for evenings;<\/li>\n
    • A basic first-aid kit with band aids, mild antiseptic cream for insect bites or light scratches, cotton swabs, tissues, bandages and pain killers;<\/li>\n
    • A waterproof bag or plastic bags to keep clothes and cameras dry during boat trips or in case of rain;<\/li>\n
    • Hiking shoes suitable for rough terrain are recommended for longer hikes, or sturdy sneakers for shorter trips. Waterproof sandals are ideal for boat travel, as footwear may get wet;<\/li>\n
    • Leech socks are recommended for jungle hikes;<\/li>\n
    • A modest bathing suit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Electricity<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n
The standard voltage in Malaysia is 240V (50Hz).<\/p>\n
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Phone & internet<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n
A local sim card is easily available at the airport or from a local service provider. An extensive 3G\/4G\/5G network is in place and covers most urban areas.<\/p>\n

In Sarawak and Sabah, internet is accessible in all major towns and cities, though speeds are often slower compared to Peninsular Malaysia and coverage in rural areas can be inconsistent. Free Wi-Fi is widely available at hotels, restaurants, cafes and fast-food outlets.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n[\/mk_table][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section i_icon_fontawesome=”far fa-lightbulb” add_icon=”true” title=”Dos & Don’ts” tab_id=”1716799089256-dc609767-fda94672-4bbc”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1745826095288{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/td>\nAsian Trails is a proud partner of ChildSafe. Learn more about keeping children safe while travelling with these 7 Tips for Travellers<\/a>.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator el_width=”80″ css=”.vc_custom_1731315595691{margin-top: -20px !important;}”][mk_padding_divider size=”10″][mk_table style=”style2″]\n\n<\/thead>\n\n\n\n
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Do<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n
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  • Support local businesses and shop at fair-trade stores or social enterprises (ask Asian Trails for recommendations);<\/li>\n
  • Choose to dine at locally-owned restaurants serving local cuisine;<\/li>\n
  • Switch off the air-conditioning and lights when you leave your hotel room;<\/li>\n
  • Donate to local charities and NGOs if you would like to support local people and nature (ask Asian Trails for recommendations);<\/li>\n
  • Ask permission before taking photographs of people or places of worship;<\/li>\n
  • It is customary to remove shoes when entering a religious place or private home;<\/li>\n
  • A traditional form of greeting is a light handshake with both hands (known as salam<\/em>), although Muslim women may greet men with a nod and smile.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
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Don’t<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n
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