DESTINATIONS asia malaysia

What to do in Malaysia

Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures that create its colourful and atmospheric buzz. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is a fascinating mix of rainforest and modern skyscrapers. Here, shopping is a delight, as is sampling the stunning street food, a fabulous blend of delicious Chinese, Indian and Malaysian dishes.  

Outside the city, you’ll find impressive cave temples and Hindu shrines. Further afield, there are magnificent coral reefs (Malaysia’s dive sites are legendary and among the best in the world), tropical jungles, national parks and wildlife reserves to explore.  

Malaysia’s beautiful islands are also waiting to be discovered… There’s Langkawi, a paradise for lazing on palm-fringed beaches and exploring a magical underwater world. Enchanting Penang is home to idyllic fishing villages, numerous fruit, clove and nutmeg plantations and the infamous Snake Temple, where pit vipers laze on altars. Its capital, Georgetown, offers many sights, including the Goddess of Mercy Temple and Fort Cornwallis. And if you’re keen for adventure, head to Kota Kinabulu on the island of Borneo, the ideal base from which to go white-water rafting, deep-sea fishing, sea kayaking, snorkelling or mountain climbing.  

Things to do in Malaysia  

  • Discover the Batu Cave temples.  
  • Visit Malacca’s Portuguese fortress, Porta de Santiago.  
  • See the incredible Statue of the Reclining Buddha on the island of Penang.  
  • Take photographs of KL’s impressive Petronas Towers.  
  • Learn how Malaysian batik is made.  
  • Trek through a tea plantation in the Cameron Highlands.  
  • Explore a tropical rainforest in Kota Bharu.  
  • Watch as fishing boats are made as they have been for centuries in Pulau Duyong Besar.  
  • Embark on a jungle trail in Kinabulu Park.  
  • Swim, snorkel and laze on the beach on a coral island.  

Malaysia is a fun and sun-filled destination to suit every type of traveller and every kind of holiday. Experience it for yourself when you book your Malaysian holiday package with us. 

Know before you go...

  • Malaysia is hot & humid all year round, with some rain in the afternoons. 
  • Days are generally sunny and nights are cool. 
  • Best time to travel is in the cool, dry season – between June and October. 
  • Average temperatures in the lowlands range from 24°C to 30°C. 
  • Rainy season on the East coast is from early November to the middle of February. 

  • There are frequent flights from South Africa to Malaysia.  
  • Flight duration from South Africa to Kuala Lumpur is 11 hours. 

  • South African passport holders do not require a visa to enter Malaysia for stays of up to 90 days.  
  • Passports should be valid for 6 months after travel. 

  • Malaysia is 6 hours ahead of South Africa. 

  • The official currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).  
  • Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, department stores, upmarket shops and restaurants.  
  • Make sure you have enough cash in local currency when travelling in small towns/remote areas. 
  • Tipping is not common in Malaysia especially in rural areas.  
  • In most hotels and large restaurants, 10% service charge is added to the bill along with 6% government tax. 
  • It’s recommended to tip guides and drivers. Porters and bellhops are tipped according to the size/weight of the bags. 

  • Malaysia’s official language is Malay.  
  • English is widely understood. 

  • Islam is the official religion in Malaysia. Other religions include Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism & some traditional Chinese religions.  
  • When visiting sacred sites and temples, dress conservatively. (See ‘What to pack’). 
  • Be aware: smoking is banned except in certain areas. 

  • It is not safe to drink tap water in Malaysia. Bottled water is readily available. 
  • Check with your travel clinic about recommended vaccinations. 

Travel tips

What must I pack?  

  • Depending on when and where you visit, lightweight clothing for summer, warm clothing for winter, rain gear and beachwear if relevant. Choose items that can be layered.  
  • Dress modestly when visiting sacred sites – no shorts or tank tops. Legs & shoulders must be covered. Long, loose pants and long-sleeved cotton shirts are best. 
  • Comfortable walking shoes. 
  • Sunscreen, lip balm, hat and sunglasses for summer holidays. 
  • Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication. 
  • Hand sanitiser and insect repellent. 
  • Camera. 
  • Travel adaptor. 

Getting around  

  • Taxis and Rapid KL buses are easily available in Kuala Lumpur. IN KL and elsewhere, buses, mini vans and taxis are readily available.   

What can I do to be a responsible traveller?   

  • Wherever possible, buy local food and souvenirs and support local artisans. 
  • Avoid single-use plastic; rather take fabric shopping bags with you and use refillable water bottles (when local drinking water is available). 
  • Respect each other's cultures and customs and avoid imposing your beliefs.  
  • Do not support animal encounters and wildlife activities that are harmful or unethical. 

Safety tips  

  • Always have a map (or app) on hand, especially when travelling at night. 
  • Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home. 
  • Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for passports and valuables and watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers when out and about. 

What do I do in an emergency?  

  • If passports or valuables are stolen, report the theft to the hotel/police immediately. 
  • Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist. 

Downloads

Malaysia - Sightseeing [3.2 MB] Artboard 1

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