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Malaysia is located at the heart of Southeast Asia. It consists of two parts divided geographically by the South China Sea. West Malaysia, also called Peninsular Malaysia, is located on the peninsula on mainland Asia, sharing a border with Thailand to the north, while East Malaysia, often referred to simply as Sabah and Sarawak, are located on the northern third of the island of Borneo, sharing a land border with Brunei and Indonesia.

The multicultural population of Malaysia makes it a culturally diverse destination where mosques, temples and churches jostle for your attention. In addition to the city sights, travellers may visit some of the best diving and snorkelling spots in Southeast Asia, as well as climb the highest mountain in the region.

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Malaysia
  • Official Name: Malaysia
  • Capital: Kuala Lumpur (1,500,000)
  • Population of Malaysia: 23,953,000
  • Languages: Malay, English, assorted Chinese dialects, Tamil, indigenous languages
  • Currency: Ringgit
  • Religions: Islam, Buddhist, Taoist, Hindu, Christian, others
  • Size: 329,700 sq km (127,317 sq miles)
  • Region: Asia

  • When to visit Malaysia

    Any time is a good time to visit Malaysia. Be aware, however, that the rainy season coincides with the northwest monsoon, and during the period of November to January, the islands on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia may be closed while the East Coast itself is often flooded. The dry season on the west coast of Malaysia runs from mid January to late March.

    What to wear Malaysia

    Lightweight clothing is suitable any time of the year. Bring along an umbrella or raincoat, as it may rain throughout the year. Warmer clothing is required for the evenings, if visiting the highlands.

    Getting into Malaysia

    The Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), KLIA, is the main gateway to Malaysia. In addition, you may enter Malaysia by road and rail from Thailand and Singapore.

    Malaysia Entry Requirements

    Nationals of US, Australia, Canada and Britain do not require a visa to enter Malaysia.

    Where to stay in Malaysia

    Click on the name of the towns listed below to view hostels and budget accommodation available for booking there.

    Click here for Budget Hostel Listing with Price and Room Availability
  • Alor Setar
  • Ipoh
  • Johor
  • Johor Bahru
  • Kota Belud
  • Kota Bharu
  • Kota Kinabalu
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Kuala Terengganu
  • Kuantan
  • Kuching
  • Kulai
  • Langkawi
  • Melaka
  • Miri
  • Penang / George Town
  • Perak
  • Petaling Jaya
  • Ranau
  • Sandakan
  • Semporna
  • Shah Alam
  • Sibu Island
  • Tanah Rata / Cameron Highlands

    Looking for a hotel room in Malaysia?
    Click here to look for one, powered by TripAdvisor!

    User Feedback on Accommodation
    We compile the accommodation listing above with the good faith that it will be useful to you. If you have used any of the accommodation listed above, please write to us with your feedback, whether you enjoyed your stay there or not, and we will share it with others. Your feedback will benefit others when they choose their accommodation. We will not de-list any of the accommodation just because of a negative feedback from anybody, but will let you decide for yourself based on the feedback you read. User feedback is listed in http://www.earthdocumentary.com/hostel_feedback.htm

    Getting around in Malaysia

    The easiest way to get around in Malaysia is by bus and by flight, especially on low cost carrier AirAsia. Car rentals are available directly from the major airports, and is a great way to explore Malaysia independently.

    Sightseeing Tours of Malaysia

    The following are local tours that are available for you to book:
  • KUALA LUMPUR Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator
  • KUANTAN Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator
  • LANGKAWI Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator
  • PENANG Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator
  • SABAH Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator
  • SARAWAK Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions from Viator

    Money matters in Malaysia

    The currency used is the Ringgit (MYR, symbol RM) RM1=100 sen. Banknotes are in denominations of RM1, 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100 while coins are in denominations of 1 sen, 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen and 50 sen. Banking hours are from 9:15am to 4:30pm Mondays to Fridays.






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