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FAQ / Visiting Malaysia

These FAQ should help to answer the most common questions. It is not going to replace an e-mail chat with us or a travel guide where you find more in depth information. Some items like prices, times, may change without notice. Please don't take it as gospel and double check before you travel. Should you find information here that is outdated or wrong, please e-mail us and let us know.

Is Malaysia a safe place to travel?
Malaysia is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit in South-East Asia. It is buoyant and wealthy. Malaysia is a multicultural nation of friendly, warm hearted people.

As with anywhere, (even at home in Western countries) it's always a good idea to develop of strong "sixth sense" of where and when things just aren't right.

Foreign Affairs departments of all major nations offer "official travel advice". We don't always agree with them as we have usually more detailed information, but please judge for yourself:

Do I need a Passport or Visa?
A valid passport or other travel documents recognised by the Malaysian government required by all. The former must be valid for at least 6 months at date of entry and the latter should be endorsed with a valid re-entry permit.
Note: All visitors must also have proof of adequate funds and an onward or return sea or air ticket.

Visa Exemption
No visas are required for citizens of Commonwealth countries (except Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), British Protected Persons or citizens of the Republic of Ireland and citizens of Switzerland, Netherlands, San Marino and Liechtenstein.

Three Months Visa-Free Visit
Citizens of Albania, Austria, Algeria, Argentina, Bahrain, Belgium, Czech Republic, Republic of Slovakia, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Lebanon, Morocco, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Spain, South Korea, Republic of Bosnia, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, United States of America, United Arab Emirates and Yemen are eligible for three months visa free visit.

One Month Visa-Free Visit Applicable to citizens of ASEAN countries.

14-Days Visa-Free Visit
Citizens of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya and Syria are eligible for 14-days visa free visit.

7-Days Visa-Free Visit
Applicable to citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Republic of Belarus, Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kirghizstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia, Romania, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

Important. Should you be the passport-holder of a country which is not mentioned above, or if you intend to enter Malaysia other than by international flight, please contact your nearest Malaysian Embassy before departure. As regulations may change from time to time, it is advisable to check with the nearest Malaysian Embassy before your departure

When is the best weather to visit and dive in Malaysia ?

Malaysia has an equtorial climate with fairly uniform temperatures throughout the year. Temperatures range from 32 C during the day to 22 C at night. It can be slightly cooler in the hill country. (Rainfall is common throughout the year, averaging 200-250cm a year.) Lightweight or mixed-fibre clothing is normal with only medium-weight woollens being required for visits to the cooler highland areas.

Malaysia has striking climatic variation from east to west. The east gets the full fury of the monsoon between November and February. The west, sheltered by the Barisan Titwansa range, has most rainfall between March and April. Borneo lies between one and eight degrees north of the equator, so is hot and sticky all year round

If planning a trip to Sipadan, Layang Layang or Mabul off the coast of Sabah in Borneo, diving conditions are at their best outside of typhoon season in February to November of each year.

Do I need vaccinations before I travel to Malaysia ?
With all travels into tropical climate you should have an active immunisation against tetanus and a current polio protection. West Peninsula Malaysia is not a malarial zone. East Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak in Borneo) is a malaria zone. Please check with your physician or medical centre on the type of prophylactic you should use and ask:

  • Is it compatible with diving?
  • What are the known side effects? Make sure you take the appropriate medications in time before you start the trip. Medications which have proven to be problematic include LARIAM. Medications which are popular: Doxycycline, sometimes in combination with Maloprin

What do I need to know about the currency?
The Malaysian currency is called the Ringgit. Ringgit banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Ringgit. Smaller values are issued as coins. 1 Ringgit = 100 Sen.

Local currency can be imported and exported for free up to amounts of 1000 Ringgit.
Foreign currency can be imported for free and exported for free up to amounts equivalent to or exceeding 10,000 Ringgit.

In towns & dive resorts, major credit cards (MasterCard and Visa) are widely accepted. AMEX and Diners cards are not accepted in some places. Traveller cheques are the next best thing, changeable at banks & money changers.

Will my electrical appliances/computer/chargers etc. work in Malaysia?
Voltage in Malaysia is 230 Volt. 220V appliances usually work without problems. You have to bring a special adapter for the 2-pronged sockets used in Malaysia. Some operators provide special 110 Volt facilities for American clients. Please check with us for details

Can I use my drivers licence to hire a car?
Malaysians drive their cars on the left hand side of the road. If you are used to driving on the right hand side then exercising a little caution at the beginning should get used to the left hand side quickly. To hire a car a valid national car drivers licence (in English) or a international drivers licence is needed. Car hire is relatively expensive in Malaysia. In most cases you will be better advised to find a local guide to take you around and show you around or use the cheap, frequent public transport, rather then driving yourself.

Should I bring any special clothing?
Bring casual, light and comfortable clothes. The evenings can get relatively cool with a sea breeze so something warm for the evening is recommended. Bring some very light clothing which offers sun protection for trips ashore to some of the villages. If you plan to stay overnight in Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu, dress is relaxed and casual, with a shirt with collar, long pants and shoes for men and the women dress equally tasteful. Bring:

  • Slacks or other informal dress
  • Long sleeved shirt
  • Sweatshirt or jacket or windbreaker
  • Walking shoes or sandals
  • T-shirts
  • Shorts
  • Swim suits
  • Sun hat

How much tips do I need to give ?
No one in Malaysia expects tips for services. Tips have never been part of the culture. This is not to say that people don't like to be rewarded for very good service. Tipping is a very personal decision, for tips are your ways of expressing satisfaction. Our operators have a system in place where all tips are shared equally between the staff.

What is the time difference to Malaysia ?
The Malaysian Time Zone is GMT +8 Hours.

Are airport transfers included?
Most hotels, cruises or tour operators offer complimentary pick up services from the airport. This will be marked clearly on the product description.

 
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