A wanderlust’s bucket list of Asia’s top destinations will definitely include Malaysia. The country offers a kaleidoscope of cultural, contemporary, and natural splendours. Malaysia sprawls across two separate landmasses – the Malaysian Peninsula and the Borneo island and each section have unique experiences in stow for visitors. As a newbie traveller, the Malaysian Peninsula is a great place to start your adventure in this stunning destination. This makes it much easier to travel as a first-time traveller in Malaysia. Moreover, it really helps to get a feel for the region before you undertake an extensive trip to Malaysia in the future. Here is a short guide as Malaysia for first-time visitors reference to learn more about this destination and to prepare for your first visit.
First things first, before you plan your Malaysia trip, seek answers to these questions:
When should you go to Malaysia?
Malaysia is characterized by a tropical, humid climate, but seasons vary by region. For visitors who are exploring the Malaysian Peninsula the best time to visit would be from March to October. March and October are shoulder seasons with pleasant tropical sunshine ideal for outdoor adventures.
What type of Malaysia visa should you apply for?
It is essential to confirm whether your passport has longer than six months of validity and if a Malaysia visit visa is required as per your nationality. If yes, then choose the type of Malaysia visa that is best suited for the duration of your itinerary. A single-entry Malaysia tourist visa would be enough for a short Malaysia vacation.
Best places to visit for Malaysia First time visitors
Kuala Lumpur City
For a first-time visitor to Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is definitely a must-visit destination. With its beautiful amalgamation of contemporary and ethnicity, it has a unique style of its own. You can enjoy the view of the tallest twin towers in the world – the Petronas Twin Towers, stroll through the KLCC Park, savour the food scene at Petaling Street as well as shop at the Central Market. Other notable places to visit in Malaysia include the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, Merdeka Square, and the Batu Caves Excursion.
Cameron Highlands
Cameron Highland is a natural paradise for nature lovers and is located just three hour drive away from Kuala Lumpur, in the verdant hills of Pahang state. A fine blend of tea plantations, luscious strawberry farms, and the welcoming, luxuriant greenery of Cameron Highland make the region such a delightful way to view nature that Malaysia is so well known for. The atmosphere of nature in this highland is so pristine that you can appreciate Malaysia’s natural beauty in just one day.
Penang
Another fascinating spot to explore in Malaysia is Penang which is a coastal city tucked in the northwest of the Malaysian Peninsula. With a mellowed ambience, Penang offers a wonderful alternative to the hectic crowds of Kuala Lumpur. Also, the city exudes the charm of its bygone British colonial era, which is a truly unique feature of the city. The most striking example is to be found at George Town, a World Heritage Site that blends colonial architecture harmoniously with a Chinese and Malaysian influence and an impressive street art scene.
Langkawi
On the Malaysian Peninsula, Langkawi is where you can experience blissful beach getaways with sun-kissed white sands and azure water views. Some of the best beach resorts in Malaysia are located in Langkawi, with unbeatable views of the water and the beach. The numerous islands that make up this archipelago are edged with a variety of pristine beaches where couples can enjoy romantic interludes or simply soak in the tranquil beauty away from the stresses of daily life.
Essential points for first-time Malaysian visitors
As the most well-known international airport in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is your best choice to arrive in Malaysia as it has good connections with other major cities around the world. Additionally, you ought to know that Malaysia uses the Malaysian Ringgit as its currency, which is commonly used in local services. According to the exchange rate, 1 USD is equivalent to approximately 5 Malaysian Ringgits. Given this fact, Malaysia is neither too expensive nor too cheap in comparison with other South Asian countries. You can have a fantastic trip to Malaysia if you know how to budget for your holiday trip and what to do based on your budget when you visit this South Asian country.
If you greet in the Malaysian dialect, the locals will warm up to you instantly. It’s always good to know the language of the land when you’re visiting a new country, and that works just as well in Malaysia! Although English is widely spoken among the locals, speaking a few phrases of the Malay language is an instant icebreaker.
It is always best to follow the local customs when in doubt. One of the most convenient ways to travel to Malaysia is to hire a travel agency that will do all your planning for you and execute your itinerary as per your wishes. However, the real challenge comes when you are landed in Malaysia and you have to take care of certain things by yourself. The solution is to take a leaf out of the local culture in such situations. Getting a local SIM card for your mobile will drastically lower your bills. Furthermore, there are a lot of attractions in Malaysia that are free of charge. Be sure to take advantage of them when you visit. Start by following the locals to see where they like to hang out for a real authentic experience. Turn to local food streets that offer a world of culinary delights you would not find in any upmarket restaurant in Malaysia. Through all of these experiences, you will be able to get acquainted with Malaysia’s genuine way of life.