Discover Top Tips for Traveling to Malaysia March to May 2023 Must-Read Advice

For those planning to travel to Malaysia for 3-5 months, it’s essential to craft a well-thought-out itinerary before you embark on your adventure 🤧 Here’s a meticulously curated Malaysia travel guide to share with everyone‼️ Say goodbye to travel mishaps and hello to an unforgettable journey 😃

📸 Must-visit attractions in Malaysia:
📍 Petronas Twin Towers: The iconic landmark of Kuala Lumpur, which becomes even more enchanting when illuminated at night. The skyline view from the observation deck is simply breathtaking.
📍 Bukit Bintang: The bustling heart of Kuala Lumpur, where you can shop, dine, and explore.

Don’t miss the famous McDonald’s crossroads, a vibrant meeting point for locals and tourists alike.
📍 National Mosque: Admire the stunning blue star-shaped dome and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere. Free long robes are available for visitors to respect the cultural norms.
📍 Merdeka Square: A historical gem featuring British colonial-style buildings, including the majestic Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

It’s a perfect spot for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
📍 Batu Caves: Climb 272 rainbow-colored steps to reach the limestone caves, where a giant golden statue of Lord Murugan awaits. The panoramic views and spiritual ambiance make it a must-see.

🏝 Semporna Island Hopping Routes:
🧊 Mataking Island – Timba Timba Island – Pom Pom Island: This classic route offers a unique experience, including a visit to the underwater post office, a glass-bottom boat ride, and the chance to spot sea turtles.
🧊 Mabul Island – Kapalai Island: Discover the charm of water bungalows and get a glimpse into the life of the Bajau people.

The jellyfish sea and artificial flower platform provide fantastic photo opportunities.
🧊 Tun Sakaran Marine Park – Warship Island – Pearl Island: A comprehensive route that combines diving, beach relaxation, and various water activities, giving you a full taste of Semporna’s natural beauty and marine life.

📲 Essential apps for traveling in Malaysia:
✔️ Google Maps: Your go-to map app for navigating the city, checking transportation routes, and finding nearby dining options. It’s indispensable for both urban exploration and rural adventures.
✔️ Grab: The preferred ride-hailing app in Malaysia, offering affordable rides as long as you avoid holidays and peak hours.

It’s a convenient and reliable way to get around.
✔️ Easybook: Simplify your travel plans by booking buses and train tickets online. Make sure to link your card domestically to ensure you receive the verification code while abroad.
✔️ Translation: 🍎 For those who need a little help with English, this built-in translation tool is a lifesaver.

Using English in Malaysia is generally easy, but having a translation app ensures smooth communication.

🔥 Practical Tips:
1️⃣ When entering Malaysia, you don’t need to print out your flight and hotel information as they typically don’t check. However, some domestic airports might require you to show a return ticket upon departure, so it’s a good idea to have that handy.

2️⃣ East Malaysia, including Sabah and Sarawak, has a degree of autonomy. If you’re traveling from West Malaysia (such as Kuala Lumpur) to Kota Kinabalu or Semporna, make sure to get an entry stamp at customs. The exit stamp is usually on your ticket, but missing the entry stamp can lead to complications, and in severe cases, fines. Always double-check to ensure the staff doesn’t overlook this crucial step.

3️⃣ Resist the urge to buy a SIM card immediately after landing; they tend to be overpriced and offer poor service. Once you pass through customs, you’ll find much better deals and a wider range of options. Keep in mind that many stores only accept cash, so it’s wise to have some local currency on hand.

4️⃣ If you have a UnionPay card with overseas payment enabled, you can withdraw cash directly in Malaysia. It’s recommended to look up Maybank and CIBMbank on Google Maps once you arrive in the city, as these banks do not charge withdrawal fees (though your domestic bank might).

5️⃣ For Visa/Mastercard holders, be cautious of credit card fraud in Malaysia. A smart move is to cover your card number with a sticker and enable the card lock feature on your bank app before you leave (contact customer service if you can’t find it). Unlock the card each time you need to use it for added security.