Malaysia is a fascinating destination that adds a touch of spice to luxury holidays in Asia. This diverse country never fails to surprise and delight. Many ethnic cultures share the lush, verdant landscape and create a fusion of cultural influences that is evident in the styles, cooking and religions of Malaysia. As a result, there are festivals throughout the year to mark the Malay, Chinese and Indian holidays, as well as those of the indigenous Orang Asli and the tribes of Sabah and Sarawak.
Malaysia is equally varied in its geography. The slender Malaysian peninsula extends south from Asia, bordering Thailand to the north and extending to Singapore at its southern tip. Separated from mainland Malaysia by the South China Sea are the East Malaysian provinces of Sabah and Sarawak, which occupy the north coast of Borneo. The dense jungles of East Malaysia support abundant plant and wildlife, and rising from these precious ecosystems is Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in South East Asia.
Despite the attractions out east which may tempt the adventurous traveller, the Malaysian peninsula attracts the vast majority of visitors. Here, the highland areas offer refreshing relief from the clinging humidity. Langkawi is popular with sand and surf lovers while the east coast, particularly around Kelantan province, offers a fascinating glimpse of traditional Malay life. The west coast is where Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur can be found. KL, as it is commonly known, is an icon of Asian prosperity and an intriguing mesh of tradition and technology. An architectural delight, KL contains the Petronas Towers (the second tallest buildings in the world), the stunning National Mosque and wonderful Moorish-style Kuala Lumpur Railway Station.
Climate
Malaysia has a tropical, humid climate with temperatures averaging 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit)
The monsoons arrive in November and stay till February, bringing heavy downpours to the east coast of the Malaysian peninsula, to north-eastern Sabah and western Sarawak. The best time to visit Malaysia is between April and October.
Language
Bahasa Melayu is the Malaysian national language, but English is widely spoken, as are Cantonese, Hokkien and Hakka (among the Chinese population) and Tamil, Malayalam and Hindi (among the Indian population).
Passport Visa
The nationals of most countries can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 90 days. Upon entry, you must hold return/onward tickets and proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses. Passports should be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival in Malaysia. Please check the rules around visa requirements before you travel, as they may change regularly.
Admission will be refused to foreigners in advanced stages of pregnancy (six months or more), except if they are in transit.
If you have previously worked in Malaysia, and your work visa is endorsed ‘COM’, you will not be allowed to return to Malaysia to work for six months.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Malaysia, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area.
Safety
Malaysia shares with the rest of South East Asia a threat from terrorism, particularly in Sabah.
You should take precautions to prevent street crime such as bag snatching and pick-pocketing.
Our Services
For all your high-end, bespoke leisure and corporate travel needs to Malaysia, contact our Travel Managers on 0203 535 9290. You can also contact us on leisure@simplexitytravel.com or corporate@simplexitytravel.com today.
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