Malaysia: main airports
Malaysia is served by several international airports: Kuala Lumpur Airport (KLIA), the country's main hub, Penang, an island known for street food and the UNESCO World Heritage of Georgetown, Kota Bharu, in the north-east of the peninsula, as well as Kota Kinabalu, gateway to Borneo, Langkawi, a famous duty-free tourist island, and Johor Bahru, on the border with Singapore.
The country offers extraordinary variety: modern skyscrapers, tropical rainforests and tropical islands such as Langkawi.
Malaysia: recommended activities
Malaysia: visa and entry requirements
Citizens of the EU, UK, US and many other nationalities can enter without a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days.
Always check the updated requirements before departure; the passport must have sufficient remaining validity for the length of the stay.
Malaysia: safety
Malaysia is generally a safe country for visitors, with violent crime rare.
The usual precautions apply against theft and pickpocketing in the crowded tourist areas of Kuala Lumpur. Always check your country's updated travel advisories, especially for certain areas of eastern Borneo.
Malaysia: health situation
Vaccinations against hepatitis A and typhoid are recommended; antimalarial prophylaxis is advisable only for those visiting specific rural areas of Borneo. Yellow fever vaccination is required only for those arriving from at-risk countries.
Tap water is generally safe in major cities but many visitors nonetheless prefer bottled water.
Malaysia: currency, payments and connectivity
The currency is the Malaysian ringgit (MYR). Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, less so in rural areas, where it is advisable to have cash.
The languages spoken are Malay, English (widely spoken), Chinese and Tamil. Tipping is not traditional but is increasingly appreciated at upscale tourist establishments.
Malaysia: travel guides
Langkawi: legends and duty-free among Malaysia's islands
Kuala Lumpur in a day: what to see
Penang: George Town, a UNESCO heritage site
Kota Kinabalu: at the foot of Southeast Asia's highest mountain
Kota Baharu: the gateway to the Perhentian Islands
