Travel Tips
Climate
- Peninsula Malaysia has a tropical climate with warm weather all year round.
- Temperatures range from 21°C to 32°C.
- Rainfall varies throughout the year with the wettest months September to November.
Borneo has an equatorial climate.
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Sarawak has a monsoon season between October and February while Sabah’s wettest period is November to February. Don’t be deterred! The rain may be heavy but intermittent – and it’s cooling.
It’s tropical – so be prepared for some rain anytime during your stay.
Daytime temperatures range between 22 and 32°C whilst in the Mount Kinabalu region the temperature drops to 15-22°C
How to get there
Over 45 international airlines fly into the country while national carrier Malaysia Airlines has a global network that spans six continents and a national network that covers more than 36 local destinations.
Malaysia Holidays can also package your accommodation and tours with SPECIAL airfares from these airlines.
Malaysia Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Royal Brunei Airlines
AirAsia, Malaysia’s budget airline also services certain domestic and regional routes.
Currency
Money can be exchanged at banks or Money Changers found in major shopping centres. One Australian Dollar is approximately equal to 3.0 Malaysian Ringgit.
In Brunei the Brunei Dollar and Singapore Dollar (notes only) are readily accepted.
Travellers cheques and most credit cards are accepted at all hotels, major department stores and restaurants. ATM’s are also readily available and, subject to your card, you can withdraw cash in local currency.
Visa
Visitors to Malaysia must be in possession of a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months beyond the period of stay. Most nationalities do not require a visa for social or business visits if staying less than 60 days.
Visit the Malaysian Immigration Department’s website
Or Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia website.
Australians visiting Brunei can apply for a 72 hour visa on arrival at the Brunei Airport or at a border crossing at a cost of BND5. A multiple entry visa can be purchased for BND30. Only local currency or Singapore Dollars is excepted – without exception.
It’s best to check with your travel agent on what may apply to you prior to departure.
Tipping
Although Malaysia doesn’t have a tipping culture (most hotels and restaurants levy a 10% service charge and 5% government sales tax on bills), you might want to offer a token of apreciation for the excellent service you’ve received.
What to Wear
Light summer clothes are best to suit the warm, humid climate. Sandals or walking shoes are necessary for rainforest trails. When visiting mosques & places of worship it is polite to cover your shoulders and knees.
Health
No vaccinations are required & malaria treatment is generally not required unless spending time in remote & seldom visited areas.
We suggest you contact your own physician or travel doctor for your own circumstances.
Food
Try it all! You can learn a great deal about a country and it’s people from the food they serve and eat. A diverse range of Malaysian curries, local fruits and vegetables found in no other place. Most eateries operate until late at night. Western food is also readily available at resorts and many restaurants. The right hand is always used when eating with one’s hand or giving and receiving objects.
Brunei is a ‘dry’ country – alcohol cannot be purchased, however you are allowed an alcohol allowance to be brought in for personal consumption.
Politeness
Although handshakes are generally acceptable for both men and women, some Muslim ladies may acknowledge introductions to gentlemen by merely nodding and smiling. A handshake should only be initiated by ladies. The traditional greeting or salam resembles a handshake with both hands but without the grasp. The man offers both hands, lightly touches his friend’s outstretched hands, and then brings his hands to his chest to mean, "I greet you from my heart". The visitor should reciprocate the salam.
It is polite to call before visiting a home.
Shoes must always be removed when entering a Malaysian home.
Drinks are generally offered to guests. It is polite to accept.
Toasting is not a common practice in Malaysia. The country’s large Muslim population does not drink alcohol.
The right forefinger is not used to point at places, objects or persons. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with four fingers folded under is the preferred usage.
Shoes must be removed when entering places of worship such as mosques and temples. Some mosques provide robes and scarves for female visitors. Taking photographs at places of worship is usually permitted but always ask permission beforehand.
Electricity
240V and a UK flat 3 pin plug is used.
Shopping
Most retail outlets have a fixed price for their goods, however bargaining is most common and expected at night markets, stalls and at bazaars.
Shopping centres operate mostly from 10am to 10pm.
For a Tip Sheet on Shopping in KL, ask Reservations to email you the latest on where the best places are.
Language
While Malay is their local language, English is widely spoken.
Why not learn a few Malay words to break the ice, get a smile and have some fun?
Good Morning Selamat pagi (Try it as, "Sell a mar parghi")
Good Afternoon Selamat tengah hari
Good Evening Selamat petang
Goodbye Selamat tinggal
Thankyou Terima kasih (Try it as, "Tear up my car seat 
How are you? Apa khabar
Fine, thankyou Khabar baik
Toilet Tandas
Excuse me Maafkan saya
I’m sorry Saya minta maaf
Can you help me? Bolehkah anda tolong saya?
How do I get there? Bagaimana?
How far? Berapa harganya?
What is this? Apa ini?
Wait Tunggu
…and for shoppers, the very important…
How much is this? Berapa harga ini?
Too much? Terlalu banyak!
So when you arrive at your hotel for breakfast, say to your host "Sell a mar parghi – arba cabar?"" (Good Morning – how are you?) …and see if you get a "Khabar baik" reply – and a smile!
What else?
Take a cheap poncho with you. You never know when a tropical afternoon thunderstorm may occur.
Mosquito repellent is needed around some of the coastal areas to ward off sand flies, but surprisingly rainforests can be relatively free of mosquitoes.
…and Borneo’s people can be some of the friendliest in South East Asia.
Have fun!