Group trips to Malaysia

If you are a UK citizen, to find out the entry requirements for Malaysia, you can check this informational page from our partner Sherpa. If you need a visa, you can apply for it through Sherpa. If you are not a UK citizen, you can still use Sherpa by changing the nationality in the 'Passport' section.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Malaysia – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Malaysia is in the Malaysia Time Zone, which is 8 hours ahead of GMT/UTC. If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 8pm in Malaysia. For the USA, the time difference depends on the region. If it is 12pm Eastern Time (ET) in the USA, it will be 1am the next day in Malaysia. Malaysia does not observe daylight saving time, so this difference remains consistent throughout the year.

Malaysia uses the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). As of the latest rates:

• 1 GBP is approximately 5.70 MYR
• 1 USD is about 4.20 MYR
• 1 EUR is around 4.80 MYR

You can exchange currency at banks, currency exchange counters at the airport, and major shopping centers.

In Malaysia, you can pay using credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, especially in urban areas and at larger establishments. However, it's a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller shops, markets, and rural areas. ATMs are available throughout the country for cash withdrawals. Mobile payment options like GrabPay and Touch 'n Go eWallet are also popular, especially in cities.

Tipping in Malaysia is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included in the bill, so additional tipping isn't necessary. However, you might choose to leave some extra cash for exceptional service.

For other services like taxis, you can round up the fare. In hotels, small tips for porters or housekeeping can be a nice gesture, but again, it's entirely up to you.

In Malaysia, internet connectivity is generally good, and you'll find Wi-Fi widely available in urban areas, hotels, cafes, and shopping malls. However, for more reliable and widespread access, especially if you're planning to explore rural areas, buying a local SIM card is a great idea. Major providers like Maxis, Celcom, and Digi offer prepaid SIM cards with various data plans. Alternatively, you can purchase an e-SIM data plan if your phone supports it. This way, you can stay connected without worrying about finding Wi-Fi hotspots.

In Malaysia, the official language is Malay, also known as Bahasa Malaysia. English is widely spoken, especially in urban areas and among the younger population. It's handy to know some common Malay phrases:

• Hello: "Hello"
• Thank you: "Terima kasih"
• Please: "Tolong"
• Yes: "Ya"
• No: "Tidak"

These phrases can help you navigate everyday conversations during your travels in Malaysia.

In Malaysia, the plugs are of type G, the same as the ones used in the UK. The electrical voltage is 240V with a frequency of 50Hz. If you're coming from a country that uses different plug types, we suggest you bring a universal adapter to ensure you can charge all your devices without any hassle.

The main religion in Malaysia is Islam, and it's practiced by the majority of the population. When visiting, especially when entering mosques or religious sites, women should dress modestly, covering arms and legs, and wearing a headscarf. Men should also wear long pants and shirts with sleeves.

Important religious holidays include:

• Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which marks the end of Ramadan
• Hari Raya Haji, known as the Festival of Sacrifice

These holidays are widely celebrated with cultural events, special prayers, and community feasts.

Malaysia is a fantastic destination with a tropical climate, so pack light and be ready for some humidity. Here's a list of essentials for your backpack:

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight T-shirts
  • Shorts
  • Long pants for protection against mosquitoes
  • A light rain jacket
  • Swimwear
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Flip-flops or sandals
  • Water shoes for beach or water activities
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat or cap
  • Power bank
  • Camera or smartphone
  • Universal adapter for charging devices
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Travel-sized shampoo and body wash
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Common travel medications like pain relievers and motion sickness tablets

Don't forget that Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country, so if you plan to visit religious sites, bring modest clothing for those occasions.

Malaysia has a tropical climate, so you can expect warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. Here's a quick breakdown:

• West Coast (Kuala Lumpur, Penang): Best time to visit is from December to February when it's drier. Rainfall is more frequent from April to October.
• East Coast (Tioman Island, Perhentian Islands): Best time is from March to September. The monsoon hits from November to February, bringing heavy rains and rough seas.
• Borneo (Sabah, Sarawak): It’s wet throughout the year, but the heaviest rains are from November to January. The driest months are from March to October.

So, the best time to visit Malaysia largely depends on which region you plan to explore.