What is the best time to visit Malaysia?

The best time to visit Malaysia depends on your priorities. Many travellers visit year-round, though spring and autumn typically offer pleasant weather and smaller crowds at popular attractions like Petronas Twin Towers. Check weather patterns for Asia before booking.

What currency does Malaysia use?

Malaysia uses the Malaysian ringgit (RM). Exchange at banks or airports, and withdraw from ATMs with your debit card. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas.

What food should I try in Malaysia?

Nasi Lemak is one of Malaysia's most iconic dishes. Other must-try foods include Char Kway Teow and Penang Asam Laksa. Eat where locals eat for the best experience.

How many countries can visit Malaysia visa-free?

167 countries can enter Malaysia without a visa, typically for up to 30 days. Check the full list and your specific requirements above.

Is Malaysia safe for tourists?

Malaysia is generally safe for tourists with normal precautions. As in any country, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying expensive items, and use registered transport. Check current government travel advisories before your trip.

Malaysia

Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia.

Capital

Kuala Lumpur

Language

English, Malay

Currency

Malaysian ringgit (RM)

Population

34.2M

Timezone

UTC+08:00

Visa-free access

167 countries

Travelling to Malaysia

Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia. A federal constitutional monarchy, it consists of 13 states and three federal territories, separated by the South.

Malaysia is located in South-Eastern Asia, Asia. The capital is Kuala Lumpur, and the official languages are English and Malay. The local currency is the Malaysian ringgit (RM). With a population of 34.2M, Malaysia is a mid-sized country in Asia.

Malaysia is one of the most accessible countries in the world for international visitors. Passport holders from 167 countries can enter without a visa, typically for stays of up to 30 days. 28 more can apply online for an eVisa before travelling. Only 2 passports require a full embassy application.

Top places to visit in Malaysia

Petronas Twin Towers

The world’s tallest twin structures reach 452 metres; their postmodern steel-and-glass facades are inspired by the eight-pointed Rub el Hizb star; the double-decker skybridge on the 41st floor offers a clinical view of the city’s concrete sprawl; arrive at dusk when the cold stainless steel reflects the violet sky before the towers ignite with 250;000 LED bulbs.

Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion

A 19th-century indigo-washed courtyard house built for the 'Rockefeller of the East' using traditional Hakka-Teochew architecture; the 38 rooms feature hand-cast iron balustrades from Glasgow and intricate Chini porcelain mosaics; visit during the 11 am guided tour to witness how the central atrium harnesses specific wind flows according to Feng Shui; the air is cool and smells of aged timber.

Mount Kinabalu

The granite crown of Borneo rises 4;095 metres above the Crocker Range; a massive batholith formed 10 million years ago that hosts 5;000 species of flora; reach the Low’s Peak plateau at 6 am to stand above a sea of clouds as the first light strikes the bare; striated rock; the air is thin; biting; and carries a faint scent of damp alpine moss.

Batu Caves

A 400-million-year-old limestone massif housing the world’s tallest statue of Lord Murugan at 42.7 metres; the 272 rainbow-hued steps lead to the Cathedral Cave where the ceiling rises 100 metres high; enter the main cavern at 10 am when shafts of sunlight penetrate the natural skylights; the scent of burning camphor and the screech of macaques echo off the damp; sun-bleached limestone.

Gunung Mulu National Park

A karst landscape defined by the 'Sarawak Chamber'; the largest underground hall on earth; and the razor-sharp limestone Pinnacles reaching 45 metres high; at 5 pm; stand by the Deer Cave entrance to witness three million wrinkle-lipped bats emerge in a swirling; black corkscrew against the jungle canopy; the sound of their wings is a low-frequency hum that vibrates in the chest.

A Famosa Porta de Santiago

The remains of a 1511 Portuguese fortress built using laterite-red earth and coastal stone; it was once the cornerstone of European maritime power in Southeast Asia; the solitary gatehouse is scorched by centuries of tropical sun and 18th-century artillery; touch the pockmarked walls at sunrise when the stone is still cool; the sound of the nearby river recalls the colonial trade wars.

See all 20 places in Malaysia →

What to eat in Malaysia

Explore all Malaysia dishes →

Malaysia visa requirements

167

Visa-free

eVisa / eTA

Visa required

Countries that can visit Malaysia visa-free

167 countries can enter without a visa, usually for up to 30 days.

Europe

Asia

United Arab Emirates90d

Americas

Africa

Oceania

eVisa and eTA for Malaysia

28 countries can apply online before travelling. Processing typically takes 1–7 business days.

Asia

Nepal

Sri Lanka

Americas

Colombia

Before you go to Malaysia

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Passport validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. Malaysia immigration may refuse entry otherwise.

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Proof of onward travel

Carry a return or onward flight ticket. Airlines and border officers may ask to see it before allowing you to board or enter.

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Currency: Malaysian ringgit

The local currency is RM. Exchange major currencies at the airport or city banks. ATMs are widely available in urban areas.

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Language: English

English is the primary language. English is spoken in tourist areas and major cities.

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Power & connectivity

Check Malaysia's plug type and voltage before packing. Buy a local SIM card at the airport for affordable data.

Power plug guide →SIM card guide →

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Check your visa for Malaysia

Select your passport for an instant result.

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Malaysia 7-day itinerary

AI-generated day-by-day travel plan.

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Explore Malaysia

20 places, 6 dishes, and more.

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FAQ · Malaysia

Malaysia — your questions

It depends on your passport. 167 countries can enter Malaysia visa-free. 28 can apply for an eVisa online. Everyone else needs an embassy visa. Use the WorldCurio visa checker for your specific passport.