Welcome to Malaysia - brief information about
travel in Malaysia.
Public Holidays
With its multi-ethnic population, it is not surprising that almost
every month sees a
different festival. Some of these are declared as
Public Holidays. As festivals vary from year to year, it is best to
check the dates with the nearest Tourism Malaysia Office before you
plan your trip.
School Holidays
There are five term breaks in the year for schools throughout
Malaysia. The term breaks vary slightly from state to state.
However, they fall roughly during the later part of the months of
January (1 week), March (2 week), May (3 weeks), August (1 week),
October (4 weeks).
Water
It is generally safe to drink water straight from the tap. Bottled
mineral water, however, is easily available in shops and
supermarkets.
Electrical Supply
Electric supply is on a 240-volt 50-cycle system.
Newspapers
English Language newspapers are available i.e. The New Straits
Times, The Star, Business Times, Malay Mail, Daily Express, Sabah
Daily News and Sarawak Tribune. International newspapers can be
obtained at most bookshops and newsstands. Several dailies in other
languages include Utusan Melayu, Berita Harian, Nanyang Siang Pan,
Sin Chew Wit Poh and Tamil Nesan. There are also weeklies, such as
the Leader and Straits Shipper.
Radio
Radio services are in Bahasa Melayu, English, Chinese, and Tamil.
Television
There are more than 4 television stations with TV 1 and TV 2 being
government networks while the other are privately run.
Health Services
In the event you need medical care, there are private clinics in
most towns. It is a good idea to take out a medical insurance before
you travel as Malaysia does not have reciprocal health service
agreements with other nations. For over-the-counter prescriptions,
there are pharmacies and 'Chinese medical halls'.
Health Regulations
No vaccination is required for cholera and smallpox.
Climate
With a temperature that fluctuates little throughout the year,
travel in Malaysia is a pleasure. Average temperature is between 21
C and 32 C. Humidity is high. Rain tends to occur between November
to February on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, on western
Sarawak, and north-eastern Sabah. On the west coast of Peninsular
Malaysia the rainy season is April to May and October to November.
Click here for the current four-day weather forecast in Kuala
Lumpur.
Clothing
As Malaysia's climate is sunny almost year round, light clothing is
ideal. It is advisable for ladies, when entering mosques and
temples, to wear long sleeves and loose pants or long skirts.
Time
Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 16 hours
ahead of United States Pacific Standard Time.
Next:
Dive sites Malaysia
