Welcome to Malaysia - Facts for visiting Malaysia

Welcome to Malaysia, put your feet up and let us take care of you. Take some time during your surgery holiday to enjoy this wonderful city and its surrounds, and get to know some of the locals. 

There are about 21 million people in Malaysia from diverse backgrounds and races. It is said that in diversity there is unity; Malaysia is living proof of this, as you will see. In Malaysia all the races, ethnic Malays and indigenous people (sons of the soil), as well as Chinese, Indians, Eurasians and many others work and live together in harmony and friendship.

Malaysians are a truly warm and welcoming people; they enjoy meeting visitors from other lands and conversing.  They have tremendous charm and are renowned for their hospitality and exceptional friendliness.

The city of Kuala Lumpur, affectionately known as KL by its people, with its bustling streets, its shining modern office towers, and its cosmopolitan atmosphere symbolize its unhesitating leap into the future.

 Shopping

Kuala Lumpur is the nation's most well-known shopping destination with several prominent malls and shopping areas. For budget to mid-range shopping, head to Petaling Street (Chinatown) or Bukit Bintang to enjoy a wide range of fashion, electronics and other commodities.

KLCC is an upmarket shopping location, known for the Suria KLCC mall nestled between the Twin Towers while Mid Valley is an exciting one-stop destination for shopping parked in a strategic area of Kuala Lumpur.

Bintang Walk

Bukit Bintang Walk is located along the Jalan Bukit Bintang shopping strip. This place has been transformed over the last 5 years to be one of the busiest shopping havens. Cafes, restaurants, clubs, shops, malls and more fill up this street. On weekends, thousands of locals as well as tourists promenade along Bintang Walk and its shopping centres. Almost every major nightlife event happens here such as the New Year's countdown, Merdeka eve celebrations, as well as fashion shows, street concerts and parties.

Pavillion

Now, in the heart of one of Asia’s greatest cities, beats a new pulse. Vibrant, dynamic and energising, it inspires your every sense with its choices in fashion, food and urban leisure. With over 450 retail shops spread across 7 levels offering some of the world’s most renowned brand names, you will be spoilt for choice.

To all visitors to Malaysia, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur offers special discounts, gift redemptions and many, many more. 450 retail shops representing some of the finest brands from around the world to bring you the best in fashion, food and urban leisure.

Important Facts for Visiting Malaysia 

Country

The Federation of Malaysia comprises Peninsula Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo.

Geographical Location

Located between 2º and 7º north of the Equator, Peninsula Malaysia is separated from the states of Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea. To the north of Peninsula Malaysia is Thailand while its southern neighbour is Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak are north of Indonesia in Borneo while Sarawak also shares a border with Brunei.

Kuala Lumpur's International Airport

(KLIA) is serviced by most major airlines, with Malaysian Airlines having direct flights regularly from many international cities.

Visas 

Visas are not necessary from most western countries when travel does not exceed 3 months. Countries such as United States of America, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand do not need a visa for a stay less than 3 months.

Climate 

Malaysia has a classical tropical climate with relative humidity levels usually around 90%. Weather is fairly hot and humid all year round with average temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius in the daytime, with short intense showers almost daily.

Dress Codes 

Casual, light clothing is perfect. Malaysia usually follows western trends and long shorts and sleeveless tops are common, please be mindful of modesty as the Malays are a modest people.

Banks

 - Mon – Fri: 9.30am – 4.00pm
 - Sat: 9.30am – 11.30am (closed 1st & 3rd Sat of each month)
 - Sun: closed

Post Offices: Open from 8.00am to 5.00pm daily except Sundays and public holidays.

Currency: Ringgit: please use currency converter for current exchange rate

Language: English and Behasa Malay. English is widely spoken

Time Zone: GMT + 8

Electricity:  220V / 50Hz

Weights and Measures: Metric

Dialling Code: 60

Holiday Tips

Malaysia offers fantastic shopping bargains, whether you enjoy shopping malls filled with designer labels or want to head to Petaling Street in Chinatown and check out the vast range of stalls selling handbags,DVD's, or t-shirts. Pack lightly so you can take home a few bargains.

The Malaysians are extremely hospitable and most speak very good English. They are only too happy to assist you when needing directions or if you need to locate a bank etc. Our staff can also assist you, please dont hesitate to ask. We are happy to provide you an escort if you are travelling alone or just feel more secure. Let us know while you are with us.

Malaysia offers a huge choice for dining, whether you want a traditional noodle dish or roti (indian bread with curry), as well as a vast array of Western food including MacDonalds.

For any additional information you may need regarding travel to Malaysia please visit: