Top Malaysia Hotels

Visitors must have a passport valid for 6 months more than the maximum time allowed for their stay in Malaysia. Residents of most countries are granted visa free access for periods ranging from 7 days to 3 months.

Currency - There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency (except banknotes of India up to Rs270 and Indonesia up to Rp3000) which can be taken in and out of Malaysia.

The import and export of Ringgit is restricted to M$ 1,000 per person

Ringgit is currently a closed currency and can only be bought/sold in Malaysia

Visitors may take the following into Malaysia duty free:

• Alcoholic beverages - not exceeding 1 litre
• Tobacco - not exceeding 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco

Penalties for carrying or trafficking illegal drugs are very severe, ranging from long prison sentences to the death penalty.

Malaysian time: GMT + 8 hours

• Malaysian Ringgit (RM), also known as the Malaysian Dollar M$. Check current exchange rates.
• 100 sen = 1RM
• Notes issued - M$500, M$100, M$50, M$20, M$10, M$5, M$1
• Coins issued - M$20, M$10, M$5, M$1, 100 sen, 50 sen, 20 sen, 10 sen, 5 sen, 1sen

Behasa Malayu (also known as Malay) is the official language of Malaysia. English is widely spoken and understood. Mandarin, Cantonese and Tamil are also spoken.

Tipping is not standard practice in Malaysia but is appreciated. Some hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge. Tip porters and hotel staff M$5.

• Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 3.00 pm
• Saturday 9.30 am to 11.30 am

Note: Banks in Sabah open at 8.00 am and take a lunch break from 12.00 pm - 2.00 pm

The international dialling code for Malaysia is 60

When calling overseas from Malaysia dial 00 + country code + area code + telephone number.

• 220-240V AC 50 cycles per second.
• 3 pin square plugs.

Tap water is safe to drink in main cities and major hotels. Bottled water is widely available.

Standards of health and hygiene are generally good in Malaysia. Visitors arriving from yellow fever endemic zones must present a yellow fever health certificate. The risk of catching malaria in Malaysia is slim; however it is wise to check the current situation and any vaccination requirements with your doctor when planning your trip.

International Airport

Kuala Lumpur - opened in 1998 in Sepang (some 60km from the city)

• Penang
• Johor Bahru
• Kota Kinabalu
• Kuching
• Langkawi

M$40

There are numerous domestic airports in Malaysia; these include those mentioned above plus the following:

• Kuala Lumpur
• Kuala Terengganu
• Pulau Tioman
• Pulau Perhentian
• Pulau Pangkor
• Taman Negara
• Kuantan
• Ipoh
• Melaka
• Pulau Langkawi

M$5

Malaysia is a mix of many religions but predominantly Muslim, so dress fairly modestly. Beachwear should be restricted to the beach and topless sunbathing is never acceptable. Away from the beach, clothes should not be too short and the shoulders should be covered. When visiting government offices be sure to dress smartly, as casual dress will be taken as an affront.

There is a large ethnic Chinese population in Malaysia; as with most Asian countries, situations should be avoided which would cause a loss of "face". Try to steer clear of confrontation as it is not appreciated and will only worsen rather than resolve any situation.

Most countries have representative offices and consulates in Kuala Lumpur and a limited number are also available in Penang.

For further information on Malaysian tourism.

Malaysia's position in the equatorial zone guarantees a classic tropical climate with relative humidity levels usually around 90%. Weather is fairly hot and humid all year round (with the exception of the cooler climes of the central highlands) averaging 30C in the daytime, with short intense showers almost daily. Malaysia's climate is dominated by the effect of two monsoons or "rainy seasons", which affect different parts of Malaysia to varying degrees.

The north-east monsoon blows between October and March and from May to September Malaysia is affected by the south-west monsoon. Heavier rainfall is experienced in spring and autumn when the monsoon changes direction, however this increased rainfall should not spoil a visit to west coast Malaysia or the hill stations. Mornings are usually hot and sunny with showers in the afternoon.

Try to avoid east coast destinations and Island Malaysia between November and January. Otherwise, Malaysia can be enjoyed at any time of year as the weather is generally hot, sunny and fairly uniform; it's rare to have a day without showers and unusual to have a day without sunshine. Take light summer clothes, carry an umbrella and an extra warm sweater if visiting the hill stations.

Note! Haze - In recent years Malaysia has suffered from the phenomena known in Asia simply as "Haze". Caused in part by forest fires and out of control "slash and burn" practices in both Malaysia and neighbouring Indonesia - late summer and early autumn sunny skies have been obscured for days and air quality has been known to be poor. Haze is difficult to predict, however efforts are being made to prevent the recurrence of the severe hazes of 1996 and 1997.

South West Coast

Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Melaka, Port Dickson

Hot and humid throughout the year, the west of Malaysia can be enjoyed at any time. With a tropical climate, showers occur almost daily and downpours during the rainy season are not much worse than the rest of the year.

North West Coast

Penang, Langkawi, Pulau Pangkor, Ipoh

Typically tropical, hot, sunny and humid with light showers - a beach holiday can be enjoyed at any time of year in this part of Malaysia.

More rain falls in September and October but even during the rainy season on the west coast it is still possible to enjoy a week's holiday with little more than the occasional short tropical downpour.

East Coast

Kuantan, Tioman Island, Perhentian Islands, Terangganu, Redang, Kota Bharu

Hot and sunny with South China Sea breezes moderating the humidity somewhat - excellent beach weather for most of the year. Try to avoid the rainy season on the east coast which strikes between November and January and can disrupt boat crossings to the islands. The rainy season is most pronounced on this side of the peninsula but once over, east coast destinations are slightly drier than the rest of Malaysia.

Hill Stations

Cameron Highlands, Fraser's Hill, Maxwell Hill

Located at an altitude of 1,524m above sea level, the highlands have a distinctly different climate to the rest of Malaysia. Temperatures average a very pleasant 22C in the daytime and a comparatively cool 15C at night - excellent for growing tea and for visitors, a pleasant contrast to the more humid lowland areas. Clear blue skies in the morning, showery afternoons and chilly nights. Rainfall is heaviest from September through to early December. Pack an extra-warm sweater for evenings and light rain gear when venturing up-country at any time of year.

Sabah & Sarawak

Malaysia's two states on the island of Borneo have hot humid climates with temperatures rarely dipping below 30C in the daytime.

Kuching, Miri, Sarawak

Sarawak experiences heavy rain all year, although less marked between April and September. Take note of the haze situation when you plan to travel.

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Due to its more north-easterly location, Sabah is drier than Sarawak. The north-east coast suffers higher precipitation from December to January, whereas heavy rainfall occurs May to November on the west coast. If you decide to trek up the 4,101m peak of Mount Kinabalu or in and around the foothills, you must obtain accurate local advice at the time of your trip.