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Malaysia travel guide

Rainforest and island beaches, the Petronas Towers and some of the easiest halal food in Asia, a direct flight from the UAE.

For travellers from the UAE ยท Checked

Malaysia packages from USD 744
The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, lit up at night Palm trees and a sandy beach on Langkawi in the evening The Langkawi SkyBridge curving above the rainforest

Malaysia is one of the most comfortable long-haul holidays for families from the UAE. Halal food is the norm, English is widely spoken, the plugs are the same as at home, and the country moves easily between a modern capital, cool hill stations and tropical islands.

Most first trips combine Kuala Lumpur with an island, usually Langkawi, and a day in the Genting Highlands. Penang, Malacca and the Cameron Highlands reward a second visit.

Visa and entry

  • Entry rules depend on your passport. Indian passport holders, for example, can stay up to 30 days without a visa, for tourism and social visits only.

    Source: Gulf News (Surabhi Vasundharadevi)

  • Most foreign visitors must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within three days before arrival, and show it with their passport at immigration.

    Source: The Star (Rahimy Rahim)

  • Carry your return ticket and hotel booking. Nationalities that need a visa apply for an eVISA before travelling; we confirm which applies to each traveller.

Entry rules for Malaysia can change at short notice. Share your nationality and residence details and our team will confirm what applies to you before you book.

Things to do in Malaysia

  1. The Petronas Twin Towers

    The skybridge and observation deck of the towers, with KLCC Park and its fountains below.

  2. Batu Caves

    A limestone hill north of the city with temple caves at the top of 272 brightly painted steps.

  3. Langkawi

    An island of beaches and rainforest, with the SkyCab cable car, the curved SkyBridge and island-hopping boats.

  4. Kilim Geoforest Park

    Mangrove channels and limestone cliffs in the north of Langkawi, explored by boat.

  5. Genting Highlands

    A cool hilltop resort reached by a long cable car, with theme parks and strawberry farms.

  6. Putrajaya

    The planned capital south of Kuala Lumpur, known for the pink-domed Putra Mosque on the lake.

  7. George Town, Penang

    A UNESCO-listed old town of shophouses, street art and hawker food.

Dos and don'ts

Do

  • Complete the MDAC online before you fly.
  • Use the Grab app for taxis; it is cheap and reliable.
  • Dress modestly at mosques; robes and scarves are lent at the door.
  • Carry an umbrella; short, heavy afternoon showers are common all year.
  • Point with your thumb rather than your index finger, which is considered rude.

Don't

  • Take durian into hotels or onto public transport; many ban it for its smell.
  • Carry or use drugs of any kind; the penalties in Malaysia are among the most severe in the world.
  • Overstay the period stamped in your passport.
  • Plan Langkawi's islands and beaches for the wettest months without checking the weather.

Food to try

Nasi lemak
Coconut rice with sambal, anchovies, peanuts and egg, the national breakfast.
Satay
Skewers of chicken or beef grilled over charcoal, with peanut sauce.
Roti canai
Flaky griddled bread served with dal or curry, best at a mamak stall.
Laksa
Spicy noodle soup, rich with coconut in Kuala Lumpur and sour with tamarind in Penang.
Teh tarik
Sweet milk tea "pulled" between two jugs until frothy.
Cendol
Shaved ice with coconut milk, palm sugar and green rice-flour jelly.

Practical tips

Getting around
Grab covers the cities and Langkawi. Kuala Lumpur has a good metro and monorail, and domestic flights to Langkawi and Penang take about an hour.
Money
Cards are widely accepted; carry cash in ringgit for markets and stalls. Hotels add a tourism tax of MYR 10 per room per night for foreign guests.
Halal food
Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country and halal-certified food is the norm in restaurants and food courts.
Weather
Hot and humid all year, with sudden afternoon storms. The west coast and Langkawi are driest from December to March.
Staying connected
Prepaid SIM cards are sold at the airport arrivals hall and in every mall.

Malaysia holiday packages

Three itineraries in Malaysia, built on the places in this guide, with the hotel, tours and transfers in one price.

All holiday packages

Malaysia in photographs

The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, lit up at night Palm trees and a sandy beach on Langkawi in the evening The Langkawi SkyBridge curving above the rainforest A cable car rising through the forest to Genting Highlands Limestone hills and mangroves at Kilim Geoforest Park, Langkawi Aerial view of central Kuala Lumpur and its towers

Questions about travelling to Malaysia

Do UAE residents need a visa for Malaysia?

It depends on your passport. Many nationalities can visit without a visa, while others need an eVISA. Everyone must complete the MDAC arrival card within three days before arrival.

Is Malaysia good for a family holiday?

Very. Halal food, English, theme parks, wildlife and beaches are all easy to combine, and the plugs and driving side are the same as in the UAE.

Langkawi or Penang?

Langkawi for beaches, islands and nature; Penang for food, history and street art. Both are a one-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur.

How many days do I need?

Seven or eight nights let you combine Kuala Lumpur, Genting and an island without rushing.

More travel guides

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Enquiries

Plan your trip to Malaysia with Trip Station Tourism

Share your dates, who is travelling and your nationality, and we will confirm the entry rules and arrange the flights, hotels and tours.

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