Located in the heart of South East Asia, Malaysia is divided into Peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia) and East Malaysia. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, lies midway along the
West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur represents the heartbeat of Malaysia, serving as its cultural, commercial and transportation centre.
It all began in the Middle of the 19th century when a group of tin prospectors came to settle around the convergence of the Klang and Gombak River. This marked the foundation of Kuala Lumpur and it has been its share of growth and setbacks to become metropolitan centre of today.
With a population of over 1.3 million, Kuala Lumpur is by far the largest city in Malaysia. Malays, Chinese and Indians comprise the main races among others in this multicultural backdrop. This ethnic diversity has shaped the city over the years and is clearly seen in the various cultural customs and religious beliefs, as well as languages, cuisines and architecture.
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Better known as KL to the locals, the city is a heady mix of history and culture intertwined with mushrooming skyscrapers and office towers. Kuala Lumpur is the best example of a city that has managed to preserve the best of its cultural heritage and combine it with modern conveniences to offer a wholly unique experience to visitors.
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The Malays, Malaysia's largest ethnic group, make up more than 57% of the population. In Malaysia, the term Malay refers to a person who practices Islam and Malay traditions, speaks the Malay language and whose ancestors are Malays. The second largest ethnic group the Malaysian Chinese form about 35% of the population. Mostly descendents of Chinese immigrants during the 19th century, the Chinese are known for their diligence and keen business sense. The smallest of three main ethic groups the Malaysian Indians form about 10% of the population. Most are descendents of Tamil speaking South Indian immigrants who came to the country during the British colonial rule. Lured by the prospect of breaking out of the Indian caste system, they came to Malaysia to build a better life. Predominantly Hindus, they brought with them their colourful culture such as ornate temples, spicy cuisine and exquisite sarees.
Such a diversity of ethnic groups inevitably features a large number of spoken languages. The official local language is Bahasa Malaysia (Malay, but then English is widely spoken as are a number of Chinese dialects such as Mandarin and Cantonese).
Tropical climate with warm weather all year round. Temperatures range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF) with annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm. In November, average temperature is 26ºC (78ºF) and average rainfall is 281.1 mm. Advisable to bring along windbreaker for outdoor activities.
Visa
Every person entering Malaysia must possess a valid National Passport or Internationally recognized travel document. Foreign nationals who require a Visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain a Visa in advance at Malaysian Representative Office before entering the country. A visa is an endorsement in a passport or other recognized travel document of foreigner indicating that the holder has applied for permission to enter Malaysia and that permission has been granted. Visa, which has been granted is not absolute guarantee that the holder will be allowed to enter Malaysia. The final decision lies with the Immigration Officer at the entry point.
Types of Visa
Two (2) types of visa are issued by the Malaysian Government to foreign national:
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Single Entry Visa
Issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia mainly for a social or business visit. Normally valid for a single entry and for a period of three (3) months from the date of issue. ›
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Multiple Entry Visa
Issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia mainly for business or government to government matters. Normally valid for a period within three (3) to twelve (12) months from the date of issue.
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How to Apply for A Visa
Application for visas should be made at the nearest Malaysian Mission abroad. In countries where Malaysian Missions have not been established, application should be made to the British High Commission or Embassy.
The applicant should present himself together with the following documents:
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Passport or Travel Document ›
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Form IM.47 (3 copies)
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Countries with Partial Visa Abolition Agreement with Malaysia
Nationals of these countries do not require a visa to enter Malaysia for the purpose of social/business visits for not more than three (3) months. For other purposes, a visa is required.
The countries are: Argentina, Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia Herzegovina, Czech and Slovak, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Krygyzstan, Luxembourg, Norway, Peru, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Turkmenistan, Tunisia and United States of America.
Nationals of West Asian countries also do not require a visa to enter Malaysia for the purpose of social/business visit not more than three (3) months. For other purposes, a visa is required. The countries are: Bahrain, Morocco, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Turkey & Egypt.
Nationals of Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Libya and Syria do not require a visa to enter Malaysia for the purpose of social/business visits of not more than 14 days (15 days in the case of Iran). For other purposes, a visa is required.
Nationals of certain East European countries, Baltic and Commonwealth of Independent States(CIS) also do not require a visa to enter Malaysia for the purpose of social/business visits of not more than thirty (30) days. For other purposes, a visa is required. These countries are: Armenia, Atzerbaijan, Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldovia, Rumania, Russia, Tadjikistan, Ukraine and Yelorussia.
Requirement of Pass
Other than application for entry for the purpose of tourist social or business visits, all applications for other types of passes mentioned below must be made before arrival in the country. All applications must have sponsorship in Malaysia. The sponsors must agree to be responsible for the maintenance and repatriation of the visitors from Malaysia if it should become necessary. Foreign nationals who wish to visit Malaysia have to obtain a pass at the point of entry besides a visa (where required), which allows them to stay temporarily. A pass is an endorsement in the passport constituting permission to stay for the approved duration.
Types of Passes
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Visit Pass (Social) ›
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Visit Pass (Business)
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The unit of currency is the Malaysian Ringgit indicated as RM. Foreign currencies can be converted at banks and money changers.
**Exchange Rate: RM3.75 to USD1
Tipping is not a common practice in Malaysia and in some cases tipping is given to services provided by hotel bell boy or restaurant staff.
All travellers, both residents and non-residents, are required to complete the Traveller's Declaration Form (TDF). The revised TDF has two separate sections and columns for residents and non-residents to declare their currencies; the blue section for residents and the white section for non-residents.
Residents are only required to declare in detail the exact amount of ringgit carried when they enter or leave the country only if the amount is in excess of RM1000. They are also required to declare in detail the exact amount in foreign currency, including traveller's cheques carried, when they leave the country only if the amount exceeds the equivalent of RM10,000. Residents do not have to declare any amount of foreign currency, including traveller's cheques, carried with them when they re-enter the country. Non-residents are required to declare the exact amount of foreign currency carried when they enter or leave the country only if the amount exceeds the equivalent of USD 2,500.00.
Residents are required to keep the TDF in their passport when they leave the country and surrender the TDF on their return journey instead of the current practice of filling two separate TDFs when they leave and re-enter the country. Likewise, non-residents will continue with the current practice which requires them to keep the TDF with their passport and surrender the TDF on leaving their country.
Monday till Friday: 9.30am-4.00pm
Saturday and Sunday: closed
** TIME Eight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time.
Voltage is 220 - 240 volts AC at 50 cycles per second.
Local calls can be made from public phones using coins or pre-paid cards. International calls can be made from public phones with card phone facilities or at any telecom offices.
Emergency Contact Number
Police/Fire/Ambulance:
999
Tourist Police:
Kuala Lumpur:
Tel (03) 241-5522 or (03) 243-5522
Country Code:
60
Various major credit cards accepted – American Express, Diners’ Club, Mastercard, Visa and JCB.
