Malaysia Travel Guide
Malaysia is a great destination for families: a modern city in Kuala Lumpur, cool highlands, islands like Langkawi, and halal food almost everywhere.
Visas and the arrival card
- Visas: Citizens of many countries can enter Malaysia without a visa, including the Gulf states and most European countries. Check the rules for your nationality before you travel.
- Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC): Required for every foreign traveller, including children.
- Submit it within 3 days before you arrive.
- It is free on the official website only. Any website that charges a fee is not official.
Flights
Kuala Lumpur International Airport is the main airport, with direct flights from the Gulf, Asia and Europe. Langkawi and Penang are a short domestic flight away.
Best time to visit
The weather is hot and humid all year, and the rain usually comes in short afternoon showers.
- Langkawi and Penang: Best from November to April.
- Kuala Lumpur: Good to visit at any time.
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur
- Bukit Bintang: The heart of shopping and dining.
- The Twin Towers area (KLCC): Views of the towers, close to the park and the mall.
- Bangsar: Quieter, with cafés and local restaurants.
Getting around
- From the airport: The express train reaches KL Sentral in about half an hour.
- In the city: Ride-hailing apps are cheap and common, and the city has a metro and a monorail.
- Outside the city: A rental car works well for trips to Genting and the highlands.
Top places
- Kuala Lumpur: The Petronas Twin Towers, the Batu Caves and the KL Tower.
- Genting: Cool highlands with theme parks and a cable car, about an hour from Kuala Lumpur.
- Langkawi: The cable car and the Sky Bridge, quiet beaches and duty-free shopping.
- Penang: Historic George Town and its street food.
Internet
Quick tips
- Currency: The Malaysian ringgit.
- Electricity: Plug type G, with three pins.
- Umbrella: Always carry one for sudden rain.
- Mosques: Long clothing is required when you visit.
Last updated: October 2026. This information is for guidance only. Check the entry rules before you travel.
Sources:
- Official Malaysia Digital Arrival Card website: https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main
- Trip.com guide to the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card: https://www.trip.com/guide/arrival/malaysia-arrival-card.html
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