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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
South African passport holders do not require a visa to enter Malaysia for stays of up to 90 days.
VISA INFORMATION
WEATHER
Malaysia has an equatorial climate with hot and humid conditions year-round. The country experiences two monsoon seasons affecting different regions differently, with frequent rainfall but also plenty of sunshine.
- Spring (March to May): In most of Malaysia, this period is warm and humid, with occasional rainfall. The east coast and Borneo’s rainforests experience their dry season during this time, making it great for jungle trekking and diving.
- Summer (June to August): Peninsular Malaysia’s west coast, including Kuala Lumpur, enjoys dry conditions during this period. The east coast may experience heavier rains, but it is still warm, with average highs around 30°C.
- Autumn (September to November): The wet season begins on the east coast and in parts of Borneo, bringing heavy rains and high humidity. The west coast remains drier but still humid, with afternoon showers common.
- Winter (December to February): The east coast and parts of Borneo see wet weather, while the west coast, including Penang and Langkawi, enjoys a drier season with sunny days and moderate rainfall. Temperatures remain warm year-round, averaging 25°C to 30°C.
- Best Time to Travel: The west coast is best from December to February, while the east coast and Borneo are ideal from March to September. Malaysia is a year-round destination if you plan based on regional weather.
GENERAL INFORMATION
| Country: | Malasia |
| Capital City: | Kuala Lumpur |
| International Airports: | Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) Langkawi International Airport (LGK) Penang International Airport (PEN) Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) Kuching International Airport (KCH) |
| Area: | 330,803 km² (127,724 sq mi) |
| Population: | 34 million (2024 est.) |
| Time Zone: | GMT+8 (16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time) |
| Religion: | Islam is the official religion, but freedom of religion is granted to non-Muslims. |
| Language: | Official: Malaysian Malay Widely Used: English |
| Currency: | Ringgit (MYR) – Banknotes: RM100, RM50, RM20, RM10, RM5, RM1 – Coins: sen (1 MYR = 100 sen) in denominations of 5sen, 10sen, 20sen, and 50sen |
| Exchange Rate: | USD1 = MYR4.37; for quotation purposes, USD1 = MYR4.00 |
| Credit Card Payment Availability: | Accepted mainly in large hotels and shopping malls. Visa and Mastercard are most accepted. |
| ATM Accessibility: | Available throughout Malaysia; typically dispense RM50 and RM10 notes. |
| Dialling Code: | +60 |
TRAVEL TIPS
| Electricity: | 220–240V, 50Hz. Plug types G and D are used. |
| Water: | Drink bottled or boiled water only. |
| Business Hours: | Retail shops: 10am to 8pm Shopping centres: Open until 10pm Government offices: 8am to 4:30pm (closed on Saturdays and Sundays) |
| Banking Hours: | Generally, 10am to 4pm; varies by bank. |
| Photography Restrictions: | Allowed from public places; seek consent before photographing individuals or private property. |
| Tipping: | Service charge of 10% and government sales tax of 6% are typically included in bills. Tipping is not customary but appreciated for exceptional service. A Tourism Tax of RM10 per room per night applies to hotel stays. |
| Vaccination Requirements: | As of August 1, 2022, there are no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry. For those seeking Malaysia travel information, it is important to note that a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if traveling from or transiting through risk countries. Without valid certification, quarantine for up to 6 days may be enforced. |
| Dress Code Restrictions: | Light, informal clothing is suitable. Modest attire is advised for religious sites and rural areas. A light jacket is recommended for cooler evenings. |
| Peculiar Customs to Observe: | Remove shoes before entering Malaysian homes, as is customary in many parts of Malaysia. For more Malaysia travel information, always use the right hand for giving and receiving items. It is also customary to eat with the right hand, reflecting local cultural practices – Malay Meals: Eating with hands or spoon and fork is common; pork is generally avoided. – Chinese Meals: Spoons, forks, or chopsticks are used. Avoid leaving chopsticks in the rice bowl or placing them vertically. – Indian Meals: Use a spoon or hands; beef is typically avoided. |
FESTIVALS
- Chinese New Year
- Thaipusam
- Wesak Day
- Hari Raya Puasa (Eid Mubarak)
- Hari Raya Qurban (Eid Adha)
- Diwali
- Christmas
MAP
“Malaysia is a country unlike any other: Full of promise and fragility. Its history, cultural and religious diversity make it a rich, compelling and surprising land”
– Tariq Ramadan