Why Malaysia?
Selamat datang! If you’re craving a place where jungles meet skyscrapers, where street food legends coexist with high-end dining, and where you can snorkel coral reefs in the morning and sip kopi tarik in a colonial café by afternoon—Malaysia should be on your list. At Cerca we’ve wandered from Penang’s backstreets to Borneo’s rainforests, and we’re here to share the most practical, unvarnished advice to make your trip unforgettable.
Let’s get into it: here’s how to travel to Malaysia like you know what you’re doing. Plus a bonus – our favorite films set in Malaysia so you can vibe while packing.
First, the basics:
Malaysia is made up of two main regions, separated by the South China Sea:
1. Peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia), which borders Thailand to the North and faces Singapore at the southern tip. This region contains the capital, Kuala Lumpur, as well as George Town and Malacca.
2. East Malaysia (Borneo Malaysia), which shares the island of Borneo with Indonesia and Brunei. This region contains Kota Kinabalu and Kuching, as well as Mount Kinabalu and Gunung Mulu National Park.
1. Visa Requirements: What U.S. Travelers Need
U.S. passport holders can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism purposes. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry. While immigration is generally smooth, they may ask to see proof of onward travel or accommodation.
Currently no special immunizations are required to visit Malaysia but you should check with your doctor to confirm.
Pro Tip: Take a screenshot of your return flight and your first hotel booking—you may not have Wi-Fi on arrival.
2. How Safe is Malaysia for Travelers?
Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia’s safer countries, but common sense rules apply. Petty theft (especially in busy areas like Bukit Bintang in KL or night markets in Penang) can happen. Always watch your bag in crowds and avoid flashy jewelry.
Review the US State Department‘s most updated advice for Malaysia.
For our solo female travelers…
Many women travel solo through Malaysia with ease. It’s a Muslim-majority country, so modest dress (especially outside big cities) goes a long way in terms of respect and comfort. Covering shoulders and knees in more rural areas or religious sites is advised. Locals are generally kind and helpful.
Our Tip: Use Grab (the Southeast Asian Uber) after dark instead of walking alone, and avoid isolated beaches or alleys late at night.
LGBTQ+ Travel…
Malaysia’s laws are not LGBTQ+ friendly—homosexuality is criminalized, and public displays of affection (regardless of orientation) are frowned upon. That said, queer travelers do visit Malaysia safely and often. In cities like Kuala Lumpur and George Town, there’s a low-key LGBTQ+ scene, especially in expat circles.
Advice: Be discreet and aware of local sensitivities. Many queer travelers find Malaysia more welcoming when traveling with a group or as solo explorers rather than openly affectionate couples.
3. Cultural Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
If you want to understand Malaysia, you need to experience its layers—Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous Bornean cultures all cohabiting.
1. Visit a Ramadan Bazaar (if traveling during fasting month)
These night markets are bustling, full of traditional Malay dishes like satay, kuih, and roti john. Respect the fasting hours—don’t eat in public until after sundown.
2. Take a Cooking Class in Penang or KL
Learn how to make laksa, nasi lemak, or roti canai. It’s the fastest way to appreciate the country’s multicultural food history.
3. Attend a Thaipusam Festival in Batu Caves (January/February)
This Hindu festival is one of the most visually striking and spiritual events in Southeast Asia.
4. Indigenous Cultural Experiences in Sabah or Sarawak
Support regenerative travel by visiting longhouses (responsibly) and learning from Bornean tribes about traditional medicine, food, and crafts.
5. Take a Tea Walk in the Cameron Highlands
Learn about colonial history, sustainability in agriculture, and the fragile ecosystem of this cool highland region.
4. Money: How to Pay and What to Budget
What’s the Currency?
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). $1 USD usually gets you about 4.5 MYR, but check daily rates.
Do You Need Cash?
Yes. Malaysia is still semi-cash-based. While many places accept credit cards, especially in malls and hotels, you’ll want cash for street food, taxis, local buses, and small shops.
Digital Payments
GrabPay is widely accepted in cities. Apple Pay and Google Pay are less common, though they are gaining ground in KL. Don’t count on using them everywhere.
Our Tip: Withdraw cash from ATMs at major banks (like Maybank or CIMB) and carry small bills. Avoid airport exchange counters with high fees.
5. Transportation: Getting Around Like a Local
In Cities…
Grab is your best friend. Cheap, reliable, and safer than hailing a taxi.
Light rail (LRT) in Kuala Lumpur is clean and efficient.
Rapid Penang buses are good if you’re on a budget, but they’re slow.
Between Cities…
Buses: EasyBook.com or BusOnlineTicket.com lets you book buses across the country. Super cheap.
Trains: KTM ETS connects KL with Ipoh, Penang, and other cities. It’s fast and comfortable.
Flights: Domestic flights with AirAsia or Firefly are cheap and great for crossing into Borneo.
On Islands…
Langkawi: Rent a scooter.
Tioman or Perhentian: Use boats; no real roads in some areas.
Sustainable Note: Whenever possible, take trains or buses over flights. Malaysia is trying to scale up its green infrastructure, and land travel has a lower carbon footprint.
6. Cities You Should Know
Kuala Lumpur (KL)
The capital is a mix of gleaming towers and bustling hawker stalls. Petronas Towers are iconic, but we love Jalan Alor for street food and the Islamic Arts Museum for a dose of culture.
George Town, Penang
A UNESCO World Heritage site. Think colonial shophouses, murals, and hawker legends. Don’t miss Chulia Street at night.
Malacca (Melaka)
Historic and slow-paced, with Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Great for weekend wanderers.
Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) and Kuching (Sarawak)
These Bornean cities are your launchpads for rainforest hikes, orangutan sanctuaries, and diving trips. Less touristy, more adventure.
7. Food Safety: What to Eat and What to Avoid
Malaysian food is legendary. And yes—you can eat street food.
Street Food Tips
Eat where it’s busy. Turnover = fresh food.
Avoid anything that’s been sitting out in the sun (especially seafood).
Look for handwashing stations at stalls.
Drinking Water
Tap water is technically treated but not safe to drink. Stick to bottled or filtered water. Refill stations are increasingly available in hostels and cafes.
Sustainable Tip: Carry a refillable bottle with a built-in filter to cut down on plastic waste.
8. Respect the Culture: Don’t Be That Tourist
Dress Code
Covering shoulders and knees isn’t mandatory in cities but is appreciated in temples, mosques, and rural areas. Sarongs are your friend.
Religion
Islam is the official religion, but there’s religious diversity and tolerance. Be respectful when visiting places of worship: remove shoes, wear modest clothing, and avoid interrupting prayers.
Taboos!
Don’t point with your finger—use your thumb or whole hand.
Don’t touch people’s heads.
Avoid public displays of affection.
9. Packing Tips for Malaysia
Lightweight clothing (humid climate)
Rain jacket or umbrella (frequent downpours)
Mosquito repellent (especially in Borneo or jungle areas)
Power adapter (Type G, same as the UK)
Temple-appropriate attire (long skirt or pants, shawl)
10. Travel Sustainably and Responsibly
Support local businesses and family-run homestays.
Take only photos—leave nature untouched.
Skip elephant rides and any animal tourism that seems sketchy.
Use reef-safe sunscreen if snorkeling or diving.
Buy local crafts from Indigenous communities directly.
Malaysia is a biodiversity hotspot—how you travel makes a difference.
BONUS: Get Ready For Your Trip
Our favorite films that showcase Malaysia:
1. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Where in Malaysia? Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang (the mansion interiors and street scenes)
Go Here IRL: Visit Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion in George Town and the lush Carcosa Seri Negara estate in KL.
2. Entrapment (1999)
Where? Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur
Sean Connery & Catherine Zeta-Jones in this 90s heist thriller helped put the Petronas Towers on the world map.
3. Anna and the King (1999)
Where? Shot mostly in Penang and Ipoh. Colonial romance meets lavish period drama with Jodie Foster & Chow Yun-fat.
You can visit the Ipoh Railway Station and Penang’s colonial buildings that doubled for 19th-century Siam.
4. The Sleeping Dictionary (2003)
Where? Sarawak, Borneo
The lush rainforests and river scenes were shot near the real-life homes of the Iban people. Jessica Alba, Forbidden love, tropical jungle, linguistic colonialism.
5. Blackhat (2015)
Where? Kuala Lumpur
Many scenes filmed in KL’s Chinatown and Petronas area. Chris Hemsworth, Hacker chaos + Southeast Asian noir.
6. Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life (2003)
Where? Langkawi
Go diving or kayaking in Langkawi’s Kilim Karst Geoforest Park to channel your inner Lara (aka Angelina Jolie. Myth, mayhem, and scuba-diving stunts.
7. Don (2006, Bollywood)
Where? Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya
The futuristic city of Putrajaya makes a sci-fi looking cameo—worth a stop on your way from KL to the airport. Slick Bollywood action with skyscraper chases
Malaysia isn’t one of those countries that screams for attention, but trust us—it’s a gem. It’s the kind of place where cultures blend, foods blow your mind, and the vibe is always laid-back but never boring. Whether you’re in a Borneo rainforest, Kuala Lumpur café, or Perhentian beach hut, you’re part of a bigger story.
So go gently. Go smart. Go hungry. And go with respect.
See you on the road.
— The Cerca Travel Crew
