How to explore Malaysia without any hassles? -A guide to exploring a wonderful country


Sham Hardy, Bukit bintang from kl monorail 2009, CC BY-SA 3.0
Malaysia, a country brimming with captivating experiences that cater to diverse travellers, stands as the ultimate destination for those seeking extraordinary adventures. However, amidst the plethora of attractions spread across its vast landmass, navigating this enchanting country can pose challenges, especially for first-time visitors. Fret not, for here is a comprehensive guide that will ensure you can explore and experience Malaysia with ease and minimal hassle. From the bustling metropolis of Kuala Lumpur to the pristine rainforests of Borneo, Malaysia's highlights are as varied as they are captivating. To make the most of your journey, start by planning your itinerary and prioritizing the destinations and activities that align with your interests. Consider utilizing reliable transportation options, such as domestic flights or well-connected train networks, to navigate between regions seamlessly. Embrace local transportation modes like buses and trains for efficient city exploration. Engage in cultural exchanges by staying in traditional homestays or boutique accommodations, which offer an authentic experience and insights into the local way of life. Here's. details for more!

Check your visa requirements

First and foremost, you should check if you require a visa or not for entering the country - Malaysia has a visa-free policy for citizens of most countries. The visa-on-arrival has a 90-day validity. However, based on your nationality, there are some restrictions and exceptions which as a traveller, you need to be mindful of.
If you do need a visa, you can apply for it online through the government eVisa portal which will be straightforward. To ensure visa approval, make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has enough pages for visa stamping.
Note: Carry a copy of your passport in case of any eventualities or mishaps.

Plan your visit time and itinerary wisely

The best time to visit Malaysia is during the months between December to April during which you can enjoy pleasant weather with less rain. Once you are settled with the dates, you need to plan your itinerary very carefully depending on your interests and preferences. The best way to do it is by listing out the most popular places to visit in Malaysia and choosing the ones alongside a map - this way you can plan your travel routes effectively with the pins that you place on the destinations. Some of the destinations that you should consider adding to your itinerary are, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, Malacca, Sarawak and Sabah

Book your accommodation and transport in advance

Malaysia has a wide range of options when it comes to accommodation. There are plenty of convenient hotels the likes of Travelodge Bukit Bintang which as the name suggests, is located in the heart of Bukit Bintang. Hotel establishments in Malaysia boast lucrative offers which include early bird discounts and benefits. Booking your accommodation in advance also helps you avoid any last-minute hassles where you could be stranded without proper places to stay during peak season. When booking, you can utilise booking platforms such as booking.com or Agoda to compare the prices and reviews to make an informed decision.
Malaysia also features a well-developed transportation system which is also affordable and safe. When you are preparing your itinerary, be sure to plan the transportation options available to you at the specific locations to avoid any hassles.

Respect local culture

Malaysia is a multicultural nation with diverse ethnicities, languages and religions. Hence, travellers need to be respectful and avoid actions that could offend or hurt the populace. Some of the things you should follow and be mindful of in terms of respecting the local culture are,
  • Dressing modestly when visiting places of worship (mainly cover your shoulders and knees by wearing scarves and long clothes)
  • Removing shoes when entering houses or religious sites
  • Avoiding public displays of affection (PDA)
  • Respecting local laws and regulations

In summary, travelling around and exploring Malaysia can certainly be a rewarding experience if you take the necessary precautions and prepare well for it. By keeping the things mentioned above in mind, you could enjoy the country’s offerings without much hassles or worries.