Malaysia travel guide
Malaysia packs rainforest, islands and several living cultures into one compact country. In a single trip you can eat hawker food in Penang, walk beneath the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, trek the rainforest of Taman Negara and snorkel the coral reefs off the east coast. The peninsula suits city breaks and food-led journeys, with Kuala Lumpur, George Town and Malacca each offering a different blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian and colonial heritage. The cool tea country of the Cameron Highlands sits in the interior, while Langkawi and the east-coast islands such as Tioman and the Perhentians cover beaches. Across the South China Sea, Borneo adds Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, with orangutans, Kinabalu Park and rainforest. Malaysia is warm all year, and the best time depends on the coast: the west is often drier from December to February, while the east coast islands are best from roughly March to October. It suits families, food lovers and nature seekers. Zippy Trips can help you plan the itinerary city by city.
Capital: Kuala Lumpur.
Visa for Indian passport holders
No visa needed for Indian passports.
Before you go to Malaysia
- Currency
- MYR RM
- Emergency number
- 999
- Plug type
- Type G
- Tap water
- Drink bottled water
- Tipping
- Optional
- Bargaining
- Common
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard, Amex
- ATM fees
- RM10-12 per withdrawal
Cities in Malaysia
- Kuala Lumpur The City of Lights — Malaysia's vibrant capital of towering Petronas Towers, diverse street food, malls, and colonial charm.
- George Town UNESCO Heritage Port City — a beautifully preserved colonial town on Penang Island with colorful architecture and street art.
- Malacca Historic UNESCO Port City — a charming riverside town with colonial and Chinese heritage, jonker Walk, and local delicacies.
- Kota Kinabalu Sabah's Capital — a coastal city known for proximity to Mount Kinabalu, diving, wildlife sanctuaries, and island adventures.
- Kuching Sarawak's Capital — a riverside city known for Chinese heritage, Sarawak Museum, rainforest treks, and indigenous culture.
- Ipoh Perak's Jewel — a charming hill station known for limestone caves, Lost World theme park, and relaxed colonial atmosphere.
- Petaling Jaya KL's Satellite Town — a suburban city known for shopping malls, diverse dining, and convenient access to Kuala Lumpur attractions.
- Cameron Highlands Malaysia's Premier Hill Station — a lush highland retreat known for tea plantations, strawberry farms, and cool weather escapes.
- Johor Bahru Gateway to Singapore — a dynamic city known for malls, local culture, and as a jumping-off point for island adventures.
- Genting Highlands Hill resort in Pahang above Kuala Lumpur, home to Resorts World Genting's casino, SkyWorlds theme park, and the Awana SkyWay cable car.
- Kuantan Coastal state capital of Pahang on the South China Sea, known for Teluk Cempedak beach, seafood, and as a gateway to Sungai Lembing's old…
- Kuala Terengganu State capital of Terengganu at the Terengganu River mouth, gateway to Perhentian and Redang islands, known for the Crystal Mosque and…
- Perhentian Islands Twin-island backpacker and diving destination off Terengganu — Perhentian Besar and Kecil — known for clear water, coral reefs, and Long…
- Tioman Island Volcanic island off Pahang in the South China Sea, a protected marine park ringed by coral reefs, popular for diving and jungle-backed…
- Kota Bharu State capital of Kelantan near the Thai border, the cultural heart of Malay-Islamic heritage with vibrant markets, handicrafts, and…
- Redang Island Upscale marine park island off Terengganu, prized for turquoise water, coral reefs, and Chagar Hutang turtle sanctuary; mostly resort-based…
- Alor Setar State capital of Kedah, the "rice bowl of Malaysia", known for its royal heritage, paddy fields, and as birthplace of two Malaysian prime…
- Taman Negara Gateway village of Kuala Tahan in Pahang for Taman Negara National Park, one of the world's oldest rainforests, with canopy walkways and…
- Pangkor Island Fishing-village island off Perak near Lumut, with a 17th-century Dutch fort, salted-fish industry, and easy-access beaches like Pasir Bogak…
- Seremban State capital of Negeri Sembilan, known for distinctive Minangkabau-style architecture and traditional Malay cuisine, a short trip south of…
- Kangar Malaysia's smallest state capital, in Perlis near the Thai border, a quiet base for Perlis State Park's limestone hills and caves.
- Putrajaya Malaysia's planned federal administrative capital, known for grand modern architecture, mosques, bridges and lakeside gardens.
- Langkawi Archipelago of 99 islands off Kedah, a duty-free tropical beach getaway with cable cars, mangroves and the Sky Bridge.
Frequently asked questions about Malaysia
- Do Indian citizens need a visa for Malaysia?
- No visa needed for Indian passports. Stay: 30-day visa-free stay for Indian nationals (exemption runs through 31 Dec 2026). Fee: Free. Processing: Instant to a few hours. Apply: Within 3 days before arrival. Apply only on the official portal, malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my.
- What currency is used in Malaysia?
- The currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM). RM1 is about ₹23.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Malaysia?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard, Amex. Typical ATM fees: RM10-12 per withdrawal. Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in Malaysia?
- Tipping in Malaysia: optional. Typically about 10% in restaurants.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Malaysia?
- Drink bottled water.
- What plug type does Malaysia use?
- Malaysia uses Type G plugs.
- What is the emergency number in Malaysia?
- Emergency: 999. Police: 999. Ambulance: 999. Tourist helpline: 1300-88-5050.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Malaysia?
- SIM and eSIM available in Malaysia.
- What is the capital of Malaysia?
- The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur. Time there: IST + 2 h 30 min.