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As one of the most prominent travel fairs in the region, MITM (Malaysia International Travel Mart) attracts thousands of avid travelers and industry professionals each year. The upcoming event will be held at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre from 28th to 30th July.

With the travel industry gradually recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, MITM Travel Fair 2023 aims to reignite the excitement and wanderlust among travelers. The fair, with free admission, will feature a total participation of 60 exhibitors and 300 exhibition booths with an array of domestic and international travel packages, discounted airfares, hotel accommodations, and various travel-related services. Visitors can expect exclusive deals and promotions that cater to all budgets and preferences, making it easier than ever to plan their dream vacations.

Additionally, anyone who spends RM 500 or more at the fair will be eligible to enter a buyer’s contest for a chance to win prizes worth RM 250,000. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity walking away with fantastic prizes.

[ OUR PARTNERS & SPONSORS ]

Mitm was founded to help malaysians to easily explore and travel with the best rates possible. we are proud to say that throughout the many years of running mitm, we have been able to attract bigger crowds as the years go by. we believe that all this could happen through a collaborative effort with our dear sponsors and we look forward to a long and fruitful partnership..

MITM Travel Fair

Mid Valley Exhibition Centre

Mid Valley Megamall, Mid Valley City, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

• Exhibitor List
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• Attractions

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Tourist Map of Malaysia

There is so much to do and so many places to see in Malaysia. To make sure that you don’t miss anything, use this handy map to navigate your way across the country and find great places to visit.

Perlis is the northern gateway to Malaysia. Despite its small size, Perlis has an abundance of attractions that make it a great destination.

Kedah is Malaysia’s largest paddy producing state. Delve into history in Lembah Bujang, the site of an ancient civilisation or relax in Langkawi, a world-famous resort island.

The site of a UNESCO World Heritage City, Penang is a holiday paradise with fabulous beach resorts and eclectic cultures. It is also the undisputable haven for foodies.

A tin-rich state in its heyday, Perak beckons with a range of sights and experiences. The state’s top attractions include Pangkor, an island getaway and Pangkor Laut, an internationally-acclaimed private island.

Hailed as the Cradle of Malay culture, Kelantan is a destination teeming with age-old arts, crafts and pastimes.

Beautiful islands, culture and nature give Terengganu its magical appeal. Dive, snorkel, sunbathe at the islands or journey to its hinterland to experience the best of nature.

The largest state in the peninsula beckons nature-enthusiasts with exciting eco-adventures. From Taman Negara, the oldest national park in the country, to the idyllic Tioman Island, Pahang is simply mesmerising.

• Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia’s dynamic capital city is bustling with attractions and activities. Explore the city by day and night.

Selangor is home to the country’s main airport KLIA, and the main gateway by sea, Port Klang. It is also the country’s most developed state with a long list of shopping malls and themed attractions.

Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia, is a well-planned township with impressive buildings, verdant parks, scenic lakes and beautiful bridges.

From the majestic height of Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s tallest peak, to the stunning depths of the world-famous Sipadan Island, Sabah is a magnificent nature destination.

Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia, has a vast wilderness that contains numerous national parks including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mulu National Park.

Located off the northwestern coast of Borneo, this island thrills visitors with its wreck diving sites, historical relics and duty-free shopping.

The birth place of the nation, Melaka is a treasure trove of history and heritage. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage City for vestiges of the past.

• Negeri Sembilan

Known for its fascinating Minangkabau culture and a unique social system, Negeri Sembilan is the place to learn age-old customs and traditions.

Visit Malaysia’s southern gateway, for a family vacation at the theme parks or escape to its islands for an unforgettable holiday.

• Birdwatching Paradise

Enjoy birdwatching at 55 Important Bird Areas (IBA) throughout the country, tucked away at various habitats such as islands, coasts or lush lowland and montane rainforests.

• Cool Highland Resorts

Love the cool highlands? Find refreshing destinations to unwind in Malaysia. From French-themed settings, energetic amusement parks to forest-clad hills, there is something for everyone.

• Fun and Fantasy

Find the fun and thrill that you are looking for in Malaysia. Meet your favourite characters, plunge down the world’s longest water slide or enjoy the rides and games!

• GENERAL GUIDE
• Malaysia Travel Guide
• Calendar of Events & Festivals 2024
• MAP & GUIDE
• Map of Malaysia
• Malaysia Northern Region
• Malaysia East Coast Region
• Malaysia Central Region
• Malaysia East Malaysia
• Malaysia Southern Region
• DESTINATION GUIDE
• SPECIAL INTEREST
• Islands and Beaches
• Adventures with Nature
• Niche Packages

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Be it first time visitors or seasoned travellers, our calendar is packed with activities so that there is always something new to discover.

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Kindly be informed that the persons listed in the attachment are no longer employees of Tourism Malaysia effective 1st July 2019. Therefore they are no longer authorized to act on our behalf and/or to represent Tourism Malaysia in any events or transactions.

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Events & Happenings

• Events Calendar 2024
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• Events Calendar

Malaysia Events Calendar 2024 Major Events & Festivals

There's always something going on Malaysia whatever the month. With this Malaysia Events Calendar 2024  you can see month by month all the major festivals and activities planned for this year. 

Of course Malaysia, with its year-round tropical climate, does not have the seasonal variations that many countries experience. Most of the top attractions appearing on this website are available all year round such as climbing Mt. Kinabalu, exploring the national parks and caves, or just relaxing on the beach.

Some of the East Coast beaches and islands have a low season when the northeast monsoon makes the seas too choppy (November to February) but beaches elsewhere in the country are enjoyable throughout the year.

If you are planning a trip to Malaysia it is always sensible to check what events are scheduled for your proposed dates. Even if you don't want to participate in the events yourself they might affect hotel room and air ticket availability and prices.

School holidays also affect hotel prices and availability. These are the school holiday dates for Malaysia in 2024 as announced by the Ministry of Education:

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS CALENDAR FOR 2024

For schools in Perlis, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Pahang, Sabah, Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya

Academic Calendar 2024/2025

• First Day of School 11 Mar 2024 (Mon)
• Term 1 Holidays 25 May 2024 (Sat) - 2 Jun 2024 (Sun)
• Term 2 Holidays 14 Sep 2024 (Sat) - 22 Sep 2024 (Sun)
• Term 3 Holidays 21 Dec 2024 (Sat) - 29 Dec 2024 (Sun)
• End of School Year Holidays 18 Jan 2025 (Sat) - 16 Feb 2025 (Sun)

NB Schools in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan & Terengganu begin and end a day earlier or later.

Source: Education Ministry (www.moe.gov.my)

Other School & Public National Holidays

• New Year's Day Sun 1 Jan 2024 (all states except Kedah, Johor, Kelantan, Perlis and Terengganu)
• Chinese New Year: 10 - 12 February 2024
• Hari Raya Aidilfitri * 10 Apr - 11 Apr 2024
• Labour Day 1 May 2024
• Vesak Day 22 May 2024
• Yang di Pertuan Agong's Birthday 3 Jun 2024
• Hari Raya Haji * 17 Jun 2024
• Awal Muharram 7 Jul 2024
• National Day Mon 31 Aug 2024
• Malaysia Day Wed 16 Sep 2024
• Prophet Muhammad's Birthday 16 Sep 2024
• Deepavali (all states except Sarawak)*: 31 October 2024
• Christmas Day 25 Dec 2024

* Subject to change

In addition to the above there are a number of state holidays which apply in specific states only. 

One venue which has different events going on all year is Istana Budaya , Malaysia’s national performing arts theatre, home to cultural events such as classical music concerts, local and international theatre shows, traditional local music, opera, dance performances and so on.

Malaysia Events Calendar 2024 Month by Month

Some of the dates are tentative at this stage. I shall be updating the page throughout the year as and when timings are confirmed.

This year Thaipussam falls on 25 January 2024. Every year huge crowds witness a 15km chariot procession from Kuala Lumpur up to the amazing Batu Caves . Festivities will take place elsewhere in Malaysia including Little India in Penang.

Another Hindu thanksgiving event is Ponggal , which this year falls from 14-17 January 2024. Festivities will no doubt be held at Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Penang and at various locales around the country.

The 20th Royal Langkawi International Regatta makes a return this year and will be held from 15 - 20th January 2024 at the yacht club on Langkawi Island.

Chinese New Year  falls on 10 February this year.  You can see how Malaysians welcome in the Year of the Dragon with joyful celebrations, lion dances, fireworks and lots of food. Some of the main temples have splendid light and lantern displays at this time of year, including  Kek Lok Si Temple  in Penang  and  Thean Hou Temple  in KL. In Jenjarom, Selangor, the  FGS Dong Zen Temple  is holding its Chinese New Year Lantern & Flora Festival from 8 - 25 February 2024 from 10am to 10pm with a lighting ceremony and cultural performance taking place at 8pm on the 7 February 2024.

Surfing is always popular and the Cherating Surf Festival is planned to take place at Pantai Cherating from 16 to 18 February 2024.

The garden city of Putrajaya showcases its attractions during the Putrajaya Open Day 2024, scheduled to be held from 1st - 4th February 2024 with events including a mini tourism fair, shopping sales, art and cultural performances, gala concert, food fest, beauty and health, sports activities and more.

An international women's cycling race, Le Tour de Femina , will race over some of Malaysia's most scenic spots over 6 days from 27th February to 3rd March 2024.

If you want to see some traditional Malay cultural activities you can head off to Perlis from 1 - 3 March 2024 for the Perlis East Wind Festival (Pesta Angin Timur Perlis) . This festival marks the change in weather and end of the harvest season

MATTA Fair , Malaysia's largest consumer travel fair is taking place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur from 22 - 24 March 2024 and always attracts a big crowd.

The fasting month of  Ramadan  is one of the highlights of the annual calendar and special food stalls and bazaars spring up all over Malaysia during this time. Ramadan this year will last approximately from 12 March - 9 April 2024.

March sees the return of Raptor Watch , Malaysia's biggest and best eco-tourism event. Organized by the Malaysian Nature Society, it is scheduled to be held from 9 - 10 March 2024 at Tanjung Tuan Wildlife Reserve   (Cape Rachado) . 

The 15th of April 2024 marks Proclamation Day of Melaka as a UNESCO World Heritage City and various programmes and activities will be staged in the city to mark the event.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri  is a nationwide celebration marking the end of the fasting month. This year it falls around 10 -11 April 2024.

ANZAC Day , 25 Apr 2024, is to be marked as usual in a poignant ceremony at Sandakan Memorial Park , the starting point of the infamous Death Marches, restrictions permitting.

Wesak Day marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. This year, Wesak Day falls on 22 May 2024 and activities will be held in Buddhist temples all over the country such as at Maha Vihara Buddhist Temple in Brickfields.

Tadua Ka'Amatan or harvest festival will be marked in Sabah and Labuan on 30 - 31 May 2024.

Super-fit athletes can take on the 100 km round island Langkawi Ultra race from 25 - 26 May 2024. Shorter formats of 50km, 26km, 21km, 10km and ultra kids and will also be held.

Also this month is Ironman 70.3 Desaru Coast , a triathlon event with swim, bike and run sections. It takes place on 19 May 2024.

More relaxing is the International Beauty Expo at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from 11 - 14 May 2024, aimed for those in the beauty industry.

Fraser's Hill International Bird Race is a regular bird watching highlight of the Malaysia Events Calendar. It is to take place at Fraser's Hill, Pahang from 7 - 9 June 2024.

Another event in Pahang this month is the Janda Baik Ultra from 8 - 9 June 2024 with races planned for 100km, 50km, 30km and 14km.

Gawai Dayak , 1st - 2nd Jun 2024, is a harvest festival celebrated all over Sarawak by the state's indigenous people in traditional costumes.

The Rainforest World Music Festival , one of the largest musical events in Malaysia, will be held in the shadow of legendary Mt. Santubong near Kuching, Sarawak from 28 - 30 June 2024.

July 4th has been declared Agnes Keith Day (her birthday) and visitors are invited to visit the famous author’s former residence in Sandakan which has been turned into a museum.

On 8th July 2024, Penang will celebrate the anniversary of George Town being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage city . Street festivals and events will be held to mark the occasion.

St. Anne's Church in Bukit Mertajam, Penang is the focal point for the annual 10-day St Anne's Novena and Feast Day celebrations which takes place at the end of July annually. 

A popular Japanese-themed event is the Bon Odori Festival   held annually at the Panasonic Sports Complex, Shah Alam .   Dates for this year's event are still to be confirmed but  usually take place in July.

National Day , or Hari Merdeka, is on 31st August 2024 and parades and other activities will be held to celebrate the day on which the country achieved its independence from Britain.

After disappointing fans last year, it is hoped that  Royal Floria , Putrajaya's highly popular annual flower and garden festival, will make a comeback this year. If so,  it should not be missed by garden lovers. Dates for this year's event are still to be announced. The venue is likely to be Anjung Floria, Putrajaya, Presint 4.

The 15th September 2024 has been earmarked for Keretapi Sarong 2024 , a repeat of last year's event in which around 10,000 people gathered in Kuala Lumpur to celebrate Malaysia's ethnically diverse culture and heritage.

Le Tour de Langkawi is Malaysia's leading cycling event and is scheduled to take place this year from 29 September - 6 October 2024.

Vinayagar Chaturthi is when thousands of Hindu worshippers gather at temples such as Kortumalai Pillayar Temple in Jalan Pudu Lama to make offerings to the deity Lord Ganesh. This festival will fall on 7 Sep 2024.

Those who missed the Ironman event in Desaru earlier this year can compete in Ironman 70.3 Langkawi with a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42.2 km run to be held from 11 - 12 October 2024.

The Tamu Besar traditional open-air market is usually held in October in Kota Belud, Sabah. Highlights include Bajau Horsemen (known as Cowboys of the East), a beauty pageant and water buffalo race. Watch out for the dates to be announced.

Over in Sarawak, the Siniawan Heritage Fiesta , usually held during October each year, is when this small town about 20km away from Kuching shows off its cultural heritage. Look out for dates.

Deepavali (Diwali) or the 'Festival of Lights' falls on 31 October 2024 this year. Open houses are held where family and friends visit each other and enjoy delicious traditional food.

 The Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia 2024 will see powerful motorbikes igniting the Sepang International Circuit during the race weekend 1 - 3 November 2024.

Enduro mountain biking enthusiasts will not want to miss the Langkawi Geopark Enduro Challenge 2024 scheduled for 17 November 2024.

Annual Remembrance Day ceremonies will be held at the Labuan Commonwealth War Graves on 11 Nov 2024 to remember those who fell in the defence and liberation of Borneo during WWII.

Pesta Gendang Nusantara 2024 highlights the art of Malaysia's traditional drumming techniques and will be held at Melaka's Dataran Ayer Keroh from 7 - 8 December 2024.

In the run up to Christmas,  i-City  in Shah Alam, with its forest of digital lights and Snowalk attractions, is especially popular at this time of year. Homeowners in the  Portuguese Settlement  in Melaka take pride in decorating their houses inside and out at Christmas. Elsewhere, some of the best Xmas decoration displays can be found in KL's top shopping malls such as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysians like to see in the New Year with enthusiastic celebrations and plenty of cheer. Lavish firework displays are held in major towns all over the country. Light and Motion Putrajaya LAMPU illuminates Putrajaya with a spectacular sound and light display projected on some of the city’s major landmarks and this year is set to return  from 30 December 2024 - 1 January 2025.

That's it! I'll add more items to this Malaysia Events Calendar as the year progresses.

If you are organising any events in Malaysia this year which you would like to publicise, feel free to provide details on my Contact page and I will include them on this calendar free of charge.

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Come join in Malaysia’s seemingly never-ending festivities, celebrating culture and heritage of diverse ethnic groups. Malaysia has a public holiday calendar for all major festivals in respect of each and every one of the country’s major races, and is known for the celebration of Hari Raya (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha), Chinese New Year and Deepavali among others.

The idea of traveling in Malaysia during Ramadan, the Islamic holy month when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, may make some people uneasy. On the contrary, it’s actually a great time to travel. Not only can you avoid going hungry while traveling during Ramadan, but you also can enjoy some unique Malaysian experiences that are only possible at this time of the year.

Being one of the most joyful festivals in Malaysia celebrated by Muslims across the country, Eidul Fitri marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of abstinence and fasting. Muslims would ‘ balik kampung’ (head back home) to join the festivities and participate in special prayers held at mosques. The celebration is marked with feasting and house-visits as well as asking for forgiveness from friends and family members. The most wonderful part is the Open House where all Malaysians open their doors and shower warm hospitality on all guests, with traditional delicacies and desserts.

The celebration periods change based on the end date of Ramadan, which follows Islamic calendar.

Hari Raya Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha marks the conclusion of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. It is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Muslim calendar. The day starts with prayer in the mosque and is followed by the free will offering of cattle or goats to be slaughtered and shared with the needy. Visiting friends and family is a common practice observed during this festival.

Perhaps the most rewarding time to travel to Malaysia when everywhere is abuzz with various activities. The Chinese festival in Malaysia is a grand cultural celebration that lasts for 15 days starting from the first day of the lunar calendar. Chinese New Year is celebrated throughout the country and many Malaysians would ‘balik kampung’ (head back home) to their families. The festivities would kick off with a reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve and follow by paying a visit to the temple to seek blessings from the God of Prosperity.

It is the favorite time of the year for the children as ‘ang pows’ (red envelopes containing money) are handed out by elders for their blessing and ensuring good health throughout the year.

The concept of open house is unique and only found in Malaysia where it is the time of the year to share and welcome friends and families into your home during the celebration. Guests would bring mandarin oranges and stacks of ‘ang pows’ to wish the host good health and prosperity.

If you’re one of the lucky ones to be invited to an open house, remember to dress up in red, the color of prosperity and be ready to experience some spectacular lion dance performances and firecrackers blasting. There are some majestic places to visit in Malaysia during Chinese New Year that allow you to relish this festival to the fullest, so make sure to check them out as well.

The Chinese New Year usually starts in mid-January to mid-February.

Malaysia may be a majority Muslim country, but its other faiths, Christianity, Buddhism and especially Hinduism, are well represented. Diwali, known as Deepavali in Malaysia, is one of the Hindu faith’s most beloved festivals, which marks the triumph of good over evil.

Also known as ‘Festival of Lights’ the occasion is celebrated with just as much enthusiasm and excitement as other major celebrations. Witness the lighting of candles, creation of intricate artwork made from colored rice or flour and sharing of food with friends and family. Each night of the five-day festival serves a different purpose, one of them being an open house, which brings together Hindus, as well as those not of the faith in Malaysia, under one celebration.

Deepavali is usually held sometime in late October or early November.

Thaipusam is one of the most spectacular, unusual, and awe-inspiring religious festivals in the world.  The word Thaipusam is formed by combining the two words, Thai, name of Tamil month, and Pusam, name of a star. Thaipusam is observed on the Purnima (full moon day) during the month of Thai. The festival is celebrated by Tamil Hindis to reflect the victory of Lord Murugan, who is the Hindu God of combat. While the celebration takes place throughout Malaysia, the one in Kuala Lumpur is the largest. It is held at Batu Caves, which is a home to several temples that are absolutely spectacular and fascinating.

The actual event is one day, but activities last over several days starting when the statue of Lord Murugan, a Hindu deity and son of Shiva and Parvati, is brought out of his home Sri Mahamariamman temple in Chinatown, KL and taken to many important temples around the city visiting his family of gods. At the moment he emerges, a pilgrimage starts. Hundreds of followers start the journey, most barefoot, from Chinatown to Batu Caves. Many carry milk or statues of Lord Murugan. Some make the journey as hard as possible by doing it on their knees, carrying huge chariots, and piercing themselves with various spikes. It is a sight to behold!

The celebration takes place sometime in January or February.

This native festival of Kadazan-Dusun, the largest ethnic group in the state of Sabah in Borneo, is essentially a celebration to thank the holy spirits for a bountiful harvest. Padi (flooded field of arable land) farmers congregate to honor ‘Bambaazon’, the spirit of rice padi through traditional rites and customs followed by festivities. The headquarters of Kadazan Dusun Cultural Organization (KDCA) hold ethnic dance performances as well as the display of traditional sports like arm-wrestling, blowpipe shooting, and etc.

The Ka’amatan Festival is also a great opportunity to sample traditional local food and drinks which include the fascinating ‘lihing’   or ‘tuak’   (local rice wine as in the picture above) where they are found in the traditional houses at the KDCA. Free-flow of those local rice wines, adds to the spirit and fervor of one of the most interesting cultural festivals in Malaysia.

The festival takes place at the end of May.

Celebrated by the indigenous Dayak race of Sarawak, Malaysia’s largest state, this festival is one of the most important harvest festivals in Malaysia. It begins in June and goes on for a whole month. The Dayaks dress in their traditional attire, indulge in a fascinating ceremonial offering and welcome the New Year with gusto. The best place to witness the celebration in full glory is a longhouse, the traditional Dayak home with over 40 families residing under the same roof! Traditional dances, feasting and free-flowing ‘tuak’ (rice wine) add vigor and charm to the celebrations.

Christmas is popular all over the world and there’s no way Malaysia would fall behind in celebrating such an important festival. Malaysians may have their own ways of commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, but it’s still one of the jolliest festivals. Though you won’t find a traditional “white Christmas” here, the celebrations here involve everything from lights, Christmas displays, carols, food, plum cakes, decorations, and crazy shopping deals for locals and tourists alike!

Celebrating the country’s independence from British rule on August 31 st , 1957, Hari Merdeka is one of the most glorious festivals in Malaysia that must not be missed if you’re in Kuala Lumpur around this time. Spectacular fireworks on the eve of Independence Day, a grand parade at Merdeka Square in the morning and concerts as well as performances all throughout the day mark this important day in the life of Malaysians. Parades, stage shows and exhibitions are held all over the country, but the fervor in Kuala Lumpur can’t be beat. If you want to witness the grand celebrations in Malaysia, then you must attend this festival.

Not many musical gatherings can beat the excitement of gyrating to foot-stomping music in the rainforests of Borneo with thousands of music enthusiasts from around the world. One of the most spectacular music festivals in Malaysia and among the largest in Southeast Asia, Rainforest Music Festival is a heady mix of live performances by top-notch international artists, cultural experiences, and workshops. Head to the Sarawak Cultural Village for an unforgettable 3-day musical extravaganza .

There’s more to the festival than nightly shows. There are wellness programs, jamming sessions, and hands-on workshops where the audience can learn how to play indigenous instruments. And when we say that acts and audiences tend to be from different walks of life, that’s no exaggeration. For starters, the festival is held in Sarawak’s rainforest which is home to 27 ethnic groups!

The festival usually takes place in July.

Held in the beautiful island of Langkawi, this is one of the most significant and popular regattas of Southeast Asia. Royal Langkawi International Regatta dates back to 2003, attracting more and more sailing professionals and enthusiasts. Every year, more than 40 yachts compete for the grand prize.

Located about 100km from Kuala Lumpur, in the state of Pahang, Fraser’s Hill is often referred to as a first-class bird-watching destination in Southeast Asia since this highland paradise is home to more than 250 species of wild birds. Come November and December each year, the virtually untouched mountainous forests of Fraser’s Hill will receive many species of newcomers, that is the migratory species that fly across from places as far as northern Siberia of Russia and islands north of Japan and neighboring landmass, to seek new feeding grounds as well as to escape the freezing winter up north. The sightings of Siberian thrush are often reported and they are truly a rare treat to ardent bird watchers. Normally these migratory species stay around in Fraser’s Hill for a couple of months before migrating southwards to Australia and New Zealand. They will fly back home to the north in March and April when the sun is getting sunnier.

Dive Into Malaysia

How To Plan A Trip To Malaysia: The Ultimate Malaysia Travel Guide!

Do you need to plan your trip to Malaysia? Great! You are in the right place!

In this article, I walk you through exactly how to plan a trip to Malaysia which is perfect for you. I talk about what steps you need to take, how far in advance you should take them as well as break down when the best time is to go to Malaysia, how to get to Malaysia, where to visit, where to stay, how to get around and everything else you could possibly need to know for the perfect break.

I also talk budget and what to pack. Everything you need to know!

If this is sounding overwhelming, don’t worry! I’ll help you plan your own travel Malaysia step-by-step. This handy travel booking list along with the timeframes below will keep you on track.

Because the good news is that it is quite easy to plan a trip to Malaysia by yourself with the information in this article, on this site and with some help of some online booking engines.

We travel to Malaysia multiple times a year and have also lived there. We always arrange everything ourselves – it’s easy, fun and the most cost-effective option. Although if you would rather do a tour to save any hassle then I also have suggestions for that below too!

Ready to get started? Let’s make that Malaysia tour plan!

Travelling to Malaysia? Click here to download your free Malaysia Trip Planning checklist . We’ll help you get ready for your trip!  

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

If you aren’t just interested in Malaysia and wondering how to plan a Singapore/Malaysia trip, this is also covered. If you haven’t yet decided if Malaysia is the right place for you,  be inspired by this list of places to visit in Malaysia!

How To Plan A Trip To Malaysia

The first step in how to plan Malaysia trip is to work out when exactly you will go. If you have set dates, you can skip the next section. Otherwise, I’ll help you decide when to go.

Then I will give you a list of what to book, when and you can read each further section below as you work through your planning list.

Looking for the ultimate Malaysia Itinerary Planner for your trip? Click here to get it now! It’ll help you plan an awesome trip.

I also talk about how to plan a trip to Malaysia in my podcast episode here.

Malaysia Map

But before we start going through everything, here is a Malaysia map. If you aren’t familiar with the geography of Malaysia, you can quickly and easily see where all the places are that we talk about below.

If this is you, I recommend you take a minute to take a good look at this map. You can open it by clicking on it. You can zoom using the controls to get an idea of where all the places mentioned below are. Keep it open while you read the rest of this article.

Basically, there are two parts of Malaysia – peninsular Malaysia which is attached to Asia and is where you will find the capital, Kuala Lumpur, and popular destinations like Langkawi and Penang.

Then there is Borneo or East Malaysia which is a big island a couple of hours flight from Kuala Lumpur. This island is also shared with the countries of Brunei and Indonesia.

When To Go To Malaysia

The good news is that it’s never a bad time to go to Malaysia! It’s always a good time of year somewhere.

One of the major destinations in Malaysia, the capital Kuala Lumpur, does not vary much year round. Singapore is close to the equator and does not vary much either if you plan to add that to your Malaysia trip.

Most other areas have a more distinct monsoon/rainy season and a dry season. It is best to visit in the dry season which is November – March on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia (which includes Penang and Langkawi) and April – October on the east coast (which includes Perhentian Islands and Redang Island) and in Borneo.

On the west coast, it does not matter too much and rainy periods do not tend to last long or cause too many problems. On the east coast, however, it is a different story and many of the islands basically shut down in the monsoon period so it is best to avoid this area then.

Other things to take into account are school holiday periods in Malaysia and Singapore. These fall from mid November to the start of January and there are shorter periods in March, May/June and July/August. See the latest ones here .

Finally, “the haze” is a problem that occurs annually around June – November thanks to pollution from fires in Indonesia. The affect of this is variable – sometimes it is minor and won’t affect your travel. Other times, the pollution can be quite bad especially in areas like Singapore and Malaysia.

Peak tourist times are December, January and Chinese New Years. Expect things to fill up quicker and be pricier at these times so it’s especially important to book ahead.

Here is a full article  with more specific details about the best times to visit Malaysia in different parts of the country.

Travel Booking List And Countdown

Malaysia does not tend to get booked out completely but there are definitely times when it pays to book in advance which is mainly in the peak tourist season in December and January. If you are visiting for an event or festival, like Chinese New Years, it is also important to book in advance.

However, you are generally best off booking flights and accommodation 6 – 12 months in advance for the best deals. There can be a big cost saving on flights particularly when they are booked far in advance especially if you want to go in the peak tourist time or school holidays.

6-12 months in advance:

• Book international flights
• Get travel insurance
• Plan itinerary
• Book any domestic flights
• Consider booking accommodation and any tour packages

3 – 6 months in advance:

• Book accommodation if not booked yet including overnight tours ( like these )
• Work out how you will get around Malaysia, book car hire if necessary and any remaining domestic flights

1 month in advance:

• Get visa if necessary
• Work out how you will access money
• Book attractions and tours
• Book bus tickets
• Book airport transfers or plan how you will get to your hotels
• Work out sim card for phone
• Make sure you print out or have easy access on your phone to all bookings

1-2 days in advance:

• Fill in the online form for your digital arrival card. All foreign travellers must do this up to 3 days before arrival.

How To Travel To Malaysia

Unless you are from or visiting a neighbouring country, you are most likely flying into Malaysia. Thankfully, this is usually quite easy with Kuala Lumpur being a major hub. There are also international airports in other parts of the country like Langkawi and Penang but options are usually limited and this tends to only work if you are flying from a neighbouring country.

Even if you are coming from nearby, like Thailand, flight deals can be very good so it can be worth flying over the extra hassle of overland transport.

Best Flight Deals To Malaysia

To find the best flight deals to Malaysia, I recommend using  Skyscanner  or  CheapOair  which will give you a good comparison of all available options.

Skyscanner is particularly good for searching for the cheapest days to fly and you can also set up price alerts so it will email you if the price changes.  Click here to give it a go.

CheapOair is a better choice if you are looking for business or first class flights. Click here to do a search.

There are two major airlines based in Malaysia: AirAsia (budget airline) and Malaysia Airlines  and these can be convenient options especially if you want to connect to a domestic Malaysia flight. However, many great airlines fly to Malaysia and it’s not necessary to travel one of the local airlines.

I highly recommend you listen to my podcast episode here where I walk you through how to get the best flight deals as well as many things to consider when flying to this part of the world.

It can often be cheaper to book flights to Kuala Lumpur separate to any domestic flights.

It’s also worth considering flying into Singapore instead especially if you want to visit Johor Bahru or Tioman Island. Flights to Singapore can be cheaper and there can be more options too.

If you want to visit Singapore on your trip as well as Malaysia , this is particularly a good option but there are also many flights from Singapore to different locations in Malaysia and it’s easy to go straight from the airport across to Johor Bahru in Malaysia as well.

In fact, you can book a taxi directly from Singapore airport to Malaysia here.

If you have plenty of time before you plan to travel, are flexible with dates and live in Asia or Australia, then signing up for the  AirAsia newsletter  is a great idea. There can be some great sale fares but you do need to be ready to book the second they come out as they usually sell out fast.

If you are in a neighbouring country, it’s also easy to travel overland into Malaysia.

There are buses, trains and boats between Malaysia and Thailand. The most frequent and often easiest option is by bus.

Hat Yai, in southern Thailand, is a common point to get buses into Malaysia (and they leave frequently) although there are many places from which you can travel to Malaysia.

Click here to look for tickets now.

It’s also possible to get a train into Malaysia. You will first need to catch a train in Thailand to the border with Malaysia at Padang Besar. From here, you can catch a second train to Alor Setar (for Langkawi), Butterworth (for Penang) or all the way to Kuala Lumpur.

You can also take a ferry, There are regular fast ferries between Satun in Thailand and Langkawi ( find times and ticket prices here ). In high season, there can be boats operating to Koh Lipe in Thailand from Langkawi as well ( timetables here ).

It’s very easy to travel between Singapore and Johor Bahru in Malaysia with frequent buses to many places in the country.

It’s also possible and very easy to take taxis between the two countries which is what I do and recommend. You can book a taxi here and be picked up at your hotel or airport and taken anywhere in Malaysia.

There is also a train from the Woodlands Train Checkpoint across to Johor Bahru although a bus or taxi is more convenient.

Find more details on exactly how to do this here.

It’s possible to take ferries between Indonesia and Malaysia. If you are in Kalimantan (the Indonesia part of Borneo) then it’s also possible to bus to Malaysia from Pontianak ( timetable and prices here ).

Most ferries depart from Sumatra in Indonesia and arrive in Melaka and Penang. There are also ferries from the islands of Bintan and Batam to Johor Bahru or Tarakan in Kalimantan to Tawau in Sabah, Borneo.

Brunei is surrounded by Malaysia in Borneo and it’s easy to travel between the two. There are buses or you can take a ferry from Brunei to Pulau Labuan which is a Malaysian island just off the coast of Borneo.

Find ferry information here and bus information here.

Passports And Visas

If you are from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA or the EU you do not need a visa at time of publishing. Many other nationals do not need visas either for stays for up to 90 days. However, it is best to always check this for yourself.

Your passport does need 6 months validity at the time you enter so get a new passport before you go if this is an issue.

You also need to fill in an online form here up to 3 days before entering the country. You can’t do it any earlier and all foreign travellers need to do this.

This is a new requirement that came into effect on 1 December 2023. It will give you a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC).

When entering, if you talk to an official and you plan to stay in the country for more than 30 days, ask for 90 days entry. Sometimes, they will give you less than the allowed 90 days if you do not ask.

When travelling to Sabah and Sarawak (which are Borneo), your passports will be inspected again.

Money In Malaysia

The Malaysian currency is called the ringgit (RM) and there are many ATMs around which is the best (and usually cheapest) way to get cash. You will need to carry around this currency as it’s rare for anything else to be accepted. You can use credit cards at many places as well.

Note that your card from home can have some killer fees when it comes to using it overseas.

I highly recommend you consider getting a Wise multi-currency account. It’s free and makes it super easy and cheap for you to exchange your currency for ringgit or other currencies when you travel. You can use the card at ATMs as well.

Click here for more information.

Where To Go And Malaysia Itineraries

The hardest part of how to plan a trip to Singapore and Malaysia is likely to be working out where you can go. There are many great options!

The most popular places are:

• Kuala Lumpur  – the capital and largest city with many attractions and things to do
• Penang – an island with an interesting history, UNESCO listed old town, beaches and great food
• Langkawi – a popular island for beaches and relaxing with the best resorts in the country and some good attractions
• Johor Bahru – a popular starting point from Singapore especially for families as it’s home to Legoland Malaysia
• Melaka – close to Kuala Lumpur, this is a great destination to learn more about the mixed history of Malaysia
• Cameron Highlands – cool down in the highlands with beautiful views, tea plantations and many farms and low key attractions
• Tioman Island – a popular beach and diving destination from Singapore
• Perhentian Islands – some beautiful beaches and good diving off the east coast of Malaysia
• Sabah – this fantastic state in Borneo is full of amazing wildlife and natural attractions
• Kuching – the capital of Sarawak in Borneo, there are many amazing day trips to enjoy cultural, natural and wildlife attractions from this pretty, riverside city
• Singapore  – yes this is its own country and not in Malaysia, but combining a trip to Malaysia with Singapore is a popular option and worth considering

There are also many other fabulous places to visit in Malaysia which I recommend you consider if you have more than two weeks. However, if it’s your first trip and you have up to two weeks, these places are your best bet.

As a general rule, I recommend 3 days per place minimum. You can adjust this based on whether you are someone who likes to take it easy when you travel or like to go quick and see as much as possible.

Looking for the ultimate Malaysia Itinerary Planner for your trip? Click here to get it now!

You can also  find some itineraries combining Malaysia and Singapore here and more Malaysia itineraries here . You don’t have to reinvent the wheel, just use one of mine!

If you are looking for some destinations to add to your travel planner Malaysia which are slightly less popular, consider making the journey to Borneo and exploring the states of Sabah and Sarawak and perhaps adding Brunei . I only recommend this if you have at least a week available and I would only visit one state with just a week.

Some other destinations in peninsular Malaysia worth considering are:

• Ipoh – known for its street art and amazingly good food
• Redang Island  – beautiful beaches and some solid resort options on the east coast if you would like something less popular than Tioman and the Perhentians
• Port Dickson – if you don’t have long in Malaysia and want a beach destination convenient to Kuala Lumpur

Recommended Group Tours In Malaysia

If you would rather just enjoy your holiday while not worrying about the details, a group tour is an excellent option. Here are some recommend options…

Trafalgar Tours

Trafalgar Tours is the best choice if you want everything taken care of on a bus tour.

They offer a great tour program in Malaysia and Singapore which you can see here.

Click here to find more information about Trafalgar Tours.

G Adventures

I have done a couple of G Adventures tours and love them because they are good at making things easy for you while still getting you to out of the way destinations and giving you local experiences as well as giving you some time by yourself if you want it.

The groups tend to be small with a maximum of 15 travellers making it easier to visit places and keep things local.

Click here to see G Adventures tours in Malaysia.

Intrepid Travel

I have done a few Intrepid Travel tours as well and I love how many of them use public transport and put an emphasis on local experiences while keeping everything hassle free with your own tour guide.

They have an average group size of 10 which works well compared to big bus tours.

Click here to find more Intrepid Travel tours.

Customised Tour Packages

A great alternative to group tours and booking accommodation and attractions separately is to purchase customised tour packages.

We have some great Malaysia tours and experiences that you can book through us. These enable you to save money and effort by combining accommodation, transport, meals, activities and more to make your trip super easy and comfortable.

In fact, some attractions in Malaysia you can only visit this way. Some attractions and activities also limit numbers (like Turtle Island in Sabah) so booking a tour this way is the only way to experience.

You can see all our special tours for Dive Into Malaysia readers here.

Accommodation In Malaysia

One of the reasons we love Malaysia is because of the huge range of accommodation available for all budgets and what great value it is. This is somewhere where you can find a 4-star over water chalet for under $100 a night!

Budget hotels abound and there are hostels for people on low budgets. Cheap hotels tend to still be clean and a reasonable standard, just basic.

Midrange options are excellent and this is somewhere I recommend you aim to pay for at least this if you can. Often you can find solid midrange options for around $50.

Finally, on the upper end, there are some truly amazing resorts and hotels which can be incredibly good value. The best options are in the most visited places of Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Miri, Kuching and Port Dickson. If you go to less busy places, there can be a lack of really great accommodation so if 5 star resorts with great service are important to you then the places just mentioned are your best bet.

Note that Malaysia has a tourism tax for foreigners of RM10 per night. From the 1 January 2023, you may need to pay this when you check in to your hotel if you didn’t pay when booking.

Best Accommodation Booking Sites

I highly recommend  Agoda  for booking accommodation in Malaysia.

It usually has the best price and has a rewards scheme where you quickly gain credit to use towards your next booking. In fact, if you pay upfront, often you get the credit straight away so you can use it for your next hotel booking.

Agoda also has a great range of accommodation in Malaysia including private home and apartment rental.

Click here to start searching now.

Booking.com  also tends to have similar prices but without the rewards. It has less options in Malaysia as well. If you would like to check it out as well,  click here.

Airbnb is also possible here for people who like to stay in apartments and homes and we have stayed in some great deals in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

I find  TripAdvisor  useful for looking at reviews for hotel options to double check they are good quality.

Note that there is a tourist tax of RM10 a night which is often not added to your hotel cost until you arrive at the hotel. This is not a scam and needs to be paid.

We have many hotel guides to help you book your perfect stay. Here are some of them:

• Best resorts in Malaysia
• Best beach resorts
• Best resorts for families
• Resorts with private pools
• Best resorts in Langkawi
• Best hotels in Kuala Lumpur
• Best hotels in Penang
• Best hotels on Pangkor Island
• Best hotels in Ipoh
• Best hotels in Taiping
• Best hotels in Cameron Highlands
• Best hotels in Johor Bahru
• Best hotels in Desaru
• Best hotels in Melaka
• Best hotels in Muar
• Best resorts in Redang
• Best resorts on Tioman Island
• Best resorts on Perhentian Islands
• Best hotels in Kota Bharu
• Best hotels in Kuala Terengganu
• Best hotels in Taman Negara
• Best hotels in Kota Kinabalu
• Best hotels in Sandakan/Sepilok
• Best hotels in Semporna
• Best hotels in Tawau
• Best hotels in Labuan
• Best hotels in Miri
• Best hotels in Bintulu
• Best hotels in Sibu
• Best hotels in Kuching

You can also listen to my podcast here about booking accommodation, tours and attractions in Malaysia.

How To Get Around Malaysia

There are a few options for getting around Malaysia. All are quite easy!

Buses in Malaysia go most places and can be great quality between cities and towns. They are usually quite quick and are easy to book online or on arrival. Booking before you go can help you save time when you are there and ensure you get a bus at the perfect time.

However note that if you don’t see any buses scheduled on your dates that you may be looking too early. They often only appear 1 – 3 months before the travel date. Looking at closer dates can help give you a good idea of when they may run on your travel dates.

Click here to see bus timetables, prices and to book your bus.

Train is also a good option although it is more limited than bus in both routes and frequency. Trains can be tough to work in to your schedule if you have limited time.

The main routes are from:

• Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur (switching trains at Gemas)
• Johor Bahru to Tumpat. This is also known as the jungle line and takes you through the middle and up the east coast of Malaysia
• Kuala Lumpur to Butterworth (for Penang)

Click here to see train timetables, prices and to book.

Buses can be more comfortable and luxurious and I recommend them over the trains unless you are a train lover.

3. Shared Taxi

Shared taxis are also an option over longer distances. You pay for your seat and they leave when they are full. I prefer buses as they can be more comfortable but a shared taxi can be faster if you don’t wait too long for them to fill up.

4. Private Taxi

It’s possible to hire private taxis to take you anywhere in Malaysia. This is generally more expensive than the other options on this list but it depends how many people you have. This can be a great option for families.

The good news is that for foreigners, private taxis between towns and cities can be very affordable.

You can simply take a shared taxi and buy all seats or arrange one beforehand.

You can click here to book a taxi through this site . We work with local operators to give you a great price and reliable service.

5. Car hire

Car hire is a fun and easy way to explore the country. We find driving in Malaysia quite easy and it is our preferred option along with private taxi . It can be cost effective for families or bigger groups and it also gives you more freedom.

You can find more information on driving in Malaysia including road rules here.

Click here to check out car rental prices.

If you plan on visiting an island in Malaysia, you will probably need to take a ferry. These tend to run frequently to popular choices and be easy and good value.

You can find ferry timetables and book tickets for many popular routes here.

Finally, flying is a great option within Malaysia. Domestic flights can be as cheap as a few dollars during sales but even outside of sale periods, they tend to be a bargain.

Flights are especially a good idea for covering a larger distance and when you are short on time. So, for example, if you are visiting Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur, I would definitely fly. Or maybe, you are visiting Penang and Kuala Lumpur and a few places along the way. Going overland one way and then flying the other could make sense.

It’s also necessary to fly if you want to travel from peninsular Malaysia to Borneo. This is the only way to make this journey. Flights tend to be a great deal between these points as well and you can fly to Borneo from a few points in Malaysia like Johor Bahru, Penang and Langkawi so you don’t necessarily have to go via Kuala Lumpur.

Click here to check out flight prices.

You can also listen to my podcast here about the best ways to get around Malaysia.

Want the Easiest (and BEST) Way to travel around Malaysia?

We can book a taxi for you between anywhere in peninsular Malaysia. Travel straight from one hotel to your next without any fuss or sweat.

You can pick your own departure time, relax and know everything will go to plan.

Click here for prices and online booking.

Attractions And Tickets

While the only attraction you need to book in advance is the  Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur , many attractions in Malaysia have much cheaper prices if you book them in advance on  Klook .

Klook is a trustworthy site we use all the time for attractions, tours and activities as it has the best prices and is always very easy to use.

I highly recommend that once you have your itinerary, you go through Klook and book tickets for any attractions you want to visit, particularly big ones like  Legoland Malaysia  or  Sunway Lagoon .

Klook is also great for tours. A tour is invaluable for finding out more about the places you are visiting. Or, in the case of Malaysia, for getting you out and tasting the best food!

Some tours we particularly recommend:

• Melaka Day Tour – If you don’t have time to stay in Melaka, visit with this easy day tour from Kuala Lumpur
• Kuala Lumpur Food Tour – Visit local neighbourhoods in Kuala Lumpur while trying the best food on offer. Use code DIVE30 to save RM30
• Batu Caves – Visit this top attraction near Kuala Lumpur easily on this tour
• Simply Enak KL Food Tour – Amazing food to try on this tour of the best of Kuala Lumpur
• Kuala Lumpur City Tour – Explore and learn more about the capital of Malaysia
• Penang Heritage Tour – See and learn about UNESCO listed George Town
• Penang Hill And Temple Sightseeing – Visit Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple
• Simply Enak Penang Food Tour – Amazing food to try on this tour of the best of Penang. Use code DIVE30 to save RM30
• Langkawi Island Hopping Boat Tour – The scenery in Langkawi is stunning and this is the best way to relax and enjoy it
• Langkawi Helicopter Tour – Don’t miss the chance to see Langkawi from the air!

Want Help Having An Awesome Food Experience in KL?

Join a Simply Enak (aka delicious) Food Tour!

There are three different options depending on whether you want to concentrate on street food, nightlife or off the beaten track places.

No matter what you pick, you’ll taste a range of fabulous local food and drinks while learning the history and culture of Kuala Lumpur.

There’s no better way to discover this great city.

Make sure you use the coupon code DIVE30 for RM30 off your tour.

Click here for all your option s .

Airport Transfers And Arrival

Arriving in Malaysia is straightforward but it can be daunting the first time, especially if you have a long flight.

You can read  our guide here  about getting from KL Airport to KL Sentral in the city centre.

On arrival at either terminal in Kuala Lumpur, you can follow signs to get to transportation hubs and buy a coupon for a taxi to your hotel. You can also use the Grab app to book yourself a taxi. It works the same as Uber.

However, if you would like to just arrive and not think at all, I recommend booking a transfer in advance, especially if you have a long journey to get to Malaysia. Here are some options:

• Kuala Lumpur Airport
• Penang Airport
• Langkawi Airport

If you want to go straight to another city on arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (like to Melaka, Cameron Highlands, anywhere 🙂 ), we can book a long distance taxi for you which will pick you up directly at the airport and drop you at your hotel.

Click here for the latest prices.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is invaluable. You just never know what will happen!

A few years ago, I broke my leg getting into the shower in Thailand. Doctor and hospital visits, tests then needing to cut our trip short and get a direct flight home added up and it was great to have travel insurance take care of it all – especially when they even paid for me to get home in business class and I was able to talk to an Australian doctor about what was going on.

In my opinion, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

I recommend buying travel insurance as soon as you book your flights as they will start covering you for some problems from that point.

We have a few recommended options depending on your country of origin:

• Cover-More for Australians here
• Cover-More for New Zealanders here
• VisitorsCoverage for US travellers here

If you are coming from Europe or elsewhere, World Nomads is our recommended option and  you can get a no-obligation quote here.

Malaysia Travel Costs

Malaysia can be as cheap or as expensive as you want. The best part is that Malaysia is very good value, so while it may not be as cheap as some nearby countries, you do tend to get more for your money.

Some sample budgets for two people:

Budget travellers: RM200 a day

Mid-range travellers: RM300-600

High-end travellers: RM700+

Of course, budgets will vary due to many factors like how often you move around, how many places you want to visit, how much you like to drink alcohol (relatively expensive) and much more. These are rough estimates only to help you plan.

It’s also worth noting that you can get incredible food for cheap so there really is no need to spend a lot on that as long as you are happy eating the local cuisines.

What To Pack

The good news is that Malaysia is basically always hot and humid – so you can leave all the heavy sweaters and coats at home!

However, this doesn’t mean you should just pack shorts and tank tops.

It’s important to always be respectful to local culture when it comes to how to dress and beach attire is definitely best suited to the beach or your resort. Malaysia is majority Muslim and local people tend to cover up.

You do not need to keep covered but it is a good idea to keep your shoulders covered and, in more conservative areas on the east coast, I recommend covering your knees too. Lightweight, light coloured clothing is the best.

You can buy anything you need in Malaysia very easily and we often buy our toiletries when we get there because they are cheaper than at home! The one exception to this is sunscreen – it’s expensive. We even had my mum bring it over for us when we were living in Malaysia!

Other essential items:

• Umbrella or rain coat – rain can be sudden and heavy
• Good walking shoes that have good grip on wet surfaces. Preferably sandal style
• Scarf or sarong to cover up when going in mosques and some temples
• Plug Adapter – Malaysia uses a UK plug
• Power cube – so you can charge all your electronics in one place

Internet And Phone Coverage

Many accommodation providers and some restaurants will have wifi for keeping in touch with home. However, we always buy a local sim card so we don’t have to worry and because they are so cheap and easy.

You can get one at the airport in minutes and  even buy one beforehand here.

You can read our  full article about getting a sim card in Malaysia here.

Other Things To Consider

• While the majority of Malaysia has a Monday to Friday working week, some states follow a Sunday to Thursday working week. This occurs in Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu. There are usually still shops open but if you want to visit attractions like museums on a Friday, check they are open before you go.
• As mentioned above, there is a tourist tax on accommodation which is currently RM10 per night. This is paid at the hotel.
• Alcohol can be relatively expensive in Malaysia. If you are coming from a western country, it is unlikely to be so bad but it will seem expensive if you are coming from a neighbouring country like Thailand. It is also not that readily available thanks to the Muslim culture. Langkawi and Tioman Island have duty free status and alcohol is much cheaper.
• Ramadan is a period of fasting for Muslim people where they don’t eat during daylight hours. However, it is usually not hard for visitors to find somewhere to eat thanks to the sizeable Chinese and Indian communities who do not observe Ramadan. Those restaurants will generally still have normal opening hours.
• Foreigners pay more for many attractions in Malaysia. You will notice a “MyKad” price and a regular price. MyKad is just for Malaysians. It’s just how it is.
• Food in Malaysia is awesome!! Read our full food guide here and bookmark it for your trip.
• Download the Grab app before you go. This is just like uber and is generally the cheapest and easiest way to get taxis within a city/town/area. You can’t fully set it up until you arrive in the country though.

Malaysia With Kids

Our final section in this guide to plan a trip to Malaysia & Singapore is about travelling in Malaysia with kids. If you don’t have any kids, you can skip this and you are done! Feel free to ask any questions in our Malaysia travel Facebook group.

However, if you have kids, I want to put your mind at ease. We travel to Malaysia frequently with our three kids and have travelled here with a newborn and toddlers. In fact, I spent the first half of my last pregnancy in Malaysia so my third child was somewhat made in Malaysia.

This is a great destination with kids. We just love it!

Malaysians love kids. We always feel very welcome everywhere with our kids and they get lots of positive attention when they were little. This helps put all of us at ease which leads to much better behavior.

Many restaurants are outdoors which I find works great with kids and kids will love all the natural attractions as well as the big attractions like Legoland Malaysia , Sunway Lagoon , KidZania KL , Escape Penang and KL Bird Park  (and so will you!).

There are usually discounts on everything for kids with the youngest kids being free.

Many of the resorts in places like Langkawi and Penang offer kids club so you can get some quality adult time while your kids have a ball with new friends.

You can read our picks for the top family resorts in Malaysia here.

You can also listen to our best tips for families here and find out what my kids themselves think about travelling in Malaysia.

Some of our kids (and our) favourite places are:

• Port Dickson – The kids love the opportunity for a private pool villa over the sea like here  and the top resorts here have a range of family activities and programs
• Legoland Malaysia
• Kuala Lumpur – There are some great attractions here from kids including KidZania , a giant park at KLCC and science museum and aquarium and the fabulous  KL Bird Park
• Penang – We lived here with our kids and it is so great. There is the beach, natural attractions like Youth Park, the fabulous Escape Penang and many other things to do and eat
• Langkawi – Great for relaxing and nature time
• Ipoh –  The Lost World of Tambun is a big hit
• Cameron Highlands – There are some great low-key attractions here which appeal to families like bee and strawberry farms
• Kuching – This is a great place to hang out and do day trips to places like the Sarawak Cultural Village and to see orangutans
• Sandakan – Another great place in Borneo to base yourself for fabulous kid-friendly wildlife experiences like Sepilok Rehabilitation Orangutan Centre , Labuk Bay , Kinabatangan River , Turtle Island and more.

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions?  Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now!  It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

Remember we can also book a taxi for you to help you get around Malaysia quickly and easily. Click here for more details.

I hope this has helped you answer all your questions when you are working out “how to plan my trip to Malaysia”. Ask any questions in our Facebook group ! And find more useful Malaysia planning guides here. I also discuss how to plan a trip to Malaysia and walk you through it in my podcast episode here.

Related posts:

By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

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Discover Some of ‘Malaysia’s Firsts’ via Taiping’s Heritage Trail

Known as the town of many ‘firsts’, Taiping is home to an interesting assortment of inaugural sites including olden-day buildings, the first museum in Malaysia known as the Perak Museum , as well as the first railway line and post office. Not only can you spot ancient and heritage buildings, but the town also has great views and landscapes to match. The Taiping Lake Gardens is a perfect example of one of the town's more refined sceneries.

Museum Perak

Perak Museum was the first-ever museum to be built in Malaysia. It was founded by Sir Hugh Low, who was the fourth British Resident in 1883. However, due to financial constraints, the main building was completed three years later in 1886 while the front and back wings were completed in 1889. The second storey of the museum was added in 1900 to expand the contents of the museum further. Perak Museum is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

There are many collections in the museum that are worth exploring. As you enter, you will encounter the zoology portion of the museum. In this collection, you will find a showcase of taxidermy, with a variety of animals from the Tapir to other exotic creatures that you can find among the wildlife in Malaysia.

The second section of the museum is packed with information on each culture in Malaysia. From Malay to East Malaysian cultures, this section showcases the traditions and different ways of life of each ethnicity. This part of the museum also exhibits pottery works such as labu, belanga and perasapan.

Venture to the second floor of the museum to explore the fascinating artefacts on the Orang Asli in Malaysia. There is also a showcase of a variety of handiwork made by these natives. Unique masks, baskets, mannequins and traditional musical instruments are just some of the pieces that you will get to view up-close.

As you walk around the exterior of the Perak Museum , you will notice a few vintage cars, which were once driven by famous people in Malaysia. The type of cars on display vary from Rolls Royce to even an Alvis TD21 Tourer 1906.

Ticket Prices for Perak Museum:

• Malaysian Adult: RM 2
• Foreigner Adult: RM 5
• Malaysian Child (ages 6-12 years): Free
• Foreigner Child (ages 6-12 years): RM 2

*Prices are subject to change. Visit Perak Museum 's website for price confirmation.

Perak Museum is easily accessible by any taxi or e-hailing service. If you plan to drive here, there are ample parking spaces on the museum’s compound. Unfortunately, there are no direct public transportation options to reach here at the moment.

Taiping Railway

Taiping Railway Station is the first railway station to be built in Malaysia. This historical building was built in the late 1800s for Malaysia’s first railway line from Kuala Sepetang (Port Weld). The original railway station was in operation for over 100 years until 2014, when the new Taiping Railway Station was built.

Today, the original railway station is no longer in use and is currently occupied as a local food court. Despite the cease in railway operations, the building still maintains its original architecture and design, and has been designated as a National Heritage site. Today, it is quite a popular destination for tourists and locals alike who would like to stop by to appreciate the sturdy building and its unique architecture.

Fun fact: The first railway line was established not to transport people, but to carry cargo instead. The railway line made it easier to move tin from mines to Taiping then onto ships harboured in Port Weld. This first railway station was constructed where King Edward VII Primary School is today.

The best way to reach the Taiping Railway Station is by booking a train directly to the new railway station. From there, it is just a short walk to the old railway station. Alternatively, visitors can drive to the station and park at the new railway station’s car park. Visitors are also able to take any taxi or e-hailing services directly to the old railway station.

Zoo Taiping And Night Safari

The first zoo in Malaysia was also built in Taiping. The zoo is home to a large number of animal species from the Malayan tiger to African elephants. Zoo Taiping and Night Safari welcomes all to come and experience its open-air concept, where animals live within naturalistic spaces that are designed to simulate their natural habitat.

Open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, visitors can enjoy close-up views of the animals in all their glory, as they stroll and pace along their enclosures. Don’t miss out on the five key exhibits here, which are the Malaysian Rainforest Experience, Lowland Forest, Riverine Forest, African Savanna and the Elephants of the Perak River.

The night safari segment of Zoo Taiping begins from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Embark on an exciting journey as you hop on a tram ride for an intimate experience of the animals come nightfall. The Taiping Night Safari is the first night safari to open in Malaysia. Special lighting around each enclosure creates perfect opportunities for visitors to spot the animals with ease.

If you are taking the bus to Taiping, disembark at the Kamunting Bus Terminal and hop into a taxi or other e-hailing service to reach the zoo. By train, visitors on the north and southbound trains can alight at the Taiping Railway Station. From there, opt for a taxi or e-hailing service to go directly to the zoo. Driving is also an option to reach Zoo Taiping and Night Safari as there are ample parking spaces near the zoo.

Read more about Zoo Taiping and Night Safari here.

Taiping Lake Gardens

One of the many highlights of Taiping is the popular Taiping Lake Gardens . Located right in the heart of the town, the Lake Gardens is a vast open space surrounded by luscious trees and a serene lake.

Taiping Lake Gardens is also the first public recreation park instituted in Malaysia in 1884. Once an abandoned tin mine site, the garden now spans over 60 hectares of lush greenery. Here, you will also get to capture the sights of magnificent trees that are over 100 years old, with their branches stretching over the manmade path and grazing the surface of the lake.

There is a good selection of activities for everyone to enjoy here. For a stroll or a light jog, make use of the path which runs along the garden by the lake. Alternatively, enjoy a ride on the swan boat across the large lake while taking in the scenic views around you.

To reach the Taiping Lake Gardens , visitors can use the PLUS North-South Expressway by car. You can also hop onto the ETS to reach the Taiping Railway Station and from there, take a five-minute walk to the Lake Gardens. Taxi or e-hailing services are available as well.

All Saints Church

One of the oldest standing churches in Malaysia today is the All Saints Church , which is also located in Taiping. The church was built in 1883 by the British and remains to be the first English Church in the Federated Malay States.

The interior of the church is embellished with intricate details that were originally there since the church was erected. At the front of the church sits the most beautiful stained glass, with its beauty enhanced each time the sun passes through. All the pews have intricate carvings decorating the sides. There is also an ancient pipe organ that sits inside the church.

The exterior of the All Saints Church is influenced by Gothic design elements and is fashioned with Meranti panels as well as hardwood frames. There are also four olden-day tubular bells. The windows of the church give a glimpse of a small cemetery that surrounds the church. As you visit this heritage building, you can also see ancient tombstones of Europeans and young servicemen who are buried there. This 120-year-old church, which survived the Japanese Occupation, still serves as a place of worship until this day.

Hop onto any taxi or e-hailing services to reach the All Saints Church . The distance from the railway station is a mere 1.9 kilometres. Visitors can also make use of the buses that reach the Kamunting Bus Terminal which is approximately five kilometres from the church.

Taiping Post Office

No surprises by now, Taiping is also home to the first post office in Malaysia. The Taiping Post Office was first established in the old telegraph office, however, in 1899, it was moved to its current building, which was once the Treasury and Perak Audit Office. Today, the post office still functions and operates daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The post office operates as any other post office, complete with postal services such as Domestic Mail, International Mail, PosLaju Domestic and more.

Disembark from the train at Taiping Railway Station, which is situated 1.2 kilometres from the Taiping Post Office. Getting a taxi or e-hailing car is also easy and will take you directly to the post office’s doorstep. If you are travelling by bus, you can stop at the Taiping Bus Station , which is roughly 7 minutes away.

How to get to Taiping

Besides driving, there are also other ways to get to this historic town. If you wish to travel by bus, you can take one that drops you off at the Kamunting Raya Bus Terminal, which is located around 6 kilometres from Taiping’s city centre.

Visitors can also hop onto the train to Taiping. Simply board any KTM or ETS tra in, which takes you straight to the new Taiping Railway Station . Visitors can also hop onto the ETS at KL Sentral and make their way to the Taiping Railway Station. From there, opt for any taxi or e-hailing service to take you around.

View ETS tickets and train schedule here

View KTM tickets and train schedule here

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13 Ultimate Outdoor Adventures To Conquer In Malaysia

Cheng Sim  •  Feb 05, 2020

[Updated 29 June 2021]

Malaysia is more than just a country with super affordable weekend getaways , incredible nature retreats , and amazing exotic islands . If you want a rush of adrenaline, there are many adventurous things to do in Malaysia.

Paragliding, tandem skydiving, white water rafting - your name it and this country has it! While Malaysians are staying home during MCO (Movement Control Order), don't let it stop you from dreaming about crossing off these bucket-list adventures in Malaysia once it's safe to do so!

Disclaimer: As of June 2021, do note that all outdoor attractions and tour operators are temporarily closed during MCO. We recommend saving this article for your future adventures and support them once it's safe to travel again. 

1. Tandem skydive in Langkawi

Update : As of January 2021, Skydive Langkawi is temporarily closed until further notice

If there's one travel resolution to tick off from your bucket list, that would be tandem skydive in Langkawi . You can do so with Skydive Langkawi that's situated near Langkawi International Airport. Perfect for any adrenaline seeker, you can tandem skydive with an experienced instructor (rated by Australian Parachute Federation) from as high as 14,000 feet - and that's 9 times the height of KLCC, one of the tallest buildings in Malaysia! And they also have a female skydive instructor on board.

The entire duration takes around 3 hours - from the moment you arrive until you depart from the skydive centre. Skydive Langkawi offers two packages and it starts from RM1,650 per person. Since tandem skydive is a weather-oriented activity, it's best to allow half a day to complete your jump as it can be delayed by weather. For more details, check out our article on Skydive Langkawi !

Where to book this experience

• Skydive Langkawi ( Website | Facebook )

2. Stargazing in Kota Belud

For those who lived in the city long enough, a sky full of stars is hard to spot in Malaysia. That's because you've yet to visit Kota Belud and enjoy a stargazing experience in Lasau Podi . About 30 minutes drive from Kota Belud, your driving journey to Lasau Podi will be smooth one thanks to the good road condition, so rent a car if you wish!

Most local stargazers would drive to Lasau Podi when it's close to midnight where the area is in complete darkness. Some would also camp underneath the starry night. Do note that restrooms and accommodations are not available around this area, and you may need to rough it in nature.

For accommodation with facilities, head over to another stargazing spot named Tegudon Tourism Village, Kadamaian , a 30-minute drive from Kota Belud (or a 40-minute drive from Lasau Podi). Besides giving you another spot to witness the Milky Way, this tourism village provides facilities such as toilets, changing room and camping sites.

Where to book this experience: 

• Currently, there are no available stargazing tours in Lasau Podi. We recommend renting a car and driving to Lasau Podi ( refer to this Google Map ) for this experience.

3. White water rafting in Gopeng

Beyond the delicious Muslim-friendly food and stunning Insta-worthy spots , Perak is also one of the best places for white water rafting in Malaysia! Narrow your search to Gopeng, and you'll discover many local tours that'll bring adrenaline seekers closer to this exhilarating experience. White water rafting usually takes place along the Kampar River famous for its wild rapids and refreshing water.

You need to be physically fit to do white water rafting, but you don't need rafting experience to join this activity. The rapids at Kampar River are classified from Class I-III, which means the journey begins with small and pleasant waves before it escalates into gushing water and wave splashes along narrow river passages.

• River Bug Asia ( Website )
• MyRainforest Adventure ( Website )
• Wildcat Adventures Gopeng ( Facebook )

4. Food adventure in Penang

Mention Penang and the few things that come to mind are nasi kandar, char kuay teow, and cendol. Known as the street food capital of Malaysia, it comes to no surprise why locals would plan a food adventure in Penang. Start with our breakfast of champions, nasi lemak at Ali Nasi Lemak before moving on to something hearty like nasi kandar at Hameediyah Restaurant, Malay-style prawn noodles at Ayu Mee Udang or cow's tongue soup with roti benggali at Sup Hameed. For the full experience, eat your way through Penang with our list of halal eateries !

If you're on a cafe-hopping adventure instead, head over to these Muslim-friendly cafes in Penang . You can savour herbal lemuni rice at Jawi House Cafe Gallery, pandan creme caramel at Areca Cafe or caramelised Banana Bakar at Lagenda Cafe. Each visit promises different surprises for your palate and that's definitely an adventure for a true Malaysian foodie.

5. Hike Mulu Pinnacles

You would need 3 days 2 nights to hike Mulu Pinnacles , but challenging yourself through the strenuous climb and challenging trails will pay off for those who endured it all. Situated in Mulu National Park, one of Malaysia's protected virgin rainforests, Mulu Pinnacles should be your next bucket list after you've conquered Mount Kinabalu.

When you reach the top, you'll be rewarded with a view of razor-sharp limestones that overlooks the lush greenery. It requires a great level of fitness, and we recommend first-time hikers to do some training before taking on this tough climb. To make the most of your trip to Mulu National Park, you can explore the show caves, do adventure caving and venture on some guided forest walks in one of Sarawak's famous natural attraction.

• Mulu National Park ( Website )
• Amazing Borneo Tours ( Website )

6. Scuba diving in Mabul Island

Besides the islands of Perhentian and Sipadan, your bucket list would be incomplete without scuba diving in Mabul Island . Just off Semporna in Sabah, Mabul Island is known for its rich diversity of marine life, and scuba divers and underwater photographers have been to known to visit this paradise often. While this island is a popular diving spot all year round, the best months for scuba diving are April to December and July to August.

Be in awe by the vortexes of barracudas, herds of bump head parrotfish, turtles feeding all around and thousands of jackfish when you scuba dive. When you're here, don't miss a chance to meet the Sea Gypsies, also known as the Bajau Laut community, who lives on boathouses or huts built on stilts. Many of them spend their days in the water or selling their catch such as live seafood (crabs, lobsters, mussels or fish) on wooden boats to tourists visiting.

7. Paragliding at Bukit Jugra

Paragliding at Bukit Jugra is one of many outdoor adventures you should do in Malaysia. Here's a fun fact: Jugra was the royal capital of Selangor in the late 1800s before the baton is passed to Klang, the Malaysian state's current royal capital.

Besides hiking, the best way to appreciate the Jugra landscape is by paragliding across the sky. Just make your way to the base of Bukit Jugra lighthouse and you'll find the Malaysia Paragliding and Hang Gliding Association. Come between March and September when the wind conditions are at its best and the 15-minute paragliding experience costs approximately RM200 per person.

• Malaysia Paragliding Hang-Gliding Association - MPHA ( Facebook )

8. Canopy walk at Taman Negara

Walk on the canopy skywalk at Taman Negara to explore with one of the world's oldest rainforests. Situated in Pahang, this 130-million-year-old virgin rainforest is one of Malaysia's ecotourism gems and it'll be a miss not to experience it up close. Anyone departing from Kuala Lumpur will arrive at this rainforest within 2-3 hours and from there, your real adventure begins!

The canopy skywalk also happens to be the world's longest canopy walkway, so you'll get an amazing view of the surrounding tropical rainforest. Hanging at 40 meters above the ground, this suspension bridge is over 500 meters long, and you can only walk on the bridge four people at a time. This canopy skywalk is supervised by the national park's wildlife department, so you'll be in good hands!

#HHWT Tip : Inspired to plan a trip? Check out this amazing 3D2N Muslim-friendly itinerary to Taman Negara !

• Taman Negara Asia ( Website )
• Mutiara Taman Negara ( Website )

9. Rock climbing at Batu Caves

While many worshippers frequent Batu Caves during the Hindu festival of Thaipusam, the locals and tourists would come here to admire the towering golden statue of Lord Murugan and the rainbow-hued steps (there are 272 steps to climb!). Behind Batu Caves, however, lies an adventure spot that's perfect for rock climbing, abseiling, zip-lining and more!

Since rock climbing at Batu Caves is a must-try, Gua Damai Extreme Park offers a chance for adventure seekers to explore the different possible routes to reach the top. Their rock climbing package is good for beginners and families with children. You'll be given the necessary climbing gears, from safety harness to climbing shoes, before you start. Once you're ready to go, you have 3 hours to venture several climbing routes such as Damai Wall for beginners, Nyamuk Wall for the longest route, and more!

• Gua Damai Extreme Park ( Website )

10. Bungee jump at Sunway Lagoon

If you want to scream your lungs out, consider a thrilling Bungy Jump at Sunway Lagoon Extreme Park . Situated in the theme park itself, you will need to buy a Sunway Lagoon Pass before heading over to the Extreme Park counter to pay for your jump. Then, make your way to the top of the bridge where your jumping site will be.

Jumping off from as high as 22 meters, you'll be given a safety briefing and harness before you make your five-second jump. At the end of your experience, you'll get a certificate of completion. Since Extreme Park is a paradise for thrillseekers, there are also other ways to get your dose of adrenaline including racing through the Go Kart circuit, strap on Asia's highest slingshot ride at G-Force X and practice your aim in a round of paintball. You can read more about Bungy Jump at Sunway Lagoon here !

• Sunway Lagoon Extreme Park ( Website )

11. Ziplining at Gaya Island

Update : Starting January 2021, Coral Flyer zipline will only be open on weekends

Ziplining from Gaya Island to Sapi Island is one of the best ways to experience the scenic sight of these paradises in Sabah. Fuelled with an adrenaline rush, this 235-meter-long attraction is the world's longest island zipline and will take you on a journey of intense height and speed. Some say that you will zipline at the speed of 55KM per hour!

Similar to most outdoor activities, you'll be given a safety briefing and harness before you're set to go. While there's no age limit, you need to weigh between a minimum weight of 40kg and a maximum weight of 120kg. Small kids can also do a tandem zipline with their parents, so don't worry!

As you zipline 45 meters above the ground, don't close your eyes or you'll miss the beautiful waters down below. Once completed, you can head back to your starting point at Gaya Island via a free transfer. For tickets, you can buy them at Sapi Island Jetty or book in advance by contacting Coral Flyer at [email protected] .

• Coral Flyer ( Website | Facebook | Instagram )

12. ATV ride in Selangor

Situated in Kampung Kemensah, Selangor, prepare yourself for a thrilling ride at ATV Adventure Park ! Known as one of the largest ATV adventure parks in Malaysia, get ready to blaze through various jungle trails and terrains on a roaring ATV. Before your adventure begins, there are various packages you can choose from, which leads to different destinations ranging from Sofea Jane waterfall to Bukit Tabur.

After you've completed the safety briefing, you can explore different jungle trails with your helmets on! No matter which trails you choose, you can expect rough terrains, bumpy hills, and unexpected slopes between the shady tall trees. Since excessive speeding is not allowed, just take your time and enjoy your ride. You can read more about ATV Adventure Park here !

• ATV Adventure Park ( Website | Facebook )

13. Climb Mount Kinabalu

Update : As of January 2021, all climbing tours at Mount Kinabalu are temporarily suspended due to the recent landslide and road collapses due to heavy rain.

Ask any Malaysian and they'll say that our bucket list would be incomplete without climbing Mount Kinabalu . Situated within Kinabalu Park, which is also a World Heritage Site, journeying to the top of Malaysia's highest mountain is a challenge that's worth saying yes to.

Every day, the Park only issues 185 climb permits to Sabahans, Malaysians, and international tourists - and that's why hikers would book their slots as early as six months to one year before their trip. Standing tall at 4,095 meters, the trails are built with wooden staircases and rock steps but along the way, hikers would need to their limits when coming across large boulders and slippery routes.

#HHWT Tip : Due to safety reasons, it's best to book your climb through licensed tour operators. Many websites recommended Amazing Borneo Tours as this agency is supported by Sabah Tourism Board.

• Mount Kinabalu ( Website )

If you're ready to experience the best adventures in Malaysia, there's no better time to plan a trip than now! Whether you're going tandem skydiving in Langkawi or bungee jumping at Sunway Lagoon Extreme Park, many outdoor adventures await in Malaysia.

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US embassy reaffirms that Malaysia is still safe to travel

Friday, 26 Apr 2024

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PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is still safe to travel, affirms the US embassy to Malaysia, negating US academic Bruce Gilley’s claim that it is not.

“There is no change to the US travel advisory, which remains at Level 1, the lowest level out of four,” it said in a statement.

According to the United States Bureau of Consular Affairs, Level 1 is the lowest advisory level for safety and security, between Levels 1 to 4, and 4 being “do not travel”.

At Level 1, travellers are to exercise normal precautions in the country, it said.

Checks by The Star on the US State Department’s website showed that Malaysia has been on Level 1 since its last update on July 24, 2023. Additionally, its country information on Malaysia says that the countries have healthy bilateral ties.

“Economic ties are robust, and there is a long history of people-to-people exchanges. Malaysia has a diverse democracy and is an important partner in US engagement with South-East Asia,” it said.

Earlier this week, US academician Bruce Gilley claimed in a post on X that Malaysia is not safe to travel to.

He said on the social media platform that he had left Malaysia due to safety concerns caused by an “Islamo-fascist mob whipped up by the government there”.

Recently, Universiti Malaya (UM) had invited Gilley to speak, which caused controversy.

Gilley purportedly claimed that Malaysia had pushed for a “second holocaust against the Jewish people” during his talk, and downplayed Malaysia’s ties with the United States.

After the cancellation of all events involving Gilley by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, the academician has since returned to America.

Further sparking outrage, he posted that he will not accept reimbursement for his travels from UM, choosing instead to ask the public to fund his costs via an online platform.

“(Gilley’s) social media post on the safety of travelling in Malaysia is too much. It is irresponsible and can cause anger among all Malaysians,” UM said in a statement.

Tags / Keywords: US embassy , Bruce Gilley , Israel , UM , University Malaya , travel advisory

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Shocked passengers watch liquid leak down airplane aisle from bathroom on flight: Video

Passengers on board a Spirit Airline flight headed to New Jersey witnessed an unexpected and strange sight midair when they watched a mystery liquid flow down the aisle, seeping from one of the plane's lavatories.

Video shows some passengers sitting in the aisle of the plane gawking at the fluid during this week's flight, while others laugh, some recording footage of the unexpected situation from their phones.

According to a Spirit Airline spokesperson, the incident took place Monday on Spirit Airlines flight 1595.

The plane departed just after 3 p.m. on Monday from Atlanta Hartfield Jackson International Airport and landed at Newark Liberty International Airport at 5:18 p.m. according to the online site Flight Aware, which tracks flight paths.

Cockpit no-no: FAA launches investigation after MLB coach posts video from cockpit during flight

What caused the liquid to spill?

A maintenance team met the flight upon arrival in Newark due "to an issue with a potable water line connected to a sink in the rear lavatory," a Spirit Airlines spokesperson said in an email to USA TODAY.

The issue was addressed and the aircraft was cleared to continue with its next flight, the spokesperson said.

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No injuries were reported.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.

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Autism makes travel a challenge. Here’s how I learned to cope

Busy places and unexpected events used to send me into meltdown on holiday. An autism diagnosis helped me to adapt my plans and rediscover the joy of travelling

W andering hand-in-hand through the medieval streets of Bologna, my boyfriend and I were in awe of the sweeping porticoes and distinctive rust-red brickwork of the city. It was our first holiday together. We’d wanted to find somewhere beyond the obvious that would marry our respective interests in architecture and history. Bologna was the perfect fit.

We admired the Church of Santa Maria della Vita , with its imposing baroque interior, lavishly decorated in colourful frescoes and marble carvings. We caught a little red and blue express train up into the hills to the Santuario della Madonna di San Luca , and climbed the bell tower of the Basilica di San Petronio for panoramic views across the city.

But after one particularly long, hot day on our feet, with our stomachs clamouring to be fed, my mood began to shift. With the setting of the sun came the rising of my rage, as we struggled to agree on where we wanted to eat. In a city nicknamed La Grassa (“the fat one”), we weren’t lacking in options; in fact, it was the sheer number of well-reviewed eateries that was overwhelming.

Eventually we decided on pizza, and my boyfriend anxiously led us through sun-dappled alleyways, seeking out a little hole-in-the-wall spot with stellar reviews on Google. Looking back now, I’m ashamed of my reaction once we arrived. Instead of excitedly tucking into the steaming, cheese-drenched deliciousness before me, I burst into tears, refusing to order. And why?

Because they were slices .

In my mind, getting pizza meant that we’d be presented with a whole pizza. The idea of just grabbing a slice or two felt abhorrently wrong. It truly felt to me, in that moment, like I was being asked to do the impossible. Instead, we had to find a standard bistro and get me the right kind of pizza. Scrolling through photographs from that trip for this article, I find a snapshot of my boyfriend opposite me at the table, looking as if he’d just (barely) survived the fury of the Visigoths during the sacking of Rome.

It wasn’t until three years later – in spring 2020, when I was diagnosed as autistic – that this fragment of my life story, and many others like it, finally began to make sense.

B eing autistic means that life is a challenge, every day, in myriad tiny ways most others cannot see. Autistic people often grapple with sensory, social and communication challenges that manifest differently in each of us. As a toddler, for instance, I couldn’t stand the touch of grass on my skin. My parents could pop me down on a blanket by our tent during camping trips, safe in the knowledge that I wouldn’t stray. The same went for sand – putting me down to build a sandcastle on the beach only led to banshee-esque wailing until someone picked me up. When I got older, I preferred to stay by the tent and read my books than risk the chaotic din of the campsite playground. I’ve also always found it difficult when confronted with the unexpected. That could be anything, from a last-minute change of plans to something simply not turning out the way I’d pictured it in my head.

Relentlessly busy places are a terrifying prospect for those of us predisposed to sensory overwhelm. The best way I can describe how I experience this sensation is to ask you to imagine that the whole world has climbed into your chest. It then sits there, heavy and loud and bright, thrumming with energy, too much energy, more than any one person could hold within themselves. And yet, that’s what’s expected of us, day in, day out.

Fortunately, societal awareness of how autistic people interact with public spaces has grown over the past few years, thanks to the rise of lived experiences shared on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. The thriving autistic creator communities online were a lifebelt for me when I was first diagnosed, providing both insights into my own behaviour and suggesting coping mechanisms.

Initiatives such as the sunflower lanyard scheme are also having a real impact on how employees in train stations, airports, bus terminals and so on are trained in making these places more accessible to those with hidden disabilities. What I have learned is that many challenges can be overcome with sufficient planning and support from those around me. Through much trial and error over the last four years, I’m making real progress towards learning how to adapt my holiday plans to accommodate my needs. I now have a self-made kit for mitigating sensory overwhelm that I take with me whenever I travel: sunglasses, noise-isolating earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones, a fidget toy or two and a safe food to snack on (a favourite cereal bar, for example). Having avoided meltdowns by using these items in the past, I now can’t imagine travelling without them.

The process of writing my book, The Autistic Guide to Adventure , has provided many useful insights too. Designed to introduce younger readers from the autistic community to a variety of different outdoor activities, the book suggests how to best approach them from sensory, social and communication perspectives.

Take kayaking, for instance, a popular holiday activity in the UK thanks to our miles upon miles of public waterways and easily accessible coastline. I’ve kayaked on family holidays since a young age. Before I knew I was autistic, however, I’d never have thought to give myself extra time to get used to sitting in a new boat in a new location, testing the feel of a buoyancy aid or holding the paddle properly. Yet something as simple as taking the opportunity to do that – on dry land, before the kayak even gets near the water – can make a real difference to how comfortable and confident an autistic person might feel about trying this new activity. Most activity providers are understanding and would be happy to facilitate this, if you let them know in advance.

Other simple adaptations to recreational activities include using walking poles for all levels of hiking – not only on mountains – and bringing an inflatable for wild swimming. These help to maintain balance, something that many autistic people find hard because of difficulties regulating their vestibular system.

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There will never be one single trip or destination that’s perfect for every autistic person, because our individual strengths, struggles and support needs are so different. But if we each plan ahead and choose what to do or where to go based on our known sensory sensitivities, communication preferences and social battery life, every trip has the potential to be perfect just for us .

M ost recently, my boyfriend and I took a much-anticipated trip to the Arctic Circle, visiting Tromsø. There’s a key difference between this holiday and our stay in Bologna five years earlier: the weather. It’s common for autistic people to have strong preferences when it comes to temperature – in my case, I’ll always choose cold over hot.

That’s why Tromsø in December was a sensory dream for me. Plunged into polar night, the light was never brighter than a muted lilac haze for a few short hours around midday. The temperature was consistently below freezing; the snow lay piled in marshmallow-soft heaps along pavements and roadsides. It was as far a cry from the lively streets and humid air of summer in Bologna as you could get, and it was perfect.

Learning from previous experience, we planned exactly where we wanted to eat during the trip. We spent several cheerful mealtimes huddled by the fire pit at Raketten Bar and enjoyed Pølse , a hotdog stand in a sunshine-yellow kiosk dating back to 1911.

Autistic people often prefer the company of animals to other humans, but it’s not something I’d ever thought to factor into my travel plans before. In Tromsø, we ended up spending three out of our five days on activities involving animals: huskies, whales and reindeer. It was, without a doubt, one of the best decisions we could have made.

The joy of losing myself in a frenzied pack of newfound canine friends radiates from my face in photos from the day we went husky sledding.

Given that travel is something I treasure, it’s a relief to realise that my ability to do it is not limited by being neurodivergent. On the contrary, I truly believe some of my many travel experiences have been – and will continue to be – enhanced by the fact that my brain works on a different wavelength. When I close my eyes, I can still see the play of lavender light on the snow-capped mountains surrounding Tromsø. I’m immediately transported back to a place that felt like home to my soul, soothed without having to take even a step outside.

The Autistic Guide to Adventure by Allie Mason is published by Jessica Kingsley (£14.99 ). To support the Guardian and Observer, buy a copy at guardianbookshop.com . Delivery charges may apply

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Tribune editorial: Events in little Vineyard City illustrate why open government is a big deal

Public money spent on international travel and memberships should not be hidden in the weeds..

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Construction near the site of the old Geneva Steel mill, near Vineyard City, on Friday, April 19, 2024.

Like many other mayors and city council members in Utah communities, Vineyard City Mayor Julie Fullmer has a day job. She’s the co-founder and general partner of something called OutWit Media Group and OutWit Media LLC .

But Fullmer has not been able to totally outwit the media, which keeps finding and reporting on highly questionable activities and uses of public funds in the Utah County community of 14,500 people.

It shows why an independent news media is so crucial to good government. And why government records, including the calendars of public officials at all levels, should be open to the public.

Just the other day, The Salt Lake Tribune reported on how Fullmer and lame-duck members of the City Council, before two new members took their seats on the four-member council, pushed through a ream of new rules, expenditures and memberships.

Together with decisions already made, and checks already cut, the city since 2023 has spent $188,500 on “trade missions” and multi-year memberships in the World Trade Center Utah and something that used to be called the Utah Aerospace and Defense Association, which rebranded as 47G late last year .

The mayor says all the expenditures were proper and received necessary approval. But council members and the public are still awaiting a proper explanation of why little Vineyard City — which isn’t even big enough to have its own fire department — is sending staff members on pricy trips to London and Paris and bankrolling the mayor’s status as a member of two trade associations that count very few municipal officials among their members.

Why Fullmer junketed to Ukraine and India is not altogether clear. If all those trips were really to benefit the people of Vineyard City, to make business connections and attract industry, as the mayor claims, then they should have been explicitly approved by the City Council in open session.

And that approval should have happened before tickets were purchased, not afterward, as was the case with the European trip.

This is the kind of skullduggery that is much more likely to occur now that the Utah Legislature has hastily passed, and Gov. Spencer Cox has unwisely signed, a new law that makes the calendars of public officials in Utah a closed record.

The comings and goings of all public officials, who they meet with, and on whose dime, are crucial information for the public to understand what is going on with their elected officials and their money.

Remember, the Vineyard City mayor and city manager are the same folks who promised — but never delivered — millions in public funds for the now-cancelled boondoggle project that aimed to dredge Utah Lake and create an archipelago of islands on which to build a community of new houses.

There has been some welcome turnover on the Vineyard City Council, so there is a chance that a new day of openness has dawned in that community. As long as the people, and independent media such as The Salt Lake Tribune, keep a necessary eye on things.

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Could Trump Go to Prison? If He Does, the Secret Service Goes, Too

Officials have had preliminary discussions about how to protect the former president in the unlikely event that he is jailed for contempt during the trial.

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By William K. Rashbaum

The U.S. Secret Service is in the business of protecting the president, whether he’s inside the Oval Office or visiting a foreign war zone.

But protecting a former president in prison? The prospect is unprecedented. That would be the challenge if Donald J. Trump — whom the agency is required by law to protect around the clock — is convicted at his criminal trial in Manhattan and sentenced to serve time.

Even before the trial’s opening statements, the Secret Service was in some measure planning for the extraordinary possibility of a former president behind bars. Prosecutors had asked the judge in the case to remind Mr. Trump that attacks on witnesses and jurors could land him in jail even before a verdict is rendered.

(The judge, who held a hearing Tuesday morning to determine whether Mr. Trump should be held in contempt for violating a gag order, is far more likely to issue a warning or impose a fine before taking the extreme step of jailing the 77-year-old former president. It was not immediately clear when he would issue his ruling.)

Last week, as a result of the prosecution’s request, officials with federal, state and city agencies had an impromptu meeting about how to handle the situation, according to two people with knowledge of the matter.

That behind-the-scenes conversation — involving officials from the Secret Service and other relevant law enforcement agencies — focused only on how to move and protect Mr. Trump if the judge were to order him briefly jailed for contempt in a courthouse holding cell, the people said.

The far more substantial challenge — how to safely incarcerate a former president if the jury convicts him and the judge sentences him to prison rather than home confinement or probation — has yet to be addressed directly, according to some of a dozen current and former city, state and federal officials interviewed for this article.

That’s at least in part because if Mr. Trump is ultimately convicted, a drawn-out and hard-fought series of appeals, possibly all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court, is almost a certainty. That would most likely delay any sentence for months if not longer, said several of the people, who noted that a prison sentence was unlikely.

But the daunting challenge remains. And not just for Secret Service and prison officials, who would face the logistical nightmare of safely incarcerating Mr. Trump, who is also the presumptive Republican nominee for President.

“Obviously, it’s uncharted territory,” said Martin F. Horn, who has worked at the highest levels of New York’s and Pennsylvania’s state prison agencies and served as commissioner of New York City’s correction and probation departments. “Certainly no state prison system has had to deal with this before, and no federal prison has had to either.”

Steven Cheung, the communications director for Mr. Trump’s campaign, said the case against the former president was “so spurious and so weak” that other prosecutors had refused to bring it, and called it “an unprecedented partisan witch hunt.”

“That the Democrat fever dream of incarcerating the nominee of the Republican Party has reached this level exposes their Stalinist roots and displays their utter contempt for American democracy,” he said.

Protecting Mr. Trump in a prison environment would involve keeping him separate from other inmates, as well as screening his food and other personal items, officials said. If he were to be imprisoned, a detail of agents would work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, rotating in and out of the facility, several officials said. While firearms are obviously strictly prohibited in prisons, the agents would nonetheless be armed.

Former corrections officials said there were several New York state prisons and city jails that have been closed or partly closed, leaving wings or large sections of their facilities empty and available. One of those buildings could serve to incarcerate the former president and accommodate his Secret Service protective detail

Anthony Guglielmi, the spokesman for the Secret Service in Washington, declined in a statement to discuss specific “protective operations.” But he said that federal law requires Secret Service agents to protect former presidents, adding that they use state-of-the-art technology, intelligence and tactics to do so.

Thomas J. Mailey, a spokesman for New York State’s prison agency, said his department couldn’t speculate about how it would treat someone who has not yet been sentenced, but that it has a system “to assess and provide for individuals’ medical, mental health and security needs.” Frank Dwyer, a spokesman for the New York City jails agency, said only that “the department would find appropriate housing” for the former president.

The trial in Manhattan, one of four criminal cases pending against Mr. Trump and possibly the only one that will go to a jury before the election, centers on accusations he falsified records to cover up a sex scandal involving a porn star. The former president is charged with 34 counts of felony falsifying business records. If convicted, the judge in the case, Juan M. Merchan, could sentence him to punishments ranging from probation to four years in state prison, though for a first-time offender of Mr. Trump’s age, such a term would be extreme.

If Mr. Trump is convicted, but elected president again, he could not pardon himself because the prosecution was brought by New York State.

Under normal circumstances, any sentence of one year or less, colloquially known as “city time,” would generally be served on New York City’s notorious Rikers Island, home to the Department of Correction’s seven jails. (That’s where Mr. Trump’s former chief financial officer, Allen H. Weisselberg, 76, is currently serving his second five-month sentence for crimes related to his work for his former boss.)

Any sentence of more than a year, known as state time, would generally be served in one of the 44 prisons run by New York State’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

The former president could also be sentenced to a term of probation, raising the bizarre possibility of the former commander in chief reporting regularly to a civil servant at the city’s Probation Department.

He would have to follow the probation officer’s instructions and answer questions about his work and personal life until the term of probation ended. He would also be barred from associating with disreputable people, and if he committed any additional crimes, he could be jailed immediately.

Maggie Haberman contributed reporting.

William K. Rashbaum is a Times reporter covering municipal and political corruption, the courts and broader law enforcement topics in New York. More about William K. Rashbaum

Our Coverage of the Trump Hush-Money Trial

News and Analysis

The criminal trial of Trump featured vivid testimony about a plot to protect his first presidential campaign  and the beginnings  of a tough cross-examination  of the prosecution’s initial witness, David Pecker , former publisher of The National Enquirer. Here are the takeaways .

Dozens of protesters calling for the justice system to punish Trump  briefly blocked traffic on several streets near the Lower Manhattan courthouse where he is facing his first criminal trial.

Prosecutors accused Trump of violating a gag order four additional times , saying that he continues to defy the judge’s directions  not to attack witnesses , prosecutors and jurors in his hush-money trial.

More on Trump’s Legal Troubles

Key Inquiries: Trump faces several investigations  at both the state and the federal levels, into matters related to his business and political careers.

Case Tracker:  Keep track of the developments in the criminal cases  involving the former president.

What if Trump Is Convicted?: Could he go to prison ? And will any of the proceedings hinder Trump’s presidential campaign? Here is what we know , and what we don’t know .

Trump on Trial Newsletter: Sign up here  to get the latest news and analysis  on the cases in New York, Florida, Georgia and Washington, D.C.