Malaysia Hotels - List of Malaysia Hotels and Resorts with affordable Hotel Rates

Currency

The local currency is called Ringgit Malaysia (RM). The currency’s RM3.80 peg against the U.S. dollar imposed on Sept 1, 1998 was lifted on July 21, 2005. One ringgit comprises 100 sen.

The currency comes in the form of both notes and coins. Ringgit banknotes are issued in the following denominations RM1, RM2, RM5, RM10, RM50 and RM100 while coins are issued in one sen, five sen, 10 sen, 20 sen, 50 sen and RM1 denominations.

Foreign currency and traveller’s cheques can be converted into Ringgit at banks or authorised moneychangers throughout the country.

Resident travellers are allowed to carry into and out of the country any amount not exceeding RM1,000 per person and also export foreign currency not exceeding the equivalent of RM10,000 per person.

Those who are carrying in excess of these - when entering or leaving the country - are required to obtain permission from the Controller of Foreign Exchange and declare in the Traveller’s Declaration Form the exact amount of Ringgit carried. Approval is usually given within one day of application.

Non-residents are allowed to bring in any amount of foreign currency (including traveller’s cheques). However, declaration in the Disembarkation Card issued by the Immigration Department is required when an amount in excess of US$2,500 is brought into the country.

Non-residents must also obtain permission and declare Ringgit exceeding RM1,000 when leaving or entering the country. [ Top ]

Tipping

The custom of tipping is not practised in Malaysia. To tip or not depends entirely on you. Most hotels and large restaurants have already included a 10% service charge in addition to the 5% government tax to the bill (indicated by the ++ sign on menus and rate cards) so tipping is unnecessary.

Taxis in major cities are usually fitted with meters. The rates are currently at RM2 for the first two kilometres and 10 sen for every subsequent 200 metres. However, there’s a surcharge of 50% levied between midnight and 6am.

Tourist Police

Visitors who face unforeseen problems can always seek the aid of the Malaysian Tourist Police.

You can identify an officer by his or her attire - checkered hatband, dark blue shirt and trousers and a red and blue badge (with the letter "I" for information) displayed on the breast pocket.

These officers usually patrol tourist spots and protect the attractions/monuments as well as the safety of all visitors. [ Top ]

Kuala Lumpur Tourist Police:

Hotline (HQ)	(+603) 2149 6590
Enquiries	(+603) 2149 6593

Business Hours

Malaysia runs on a normal eight-hour working day system with Saturdays as a half-day workday and Sunday as a day of rest. All public service departments and some banks usually close on the first and third Saturday of the month.

However, the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah practice different office hours. Saturday to Wednesday are full working days while Thursday is treated as a half-day workday. The weekend starts on Friday.

Private sector hours are generally from 9am to 5pm (Monday-Friday) and 9am to 1pm (Saturday) while government office hours are usually from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Many private sector companies operate on a five-day week.

Immigration pointers

Visitors entering Malaysia must possess a valid passport or an internationally recognised travel document (valid for travel to Malaysia). Those who are not in possession of any of these must obtain a Document in lieu of Passport from the Malaysian Representative Office abroad. A passport is necessary for travel between Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak, as well as between Sabah and Sarawak. Malaysians from the Peninsula need either a passport or their identity card to enter Sabah and Sarawak. Visitors who come to Malaysia on a visa must get the document from the Malaysian Representative Office abroad before entering the country. A visa must be used within its validity period (normally three months). [ Top ]

However, visitors should note that a visa is not a guarantee for entering Malaysia. The final decision rests with the Immigration Officer at the entry point.

Immigration office (Visa enquiries)

(+603) 2095 5077

(+603) 2090 5672

(+603) 2094 5108

Customs & Excise Dept

(+603) 6201 6088

Airport Tax

Airport tax is charged upon departure and costs RM5 for domestic flights and RM40 for international flights. [ Top ]

Emergency Telephone numbers:

Police (general)/ Ambulance:	999
Fire/ Rescue:	994

Telephone codes: [ Top ]

Malaysia’s country code	60
Kuala Lumpur	03
Selangor	03
Perlis	04
Kedah	04
Penang	04
Perak	05
Melaka	06
Negri Sembilan	06
Johor	07
Kelantan	09
Terengganu	09
Pahang	09
Kuching	082
Miri, Sarawak	085
Labuan, Sarawak	087
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah	088
Singapore from Malaysia	02

What to Wear

Light, cool, and casual clothing is recommended all year round. For more formal occasions, men should wear jackets, ties, or long-sleeved batik shirts whereas women should wear dresses. [ Top ]

Water

It is generally safe to drink water straight from the tap, but it is safer to drink boiled water or bottled beverages.

Medical Services

Medical services are available in most towns at government hospitals and private clinics. Non-prescription drugs are available at pharmacies, as well as supermarkets, hotels, and shopping centers.

Local Touch

Food hawkers selling traditional and local delicacies make up the everyday scenes in big or small towns throughout the country. One can try "teh tarik", a smoothened, creamed tea, and "roti canai", a fluffy pancake prepared by a local person of Indian Muslim ancestry. Spicy Malay food, such as "nasi lemak" and various kinds of Chinese noodles are also popular. People from all walks of life frequent these food stalls.

As Malaysia is a multi-religious country, various Muslim mosques, Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, and Christian churches can be found almost anywhere. Despite the many changes and developments in the cities and big towns, Malaysia has many "kampung" (villages), jungles, beaches, and rice fields. Many houses in the "kampung" are built on stilts. Batik cotton fashion is popular in Malaysia . It can be used for casual wear, as well as formal functions.

Drug traffickers are sentenced to death by Malaysian Law. [ Top ]

Electrical Supply

Electric supply is on a 240-volt 50-cycle system.

Newspapers

English Language newspapers are available i.e. The New Straits Times, The Star, Business Times, Malay Mail, Daily Express, Sabah Daily News and Sarawak Tribune. International newspapers can be obtained at most bookshops and newsstands. Several dailies in other languages include Utusan Melayu, Berita Harian, Nanyang Siang Pan, Sin Chew Wit Poh and Tamil Nesan. There are also weeklies, such as the Leader and Straits Shipper.

Television

There are 4 television stations with TV 1 and TV 2 being government networks while the other two are privately run.

Radio

Radio services are in Bahasa Melayu, English, Chinese, and Tamil.

Health Services

In the event you need medical care, there are private clinics in most towns. It is a good idea to take out a medical insurance before you travel as Malaysia does not have reciprocal health service agreements with other nations. For over-the-counter prescriptions, there are pharmacies and 'Chinese medical halls'.

Health Regulations

No vaccination is required for cholera and smallpox. [ Top ]

Clothing

As Malaysia's climate is sunny almost year round, light clothing is ideal. It is advisable for ladies, when entering mosques and temples, to wear long sleeves and loose pants or long skirts.

Time

Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 16 hours ahead of United States Pacific Standard Time.

Etiquette

To avoid "cultural offenses," here are some tips:

Remove shoes when entering homes and places of worship.
Dress neatly in a suitable attire which covers arms and legs when visiting places of worship.
Handle food with your right hand.
Do not point your foot at someone.
When giving or receiving money gifts to/from a Malaysian, do so with your right hand. [ Top ]

About Malaysia

Malaysia, a land of instant smiles and incredible contrast beckons the visitor with a rich diversity of experiences. A charming fascinating land of warm, friendly people and, here you get the taste of Asia at its most, whatever your tour preferences are.

A land of fascinating sights and attractions. Rich in color and contrast, her multi-faceted charm provides intriguing, images that leave visitors in awe.

The natural warmth of Malaysians is legendary. Wherever one goes, the friendliness and hospitality of the people be a very special experience. Malaysia is paradise. Its sun-drenched beaches, enchanting islands, diverse flora and fauna, forest retreats and magnificent mountains are among the best in this region.

History Background

There is a strong interlink between the country's multi-racial and multicultural make-up and its history. Besides the local Malays and the native groups, immigrants from China, India, Indonesia and other parts of the world have all contributed to the multiracial composition of its population.

Its interesting cultural diversity can be largely attributed to the country's long and on-going interaction with the outside world and colonial rule by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. Consequently, the evolution of the country into a cultural melting pot is evident in the unique blend of religions, socio-cultural activities and traditions, dressing, languages and food. The country achieved independence on August 31, 1957 as The Federation of Malaya and with the subsequent entry of Sabah and Sarawak in 1963, Malaysia was formed. [ Top ]
People - Malaysia is a nation of diversity in unity where Malays, Chinese, Indians and the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak live in cultural harmony. Once you have overcome your jet-lag fatigue, step into the heart of Malaysia-the citizens of the country. You would be pleasantly surprised at the warmth of Malaysians. For deeply entrenched within each of the different race is the engaging charm and traditional hospitality which the country is renowned for. Malaysians enjoy meeting people from other lands. So, do go right ahead and strike up a conversation. After all, the whole point of traveling is to know other cultures.

Economy

Malaysia is one of the most developed countries in the ASEAN region. Its economy is largely dependent on manufacturing products such as electrical and electronic products, textiles, as well as rubber-based products, followed by the agricultural and mining sectors. Malaysia is also one of the world's largest exporters of palm oil, natural rubber, tropical timber, cocoa beans and pepper. Tourism is also a leading revenue earner.

Since Independence in 1957, it has moved away from its reliance on tin and rubber and diversified its economy by aggressively attracting investment, both foreign and domestic. After Singapore and Brunei, it is the most developed country in South-East Asia, with the highest standard of living. Malaysia's rapid increase in manufacturing has been achieved by modernising the country's transport, communications and energy infrastructure, developing industrial zones and offering substantial tax breaks for investors in export-oriented industries.

The Government has promoted a relatively open, market-oriented economy and has instituted significant reforms by dismantling many state-run enterprises and encouraging private enterprise to undertake many of the country's development projects. Through promoting a free market in some areas, the Government is also an investor in the economy (usually as a minority partner) and controls prices on some key commodities such as fuel and rice. [ Top ]

Language

The National Language, Bahasa Malaysia is established as such under Article 152 of the Constitution, which also safeguards other languages by stipulating that no person may be prohibited or prevented from using (except for official purposes) or from teaching or learning any other language. As the national language, Bahasa Malaysia has to be used for official purposes which includes its use by federal and state governments, and as defined by the constitutional amendment of 1971 by all authorities (including local authorities) and statutory bodies. By the same constitutional amendment the status of Bahasa Malaysia may not be questioned, and any amendment to Article 152 can only be made with the consent of the Conference of Rulers.

Geography

Malaysia is situated right in the heart of South East Asia and is divided into two geographical sections: Peninsular Malaysia and the East Malaysian provinces of Sabah and Sarawak in North Borneo. The two parts are separated 650km (403 miles) apart by the South China Sea. Peninsular Malaysia's neighbors are Thailand and Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak border Kalimantan (the Indonesian part of Borneo) and Sarawak surrounds the tiny enclave of Brunei. The Andaman Sea is on the West Coast of the peninsula. The East Coast of the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak all adjoin the South China Sea. [ Top ]

Peninsular Malaysia accounts for 40% of the country's landmass. There are several mountain ranges running north- south along the backbone of the peninsula. A wide, fertile plain trails the West Coast, while a narrow coastal plain runs along the east. Sabah and Sarawak are covered by dense jungles and have large river networks. These rivers are still the main means of transportation to the natives of these two states. Over 60% of the country is still rainforest, and there are 8000 species of flowering plants (in Peninsular Malaysia alone) which includes 2000 tree species, 800 different orchids and 200 types of palm, not forgetting a myriad of wildlife animals. There are also an abundance and variety of bird populations from all over the world that can be found in East Malaysia.

Climate

Malaysia is hot and humid all year round. With temperatures usually between 20-30°C (68-86°F); and humidity level at 90%. The wettest season on the West Coast of the peninsula is between September and December; on the East Coast and in Sabah and Sarawak, it's between October and February. Rain often comes in short, strong bursts and hides the sun but on temporarily. [ Top ]