Malaysia

'Selamat Datang' is the traditional Malaysian greeting that welcomes visitors to this vibrant and exotic country. Ethnically diverse cultures share the same lush landscape and create a fusion of cultural styles, cooking and religions that is distinctly Malaysian. Festivals throughout the year mark the Malay, Chinese and Indian holidays, as well as those of the indigenous Orang Asli and the tribes of Sabah and Sarawak.

Malaysia is a country with two distinct parts. Peninsula Malaysia constitutes the long fringe of land, extending down from Asia, which borders Thailand and Singapore. The South China Sea separates the mainland from the less populated East Malaysian provinces of Sabah and Sarawak. The dense jungles of Sabah and Sarawak support abundant plant and wildlife and Mt Kinabalu in Sabah stakes its claim as the highest peak in South East Asia.

It is the Peninsula that seems to attract the most visitors, probably because of the diversity it offers in the way of people, activities and climates. The highland regions offer cool relief from the clinging humidity of the mainland, while Langkawi is the popular choice for sand and surf enthusiasts. The east coast, particularly the northern Kelantan province, offers the chance for an interesting cultural exploration of traditional Malay life. The city of Kota Bharu and its surrounds is possibly the most fascinating part of the peninsula, and the least visited, with a remote beauty and rich culture. The west coast is favoured for historical interest, and is where Malaysia's capital city, Kuala Lumpur is to be found, the icon of Asian prosperity and the meeting point for expats and city slickers who enjoy the energy of urban life. The city is a powerful mesh of tradition and technology, vying for equal status.

Climate

Malaysia has a tropical, humid climate with temperatures averaging 86°F (30°C), though it is cooler in the highland areas. The major change in seasons is marked by the arrival of the monsoons that bring heavy downpours on the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia, the northeastern part of Sabah and the western end of Sarawak (from November to February). Boat trips to the islands do not run during the height of the monsoon. The best time to visit Malaysia is between April and October.

Money

The Malaysian Ringit (MYR), also referred to as the Malaysian Dollar, is divided into 100 sen. Malaysian banks charge in the region of US$2-3 for foreign exchange transactions. Moneychangers are generally quicker to deal with and do not charge commission; their rates however are variable. Pounds or dollars are the easiest to exchange. Travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and some hotels. All major credit cards are accepted at upmarket hotels, shops and restaurants. ATMs are widely available.

Passport Visa

Foreign passengers to Malaysia are required to hold sufficient funds (at least USD 500) to cover their expenses while in the country, and return/onward tickets and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. If passengers are not in possession of a return/onward ticket, they will be requested to purchase one. Note that admission will be refused to foreign ladies in an advanced stage of pregnancy (six months or more), except if they are in transit, for a maximum period of 72 hours (no extensions allowed). Also note that foreign nationals who have previously worked in Malaysia, and whose previous work visa is endorsed "COM", will not be allowed to return to Malaysia to work for six months. If they intend to return for a social visit, they will be subject to an interview on arrival, and will not always be guaranteed entry. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Malaysia, if arriving within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Malaysia. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.
• British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Malaysia. No visa is required for holders of British passports, irrespective of the endorsement regarding their national status contained therein, for stays of up to three months.
• Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Malaysia. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.
• Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Malaysia. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months. Note that visa exemptions apply to holders of an APEC business travel card, provided that the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Malaysia. In such cases, a 'visit pass' will be issued upon arrival.
• South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Malaysia. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.
• Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Malaysia. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.
• New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of their arrival in Malaysia. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months. Note that visa exemptions apply to holders of an APEC business travel card, provided that the back of the card states that it is valid for travel to Malaysia. In such cases, a 'visit pass' will be issued upon arrival.

Health

Some tropical illnesses are prevalent in Malaysia and travellers should seek medical advice regarding any recommended vaccinations before travelling. Hepatitis A and B are common, as is dengue fever, which has no vaccination or immunisation. There has been an increase in cases of dengue fever since January 2005. Malaria risks are isolated to the inland regions; the exception is Sabah, where there is an all-year risk. Visitors should stick to bottled water and avoid uncooked meat, fish and vegetables, unpeeled fruit, ice and salads. A further health hazard in Malaysia is smoke haze and air pollution, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, which has the worst air quality in Asia with very high Benzene pollution levels. This could aggravate cardiac or respiratory problems. The hospitals in Kuala Lumpur and other cities are of a high standard. Medical insurance is recommended. Travellers older than one year coming from infected areas require a yellow fever vaccination certificate.

Embassy Consulates

• Malaysian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 572 9700.
• Malaysian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7235 8033.
• Malaysian High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 241 5182.
• Malaysian High commission, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 61 200 300.
• Malaysian High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 342 5990.
• Malaysian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 667 7280.
• Malaysian High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 385 2439.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Kuala Lumpur: +60 (0)3 2168 5000.
• British High Commission, Kuala Lumpur: +60 (0)3 2170 2200.
• Canadian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur: +60 (0)3 2718 3333.
• Australian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur: +60 (0)3 2146 5555.
• South African High Commission, Kuala Lumpur: +60 (0)3 2170 2400.
• Irish Embassy, Kuala Lumpur: +60 (0)3 2161 2963.
• New Zealand High Commission, Kuala Lumpur: +60 (0)3 2078 2533.