Traveling in Malaysia is easy, affordable, and exciting! Malaysia’s generous visa policy gives travelers from the U.S., Canada, and European Union up to 90 days to explore Kuala Lumpur, the rainforests (including a side trip to Borneo), and the many beautiful islands on both sides of the country. It provides opportunities to sample culture from a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous people all in one place. Kuala Lumpur is a melting pot of Middle Eastern, South Asian, and many other cultures. You’ll get to experience food, festivals, music, and traditions from many different ethnic groups — all in one place! Malaysia is very easy to travel. English is widely spoken; communicating rarely poses a problem in the top destinations around Malaysia. Roads and travel infrastructure are generally in good condition. Eating is inexpensive at street carts and in food courts, however, consuming alcohol is significantly more expensive than in Thailand.

The Kuala Lumpur area is served by two airports. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the city’s main international hub, is located a hefty 46 miles outside the city. It’s served by numerous international carriers, as well as national airline Malaysia Airlines and Malindo Air, a joint venture between Malaysia and Indonesia. Nearby, KLIA2 is a new complex purpose-built to serve low-cost carriers, including AirAsia, which flies to many international and domestic destinations. KL’s second airport, Skypark Subang Airport (Sultan Abdul Azia Shah Airport), located about 12 miles from the city, is served by Firefly, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines. It flies domestically and to Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. The rest of the country is dotted with more than 30 additional commercial domestic airports, served by Malaysia Air, AirAsia, Firefly, Malindo Air and MASwings (East Malaysia only).

Taxis are also widely available. In Kuala Lumpur, there are two types, regular cabs and more expensive “executive” or “premier” cabs, which are usually painted blue. It is mandatory for drivers to use the meter, aside from areas that operate on a pre purchased coupon system. Coupon system areas include rides from KLIA into the city (coupons can be purchased in the airport’s arrivals area; the price includes tolls), KL Sentral and some shopping malls. There is a charge for luggage transported in the trunk and extra passengers beyond two; from midnight to 6 a.m., there is also a 50 percent surcharge. Drivers may try to charge you an inflated flat rate elsewhere, particularly near upscale hotels, so negotiate and agree on a price before getting in the cab — or just walk away and look for a more honest driver. Most larger towns have a local public bus system, but schedules and routes can be difficult to find or tough to decipher. Get help at your lodging for information on pertinent routes. Malaysia by Train Peninsular Malaysia is served by 1,149 miles of rails, with a main line stretching from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur and northward to Thailand. They also head off from the main line to the country’s northeast corner, not far from Kota Bharu. This modern national train service is operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTMB), with its main hub at KL’s Sentral Train Station. There are two types of rail service: Express trains, which are air conditioned and have a choice of two to three classes of seating (premier, superior and sometimes economy), as well as three classes of overnight service with berths. Local trains, which are typically only economy class, though some may have superior-class seats. Because of frequent stops, these trains can take twice as long to reach a destination as the express trains. Malaysia by Bus A number of long-distance bus services operate in Malaysia. Konsortium Transnasional Berhad includes several bus brands, including Transnasional, Cityliner and Plusliner. These buses tend to be slower and may or may not have air conditioning. More upscale bus offerings include Aeroline, First Coach, Nice Executive Coach and Super Nice. These lines are typically air conditioned and may even have meal service. For a small upcharge, they’re well worth it. Traveling by Ferry in Malaysia Ferries serve a number of domestic and international destinations from Peninsular Malaysia, including links with Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. East Malaysia is served by local ferries, as well as service connecting to Brunei and the Philippines.

Malaysia allows visa free stays to most foreign nationals, but all visitors entering Malaysia must be in possession of a valid passport or other internationally recognized travel documents, endorsed for travelling in Malaysia and with a validity period of at least six months beyond the time of stay allowed in Malaysia. As regulations may change from time to time, it is advisable to check with the nearest Malaysian Embassy before your departure.

In Malaysia, there are three major ethnic groups; Malays, Indians, and Chinese. Handshakes are appropriate only amongst men; only use your right hand. Women should greet men with a nod and smile; while greeting women, men may bow while placing their hand on their heart. Address delegates with the appropriate honorific or academic titles (Ms/Mrs/Mr/Dr) Elders, people of higher rank, and women should be introduced and greeted first. In Dining Business entertaining is very important for establishing strong relationships with Malaysians Do not serve port, beef, or alcohol Seating should be pre-arranged according to hierarchy Guest of honour should be given the best sear; usually the furthest from the entrance The host should be seated at the immediate left of the guest of honour Wait for the person of the highest importance to sit first before you do Always use your right hand for eating and passing food; do not use your left hand as it is considered unclean Utensils or hands may be used depending on the ethnic descent of the guest; Malaysians or Indians may use forks and spoons while the Chinese may use chopsticks and spoons Leaving food on the plate is disrespectful; clear your plate of the food that you are served It is common for Malaysians to use toothpicks at the table

January– Thaipusam Over a million Hindus gather every year at various temples nationwide to celebrate Thaipusam. The exact date of this important Hindu event is based on the full moon day in the month of Thai (January/February) in the Hindu calendar. Thaipusam is a celebration dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Murugan (youngest son of Shiva and his wife Parvati). The celebrations take place on a grand scale at the Batu Caves (Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple) just outside of Kuala Lumpur. Besides the Batu Caves; Hindus also gather at the Balathan­dayuthapani Temple or Waterfall Hill Temple in Penang, the Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Sungai Petani (Kedah), and the Sri Subramaniar Swamy Temple in Ipoh (Perak). February– Chinese New Year Chinese New Year is the largest Chinese Festival in Malaysia. During the event, you’ll see lion and dragon dances around the city, which involve people dressing in costumes to perform ritualist dances for good luck and to chase evil spirits away. Chinese Malaysians will have the dances performed at their homes, shops, businesses. Some cities have lion dances, performances and traditional music in public ceremonies. Malls and public spaces have red lanterns for decoration. Children and teenagers traditionally get ‘ang pow’, a red packet filled with lucky money. Red is the colour of good luck in Chinese culture. Mandarin oranges are very popular during this festival, and every house you visit will give you an orange. The Lantern Festival concludes the 15 days of Chinese New Year. Children will attend temples in the evenings carrying paper lanterns. March – Miri AfroLatin Fiesta Miri Afrolatin Fiesta is a dance event that gathers international dance artists from the US, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Kenya, Luxemburg, Australia etc. who will organise Afro Latin dance workshops in Miri. AfroLatin dances originated from Arican and Latin background such as Salsa, Semba, Bachata, Pachanga and Kizomba. These are social dances that you can dance alone, or as a couple and in a group. A Sunset Beach Pre-party will be held on the first day at Piasau Boat Club Miri. Some exciting activities during the party include ice-breaking beach games, dancing activities as well as a two-hour workshop. BBQ dinner will be served for all participants. There will be a dancing competition to showcase your passion in dancing to others during the fiesta. Dubbed the 1st Miri Creative Dance Competition, all participants will get the chance to dance in front of the international artists coming from all over the world. Meanwhile, a Gala Night Dinner as well as a Kizomba Bootcamp will be conducted by Dewa & Kung from Bali, Indonesia. April- Regatta Lepa Semporna The Regatta Lepa Semporna is an annual State event that pay homage to the lepa; a traditional single-mast sailing boat of the Bajau of Semporna. A flotilla of colourful boats dot the Celebes Sea as they compete for the title of ‘Most Beautiful Lepa’. The celebration continues with various cultural performances, the Lepa Beauty Pageant, cultural performances, fireworks display as well as traditional and contemporary sports and games. May – Wesak Day Wesak Day is a holiday observed traditionally by the devout worshipers of Lord Buddha, the Enlightened One. Wesak Day is celebrated by Buddhists throughout the world especially in Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, Bangladesh and South East Asian countries which include Indonesia, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia. Wesak Day, or sometimes known as Wesakha, is informally referred to as ‘Buddha’s Birthday’, with the special day being commemorated in honoring the birth, enlightenment (nirvana) as well as passing away (Parinirvana) of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. The holiday is usually known by its Sanskrit name in Mahayana Buddhist traditions. Every year in Malaysia, thousands of devotees from all walks of life gather in the spirit of Buddha. At the Malaysian Buddhist Association, ardent devotees queued patiently to take turns to bathe the Buddha statue, which is a special ritual that represents the purification and cleansing of one’s soul. Aside from that, devotees who go into the shrine hall are able to light the lotus-shaped candles and seek Buddha’s blessings. At the end of the prayers, well-wishers and devotees come together to dine on simple offerings of vegetarian food and drinks. June -Gawai Harvest Festival Gawai is Sarawak’s version of the Harvest Festival. Indigenous groups including the Bidayuh, Murut, Kayan and Iban take part in one of the state’s largest and most popular festivals. In the same way as Kaamatan, Gawai was once a pagan festival that has evolved into more of a public party rather than religious celebration. Sarawakians often have lots of open houses with an abundance of food and drink. Friends and family will come, and it’s typical to visit multiple open-houses in one day. Sarawak’s version of rice wine is called ‘tuak’ and drank in large volumes throughout the day. They also have a beauty pageant called Kumang and Keling Gawai where both men and women can enter. Gawai culminates with the crowning of the King and Queen (Keling and Kumang) of the Festival. July – Rainforest World Music Festival, Kuching, Sarawak The Rainforest World Music Festival is a unique festival that brings together on the same stage renowned world musicians from all continents and indigenous musicians from the interiors of the mythical island of Borneo. Its formula of afternoon informative workshops, ethno-musical lectures, jamming sessions and mini concerts, followed by evening performances on the main stage has proven to be a hit with the audience, who come from near and far. The festival site also sets up a variety of food and drink stalls, an arts and crafts area as well as a counter for festival memorabilia, Sarawak souvenirs and CDs by the performing artists, all this contributing to a fun filled, wholesome festival experience. World Music plus a country fair atmosphere in the midst of lush greenery. The Rainforest World Music Festival, a not-to-be-missed occasion, guarantees a smashing time in the heart of the Borneo Jungle ! August – Kuching festival Kuching festival is an annual event organized by Kuching South City Council to commemorate Kuching being elevated to City status on 1st August 1988 and it is held to boost local tourism and food industry. Ample activities are lined up for 2 weeks to attract local and tourist alike. Among the activities, Food Fair is the most sought beside the Trade Fair, the Nightly Entertainment and the Garden Show. September – Citrawarna @Kuala Lumpur Citrawarna is an annual festival organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia which incorporate a variety of components including street performances, dance routines and cultural demonstrations. October– Tamu Besar Once a year in October, the Big Market comes to Kota Belud, with local traders selling the best of regional produce. Market aside, Bajau horsemen ride in from surrounding villages on splendidly decorated horses and wearing multicoloured satin ‘armour’. Buffalo racing and the crowning of the Sarempak and Seremsip beauty queens are part of the festivities. November– Deepavali Deepavali is celebrated to ward off evil forces and to bring in peace and harmony in the lives of the people. Also known as Diwali, it is celebrated to worship Goddess Laxmi, the deity of wealth. The festival of lights continues for five long days. Deepavali is a festival of the Hindus that signifies the victory of good over evil. This festival is celebrated exactly 20 days after the celebration of Dusshera, another major Hindu festival. On this day of Deepavali, Goddess for wealth and prosperity is worshipped. People illuminate their houses and streets with lights and earthen lamps to lighten up the night. ‘Deep’ meaning earthen lamps justifies the sacredness of the festival. The festival of lights continues for five long days. The first day of the festival is called Dhanteras. The second day is the ‘Narkachaturdashi’ or ‘Choti Diwali’. Diwali falls on the third day while the fourth and fifth day of Deepavali is celebrated in a different way in various parts of India. Deepavali falls on the day of Amavasya or the no moon night during the month of Ashwin of the Hindu calendar.In the late evening when it becomes dark, lamps are lit to illuminate and brighten up everything around. December – The Dragon Boat Festival The Penang International Dragon Boat Festival is Penang’s biggest event and a tourist’s favourite. This annual two day festival is organised by the Penang State Tourism starts from 9:00am to 5:00pm. More than 40 Malaysian and international racers come to the Teluk Bahang Dam, which is located 18 kilometres from Georgetown, to compete against each other in colourful traditional boats accompanied by drum beats. Competitors come from around South East Asia including Singapore, Hong Kong and China. If you get the chance to attend, there’s also lots of local food on sale and performances to entertain the crowd. The Dragon Boat Festival is a unique experience and is a favourite for both locals and tourists who are in Penang.

Resident travelers are not allowed to take out more than the equivalent of RM 10,000.- worth of any foreign currency from Malaysia (i.e. maximum of RM 10,000.- worth of foreign currencies). Non-resident travelers are not allowed to take our not more than the amount of foreign currencies which they had brought in at the time of their arrival.

English is widely spoken throughout Malaysia. Asian Trails provide guides in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese languages to foreign visitors requiring assistance. Road signs are written in both in Bahasa Melayu and English throughout Malaysia.

In relation to its racial diversity, the country offer visitors an exciting culinary experience. Eating out Malaysian style ranges from a five star extravaganza in a colonial setting to side walk stalls where the choice of food is never ending. One can dine on sizzling sticks of satay, assortment of noodles cooked in Hokkien and Cantonese styles, Chinese “Dim Sum”, spicy curries served with banana leave rice, nyonya delicacies and many other culinary delights.

Kuala Lumpur, like other large cities in the world, is confronted with the problem of touts. Should you get a telephone call offering you a free tour, be very careful! It is usually someone’s intention to lure you into doing expensive shopping or pay a high price for other tour arrangements. It is a fact of life that nothing is free of charge, especially if offered by a stranger. Our advice thus – stay away from them! For further information or assistance please do not hesitate to contact us to help you to double check your arrangements. Also, if you receive a call for amending departure time of tours, etc., you are kindly requested to double check with us. Keep a healthy portion of mistrust also against strangers approaching you. However, despite these warnings, there is no need to be anxious as touts are quite harmless, so just smile and walk on. All in all take care but be not afraid.

Though the standard of hygiene in Malaysia is high, we recommend to drink bottled water only which is widely available throughout the country. Food is generally ok to eat even at traditional food stalls anywhere in Malaysia. Please guard against sunburn and dehydration as the tropical heat is much stronger than it seems.

Malaysia can be visited throughout the year. There are two not very marked seasons – a moderately wet and a moderately dry season. Thunderstorms are frequent in the late afternoons because of its high humidity, but they are brief and seldom dampen the mood for outdoor activities. The East coast of Peninsular Malaysia is avoided during the monsoon period beginning in late November, when most of the island resorts take a break, to revive their vitality to receive visitors again in March. The average temperature ranges from 24 degree Celsius to 32 degree Celsius in the lowlands.

Below is our cancellation and refund policy: 🔸 60 days prior to arrival date: No cancellation charge for the land cost. We guarantee 100% of the land cost back. The airline cancellation fees are applied according to the airline's policy. 🔸 59 - 30 days prior to arrival date: 5% cancellation charge + airfare cancellation fees 🔸 29 - 15 days prior to arrival date: 10% + airfare cancellation fees. 🔸 14 - 8 days prior to arrival date: 40 + airfare cancellation fees. 🔸 7 days prior to arrival date: 100% 🔸 No show: 100% Please note that the domestic flight tickets in the package are non-refundable