| FAQ
/ Visiting Malaysia
These FAQ should help to answer the most common questions.
It is not going to replace an e-mail chat with us or a travel
guide where you find more in depth information. Some items
like prices, times, may change without notice. Please don't
take it as gospel and double check before you travel. Should
you find information here that is outdated or wrong, please
e-mail us and let us know.
Is
Malaysia a safe place to travel?
Malaysia is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries
to visit in South-East Asia. It is buoyant and wealthy.
Malaysia is a multicultural nation of friendly, warm hearted
people.
As
with anywhere, (even at home in Western countries) it's
always a good idea to develop of strong "sixth sense"
of where and when things just aren't right.
Foreign
Affairs departments of all major nations offer "official
travel advice". We don't always agree with them as
we have usually more detailed information, but please judge
for yourself:
Top
Do I need a Passport or Visa?
A valid passport or other travel documents recognised by
the Malaysian government required by all. The former must
be valid for at least 6 months at date of entry and the
latter should be endorsed with a valid re-entry permit.
Note: All visitors must also have proof of adequate funds
and an onward or return sea or air ticket.
Visa Exemption
No visas are required for citizens of Commonwealth countries
(except Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), British
Protected Persons or citizens of the Republic of Ireland
and citizens of Switzerland, Netherlands, San Marino and
Liechtenstein.
Three Months Visa-Free Visit
Citizens of Albania, Austria, Algeria, Argentina, Bahrain,
Belgium, Czech Republic, Republic of Slovakia, Denmark,
Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy,
Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Lebanon, Morocco, Norway,
Oman, Qatar, Spain, South Korea, Republic of Bosnia, Sweden,
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, United States
of America, United Arab Emirates and Yemen are eligible
for three months visa free visit.
One Month Visa-Free Visit Applicable to citizens of ASEAN
countries.
14-Days
Visa-Free Visit
Citizens of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya and Syria are
eligible for 14-days visa free visit.
7-Days
Visa-Free Visit
Applicable to citizens of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Republic
of Belarus, Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kirghizstan,
Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia, Romania, Russia, Tajikistan,
Ukraine and Uzbekistan.
Important.
Should you be the passport-holder of a country which is
not mentioned above, or if you intend to enter Malaysia
other than by international flight, please contact your
nearest Malaysian Embassy before departure. As regulations
may change from time to time, it is advisable to check with
the nearest Malaysian Embassy before your departure
Top
When is the best weather to visit
and dive in Malaysia ?
Malaysia has an equtorial climate with fairly uniform temperatures
throughout the year. Temperatures range from 32 C during
the day to 22 C at night. It can be slightly cooler in the
hill country. (Rainfall is common throughout the year, averaging
200-250cm a year.) Lightweight or mixed-fibre clothing is
normal with only medium-weight woollens being required for
visits to the cooler highland areas.
Malaysia
has striking climatic variation from east to west. The east
gets the full fury of the monsoon between November and February.
The west, sheltered by the Barisan Titwansa range, has most
rainfall between March and April. Borneo lies between one
and eight degrees north of the equator, so is hot and sticky
all year round
If
planning a trip to Sipadan, Layang Layang or Mabul off the
coast of Sabah in Borneo, diving conditions are at their
best outside of typhoon season in February to November of
each year.
Top
Do I need vaccinations before I
travel to Malaysia ?
With all travels into tropical climate you should have an
active immunisation against tetanus and a current polio
protection. West Peninsula Malaysia is not a malarial zone.
East Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak in Borneo) is a malaria
zone. Please check with your physician or medical centre
on the type of prophylactic you should use and ask:
- Is it compatible with diving?
- What are the known side effects? Make sure you take
the appropriate medications in time before you start the
trip. Medications which have proven to be problematic
include LARIAM. Medications which are popular: Doxycycline,
sometimes in combination with Maloprin
Top
What do I need to know about the
currency?
The Malaysian currency is called the Ringgit. Ringgit
banknotes are issued in the following denominations: 2,
5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Ringgit. Smaller values are issued
as coins. 1 Ringgit = 100 Sen.
Local currency can be imported and exported for free up
to amounts of 1000 Ringgit.
Foreign currency can be imported for free and exported for
free up to amounts equivalent to or exceeding 10,000 Ringgit.
In
towns & dive resorts, major credit cards (MasterCard
and Visa) are widely accepted. AMEX and Diners cards are
not accepted in some places. Traveller cheques are the next
best thing, changeable at banks & money changers.
Top
Will my electrical appliances/computer/chargers
etc. work in Malaysia?
Voltage in Malaysia is 230 Volt. 220V appliances usually
work without problems. You have to bring a special adapter
for the 2-pronged sockets used in Malaysia. Some operators
provide special 110 Volt facilities for American clients.
Please check with us for details
Top
Can I use my drivers licence to
hire a car?
Malaysians drive their cars on the left hand side of the
road. If you are used to driving on the right hand side
then exercising a little caution at the beginning should
get used to the left hand side quickly. To hire a car a
valid national car drivers licence (in English) or a international
drivers licence is needed. Car hire is relatively expensive
in Malaysia. In most cases you will be better advised to
find a local guide to take you around and show you around
or
use the cheap, frequent public transport, rather
then driving yourself.
Top
Should I bring any special clothing?
Bring casual, light and comfortable clothes. The evenings
can get relatively cool with a sea breeze so something warm
for the evening is recommended. Bring some very light clothing
which offers sun protection for trips ashore to some of
the villages. If you plan to stay overnight in Kuala Lumpur
or Kota Kinabalu, dress is relaxed and casual, with a shirt
with collar, long pants and shoes for men and the women
dress equally tasteful. Bring:
- Slacks or other informal dress
- Long sleeved shirt
- Sweatshirt or jacket or windbreaker
- Walking shoes or sandals
- T-shirts
- Shorts
- Swim suits
- Sun hat
Top
How much tips do I need to give
?
No one in Malaysia expects tips for services. Tips have
never been part of the culture. This is not to say that
people don't like to be rewarded for very good service.
Tipping is a very personal decision, for tips are your ways
of expressing satisfaction. Our operators have a system
in place where all tips are shared equally between the staff.
Top
What is the time difference to
Malaysia ?
The Malaysian Time Zone is GMT +8 Hours.
Top
Are airport transfers included?
Most hotels, cruises or tour operators offer complimentary
pick up services from the airport. This will be marked clearly
on the product description.
|
Independent
