If there’s one common theme on your flight to Malaysia it’s the variety of people traveling to this Asian country. Malaysia is home to many different races and ethnicities and because of this, there is something for everyone. If history, culture, food, nature or adventure is your bag, you’ll find in Malaysia. Surprisingly, with all Malaysia has to offer, it’s not a highly toured country so those travelers booking Malaysia flights and vacations will find a lot of unexplored land. In fact, many people travel to Malaysia to take advantage of its lush forests and parks, luxury resorts on white sand beaches, and some of the best shopping and cuisine in Southeast Asia.
What you won’t find on your trip to Malaysia are typical 21st century lifestyles. Sure, the capital of Kuala Lumpur is the destination starting point for most flights to Malaysia and it’s been modernized to fit the needs of travelers and tourists, but Malaysia as a whole is uncomplicated and simplistic.
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Malaysia has a tropical climate. It enjoys warm weather year-round with temperatures in the 73-88F range. Watch out for high humidity though. There are two distinct seasons: the dry season (between May and September – peak season) and the wet season (November to March – off-season).
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Peak season:
The east coast of the country is best seen between May and September.
Off season:
The west coast, October-November and April-May are best avoided due to the rains.
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Kuala Lumpur has a light rail system as well as buses, taxis and rental-car companies. Malaysia has a good public transportation system with buses and trains offering a fast and comfortable service. Trishaws – a three-wheel vehicle – are to be found in the cities. Tourists can hop around the major islands by ferry. Apart from Malaysia Airlines, domestic airlines serving the peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak include Sabah Air, Pelangi Air, Transmile, Berjaya Air and Air Asia.
The following chart gives approximate journey times from Kuala Lumpur (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in Malaysia.
| | Air | Road | Rail |
|---|
| Penang | 0.45 | 5.00 | 9.30 |
|---|
| Alor Setar | 0.45 | 7.00 | 7.30 |
|---|
| Johor Bahru | 0.35 | 3.00 | 6.00 |
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| Singapore | 0.45 | 6.00 | 7.00 |
|---|
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- The Petronas Towers, the world’s tallest twin buildings at 1,480 feet, define Kuala Lumpur. Walk the skybridge between the towers. A tie-in, the Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix takes place each March. The KL Menara Tower is 1,403 feet high and has a revolving restaurant at 925 feet.
- In Independence Square (Padang Merdeka) there are remnants of colonial times (such as the Tudor-style Royal Selangor Club and Sultan Abdul Samad Building, with Moorish influences and a clock tower, called Big Ben). Merdeka Square is where the Malayan flag was raised for the first time after Malaysia won its independence from the UK in 1957. The flagpole is 328 feet high, the tallest in the world.
- Another colonial relic is the Lake Gardens, which were laid out in the late-19th century. The enormous limestone Batu Caves, 9 miles north of the city, has a sacred Hindu shrine. Two museums that should be visited are the National Museum and the Islamic Arts Museum.
- Langkwai (a collection of 99 islands) and the island of Penang are world famous for their beautiful beaches, but there are a couple of different ways to see them. There is air trekking in Langkwai’s rainforest in the national parks such as Taman Negara, Mulu National Park and Mt Kinabalu Park or the cable-car ride up Mount Machincang, one of the steepest inclines in the world. On Penang, take the funicular train up Penang Hill, a journey that takes about 90 minutes.
- The Terengganu coast, on the eastern side of Malaysia, is one of only six spots in the world where giant Leatherback Turtles clamber ashore to lay eggs.
- In Sarawark, on Borneo, is Mulu National Park. The caves of Mulu have the largest cave passage in the world; the largest natural rock chamber and the longest cave system in South-East Asia.
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Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) (Sepang) is 34 miles south of Kuala Lumpur.
Kota Kinabalu (BKI) is 4 miles from the city and is the international gateway to Sabah (the northeastern part of Borneo Island).
Kuching (KCH) is 7 miles from the city and is the main gateway to Sarawak on the island of Borneo.
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Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay. All travelers require a return or onward ticket, and sufficient funds (at least $500). Entry will be refused to those of a "hippy" appearance and foreign women who are six months pregnant or more. Dual nationality is not recognized in Malaysia and those found holding two passports of different nationalities may be refused entry; it is advisable to enter Malaysia on the passport on which you exited your last country of departure.
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U.S. citizens must have a valid passport (valid for six months after entry). No visas are required for a stay of up to three months.
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