Whether you’re transiting for 24 hours in Kuala Lumpur, planning for a getaway, or an extended stay, here are my go-to essential travel resources that will help make your trip to Malaysia smooth and enjoyable.
From finding accommodation to booking tours, here are the pocket travel essentials you need to know.
The ABCs of Malaysia
🌞 Tropical Climate – Light, breathable clothing is essential, and an umbrella or raincoat is a must for sudden tropical showers!
📖 Bahasa Malaysia is the official language – Although English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, learning a few phrases in Bahasa Malaysia like “Terima kasih” (Thank you) and “Selamat pagi” (Good morning) will earn you smiles from the locals.
👑 Federation with a Unique Royal Constitution – Malaysia has a unique political system, with a constitutional monarchy that rotates among nine royal families. Every five years, a new Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) is chosen from the sultans, making Malaysia one of the few countries with a rotating monarchy.
📆 Endless Public Holidays – Malaysia has plenty of public holidays, celebrating festivals like Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali. Be aware that many shops and services may close during these festive periods!
☕ Kopitiam Culture – While other countries have cafés or tea houses, we have kopitiams that serve local coffee, kaya toast, and soft-boiled eggs – only can be found in Malaysia
Transportation
- Grab / InDrive | Malaysia’s go-to app for ride-hailing services, these two offer convenient and affordable transportation within major cities and tourist areas.
- KLIA Ekspres | If you’re flying into Kuala Lumpur, the KLIA Ekspres is the fastest way to get from the airport to the city center, offering a seamless transfer in just 30 minutes.
- Easybook | Planning to explore Malaysia by bus, ferry, or train? Easybook lets you book tickets for various routes across Malaysia, including long-distance travel.
- Rentalcars.com | For those wanting to explore at their own pace, Rentalcars.com offers great car hire options in Malaysia, giving you flexibility and convenience.
- LRT/MRT/Monorail | The most straightforward and practical choice for exploring the capital of Malaysia quickly with our public transportation.
Accommodation
- Booking.com | Our go-to for booking hotels and guesthouses in Malaysia. With a wide range of options, it’s easy to find deals that fit your budget, and you can manage all your bookings in one place.
- Trip.com | Known for competitive prices and frequent promotions, Trip.com offers a wide selection of accommodation options in Malaysia, ranging from luxury resorts to budget hotels.
- Agoda | Especially popular in Asia, Agoda often has some of the best rates on hotels, particularly in Malaysia’s major cities and tourist spots.
- Hostelworld | If you’re traveling on a budget, Hostelworld is perfect for finding affordable, well-rated hostels all across Malaysia, including in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
Phone Plans
- Purchase SIM Card at the Airport | For the best deals, grab a prepaid SIM card (e.g., Celcom Digi, Maxis) upon arrival at major airports in Malaysia right before immigration.
- Data Roaming Services | If you prefer not to buy a local SIM card, many international telecom providers offer affordable data roaming packages for Malaysia. With apps like Airalo or Flexiroam, you can purchase eSIM data plans online, giving you instant connectivity without switching SIM cards.
Insurance
- Allianz Travel Insurance | Allianz provides comprehensive travel insurance packages, including options for medical emergencies and lost luggage, making it a reliable choice for your trip to Malaysia.
- World Nomads | A trusted name for travel insurance, World Nomads covers everything from medical emergencies to trip cancellations, giving you peace of mind while traveling through Malaysia.
- SafetyWing | Known for its affordable rates, SafetyWing offers travel insurance tailored for long-term travelers and digital nomads, with coverage in Malaysia and beyond.
Amazing Activities!
- Klook | Specializing in Asia, Klook is a favorite for finding discounted tours, activities, and attraction tickets in Malaysia, from the Petronas Towers to nature tours in Borneo.
- GetYourGuide | Explore Malaysia’s top attractions and hidden gems with ease. GetYourGuide offers curated tours and activities, from city tours in Kuala Lumpur to snorkeling trips in Langkawi.
- Viator | Another great platform for booking tours in Malaysia, Viator offers a variety of experiences,, including cultural tours, outdoor adventures, and island-hopping excursions.