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Official name: Malaysia
Capital city: Kuala Lumpur
Languages spoken: Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin, Tamil
Population: Around 34 million
Currency: Malaysian ringgit (MYR)
Time zone: GMT+8
Driving side: Left
Climate: Hot and humid year-round, with short bursts of tropical rain that often clear to sunshine within hours
Malaysia is a diverse Southeast Asian country split between Peninsular Malaysia and the island of Borneo. It blends modern cities like Kuala Lumpur with lush rainforests, coral-fringed islands, and traditional villages. Its multicultural society - Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous groups - shapes everything from food to festivals. With a growing economy and a focus on tourism, Malaysia offers both urban sophistication and natural wonders.
Malaysia’s territory is divided between the Malay Peninsula, which borders Thailand and Singapore, and the northern part of Borneo, which it shares with Indonesia and Brunei. The landscape varies from coastal plains to forested mountains, with Mount Kinabalu in Sabah rising to 4,095 metres. Extensive rainforest areas are home to orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and remarkable biodiversity.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport is the main entry point, with regional hubs in Penang, Langkawi, and Kota Kinabalu. Malaysia has a good network of domestic flights, buses, and trains. Long-distance buses are cheap and frequent, while trains connect major cities and extend into Thailand and Singapore. Driving is straightforward, though traffic in cities can be heavy. Ferries link the islands and East Malaysia.
UK citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Passports must be valid for at least six months on entry. Longer stays for work, study, or residence require appropriate visas. The British High Commission is located in Kuala Lumpur.
The Malaysian ringgit (MYR) is the official currency. ATMs are widely available, and credit and debit cards are commonly accepted in cities and tourist areas. Cash is still useful in rural markets and smaller towns. Malaysia offers good value for money, though prices vary between the peninsula and Borneo.
Healthcare in Malaysia is of a relatively high standard in urban areas, with many private hospitals and English-speaking doctors. Rural facilities are more basic. Dengue fever and other mosquito-borne illnesses are present, so precautions are essential. Tap water is not always safe to drink; bottled or boiled water is recommended. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised, covering medical treatment and evacuation if necessary.
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