Malaysia
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About Malaysia
A blend of fantastic food, breathtaking wildlife-filled rainforests, idyllic islands, and cities so urbanely dynamic, Malaysia is heaven on earth. Discover how it is taming the sweeping wave of avant-gardism, retaining its exotic, authentic cultural and ecological beauty.
Kuala Lumpur is bustling with contemporary infrastructural marvels; towering skyscrapers, air-conditioned mega malls, and a growing list of international shopping brands. Yet, Melaka and George Town retain their decades’ old idiosyncratic architectural and cultural faces, providing a sharp contrast to the ferocious wave of modernity to dazzle and fascinate.
Love some adventure? Sunbathe or go on a scuba-diving expedition at the Langkawi Island archipelago as you enjoy Nasi Kandar and other delicacies hawked on stalls-on-wheels, makeshift beachside restaurants and food courts.
Go on a thrilling outing, visiting the breathtaking tea plantations and learn how their teas are prepared. Learn about the growing cultural diversity bringing together native Malay, Chinese, Indian, European, Arabic, and Peranakan people, plus the secret to their harmonious living.
Sign off with a sightseeing visit of Malaysian wildlife, birdlife, and insects in their natural habitat; trek the Taman Negara park, including the famous rope walkway, or spot orangutans in Sepilok.
Visitor Requirements for United States citizens
Immigration offenses, such as visa overstaying, are punishable by caning.
Health
Safety
Do Not Travel to Malaysia due to COVID-19. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Malaysia due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country. Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine. Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC's specific recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.
There are restrictions in place affecting U.S. citizen entry into Malaysia. Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 and related restrictions and conditions in Malaysia.
Exercise Increased Caution in:
- The eastern area of Sabah State due to kidnapping.
Read the country information page.
If you decide to travel to Malaysia:
- See the U.S. Embassy's web page regarding COVID-19.
- Visit the CDC’s webpage on Travel and COVID-19.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
- Review the Country Security Report for Malaysia.
- U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
Eastern Area of Sabah State
There is a threat of kidnappings-for-ransom from both terrorist and criminal groups. These groups may attack with little to no warning, targeting coastal resorts, island resorts, and boats ferrying tourists to resort islands.
The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in eastern Sabah as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel to parts of eastern Sabah.
Last Update: Reissued with updates to COVID-19 information.
Money
Tipping generally isn't expected in most places but is appreciated if given.
Tour guides: Tip RM 20-30 per day per person for a private tour. 10% to a group tour guide if they did a great job.
Restaurants: A 10% service charge is usually included already. You can round up the bill for great service.
Infrastructure
People & Culture
Getting Around
Map of Malaysia
Cities in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, George Town, and more. Guides for each coming soon.