Malaysia operates on Malaysia Standard Time (MYT), UTC +8. This is 7 hours ahead of Central European Time (CET) during winter and 6 hours ahead of Central European Summer Time (CEST).

The official currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).

Malaysia uses the metric system.

Malaysia uses Type G plugs (230 V, 50 Hz). If you're travelling from most European countries, you'll need a travel adapter.

Malaysia has a well-developed transport network. Modern trains and long-distance buses connect the major cities, while domestic flights make travelling between Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo quick and convenient. Ferries are the main way to reach islands such as Tioman and Langkawi. In cities, ride-hailing services like Grab offer an affordable and reliable alternative to traditional taxis.

As a multicultural country, Malaysia celebrates a wide variety of religious and national holidays throughout the year. New Year's Day (1 January) Chinese New Year Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr) Hari Raya Haji (Eid al-Adha) Wesak Day (Buddha's Birthday) Deepavali National Day (31 August) Malaysia Day (16 September) Christmas Day

Be polite and greet people with a smile. Friendly and respectful behaviour is highly appreciated. Remove your shoes before entering private homes, mosques and some accommodation. Dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Covering your shoulders and knees is recommended. Use your right hand when giving or receiving items or when eating with your hands. Ask for permission before taking photographs of people, especially in rural communities or during religious ceremonies. Respect nature. Stay on marked trails, avoid touching coral reefs and observe wildlife from a respectful distance. Try the local cuisine. Malaysia's street food culture offers an authentic taste of the country's diverse culinary heritage. Be mindful of local customs. Traditions and cultural norms may vary between regions and communities.

Avoid excessive public displays of affection. Holding hands is generally acceptable, but more intimate gestures are considered inappropriate in many places. Don't touch another person's head, particularly a child's, as the head is regarded as a sacred part of the body in many cultures. Don't point at people with your index finger. Instead, gesture with your whole hand or thumb. Avoid loud or confrontational discussions about religion or politics, as these topics can be sensitive. Don't enter religious buildings wearing revealing clothing or shoes where footwear must be removed. Don't leave rubbish behind. Responsible behaviour helps protect Malaysia's beaches, coral reefs and other fragile ecosystems. Don't touch or feed wild animals. Whether you're observing sea turtles, monkeys or other wildlife, always keep a respectful distance. Don't underestimate the tropical sun. Drink plenty of water and use appropriate sun protection, particularly during outdoor activities.

Malaysia has around 35 million inhabitants. The majority live on the Malay Peninsula, particularly in the greater Kuala Lumpur area and along the west coast. East Malaysia on Borneo is significantly less densely populated.

The official language is Malay (Bahasa Malaysia). English is widely spoken, especially in tourism, business and universities. In addition, numerous Chinese dialects and Tamil are spoken.

Malaysia is one of the strongest economies in Southeast Asia. Key sectors include electronics, semiconductor manufacturing, palm oil, petroleum, tourism, and increasingly research and services.

Malaysia is a federal parliamentary monarchy consisting of 13 states. The country is considered relatively politically stable and has a well-developed infrastructure and a functioning healthcare system.

Around 60% of the population is Muslim. Large Buddhist, Christian and Hindu communities also coexist peacefully. This cultural diversity shapes daily life, architecture and the country’s numerous religious festivals.

Malaysia

Travel Guide Malaysia

Malaysia brings together tropical rainforests, spectacular islands, vibrant cities and an incredible cultural diversity in one destination. Whether you're trekking through ancient jungle, diving among colourful coral reefs or spotting endangered wildlife such as sea turtles, orangutans and proboscis monkeys, this Southeast Asian country offers countless opportunities for meaningful nature experiences.

At the same time, Malay, Chinese and Indian influences shape everyday life, making Malaysia one of Asia's most fascinating travel destinations.

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Highlights in Malaysia

Located off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Tioman Island is a tropical paradise of lush rainforest, white sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs. It is one of the country's most important nesting sites for Green Sea Turtles and critically endangered Hawksbill Turtles, making it an ideal destination for marine conservation, snorkelling and diving.

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Geography of Malaysia

Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia and consists of two separate regions divided by the South China Sea: Peninsular Malaysia in the west and Malaysian Borneo in the east. Together, they boast more than 4,600 kilometres of coastline. The country shares borders with Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei, while vast areas are covered by tropical rainforest. Rivers, mangrove forests, limestone formations and hundreds of islands create an incredibly diverse landscape.

Geomorphology and Geology

Malaysia's landscape has been shaped by millions of years of tectonic activity, resulting in remarkable geological diversity. Forest-covered mountain ranges rise above 4,000 metres in the interior, while mangrove forests, river deltas and sandy beaches dominate much of the coastline. The country is particularly well known for its spectacular limestone karst formations and extensive cave systems. Offshore, vibrant coral reefs provide some of Malaysia's most biodiverse marine habitats.

Travel tips and useful information for Malaysia

Malaysia has a well-developed transport network. Modern trains and long-distance buses connect the major cities, while domestic flights make travelling between Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo quick and convenient. Ferries are the main way to reach islands such as Tioman and Langkawi. In cities, ride-hailing services like Grab offer an affordable and reliable alternative to traditional taxis.
As a multicultural country, Malaysia celebrates a wide variety of religious and national holidays throughout the year.
- New Year's Day (1 January)
- Chinese New Year
- Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr)
- Hari Raya Haji (Eid al-Adha)
- Wesak Day (Buddha's Birthday)
- Deepavali
- National Day (31 August)
- Malaysia Day (16 September)
- Christmas Day

Etiquette in Malaysia

- Be polite and greet people with a smile. Friendly and respectful behaviour is highly appreciated.
- Remove your shoes before entering private homes, mosques and some accommodation.
- Dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. Covering your shoulders and knees is recommended.
- Use your right hand when giving or receiving items or when eating with your hands.
- Ask for permission before taking photographs of people, especially in rural communities or during religious ceremonies.
- Respect nature. Stay on marked trails, avoid touching coral reefs and observe wildlife from a respectful distance.
- Try the local cuisine. Malaysia's street food culture offers an authentic taste of the country's diverse culinary heritage.
- Be mindful of local customs. Traditions and cultural norms may vary between regions and communities.
- Avoid excessive public displays of affection. Holding hands is generally acceptable, but more intimate gestures are considered inappropriate in many places.
- Don't touch another person's head, particularly a child's, as the head is regarded as a sacred part of the body in many cultures.
- Don't point at people with your index finger. Instead, gesture with your whole hand or thumb.
- Avoid loud or confrontational discussions about religion or politics, as these topics can be sensitive.
- Don't enter religious buildings wearing revealing clothing or shoes where footwear must be removed.
- Don't leave rubbish behind. Responsible behaviour helps protect Malaysia's beaches, coral reefs and other fragile ecosystems.
- Don't touch or feed wild animals. Whether you're observing sea turtles, monkeys or other wildlife, always keep a respectful distance.
- Don't underestimate the tropical sun. Drink plenty of water and use appropriate sun protection, particularly during outdoor activities.

Climate in Malaysia

Malaysia has a tropical humid climate with year-round high temperatures between 25 and 32°C. High humidity and regular rainfall are present throughout the year. Monsoon seasons vary significantly by region: on the east coast, the rainy season occurs between November and February, while the west coast is generally drier during this period. Nevertheless, many regions offer good conditions year-round for conservation projects and wildlife observation.

Flora and Fauna in Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth. Its tropical rainforests are home to thousands of plant species, including giant dipterocarp trees, orchids, pitcher plants, and the famous Rafflesia – the largest flower in the world. The forests are inhabited by orangutans, proboscis monkeys, Malayan sun bears, clouded leopards, and Asian elephants. Off the coast, coral reefs provide habitats for sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, and over 600 fish species. Many of these ecosystems are protected and of global significance.

Cuisine in Malaysia

Malaysian cuisine blends influences from Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures. Among the most well-known dishes are Nasi Lemak, Laksa, Satay skewers and Roti Canai. Fresh seafood, aromatic curries, coconut milk and exotic spices characterise many dishes. Street food is part of everyday life and is considered an integral part of the culinary culture. Vegetarian dishes are widely available, particularly in Indian-influenced restaurants. Those wishing to try something new will find an impressive variety of tropical fruits in local markets.