Travel Guide To Malaysia 

Indian Embassy in Malaysia

High Commission of India
Address: Level 28, Menara 1 Mon't Kiara, No. 1, Jalan Mon't Kiara, 50480, Kuala Lumpur.
Working Hours: 9 am to 5:30 am (Monday to Friday)
Tel. Nos.: (00-603) 62052350, 62052351

Visa Process for Indians

The following documents are required to get a visa to Malaysia

• Original passport valid for 6 months from the date of arrival in Malaysia
• Visa application form
• Covering letter mentioning details the travel
• Confirmed air tickets along with E-ticket number
• Original bank statements of a saving account for last 3 months and a bank balance of more than INR 30,000 per person
• Confirmed hotel bookings
• Birth certificate for age below 18 years

Disclaimer: These are the standard requirements needed to attain a visa for Malaysia . The visa requirements may change according to factors like employment status, age, etc.

About Malaysia

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country which is situated partly on a peninsula of the Asian mainland and somewhat on the northern third of the Borneo island. One side of Malaysia is a peninsular area which constitutes of the modern towns, busy cities, tea plantations, colonial buildings; on the other hand, the remaining area consists of widespread jungles. The one thing that unites everything in Malaysia is the food.

Top Places to Visit in Malaysia

• Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Lumpur is the most famous city in Malaysia, a multi-cultural country. Consisting of malls on one side and skyscrapers malls on the other, Kuala Lumpur has something to offer for everyone. Kuala Lumpur is basically an enclave within the Selangor state of Malaysia.

• Langkawi - Often referred to as the Jewel of Kedah, Langkawi is known for its tropical and neural lush beauty. This group of islands situated in the clear Andaman Sea is also a duty-free zone. Langkawi is a tourist’s paradise, thanks to the huge array of clean beaches, sparkling blue waters and forests spread all over the islands. The 99 stunning islands that make up this destination are a perfect spot for relaxation and rejuvenation.

• George Town - Capital of Penang, this city is a colourful destination and has achieved significant recognition by being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Being the second largest city in Malaysia, this place offers an immensely calm and relaxed atmosphere.

• Penang – This place is Malaysia has two parts, one is Penang Island, which constitutes the city's capital, George Town, and the other one is Seberang Perai. Penang is famously known as the Pearl of The Orient and The Silicon Valley of The East. This commercially progressive and industrialized state has a thriving economy.

How to Reach Malaysia

Taking a flight is the best way to reach Malaysia from India. Various Malaysian airlines offer low-cost flights to Kuala Lumpur if you are a budget traveller. The three significant airports of Malaysia are Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Senai International Airport, and Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Apart from that, you also have the option to book flights to Malaysia from one of the neighbouring countries like Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. The flights to Malaysia are most economical, and the flight duration is based on the destination you are travelling from. Some of the most common airlines in Malaysia are Air Asia and Malaysian Airlines.

Best Time to Visit Malaysia

The ideal time to plan a trip to Malaysia is somewhere between early March and October. There is comparatively less humidity in the country during these months. Usually, the temperatures keep varying a little in Malaysia and go up to 32 degrees. However, the humidity stays all year round. Apart from that, the showers also occur throughout the year, mostly during the afternoon.

Things to Pack

Packing some essentials products like clothes and footwears usually depends on what the weather conditions are like in Malaysia. Here is a list of the crucial travel essentials one must never forget to pack:

• Sunscreen
• Rain jacket or umbrella
• Comfortable clothing and footwear
• First Aid Kit
• Important documents such as travel insurance policy

Top Delicacies of Malaysia

• Ikan Bakar: The meaning of Ikan Bakar is ‘burnt fish’, but it is actually quite a tasty BBQ seafood. It consists of fresh local fish like stingray, squid, and barramundi, covered in banana leaves and then drizzled with a spicy chilli sauce before it is cooked on the grill. The final result is a smoky and flaky whole fish, which is served with rice, fresh vegetables, and herbs.

• Nasi Kukus: Nasi kukus consists of a mound of freshly steamed white rice which is covered in creamy gravies and topped with a scrumptious piece of golden fried chicken, spicy sambal, and roasted pineapple. The flavours and texture of this delicacy are varied, and you’ll never get enough of its taste.

• Nasi Lemak: Your visit to Malaysia will be incomplete if you do not eat the national dish of nasi lemak. It is traditionally a breakfast dish which has now become a classic meal eaten during all hours of the day. The dish comprises of rice cooked in coconut milk and sambal, pandan leaf, boiled egg, fried anchovies, refreshing cucumber, and peanuts.

Shopping List Essentials (Where to Shop)

• Petaling Street: This street is the place where everybody’s shopping desires can come alive. This place deals with everything from electronics, bags, colourful artificial flowers, apparels, and a lot more. Also, if you like bargaining, this place is a paradise for you. There are many restaurants and food joints situated here, so you don’t get the hunger pangs while you indulge in shopping.

• Central Market: Situated a short walk away from Pasar Seni MRT Station, the Central Market of Kuala Lumpur is among the finest places for shopping Malaysia. The best part about this place is that one doesn’t get bothered by the humidity as it’s fully air-conditioned. The shops located inside the complex sell a lot of artsy stuff of different ethnicities like Chinese and Indian.

• Langkawi Parade: Known as the shopping heaven, Langkawi Parade consists of more than 40 shopping, food retail, and entertainment spots for all the locals and tourists. Being one of the biggest malls in Langkawi, this place offers everything from souvenirs to fashion products, liquor, and electronics.

Top Indian Restaurants in Malaysia

• Colonial India
  Location: Jalan Teluk Baru | Besides Zackry Guest House, Langkawi 07000, Malaysia
  Contact: +60 4-952 3313

• Bombay Palace
  Location: 20 Jalan Sultan Ismail | Life Centre, M-3A, Mezzanine Floor, Kuala Lumpur 50250, Malaysia
  Contact: +60 3-2171 7220

• Olive Kitchen + Bar
  Location: 3J Jalan Penang, George Town, Penang Island 10000, Malaysia
  Contact: +60 16-597 9640

Healthcare Centres in Malaysia

When going on a trip to Malaysia, it is immensely crucial to be aware of some of the healthcare centres to avoid any mishappenings due to an emergency. Below is the list of some healthcare centres can contact in need:

• Hospital Langkawi
  Location: Bukit Teguh, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia.
  Contact: 04-9663333

• HSC Medical Center
  Location: Menara HSC, 5-1, 187, Jalan Ampang, Taman U Thant, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  Contact: +60 3-2787 0500

• Allied Healthcare Centre of Excellence
  Location: 63, Jalan Sungai Pinang, George Town, 10150 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
  Contact: +60 4-281 7581

It’s advisable to buy a travel insurance policy before going on a trip to Malaysia. A travel insurance policy will help you find out the best hospitals in the area to get the appropriate treatment on time.

Currency

The currency of Malaysia is Ringgit.

Basics of Local Communication

The official language of Malaysia is Malay. However, the locals easily understand English; however, it is always better to keep a few local phrases handy for a great trip.