smart traveller kuala lumpur

Search Smartraveller

Latest update

Exercise normal safety precautions in Malaysia.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Malaysia (PDF 367.29 KB)

Asia (PDF 2.21 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 999 or contact the Royal Malaysia Police Operations Centre on 321 159 999 or 322 662 222.

Advice levels

Reconsider your need to travel to the coastal region of eastern Sabah, including the islands, dive sites and associated tourist facilities.

Reconsider your need to travel to the coastal region of eastern Sabah, including the islands, dive sites and associated tourist facilities, due to the high threat of kidnapping. The risk of kidnapping increases on the water and waterfront after nightfall and is highest in the area between the towns of Sandakan and Tawau.

See Safety .

• There's an ongoing high risk of kidnapping in the coastal areas of eastern Sabah. There have been a number of attempted and successful kidnappings. This includes islands, dive sites and tourist facilities. If, despite our advice, you travel to these areas, get professional security advice. Obey all local governments' curfews.
• Terrorism is a threat. Possible targets include businesses and public areas popular with foreigners. Take official warnings seriously.
• Petty crime is common. Bag-snatching, including by thieves on motorbikes, happens often. When walking, hold your bag on the opposite side to the traffic. Safeguard your belongings, especially in shopping centres, at the airport and on trains. Credit card fraud is common. Always keep your credit card in sight when paying for purchases.
• Drink spiking can occur, even at reputable places. Never accept food, drinks, cigarettes or gum from strangers. Don't leave your food or drinks unattended.
• Piracy in South-East Asian waters is an ongoing problem. Avoid travelling by boat in the southern Sulu Sea. If you intend to travel in the region by boat, check the International Maritime Bureau's piracy reports . Arrange personal security measures.

Full travel advice: Safety

• Strict rules control the importation of prescription and non-prescription medication. If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Malaysia.
• Dengue fever is common, including in major urban areas. Zika virus is also a risk. Malaria is a risk in rural areas. Other insect-borne diseases include chikungunya, filariasis and Japanese encephalitis. 
• Rabies is present in Malaysia. It's fatal without immediate treatment. Avoid dogs, monkeys and other mammals. Get medical help straight away if an animal bites or scratches you.
• Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. These include hepatitis, tuberculosis, typhoid and cholera. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food.
• Private hospitals in major cities are of an international standard. You'll need to pay up-front at all hospitals unless you have travel insurance, and your travel insurance policy covers your hospitalisation. Services are more limited in rural areas. Government hospitals require a deposit even if you have travel insurance.
• Cases of pertussis (whooping cough) have increased in Sabah. Ensure you're immunised against pertussis and practice good personal hygiene.

Full travel advice: Health

• If you're suspected of using drugs, you may be required to take a urine test on arrival in Malaysia. This includes if you're travelling from a country where possession and use of drugs such as cannabis is legal. Penalties for drug offences are severe. 
• Don't use, carry or traffic illegal drugs. Punishments include the death penalty.
• It's unclear if surrogacy is legal under Malaysian civil law and what conditions apply. Get legal advice before arranging a surrogacy.

Malaysian law requires that you carry identification, such as your passport or a Malaysian Immigration Issued Card (IKAD), with you at all times. If you are asked by police and are unable to provide it, you may be detained until you can present valid identification.

• Malaysia is a multicultural but mostly Islamic country. Many areas have conservative standards of dress and behaviour. This includes at religious sites. Get advice on local customs.
• Malaysia enforces some aspects of sharia law. Kelantan and Terengganu states are stricter than others. These laws apply to all Muslims, including visitors from Australia. Research laws that apply to you before you travel.
• Malaysia doesn't recognise dual nationality. Always travel on your Australian passport. If Malaysian authorities find out you're a dual citizen, you may need to renounce one of your citizenships immediately, or you may not be permitted to depart Malaysia.

Full travel advice: Local laws

From 1 January 2024, you'll be required to complete and submit a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) three days prior to arrival in Malaysia. The MDAC must be submitted through the  Malaysian Immigration website . See the  Malaysian Immigration website  for further information, including exemption details.

• In most circumstances, you can get a 90-day tourism visa on arrival. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest Malaysian High Commission, Embassy or Consulate for the latest details.
• Malaysia has an auto gate facility for visitors from several countries, including Australia. The option to use the manual counter for a visa is still available. To use the auto gate facilities, Australian travellers must have a passport valid for at least 6 months and must complete and submit their Malaysian Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) 3 days before arriving. The auto gate facility is unavailable for Australian passport holders with Malaysian permanent residency or a long-term pass. This auto gate facility is available at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 1 and 2. Further information can be found on the  Malaysia Digital Arrival Card  website.
• Monitor the websites of the  Malaysian Department of Immigration,  My Safe Travel , the  Malaysian Ministry of Health , and social media for any changes to entry requirements. Before travel, confirm entry requirements with the  Malaysian High Commission or Consulate-General in Australia .

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The Consular Services Charter details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular help, contact the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur .
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission's social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Terrorist attacks could happen in Malaysia. Attacks could be random and may affect locations popular with Westerners or during major events or holidays that attract large crowds.

Malaysian authorities have arrested people for planning terror attacks. This includes attacks against entertainment venues in Kuala Lumpur.

Other possible targets include:

• hotels, clubs and restaurants
• places of worship  or religious holidays
• outdoor recreation events
• tourist areas

To stay safe:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• be cautious around places known to be possible terrorist targets
• report any suspicious activity or items to police
• check the media for any new or emerging threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. 

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

Terrorist threats

Overland travel through Thailand

Read our travel advice for Thailand if you're planning to go there overland.

Avoid travelling to or through the far southern provinces of Thailand.

There's an ongoing high threat of kidnapping in the coastal areas of eastern Sabah, including islands, dive sites and other tourist facilities.

Extremists based in the southern Philippines are active in the area between the towns of Sandakan and Tawau in eastern Sabah.

Foreigners have been kidnapped from the nearby islands of Sipadan and Mataking and surrounding waters.

Some attempted and successful kidnappings have happened in coastal areas of eastern Sabah in recent years.

• In May 2021, Malaysian authorities arrested eight suspected Abu Sayyaf militants who they suspect may have been planning kidnappings in Malaysia.
• In September 2019, 3 fishermen were abducted in the waters off Lahad Datu.
• In June 2019, 10 fishermen were abducted in waters between Lahad Datu, Sabah and Sitangkai, Southern Philippines.
• In December 2018, 3 fishermen were abducted from Pegasus Reef near Kinabatangan, Sabah.
• In November 2016, militants based in the southern Philippines attacked a yacht in waters between eastern Sabah and the Sulu archipelago. One German national was killed and another kidnapped and later killed.  Further in 2016, some commercial seamen were kidnapped from cargo vessels in the area.
• In May 2015, gunmen entered a local seaside restaurant in Sandakan and abducted the manager and one customer.

Malaysian authorities increased security in the region in response to kidnapping incidents. The Sabah Government has restricted the use of waterways.

Security measures

There's a 6pm to 6am curfew on water travel in 6 coastal districts of eastern Sabah state. This includes offshore areas up to 3 nautical miles (5.5km) from the coast.

All vessels travelling in the waters off Lahad Datu and Sandakan in daylight hours must get a permit or permission from police.

Vessels must travel only on designated routes.

There's a ban on resort-organised water activities at night. This includes diving and fishing.

Authorities established the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), which includes the regions of:

• Kinabatangan
• Kota Marudu

There's an increased presence of security forces in the ESSZone.

Authorities may extend the water travel curfew each fortnight. If you travel by water during curfew hours without permission, authorities could fine you or jail you for up to 6 months.

Australian Government policy

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

If you decide to travel to eastern Sabah despite our advice:

• get professional security advice
• arrange personal security measures
• check if your hotel has security measures in place
• be extremely cautious

Civil unrest and political tension

You could encounter protests or demonstrations on the streets or at certain venues.

Protest activity could lead to violence and disrupt public services, including public transport, and cause traffic congestion. However, this is rare.

Police permission is needed for public gatherings and demonstrations. If you take part in a protest or demonstration, authorities could arrest and deport you.

Avoid protests and demonstrations.

During periods of unrest:

• check the news and other sources for information on planned and possible unrest or strikes
• plan your activities to avoid unrest on national or commemorative days
• be ready to change your travel plans

If civil unrest disrupts your transport plans, contact your airline, travel agent or insurer for help.

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Petty crime

Petty crime is common.

Opportunistic pickpocketing and snatch-and-grab robberies happen often where thieves snatch handbags, shoulder bags, jewellery, mobile phones and other valuables from pedestrians.

Hotspots include busy pedestrian crossings near major shopping malls, including within the KLCC area.

Motorcyclists, and sometimes thieves in other moving vehicles, pull bags from victims. This often causes injuries.

Smash-and-grab attacks against slow-moving and parked vehicles also happen.

To avoid petty crime:

• don't carry bags that are easy to snatch
• walk on footpaths when you can and stay away from the curb
• hold your bag on the opposite side to the traffic
• when driving or parking your car, keep valuables out of sight
• always keep vehicle windows up and doors locked, even when moving

Handbags, expensive watches, jewellery and cameras are tempting targets for thieves.

Many travellers have lost passports and other valuables to thieves on trains and at airports.

Carry only what you need and leave other valuables, in a secure location.

Thieves sometimes work in groups at busy shopping centres. One or more may approach you with stories of distress or warnings for your safety. When you're distracted, others steal your belongings.

Watch your personal belongings, especially:

• in crowded areas and during holiday periods
• when travelling on trains from the airport
• at airports

Be wary of approaches from strangers, especially in shopping centres.

Credit card fraud

Credit card fraud is common.

Credit cards are often copied for illegal use. This can happen anywhere, from small shops to large department stores and hotels.

Always keep your credit card in sight.

Online scams

Online scams  have increased in recent years. Scammers often pretend to be people in need of financial help.

They prey on people looking for companions on online dating websites.

To protect yourself from being scammed:

• be wary of people asking for money
• don't send money or provide your bank details to anyone you don't know
• be careful when sharing personal information with people you haven't met in person

Scams involving gambling are also common.

Violent crime

You could experience violent crime in Malaysia. Australians have been victims of violent crime in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and other areas of the country. You should exercise vigilance and take sensible precautions. If you're a victim of crime, inform the local police and get a police report.

Criminals have assaulted and robbed travellers after spiking their drinks. This can even happen at places with a good reputation.

To protect yourself from drink spiking:

• never accept food or drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended
• if you aren't sure if a drink is safe, leave it
• stay with people you trust at parties and in bars, nightclubs and taxis

To stay safe while using taxis:

• don't hail taxis on the street, especially after dark
• book taxis by phone at a shopping centre taxi desk
• check there's a licence with photo on the dashboard or seat back before getting into a taxi
• check the driver matches the photo.

If you're alone in a taxi, sit in the back seat. Keep your belongings with you in the taxi.

If your taxi stops to pick up other passengers, get out of the taxi when it's safe to do so. Taxi drivers aren't allowed to pick up extra passengers, but it sometimes happens.

E-hailing services are available. Use the same precautions as taxis.

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Climate and natural disasters

Malaysia experiences severe weather and natural disasters , including:

• earthquakes
• severe rainstorms

If there's a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• monitor local media and weather reports
• check with tour operators before travelling to affected areas

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Earthquakes can happen in Malaysia.

In 2018, a 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit Sabah. No deaths or injuries were reported. The earthquake's tremors were felt and climbing activities were suspended.

Coastal regions of the world can experience tsunamis. Malaysia and its neighbours are vulnerable to earthquakes, which make destructive tsunamis more likely.

US Tsunami Warning Centre

Severe weather

Flooding and landslides are common during the wet season which is usually from October to February.

Severe rainstorms can result in deaths and extensively damaged infrastructure.

Essential services can be interrupted.

Tours and adventure activities

The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators aren't always met. This includes for adventure activities, such as diving.

Operators may not provide enough safety equipment. They also may not pay attention to maintenance standards and safety precautions.

If you plan to do a tour or adventure activity:

• check your travel insurance covers you for it
• ask and insist on minimum safety requirements
• use available safety equipment, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If appropriate safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Piracy in South-East Asian waters is an ongoing problem, especially in the:

• Strait of Malacca
• waters between Sabah and the southern Philippines

The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) issues weekly piracy reports.

Avoid travelling by boat in the southern Sulu Sea. This includes waters between Sabah, Malaysia and Palawan in the Philippines.

If you decide to travel by boat in these regions:

• check IMB piracy reports
• get local advice
• arrange security measures

Travelling by boat

• Going on a cruise

Travel Insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

You'll probably need a specialised insurance policy that covers travel to high-risk destinations if, despite our advice, you're travelling to the coastal region of eastern Sabah.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up   
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Malaysia. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Strict rules control the importation of prescription and non-prescription medication. Contact the  high commission or embassy of Malaysia  to check what documentation local authorities may need you to have. Further information can be found on the  Pharmaceuticals Services website.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating: 

• what the medication is 
• your required dosage 
• that it's for personal use 

More information: 

Health risks

Smoke haze often happens from June to October, but it can happen at any time.

Check the haze situation and any health warnings the Malaysian Government issues.

When haze levels are high, authorities recommend limiting outdoor activity. Get your own medical advice.

Insect-borne diseases

Dengue  is common, including in major urban areas. Sometimes serious outbreaks happen.

There's no vaccination or treatment available for dengue fever.

Zika virus is a risk. There's no vaccination for it.

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends you:

• discuss any travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

The Zika virus bulletin includes advice on how to minimise Zika virus risks.

Malaria is a risk in rural areas. It's less common in urban and coastal areas. Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.

Outbreaks of other insect-borne diseases can happen. This includes chikungunya and filariasis .

Reported cases of Japanese encephalitis have increased in recent years. Get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you travel

The risk of contracting insect-borne diseases increases during the wet season.

To protect yourself from disease:

• ensure your accommodation is insect-proof
• always use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Ministry of Health

Rabies is a potentially fatal viral disease. It's found in dogs, monkeys, bats and other mammals.

The most recent cases were reported in Sarawak. It was transmitted through feral dog and cat bites.

Rabies can also be contracted when a rabid animal's saliva gets directly into your eyes, nose, mouth or broken skin.

Avoid direct contact with dogs and other mammals.

If a dog, monkey or other mammal bites or scratches you, use soap and water straight away to wash the wound thoroughly.

Get urgent medical attention.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common.

These include:

• tuberculosis
• hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads
• wash your hands often and thoroughly

Get medical attention if you suspect food poisoning, or if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Cases of pertussis (whooping cough) have increased in Sabah since the beginning of 2023. If you're planning to travel to Sabah:

• ensure you're immunised against pertussis
• practice good personal hygiene including frequent hand washing, not sharing drinks or lip balm
• keep your distance from people who appear sick
• seek medical attention if you develop symptoms

Infectious diseases

Marine stings

Stings from jellyfish and other marine animals can be fatal.

Ask local authorities, your tour operator or hotel about:

• swimming conditions
• precautions to take
• other dangers

Black henna tattoos

Avoid temporary black henna tattoos as they often contain a dye that can cause serious skin reactions.

Medical care

Medical facilities.

You can find private hospitals with international-standard facilities in major cities.

Public hospitals in major cities have a good range of medical services. However, access can be slow. Services are more limited in rural areas.

Most private hospitals need a cash deposit or a confirmation of insurance before they will admit you. They also expect immediate payment for services.

You need to pay up-front for treatment at government hospitals.

There are decompression chambers in:

Medical tourism

Medical tourism , including for cosmetic surgery, is common.

Standards at discount and uncertified medical facilities can be poor.

Serious and possibly life-threatening complications can result.

Before travelling for medical tourism:

• research and choose medical service providers carefully
• don't use discount or uncertified medical service providers
• check your travel insurance covers you if things go wrong with your surgery, as most don't

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

If you're suspected of using drugs before you visit Malaysia, you may be required to take a urine test on arrival. This includes if you're travelling from a country where possession and use of drugs such as cannabis is legal. 

Penalties for drug offences are severe, including drug possession and the presence of drugs in your bloodstream. Malaysia still carries the death penalty for drug trafficking.

Carrying or using drugs

Surrogacy laws

Malaysian civil law applies to everyone in Malaysia. Under this law, it's unclear if surrogacy is legal and what conditions apply.

Under sharia law, surrogacy is illegal. However, sharia law only applies to Muslims.

Surrogacy isn't practised openly in Malaysia. If you want to pursue surrogacy, it's mostly a private arrangement between you and the surrogate.

Get independent legal advice before entering into a surrogacy arrangement.

• Going overseas for international surrogacy
• Going overseas to adopt

Malaysia enforces some aspects of sharia law. These laws apply to all Muslims, including those from Australia.

Research laws that apply to you before you travel.

Serious crime

Crimes that may attract corporal punishment include:

• certain drug offences
• commercial crime

Same-sex sexual relations are illegal.

Punishment can include whipping and up to 20 years in prison for same-sex acts involving either men or women.

LGBTI travellers

Drink driving

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offence, which can result in fines and/or a jail sentence. Authorities strictly enforce these laws. 

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Local customs

Malaysia is a multicultural but mostly Islamic country.

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in many areas. This includes at religious sites.

Always respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions.

Learn about customs at your destination. If in doubt, get advice from locals. Take care not to offend cultural or religious beliefs.

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan  is observed in Malaysia. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Dual citizenship

Malaysia doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual citizen, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport .

If Malaysian authorities find out you hold both Australian and Malaysian citizenship, you may need to renounce either your Australian or Malaysian citizenship straight away, or you may not be permitted to depart Malaysia.

Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

I n most circumstances, Australian passport holders can get a 90-day tourism visa on arrival. 

Arrange a visa before you travel if you're visiting for:

• volunteer work

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest high commission, embassy or consulate  of Malaysia for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

If you breach your visa conditions or overstay your visa, authorities may fine, detain or deport you.

Always check the correct dates are on the visa stamp placed in your passport.

Follow immigration rules, including your visa conditions.

Border measures

Malaysia has an auto gate facility for visitors from several countries, including Australia. The option to use the manual counter for a visa is still available. To use the auto gate facilities, Australian visitors must have a passport valid for at least 6 months and must complete and submit their Malaysian Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) 3 days before arriving.

The auto gate facility is unavailable for Australian passport holders with Malaysian permanent residency or a long-term pass. This auto gate facility is available at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 1 and 2. Further information can be found on the  Malaysia Digital Arrival Card  website.

Entry requirements may change at short notice. Monitor the websites of the  Malaysian Department of Immigration ,  My Safe Travel , the  Malaysian Ministry of Health , and social media for any changes. Before travel, confirm entry requirements with the  Malaysian High Commission or Consulate-General in Australia .

Staying in Malaysia

You should ensure you keep your visa up to date.

Other formalities

Foreigners need to provide biometric identification (fingerprints and/or face) on arrival.

Children aged younger than 12 years and visitors with finger disabilities don't have to do this.

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

• LGBTI travellers  

The official currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).

When you depart, declare any MYR over MYR30,000, $US10,000 or equivalent. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

You can take larger amounts out of the country if you declare it when you arrive.

ATMs are widely available.

Local travel

If you travel between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia, you need your passport. East Malaysia includes Sabah and Sarawak.

Check if your travel insurance policy covers you for any related damage and injuries if you plan to hire:

• a motorcycle
• any other vehicle

Driving permit

To drive in Malaysia, you need both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

If you don't have both, you need to apply for a Malaysian licence.

Driving or riding

Road travel

Motorcyclists are a common traffic hazard. They often:

• weave through traffic
• drive through red lights and pedestrian crossings
• travel on the wrong side of the road

Motorcyclists have been increasingly confronting drivers who shout, gesture or toot their horn at them. They sometimes assault drivers.

You're more likely to die in a car accident in Malaysia than in Australia.

To stay safe, drive carefully and avoid road rage.

On a motorcycle, always wear a helmet.

Some taxi drivers, especially in tourist spots or when roads are jammed, don't use their meter. This is illegal.

Malaysia's taxi regulator has an English-language hotline for reporting problems. To make a report, call 1 800 88 7723 and provide the:

• vehicle number
• taxi company name
• time, date and location of the incident
• name of the driver if known

Always ask if the driver will use the meter, or agree the fare, before you get in a taxi.

At the start of your trip, take note of the vehicle number, the taxi company name and the name of the driver.

Public transport

There have been fatal and other serious accidents involving long-distance tour buses. This often happens at night or in bad weather.

If you plan to travel by bus, choose a company with a good reputation and avoid overnight travel.

Transport and getting around safely

In recent years, several passenger boats have sunk due to overloading and poor maintenance.

Before booking tickets on a passenger ferry, speedboat or other vessel, check there is appropriate safety equipment available.

Don't travel on any vessel that looks overloaded or in poor condition.

When you board, confirm there are enough life jackets for all passengers. Know where they are.

In bad weather, wear a life jacket, even if others don't.

There is a curfew on travel by water from 6pm to 6am in the coastal districts of eastern Sabah. See Safety

Airline safety

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Malaysia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

National parks

National parks are protected areas, and some are home to ethnic minority groups.

Be respectful of the law and customs in these areas. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Don't remove any wildlife or plants from the park.

Before entering a park, register your plans with park officials and let someone you trust know where you're going.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Call 999 or contact the Royal Malaysia Police Operations Centre on +60321 159 999 or Royal Malaysia Headquarters (Bukit Aman) +603 22662 222.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur.

Australian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur

6 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng 50450 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Phone: (+60 3) 2146 5555/2146 5575 Fax: (+60 3) 2141 5773 Website: malaysia.highcommission.gov.au Email: [email protected] Facebook: Australia in Malaysia Twitter: @AusHCMalaysia

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

You can get limited consular help, including lodging Australian passport applications, at the following Australian consulates headed by honorary consuls:

Australian Consulate, Penang

Level 3 Jalan Macalister  10400 Penang Malaysia Phone: (+60 4) 226 8955 Fax: (+60 4) 228 3366 Email: [email protected]

Australian Consulate, Kota Kinabalu

Lot 01-05, 11th Floor Jubili Tower (Menara Jubili) 53, Jalan Gaya 88000 Kota Kinabalu Sabah Malaysia Phone: (+60 88) 267 151 Fax: (+60 88) 266 509 Email:  [email protected]

Australian Consulate, Sarawak

E39 Level 2 Taman Sri Sarawak Mall Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman 93100 Kuching Sarawak Malaysia Phone: (+60 19) 898 9787 Email: [email protected]

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Malaysia?

Sign up to get the latest travel advice updates..

Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.

Information for Smart Travellers

Travel the world with ismart traveller, kuala lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur   is the federal capital and most populous city in Malaysia. The city covers an area of 243 km 2  (94 sq mi) and has an estimated population of 1.6 million as of 2012.  Greater Kuala Lumpur, also known as the Klang Valley, is an urban agglomeration of 5.7 million as of 2010.  It is among the fastest growing metropolitan regions in the country, in terms of population and economy.

Kuala Lumpur is the seat of the Parliament of Malaysia. The city was once home to the executive and judicial branches of the federal government, but they were moved to Putrajaya in early 1999.  Some sections of the judiciary still remains in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. The official residence of the Malaysian King, the Istana Negara, is also situated in Kuala Lumpur. Rated as an alpha world city, Kuala Lumpur is the cultural, financial and economic centre of Malaysia due to its position as the capital as well as being a key city. Kuala Lumpur was ranked 48th among global cities by Foreign Policy’s 2010 Global Cities Index and was ranked 67th among global cities for economic and social innovation by the 2thinknow Innovation Cities Index in 2010.

Kuala Lumpur is defined within the borders of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur and is one of three Malaysian Federal Territories.  It is an enclave within the state of Selangor, on the central west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. 

Since the 1990s, the city has played host to many international sporting, political and cultural events including the1998 Commonwealth Games and the Formula One Grand Prix. In addition, Kuala Lumpur is home to one of the tallest twin buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers, which have become an iconic symbol of Malaysia’s futuristic development.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

SimOptions eSIM Tested in Malaysia [Recommended for Pan-Asia and beyond]

I tried SimOptions 'Smart Traveller eSIM' for my recent trip to Malaysia. Here is my review.

One of the best prepaid eSIM suppliers out there - SimOptions recently launched a new eSIM called Smart Traveller eSIM . It covers 27 countries including major Asian countries plus the United States and Australia. And it's quite affordable which is got my attention.

So I decided to try this eSIM for my recent trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 🇲🇾.

TLTR; it worked great and I can recommend it for anyone traveling not only to Malaysia but also to Asian countries in general ✈️

eSIM makes it really easy to switch cellular plan between your SIM/eSIM back home and one for your travel, all without a fear of losing a SIM. I would personally choose eSIM over physical SIM even if the price is a bit higher. Losing a SIM is a nightmare that I want to avoid. Also, instant delivery is such a pleasant experience.

This time I used iPhone 13 Pro but SimOptions eSIM works with Android phones too. Just make sure your phone is unlocked and supports eSIM.

How to buy Smart Traveller eSIM

Simply, visit SimOptions website 👇 and search for Malaysia .

At the time of this writing, it gives you two eSIM offerings that work in Malaysia.

They are quite similar but with slight difference in country coverage. Unless you want to use it in Thailand, Smart Traveller eSIM is probably a better choice as it covers more countries with a lower price for the same data amount.

Smart Traveller eSIM details

• comes with 6GB of data
• valid for 10 days from the installation
• immediately activated once installed
• covers 27 countries
• calls and SMS not supported
• top-up not available

It's priced at $17.90, discounted from the original price of $24.90, which makes it a solid choice considering the 6GB of data that can be used across Asia, the United States, etc.

Checkout process

Checkout process on SimOptions website consists of three parts; Information, Billing, and Payment. Each step is simple and short so it won't take long to complete.

Once you hit BUY NOW button, you will land on this checkout page 👇

Here, you enter your name, email address, and phone number.

Then move on to Billing.

Here you enter your home address. But it does not mean something will be sent to this address, it's just for VAT purpose I believe.

The last part is payment. You can choose either credit card or PayPal as payment method.

That's it. Once the payment processing is complete, you will receive a QR code to install the eSIM along with an instruction in PDF.

SimOptions does not ask you to create an account or anything so it's quite simple and straightforward checkout process.

eSIM installation

The email you receive after the purchase should look something like this 👇.

It contains the QR code, SM-DP+ Address & Activation Code for manual install, and the instruction.

Unless you don't have a way/device to display the QR code you received, simply scan the QR code on the device you want to install the eSIM into.

For iPhones, go to Settings -> Cellular -> Add Cellular Plan to launch camera.

The webpage below explains how to install eSIM on iOS devices step by step.

For Android users, check this page instead.

During the installation process, you will see ' dtac ' as a carrier name. It means that this eSIM is provided by DTAC, a telecom company in Thailand, and uses their roaming network.

Internet connection in Kuala Lumpur

Once you arrive at the airport, turn on Data Roaming for this eSIM (Cellular Plan) and set it for Cellular Data to get connected.

The first connection always takes a bit of time. Probably a couple of minutes.

Smart Traveller eSIM from SimOptions (provided by dtac) connects to Digi network in Malaysia.

Digi is one of the big three telecom companies in Malaysia, with pretty good coverage and speed accordingly the information found online.

At least for my 5-day stay in Kuala Lumpur, the coverage was good. I got good reception (4G) pretty much all the time.

The speed was okay, partially due to the fact that my expectation for roaming eSIM was not that high in the first place.

I did Speedtest a couple of times in central KL and at the airport, and below are the results.

The Ping was less than 100ms which is not too bad for roaming I suppose. Download was quite good most of the time whereas Upload was relatively slow but I didn't mind it since most of my internet activities are predominantly download.

While using it I didn't feel any data clogging or instability, so overall the experience was fairly good. For me the most important thing when it comes to cellular data is that the data packet flows and I'm connected 24/7 without any significant latency issues. And this eSIM passed that bar. It worked just fine, and I was able to use internet all the time .

Plus, Personal Hotspot worked without any additional configuration which was a huge plus for me.

This Smart Traveller eSIM from SimOptions could be a great solution for cellular data when traveling to Asia and Pacific countries.

Besides Malaysia, it covers Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, etc.

And as I mentioned, it also works in the United States. It means people from U.S. can check and make sure of its connectivity beforehand. In fact, anyone who travels from one of the supported countries can test this eSIM in their home country before going on a trip. It's a huge relief I believe.

Lastly, SimOptions is not the only eSIM that works in Malaysia. There are many more options and you can check them on esimdb.com 👇

Smart Holidays

• WhatsApp Us

• Popular destinations
• Belgium Full Muslim
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Czech Republic
• England Full Muslim
• France Full Muslim
• Germany Full Muslim
• Indonesia Full Muslim
• Netherlands
• Netherlands Full Muslim
• Switzerland
• Switzerland Full Muslim
• Taiwan Full Muslim
• Thailand Full Muslim
• Türkiye Full Muslim
• Vietnam Full Muslim

Our Highlights

5D4N VIETNAM :SAPA FANSIPAN HANOI

5天4晚 越南 ： 沙坝 番西邦 河内.

13D10N NETHERLANDS FRANCE, SWITZERLAND & ITALY

5D4N WONDERFUL HANOI

5天4晚 如诗如画 下龙湾.

5D4N NHA TRANG DALAT

5天4晚 芽庄 大叻高原.

4D3N MEDAN+LAKE TOBA+BERASTAGI

4天3晚 棉兰+多巴湖+不拉士打宜.

5D4N CHIANG MAI CHIANGRAI

6D5N NORTHERN VIETNAM TOUR

6天5晚 越南北部之旅.

5D4N BANGKOK – KANCHANABURI

5D4N FANTASTIC DANANG

5天4晚 绝美越南 岘港, subscribe to our newsletter.

Stay updated on our latest news and activities!

You’ve been successfully subscribed to our newsletter!

or sign in with

or continue with

Enter the e-mail address associated with the account. We'll e-mail a link to reset your password.

KUALA LUMPUR ON A BUDGET: Travel Guide & Itinerary

When I think of Malaysia, the catchphrase “Truly Asia” always follows. And as if on cue, the Petronas Twin Towers will regally rise into the spotlight, like a beauty contestant, greeting my thoughts with: “This is Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia!” But there’s more to Malaysia than its tourism slogan and skyscrapers. Its capital Kuala Lumpur alone has plenty to offer.

Last month, we visited this city for the fifth time! So when one of our readers asked if we already have a Kuala Lumpur Travel Guide, we were confident we had one. Imagine our surprise when we realized we don’t! All these years, we thought we had it covered. LOL. So here it is now, correcting this injustice.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Understanding Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy composed of 13 states and three federal territories. Kuala Lumpur is one of those three federal territories. It is Malaysia’s largest city, as well as its national capital. Although not as old as Melaka and George Town, the city showcases seamless yet distinct coexistence of old and new, where preservation of structures will let you have a glimpse of what made this city what it is now.

What we’ve always loved about it is that it is a melting pot of cultures — a mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and even European, due to its colonial past.

Essential Information:

• Language : The official language is Malay (a.k.a. Malaysian). English language is widely spoken.
• Currency : Malaysian Ringgit (MYR, RM). USD 1 is around MYR 4.29; MYR 1 is around PHP 11.71; EUR 1 is around MYR 4.8 (as of June 2017)
• Modes of Payment : Local stores and restaurants only accept Ringgit, but certain foreign currencies and major credit cards (Visa and Master Card) are accepted by most hotels, fine-dining restaurants, and souvenir shops.
• Electricity Info : Most establishments have 3-pin square plugs and sockets at 220 – 240 V AC and 50 Hz.

How to Get to Kuala Lumpur

If you’re holding a Philippine passport, you don’t have to get a visa to enter Malaysia.

Two airports serve Kuala Lumpur: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Selangor and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang Skypark) in Subang. At present, the latter mainly functions for turboprop and chartered flights while KLIA, which is 45 minutes away from KL city center, is the main terminal and is also the main hub for its flag carrier Malaysia Airlines and the budget airline Air Asia.

If you’re coming from Manila, know that Philippine Airlines has returned to Kuala Lumpur, offering daily flights. Although you will find “cheaper” flights, note that every PAL Economy booking already comes with 30 kilos baggage allowance for FREE, something that you will have to pay for separately with low-cost carriers.

The sample schedule above is also aligned with the usual hotel check-in and check-out times!

By Bus (From Singapore and Thailand)

Many people initially go to Singapore , then cross the border to Malaysia via land transfer. There are 3 main bus companies serving this route: KKKL, Transnasional, and Konsortium Bas Ekspres Semenanjung (KBES). A bus ticket is around RM50/USD12.53/PHP623 (one way) and travel time is 5 hours.

For those who are coming from Thailand (Hat Yai), there are a couple of bus companies offering this route: Konsortium Bas Ekspres Semenanjung (KBES) and Alisan Golden Coach Express. Bus fare is around RM55/USD13.78/PHP685 (one way) and travel duration is 7 hours.

By Train (From Singapore and Thailand)

Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTPM) is the primary rail operator in (Peninsular) Malaysia. KL Sentral railway station is the main hub for KTM’s intercity and international trains. They have day and overnight train services which also include Singapore-Malaysia and Thailand-Malaysia routes.

How to Get from the Airport to Kuala Lumpur City Center

You can choose among these modes of transportation: by train, by bus, or by taxi. Well, a taxi would be the last resort or not an option at all (unless you arrive past 1 AM). Note that “KL Sentral” is the main transit hub in Kuala Lumpur.

The Fastest Option: Kuala Lumpur International Airport Trains (ERL). There are two types — KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit. KLIA Ekspres travels (non-stop) between KLIA and KL Sentral in 28 minutes for RM55/USD13.78/PHP685 (one way). Operation hour is from 5:00 AM to 1:03 AM.

If you don’t want to queue for KLIA Ekspres ticket, Klook is offering a fast and efficient way at a discounted price. All you need to do is to get to KLIA Express barrier gate and have your voucher barcode scanned and you are good to go.

Get Your Ticket Here

KLIA Transit (stopping at Salak Tinggi, Putrajaya, and Bandar Tasik Selatan) completes the journey in 36 minutes for RM55/USD13.78/PHP685 (one way). Operation hour is from 4:33 AM to 1:03 AM.

These trains also connect KLIA and KLIA2 in 3 minutes for only RM2/USD.50/PHP25.

The Cheapest Option: By bus. Airport Coach has express buses running between KLIA and KL Sentral in 1 hour for RM11/USD2.76/PHP137 (one way). Operation hour is from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Star Shuttle buses journey from KLIA to Kota Raya and Pudu Raya (and vice versa) near Chinatown in 1-2 hours for RM12.50/USD3.13/PHP155 (one way). If you are coming from KLIA2 (for low-cost carriers), they offer to take you directly to your hotel, given that your hotel is within KL district for RM15.

How to Stay Connected in Kuala Lumpur

Traveling is made convenient by various mobile applications that usually work with an internet connection, thus it’s important to stay connected. You can either buy a 4G SIM Card or rent a pocket WiFi device.

For pocket WiFi rental:

Reserve Here

For 4G Local SIM:

Reserve Now

——————  

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

Being one of the most visited cities in the world, Kuala Lumpur danced to the rhythm and adjusted well to the growing need for accommodations, hence the presence of not only popular international hotel chains but also local ones. Whatever budget you have for your accommodations, from luxury (Malaysia has some of the cheapest 5-star hotels) to hostels, Kuala Lumpur got you “covered”. If you want to give the 5-star hotels a try, you might want to check Hotel Istana located at No. 73, Jalan Raja Chulan, Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.

To help you further, here are some of the top budget hotels and hostels according to online users.

Top Budget Hotels Under USD50

Top kuala lumpur hostels, search for more: kuala lumpur hotels.

———

How to Get Around Kuala Lumpur

The traffic condition in Kuala Lumpur, especially during weekdays and rush hour, is reminiscent of Metro Manila. But you can ease your way through the jam when you learn to travel smart in Kuala Lumpur. You may combine monorail-taxi mode of transportation instead of just taking the bus.

You can also explore Kuala Lumpur on foot! You may tour around Chinatown area heading toward Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower area. You may also enjoy nature in one of KL’s numerous parks such as the Lake Gardens. If you are into history, arts, and culture, you can marvel at one of the museums like its National Museum. However you want to discover Kuala Lumpur, the city offers plenty of options for you.

• RapidKL Monorail & MRT/LRT : This transportation service has 5 lines — Sri Petaling Line, Ampang line, the Kelana Jaya line, the Monorail line and the Sungai Buloh-Kajang line. Take this train if you plan to go to Bukit Bintang, KL Tower, Twin Towers, Chinatown, and Little India. Fare starts from RM1/USD.25/PHP12.
• KTM Komuter : If you’re going to Batu Caves and outside the city center, you may take this train service. It has 2 lines heading to the suburbs from the city center and vice versa.
• ERL : As mentioned previously, the two lines (Ekspres and Transit) run between KL Sentral and KLIA.
• RapidKL Bus : These buses are divided into three routes: Bandar (B) buses shuttle passengers within the city center; Utama (U) buses runs toward the suburbs; Tempatan (T) buses are train station services. Fare starts at RM1/USD.25/PHP12.
• KL Hop-on Hop-off : If you want hassle-free city tour, you may avail yourself of this double-decker bus service. Free WiFi on board. Free ride for children below 5 years old. Ride-all-you can until ticket validity expires.
• Go KL : This bus service is FOR FREE! It has four routes: Purple Line travels between Pasar Seni to Bukit Bintang; Green Line runs within KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Center) area and links with Purple Line at Bukit Bintang; Red Line connects KL Central to Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman; and the Blue Line shuttles between Medan Mara (where it also meets with Red Line) and Bukit Bintang.

If you must ride a taxi, it’s important to note that they have two types of taxis: the normal taxi and the executive taxi. Normal taxis have red and white colors and flag down rate is RM3/USD.75/PHP37 (first 1km, then RM1 per succeeding kilometer). Executive taxis are the ones in bright blue and flag down rate is RM6/USD1.5/PHP75 (first 1km, then RM2/USD.50/PHP25 per succeeding kilometer). Another option is using the ride-sharing apps like GrabTaxi and Uber.

  ——————

Places to Visit in and around Kuala Lumpur

Here are some of the popular tourist attractions in and around the city. We also included tourist spots outside but not too far from KL.

We provided directions on how to get there for those of you who want to pull a DIY. But if you’re after convenience, you can also join a group tour offered by Klook. This includes hotel pickup and guide fee, but not entrance fees. The tour makes a stop at the following:

• Petronas Twin Tower (photo stop)
• King’s Palace (photo stop)
• National Monument
• National Museum (excludes entrance fee of RM5 per person)
• Handicraft Centre
• Cocoa Boutique
• National Mosque (photo stop)

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Book this tour.

If it’s your first time to book with Klook and you’re based in the Philippines, use the promo code KLOOKTPT to get a P200 discount on your first booking! Valid until December 31, 2017 only.

——-

Petronas Twin Towers

Petronas Twin Towers became one of the most famous icon in Malaysia. It currently holds the title of being the world’s tallest twin structure.   Admission Fee : Adult, RM85/USD21.30/PHP1060; Children, RM35/USD8.77/PHP436; Senior Citizen, RM45/USD11.27/PHP560; Infant, FREE Operation Hours : 9 AM to 9 PM (Tuesday to Sunday); closed from 1 PM to 2:30 PM on Fridays Nearest Station : KLCC Station (KJ10; LRT)

Tickets are issued on “first come, first served” basis, but with Klook, you can skip the lines with guaranteed tickets PLUS one-way transfer.

Istana Negara (National Palace)

Istana Negara became the official residence of the King of Malaysia in 2011. A yellow flag indicates the presence of the king inside the palace. If you don’t see a yellow flag, it means the king is not present in the palace.   Admission Fee : Free Admission (Palace Gate/Facade area only) Operation Hours : 9 AM to 1 PM/3:30 PM to 9 PM (Daily) Nearest Station : KL Sentral (But it’s very hard to go there on foot; there’s no pedestrian path. Just take a cab or join a group city tour)

——————

Built in 1897, the building stand majestically with its breathtaking architecture. One of its notable feature is the clock tower. Across the building is the Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square) heritage site.   Admission Fee : Free Admission Operation Hours : 24 Hours (Monday to Friday) Nearest Station : Pasar Seni or Masjid Jamek (LRT)

National Museum

Built in 1963, the National Museum displays vast collections which defined and shaped the nation’s history and cultural heritage.   Admission Fee : Adult, RM5/USD1.25/PHP62; Children, RM2/USD.50/PHP25; Below 6y/o, FREE Operation Hours : 9 AM to 5 PM (Daily) Nearest Station : KL Sentral (There’s a pedestrian path leading to the museum from the station)

KL City Gallery

KL City Gallery gives a big picture of the city’s what had been, what is, and what will be. It is just a stone’s throw away from Merdeka Square and Sultan Abdul Samad Building.   Admission Fee : Free Admission Operation Hours : 9 AM to 6 PM (Daily) Nearest Station : Masjid Jamek Station or Pasar Seni (LRT)

As the world’s seventh tallest telecommunications tower, KL Tower stands as the city’s most recognizable landmark.   Admission Fee : Adult, RM52/USD12.03/PHP648; Children, RM31/USD7.77/PHP387 (Observation Deck) / Adult, RM105/USD26.31/PHP1309; Children (13y/o above), RM55/USD13.78/PHP685 (Sky Deck) *There are other attractions inside KL Tower including F1 Stimulator and XD Theater, among others. Operation Hours : 9 AM to 10 PM (Weekdays)/9:30 AM to 10 PM (Weekend & Holidays) Nearest Station : Dang Wangi Station (LRT; From there, walk for about 10 minutes following the signage.)

You may do combination package or purchase a ticket per attraction. Whether you are getting a single-attraction pass or thinking of getting a combo package, Klook is offering KL Tower tickets for less.

Get Your Tickets Here

Tun abdul razak heritage park.

This 173-acre park is home to other interesting attractions include the Perdana Botanical Gardens (also known as Lake Gardens), KL Bird Park, Orchid Garden, Deer Park, Butterfly Park, and Islamic Art Museum to name a few.   Admission Fee : Entrance to the park is free; Some attractions inside are free also, others have minimal fees. Operation Hours : 7 AM to 8 PM (Daily) Nearest Station : KL Sentral (10-15 minute walk to TAR Heritage Park; you can also take the Hop-On Hop-Off bus)

If you want to experience three attractions — Bird Park, Butterfly Park, and the Orchid Garden, you can book this half-day tour with Klook.

The city of Kuala Lumpur used to be Malaysia’s administrative center; Putrajaya now holds that title. Almost all of the government-run establishments are located here. Some of the notable structures include Putrajaya Government Center, Putra Mosque, Putra Perdana, and Putra Bridge among others.

  How to Get Here: From Kuala Lumpur city center, you can take the KLIA Transit from KL Sentral. The fare is around RM15/USD3.76/PHP187 (one way). If you opt to take the bus, pick up/drop off point for passengers traveling between KL and Putrajaya is beside Putrajaya Sentral train station. Fare ranges from RM3/USD.75/PHP37 – RM5/USD1.25/PHP62. Taxi fare should be between RM40/USD10.02/PHP499 – RM50/USD12.53/PHP623, but you would not take the taxi, right? Hehe.

——— Going around Putrajaya is quite tiring. The distance from one attraction to another is quite a long walk, and there are few public transportation within Putrajaya, but if you really want to explore this federal territory, Klook is offering a tour, which might interest you.

Putrajaya and Agriculture Heritage Park Tour

• Attractions include PJ Government Center, Putra Mosque, Putra Perdana, Putra Bridge, and Agriculture Heritage Park.
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• English-speaking guide and driver
• Guided tour at the Agriculture Heritage Park
• Approximately 4 hours duration

Batu Caves is an important and sacred place for the Hindu people. The limestone hill houses a number of caves and Hindu cave temples. Visitors will have a feel of countryside life and the lush vista of the suburbs. Batu Temple Cave has no entrance fee and is open daily from 7 AM to 7 PM.

  How to Get There: Coming from KL Sentral, take the KTM Komuter train going to Batu Caves station. The fare is around RM2/USD.50/PHP25. If you are going there by bus, RapidKL has two routes going to Batu Caves: U6 (get off at APM) and U10 (get off at Jalan Sri Batu Caves 5). It would be better if you ask the driver to inform you where to get off. The fare is around RM3/USD.75/PHP37. For taxi, the fare ranges from RM20/USD5.01/PHP249 – RM25/USD6.26/PHP311.

——— If you want to make the most of your countryside/suburbs trip, Klook offers a tour of Batu Caves combined with other interesting destinations such as the Batik Factory and Pewter Factory.

Suburbs and Batu Caves Half Day Tour

• Approximately 3-5 hours duration

Sunway Lagoon

If you are looking for a shopping mall, a theme park, a water park, and a hotel all in one place, then Sunway Lagoon is the place for you! I was actually amazed at how extensive the place is. It’s that one place where all family members (with different personalities and needs) will fit in.

Admission Fee: Adult, RM170/USD42.59/PHP2119; Children (12y/o below), RM 140/USD35.08/PHP1745; Senior Citizen, RM140/USD35.08/PHP1745; Children below 3y/o and 90cm height, FREE (Note: Admission covers entrance to all parks and rides, activities, and attractions EXCEPT Bungy Jump, G-Force X, and Go Kart. No Refund and No Cancellation policy applies.)

Operation Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM (Daily)

  How to Get There: Take KTM Komuter train going to Subang Jaya station, then get on a feeder bus to the Sunway Pyramid stop. If going via Putra LRT, get off at Kelana Jaya station, then catch a feeder bus to the Sunway Pyramid stop. Sunway Lagoon is approximately 15 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur.

——— Klook is offering discounted 1-day tickets for you to experience 80 rides across 6 theme parks!

• Fixed date ticket
• Show mobile e-voucher
• Collect Physical ticket

Reserve Slot Here

Kampung kuantan.

Kampung Kuantan is a popular destination for those who want to witness the dancing light performance of the colonies of firefly while cruising the Sg Selangor river. It is one of the famous sites with the largest firefly colonies in the world. Firefly watching activity is from 7 PM to 10:30 PM.

  How to Get There: If you are coming from Puduraya Bus station (city center), take a bus to Kuala Selangor. You can get the ticket inside the bus. The fare is around RM2/USD.50/PHP25. From Kuala Selangor, take another bus that passes the entrance to the firefly park. If you choose to ride a cab, the fare is around RM50/USD12.53/PHP623 (one way). Boat rental fee is around RM53/USD13.28/PHP660 per boat. Each boat can accommodate four people. Travel time is around 1.5hr to 2hrs from Kuala Lumpur city center.

——— It would be best if you avail yourself of a package tour for firefly watching rather than doing it by yourself. If you go there DIY-style, you need to find accommodations as it would be difficult to get back to the city late at night. Even getting a cab would be hard and costly. Some of the Firefly Watching tours offered are overpriced, so be wary of those. Klook is offering a discounted rate not only for the firefly activity but also for a visit to the historical Kota Melawati.

• Roundtrip transfer from city center hotels (Pick up at 3:30pm)
• Entrance ticket
• Seafood dinner
• Approximately 8hrs duration

Other Attractions:

• Muzium Duraja (Royal Museum) Used to be the residence of the King of Malaysia, this structure has been transformed into a museum, showcasing the royal memorabilia. Admission Fee: Adult, RM10/USD2.51/PHP125; Children, RM5/USD1.25/PHP62 Operation Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (Daily) Nearest Station: Tun Sambanthan (Monorail)

Day Tours from Kuala Lumpur

Outside of Kuala Lumpur, there are other attractions which might take your interest. You can either go DIY-style or you can join a group tour if you don’t want to think about the how-to-get-there part especially when you are traveling with kids or elders.

Melaka (Malacca)

A couple of hours away from Kuala Lumpur is the historic state of Melaka. It is Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site for Culture recipient. Melaka is one of the four Malaysian states, which are not under the rule of the Sultan; the other three are Penang, Sabah, and Sarawak. A governor is the head of Melaka state. Take photos of the Dutch Square (most commonly known as the Red Square), stroll along the world-famous Jonker Street, or take a river cruise.

  How to Get There: Take bus from TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) going to Melaka Sentral. Buses leave every 30 minutes. Fare is around RM10/USD2.51/PHP125 – RM15/USD3.76/PHP187. Travel duration is two hours.

——— Should you want to take this historical tour of Malacca, Klook is offering this tour at a good price.

Historical Malacca Tour with Lunch

• Lunch at local restaurant (drinks not included)
• Malacca River stroll
• Historical City Tour

  You can read MALACCA MALAYSIA: Budget Travel Guide for more details.

Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands encompasses hilly terrain that is close to the size of Singapore. Due to its elevated location and the rich flora, the temperature is cooler. Refresh and clear your mind while enjoying the scenic tour around the area. Activities include farming, fruit-picking, and trekking.

  How to Get There: From Kuala Lumpur, take a bus from TBS (Bandar Tasik Selatan) going to Tanah Rata. Fare starts at RM35/USD8.77/PHP436, one way. Travel duration is 3 to 4.5 hours.

——— If you want to avail a tour package, Klook offers a comprehensive itinerary for a discounted price. The itinerary includes tea plantation, bee farm, butterfly farm, strawberry farm, waterfall, and local fruit and vegetable market.

Cameron Highlands Day Tour

• English-speaking guide cum driver
• Entrance Fees
• Approximately 13hrs duration

Genting Highlands

Another high-altitude attraction near Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s biggest hilltop resort, Genting Highlands, also known as Resorts World Genting. It’s a one-stop place for those who fancy both urban activities such as shopping while also relishing the cool temperature and basking in the verdant scenery. The place is also famous for its hotels and entertainment including theme parks (both indoor and outdoor) and golf course, among others. But what really made this place stand out is its monocable gondola lift, the Genting Skyway, which is the longest and fastest cable car in Southeast Asia.

  How to Get Here: There’s no railway directly servicing Genting Highlands, but the resort provides shuttle buses running hourly between Genting Highlands and Gombak Station (KJ1) of the Kelana Jaya Line. From KL Sentral, you can purchase your bus ticket (and Genting Skyway cable car ticket) at the Lower Ground Floor. It is recommended to get your return ticket too and plan your trip well. Be mindful of your time. Overall fare is around RM20/USD5.01/PHP249 – RM25/USD6.26/PHP311.

——— If you don’t want to be overwhelmed by this trip and worry less about catching your bus to the city center on time, let Klook handle the arrangement for you at a discounted price.

Genting Highlands Day Tour

• Return ticket on Genting Skyway
• Entrance to the resort (this is different from theme parks admission fees)

Where to Shop in Kuala Lumpur

As one of the shopping capitals in Asia, shopping experience for tourists is made even better not only because of the relatively cheap goods and services but also because of the GST (Goods and Services Tax) Refund Scheme . I, myself, who is not really into shopping when I travel bought a lot from this trip, especially the 3-in-1 teh tarik packs. Haha! Don’t miss out on that one. The teh tarik is to die for!

• Bukit Bintang is KL’s premier shopping district, much like Singapore’s Orchard Road and Tokyo’s Ginza District. You will never be left wanting for more shopping malls when you come to this area. It currently has eight malls providing shoppers, locals and foreigners alike, with wide spectrum of choices from clothes to food to gadgets.
• Outside the Golden Triangle area, the suburbs enclaves, such as Bangsar in the South and Mont Kiara in the North, have a laid-back urban ambiance. They not only have specialty stores and boutiques offering unique shopping experience but also have bargain shops offering goods at low price.
• Jalan Petaling is located at the city center. If you are into bargain finds and souvenirs, you might love combing through this traditional commercial district. The area is most commonly referred to by the locals as “Chinatown”. One of the suggested places to shop is the Pasar Seni, also known as Central Market . The place offers Batik products and other apparel products, local handicrafts, food (either for snacking or for “pasalubong”), and many more!

Sample Kuala Lumpur Itinerary

Here’s a sample 5D/4N Kuala Lumpur itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival + Petronas Twin Tower 03:00pm – Airport to KLCC 04:30pm – Check in hotel/hostel 05:00pm – Petronas Twin Tower 07:00pm – Dinner and Chill 10:00pm – Back to Hotel

Day 2: KL City Tour + Putrajaya Tour 07:00am – Breakfast 09:00am – Putrajaya Tour 01:00pm – Lunch 02:00pm – KL City Tour 06:00pm – Dinner and Explore 10:00pm – Back to Hotel

Day 3: Melaka Day Tour (Or any other day tour of your choice) 07:30am – Breakfast 08:30am – Transfer to Melaka 10:30am – Melaka City Tour 12:30nn – Lunch 01:30pm – Resume tour 04:30pm – Return to KL 07:00pm – Dinner 09:00pm – Back to Hotel

Day 4: Chinatown + Batu Caves 08:00am – Breakfast 09:00am – Chinatown (Explore and Pasalubong Shopping) 01:00nn – Lunch 02:00pm – Batu Caves (or Firefly Activity Tour) 06:00pm – Dinner 10:00pm – Back to Hotel

Day 5: Pack Up + Departure 07:30am – Breakfast 08:00am – Check out 12:10nn – Depart to Manila

Other Tips for the Poor Traveler

• Choose to walk when you can. The monorail is a very convenient way to go around the city. You might miss something interesting if you opt to ride rather than walk.
• Point with your thumb. It is considered rude if you point using your forefinger.
• Respect homes and places of worship. If you are entering homes or places of worship, shoes must always be removed.
• Ask permission. It is better to ask permission when you want to take photos inside places of worship and someone’s home.
• Use your right hand. When giving and receiving something, it is preferable to use your right hand.

2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣9️⃣ • 1️⃣2️⃣ • 2️⃣3️⃣ (Updated)

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

Related Posts:

• THEAN HOU TEMPLE in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• MERDEKA SQUARE and SULTAN ABDUL SAMAD BUILDING in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• KL TOWER and 1 Malaysia Cultural Village: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS and Suria KLCC: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA: Budget Travel Guide
• SOUTHEAST ASIA BACKPACKING ON A BUDGET: Travel Guide
• Sample SOUTHEAST ASIA Itineraries: 5, 6, 7 Days
• SINGAPORE TO KUALA LUMPUR by BUS or TRAIN: Crossing the Border

• Recent Posts

• 2024 STILTS CALATAGAN Beach Resort Travel Guide with Itinerary & Budget - 7 April 2024
• TOKYO SKYTREE TRAVEL GUIDE: Know Before You Visit! - 30 March 2024
• 37 BORACAY TOURIST SPOTS & Things to Do (with Prices!) - 6 November 2023

highly recommended! thank you for sharing your travel stories

Thanks for the article. Its very useful. Keep sharing. 

can i exchange php to rm in kuala lumpur? i normally buy usd when i travel but i want to know if i can exchange php there instead in money changers or in the airport?

Featured On

We heard you!

Your comment is now queued for moderation! We’ll try to get back to you soonest. While waiting, follow us on these channels.

Subscribe on Youtube! Follow us on Instagram!

Generali Malaysia SMART TRAVELLER ENHANCED

Travel insurance that gives you a world of protection

Get immediate protection, comprehensive coverage and 24-hour emergency assistance wherever you are in the world.

High Medical Coverage During Overseas   - Pays for your medical and hospital expenses incurred overseas due to accident or illness during your travels Compensation for Personal Belongings and Travel Inconveniences - Pays for loss or damage to your baggage and personal effects, as well as travel and baggage delays Trip Cancellation - Buy travel insurance at least 14 days before your trip, and we will compensate you for irrecoverable travel and accommodation expenses as a result of trip cancellation due to serious injury or illness to you or your immediate family or a natural disaster at your destination Personal Accident - Get 24/7 coverage for Accidental Death and Permanent Disablement wherever you are in the world Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation - Unlimited coverage for emergency transportation and medical care to the nearest hospital, and the cost of repatriation back to Malaysia to continue treatment if deemed medically necessary Loss of Money or Travel Documents - Pays for loss of Money due to theft, and the travel and accommodation expenses necessary to obtain replacement passports, travel tickets and other relevant travel documents

All policies are underwritten by Generali Insurance Malaysia Berhad (formerly known as AXA Affin General Insurance Berhad) (Company No: 197501002042 (23820-W)). AF Travel Sdn Bhd (146629-W) (KKKP0054) has been appointed by Generali Insurance Malaysia Berhad to act as an agent. For any claims assistance, complaints or product information, please contact our Customer Service at +603-2687 9688 or [email protected].

Download Brochure

Single Trip Plan Annual Plan

Enquiry Form

SMART TRAVELLER

INTRODUCING THE LARGEST GLOBAL TRAVEL MEMBERSHIP

Members’ Exclusive Offers at a Glance:

Earn 2 ST Points with every USD1 spent

Smart Traveller members can earn 2 ST Points for every USD1 spent on Aerotel room bookings. Plus, an additional 10% discount* when you book your stay on our official website.  

*Conditions apply.

Enjoy 20% Off on Airport Lounges

Smart Traveller members can enjoy 20% off* standard walk-in rates for both online bookings and walk-ins at Plaza Premium Lounge across 20 and more countries and regions. Members can earn up to 300* ST Points for every Plaza Premium Lounge visit!  

Enjoy 10% Off walk-in rate on first class lounge packages

Flash your Smart Traveller e-membership card to enjoy 10% off walk-in lounge packages* at selected Plaza Premium First locations*.  

Enjoy Up to 15% Off on Airport ConciergeServices

ALLWAYS Concierge offers end-to-end airportexperience that is personalised, secure andseamless, from airport Meet & Assist service,buggy service, fast-track assistance, porterservice to limousine arrangement and more. Smart Traveller can enjoy up to 15% off* onselected airport concierge services.

Enjoy 10% Off at Airport Dining

Upon presentation of your Smart Traveller e-membership card, you can enjoy up to 10% off* on selected food items at Root98 and Flight Club.  

Where to Earn Points?

What you can redeem?

Online payment options:

Sign up to receive the latest news and exclusive offers

By submitting your details, you agree to our Privacy Policy .

• Group Booking
• Work with Us

In order to enable certain services/features and improve your website experience, our website uses tools such as cookies, which collect data on how you interact with our website. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our use of such cookies. You can find more information on our data usage and cookie policy here.

Are you an existing Smart Traveller member? Use your Smart Traveller credentials to login.

Subscription received.

Agency Information

Smart Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd is a registered travel agency in Kuala Lumpur. The agency provides travel and tourism related services on behalf of suppliers such as airlines, car rentals, cruise lines, hotels and package tours in Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur A delightful mix of cross-cultural influences and traditions, Kuala Lumpur radiates an exciting, enticing charm, which will no doubt pique your interest throughout your stay. Let the city's warmth embrace you as you lose yourself in its unique blend of tradition, culture old world charm and new world sophistication. Explore its nooks and crannies, and you'll discover captivating sights, sensational sounds, aromatic smells and fantastic people. Kuala Lumpur, affectionately known as KL, is an amazing cultural melting pot. Here, you will wander through communities of Chinese, Malays, Indians, East Malaysian ethnic groups, Thais, Indonesians, Sikhs and a huge community of expatriates. Each community offering its own festivals, food, music, art and fashion while influencing each other's cultures. KL has a lively nightlife scene and a fascinating art and performance culture, which blends contePluslinerorary and traditional styles from many backgrounds. There is the widest range of sporting activities available with state of the art facilities to iPluslinerress any sporting enthusiast. The aSesucihitecture is somewhat eccentric and is certainly unique, from hundred year old mansions to awe-inspiring sky scrapers, and all within metres of each other.

Treat your taste buds to KL's extremely varied cuisine, which is certainly a tasty adventure in itself! Above all else KL is a shopping haven, offering everything from street side trinkets to haute couture. The resulting kaleidoscope of cultures, costumes and cuisines is nothing short of a whirlwind for the senses - more intense here than anywhere else in the country.  

• Kuala Lumpur Tourism
• Kuala Lumpur Hotels
• Kuala Lumpur Bed and Breakfast
• Kuala Lumpur Holiday Rentals
• Flights to Kuala Lumpur
• Lai Po Heen
• Kuala Lumpur Attractions
• Kuala Lumpur Travel Forum
• Kuala Lumpur Photo
• Kuala Lumpur Map
• All Kuala Lumpur Hotels
• Kuala Lumpur Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Kuala Lumpur
• Kuala Lumpur
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Holiday Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travellers' Choice
• Help Centre

High quality service and delicious food. - Lai Po Heen

• Asia    
• Malaysia    
• Wilayah Persekutuan    
• Kuala Lumpur    
• Kuala Lumpur Restaurants    

“High quality service and delicious food.” Review of Lai Po Heen

Special thanks to Mr. Ibrahim and the team for their high quality and excellent service to our guest. The food was delicious, quality and good presentation that makes our guest had great experience and enjoying their meal. Thank you very much.

Dear Vacation06445918714 Thank you for sharing this glowing review with us on your recent dining experience at Lai Po Heen. We are glad that your guests enjoyed our food and that we were able to meet your expectations. We greatly appreciate your kind praise towards our food and its presentation. Our team particularly Ibrahim would be thrilled to hear of your kind praise on their excellent service. We look forward to having you back with us again, soon. Yours sincerely Filippos Paterakis Director of Food & Beverage

• Excellent 318
• Very good 116
• Terrible 16
• All languages
• English  (478)
• Chinese (Sim.)  (65)
• Chinese (Trad.)  (64)
• More languages
• English (478)
• Chinese (Sim.) (65)
• Chinese (Trad.) (64)
• Japanese (16)
• Russian (8)
• Italian (4)
• Portuguese (1)

1 - 5 of 522 reviews

We are here fort Lunar New Year lunch. Very bad service. In-between servings are extremely long... No one clearing the dishes or serving tea...

Dear haileOng0 Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We regret to hear of your disappointment of your recent dining at Lai Po Heen. I would like to extend my sincere apologies for failing to provide you with a true Mandarin Oriental dining experience as this is certainly not our usual standards that Mandarin Oriental is known for. Your comments on the service shortfalls have been duly noted and rest assured that our Restaurant Manager has taken the necessary steps to address the issues and prevent similar shortfalls from occurring in the future. We sincerely hope that this isolated incident will not mar your overall impression of Lai Po Heen. We look forward to serving you for a more seamless experience with us as we strive to serve you better in the future. Yours sincerely Filippos Paterakis Director of Food & Beverage

I had dinner with friends and family at Lai Po Heen and left extremely disappointed due to the service and food quality. It took a long time for the soup to arrive, unfortunately it arrived cold. We sent it back with the waiter and after a prolonged waiting period it was brought back in the same state: cold. The waiter's justification was that the soup cooled down on the way from the kitchen to the table. This was a sign of what awaited us for the rest of the evening; Rice that was cold he, upon sending it back, we were brought back the exact same dish. Likewise the chicken and steak were cold. The only exception to that was the fried fish which I suspect to be the only dish not to have been precooked. All of this might have been slightly overlooked had the flavour been up to par, but alas it was mediocre at best. Most of the dishes were bland and did not match the restaurant's reputation. The waiting staff were inattentive and appeared to be focused on only one table, it took a lot of effort to grab their attention. There wasn't a single apology given and no manager came to our table to discuss our concerns. We left with a bill that did not reflect the experience, we will not be returning.

Dear 681maa Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us as such information is invaluable to us in our efforts to continually improve all aspects of our products and services. It was with great concern that I read your comments on the food quality, service inconsistency and shortfalls that you experienced during your visit to Lai Po Heen. This was certainly not in keeping with the level of service standard that we aim to provide. I would like to apologize personally to your family and your guests for the inconvenience caused. Rest assured that the matter has been brought to the attention of our Chinese Executive Chef, the relevant Management and colleagues involved, for remedial and corrective action. Thank you for your constructive feedback and hope that this isolated incident will not mar your overall impression of Lai Po Heen. We look forward to serving you for a more seamless experience with us as we strive to serve you better in the future. Yours sincerely Filippos Paterakis Director of Food & Beverage

The food and service here were amazing. Faiz in particular, who waited on our table, was incredibly polite, kind and accommodating to our needs. He made our dining experience at Lai Po Heen all the more special.

Dear Cruiser16446062887 Thank you for sharing this glowing review with us on your recent dining at Lai Po Heen. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed our food and that our team had presented you with a truly MO dining experience. Faiz would be thrilled to read your review as it is our mission to completely delight and satisfy our guests. Thank you for your kind support and we look forward to serving you again soon. Yours sincerely Filippos Paterakis Director of Food & Beverage

Good food. Friendly waitress. A surprise of birthday treat. Great thing is the waitress observed that my son was on a very smart attire and asked if we came for a special event. Yes! We came for a birthday celebration.

Dear Rucira Thank you for sharing this five-star review with us. It is gratifying to know that you had a wonderful experience at Lai Po Heen. We greatly appreciate your kind words towards our food and service. Thank you once again for choosing us to be a part of the birthday celebration and we look forward to welcoming you back for many more joyous occasions. Yours sincerely Filippos Paterakis Director of Food & Beverage

Travellers who viewed Lai Po Heen also viewed

Been to lai po heen share your experiences, owners: what's your side of the story.

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Browse nearby