Malaysia is a welcoming, culturally diverse place for women

by Carolyn Ray

A country of roughly 34 million people, Malaysia has a unique history, blending Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indigenous cultures, religions, foods and traditions. The Malaysia I experienced during eight weeks of travel isn’t glossy and touristy – it’s a fusion of foods, locally owned guesthouses, chill beaches and lush, vibrant jungles and forests perfect for adventure. It’s a place where you can embrace your inner child and yes to new things – like eating street food, sleeping in a wooden traditional Malaysian home, or hiking up 2500 ft hills for astonishing views.

There’s one important thing to know about Malaysia: it does not move at the pace of other countries. Flights will be delayed. It can be very hot. It rains. The food is different. Airports and train stations might be under construction. Monkeys will be ever-present, requiring extra vigilance. There are different noises, like mosques and dogs that may disrupt your sleeping habits. Some things will not be as you expect them. In fact, travel to Malaysia might be a little messy, but that’s part of the experience. Adapting to the culture is part of the experience for every adventurous traveller to embrace with an open mind. After all, we are guests and imposing our Western standards on other places only diminishes the experience. 

But Malaysia is also a culture where a mosque, temple and cathedral can share space on the same street (as they do on “Harmony Street” in George Town).  There’s such an abundance of experiences in Malaysia, I only skimmed the surface in my time in this country. I’m incredibly grateful to have had this precious time to step away from my Western perspective, better understand and respect traditions and cultures different from my own, and value our inter-connectness and the importance of our global community.

20+ things to know about Malaysia

When I started researching Malaysia, I had a hard time finding answers to basic questions on major travel webistes. Most of my research was done on smaller blogs and local websites. I’m grateful to these local bloggers for sharing their personal experiences in Malaysia, as they guided me on my journey.

1. When is the best time to visit Malaysia?

Malaysia is very close to the equator and as a result has a tropical, hot, and humid climate year-round. In December and January, it is fairly warm (about 30 degrees) but I enjoyed it. There is plenty of air conditioning available. To adapt to the heat, bring a hand fan, dress in light clothing, wear a hat or bring an umbrella  While Malaysia has monsoon period and a rainy season, there’s really no bad time to come, depending on where you want to go. During my two months in Malaysia from December to February (during the monsoon season), it rained once, although there were some cloudy days. Check weather forecasts before you go and plan appropriately.

There are many festivals in Malaysia, and it’s a good idea to think about whether you want to be there for Chinese New Year, Deepavali or Thaipusam, which I experienced at Batu Caves in January 2026. Thaipusam is a major Tamil Hindu festival celebrating good over evil at Batu Caves, just outside Kuala Lumpur. I took a Grab to get there and the train back, which was very easy. Over 2.5 million worshippers were expected. I saw barefoot women with pots of milk balanced on their heads, men with shaved heads carrying 100kg displays, many with ritual piercings through their face and mouth, all climbing up the 272 steps to the cave, dressed in yellow. Despite being the only blonde woman I never felt anything but welcomed. I just smiled and watched the incredible processions. This demonstration of faith and belief was inspiring.

2.  How do you get to Malaysia?

Most visitors to Malaysia are from Asia, Australia, and neighbouring countries. From North America, I flew overnight from Toronto to Kuala Lumpur, with a stopover in Japan. The entire trip takes between 24-28 hours, so you may want to consider a staying in Japan overnight after that flight to break things up.  Check flight routes here.

3. What are the entry requirements?

Most  visitors to Malaysia do not need a Visa, but you do need to complete a Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) three days before arrival. Make sure you use the official government website; beware of scam sites as there is no cost for the card. After you register and fill in your details, the system will provide you with a PDF that you will need to print and bring with you. The technology is not user friendly but the process is simple. If you make a mistake, just do it over and download a new PDF. I was only asked for it once, while checking in for a domestic flight.

4. How do you say greet people in Malaysia?

Like other places in Asia, people do not shake hands or touch those not in their family. Malaysian people greet you with one hand over their heart and a smile.

5. What language is spoken in Malaysia?

The official language is Malay, but most people in Malaysia speak English. To say hello, ‘hi’ or ‘hello’ is fine or you can speak in Malay: selamat (sounds like “suh-lah-mat). Having some knowledge of common Malay words like nasi (rice), roti canai (flatbread) and keluar (exit).  If you need to translate a menu, try Google Translate.

6. What is the food like in Malaysia?

The national dish of Malaysia is nasi lemuk, which is rice cooked in coconut milk with eggs, peanuts and dried fish, slices of cucumber. Buffets and menus accommodate all cultures – Chinese, Malaysian, Western, Indian, Thai. Fruit juices (make sure the water is bottled) and beer (Tiger from Thailand) are widely available, less so wine (mostly from Australia and it’s expensive).

7. What currency is used in Malaysia? Do you need cash in Malaysia?

Malaysia’s currency is called the RM or Ringgit. Basically, $100 USD is 370 RM. When I arrived, I took out 1,500 RM from a bank machine (about $500 Canadian) which lasted quite a long time. I used my Wise card for public transit (about 2.20 MYR which is about 75 cents). If you have an iphone, use your calculator to convert the currency.

Have small amounts of cash for night markets or small purchases. There are bank machines at the airports and in larger city centres. On both Penang and Langkawi, I used a credit card or Wise card in stores and restaurants. There is no tipping, service charges are included.  Prices are reasonable –  eat local food to save money.You will pay more for Western food 20-50 ringit per person $18 per person for appetizer and main. A typical meal of street food is about 15-20 ringit ($3-5).

8. How safe did you feel in Malaysia?

After spending eight weeks in Malaysia, I can honestly say I never felt any concern whatsoever walking alone anywhere. Since I was staying in reputable places for longer periods of time, I kept my passport and cash in the hotel safe, and used a cross-body bag at all times. Take normal precautions with phones, bags and other items. With regard to hygiene, drink bottled water and keep hand sanitizer at the ready. In my eight weeks in Malaysia, I didn’t experience any food or health issues.

9. What do you pack for Malaysia?

Malaysia was much warmer than I expected. I wish I’d packed less as I wore almost the same thing every day –  light weight cotton, tank tops, skirts, capris, no jeans, jackets, or jumpers needed. If you are flying anywhere, If you are a light sleeper, bring ear plugs and a sleeping mask. I recommend trying to do carry-on, although I had no issues with lost bags in Malaysia (only from Toronto to Kuala Lumpur on Air Canada). Always always use Airtags, that’s my best advice.

10. Where should you stay in Malaysia?

In the larger cities, you will find all the major hotel chains. In smaller places, try a local guest house or homestay.  I used booking.com to book my hotels and got a 15% genius discount; generally breakfast was included.

• In George Town, Penang, I stayed at 23 Love Lane, a woman-owned boutique hotel in the heart of George Town. Read our review here.
• In Langkawi, I stayed in a small guest house called Bon Ton Antique Wooden Villas, which is woman-owned –  it features reconstructed traditional 100-year old Malay wooden homes, really unique. Read more about it in my Langkawi article. 
• In the Cameron Highlands, I stayed at the Cameron Highlands Resort, a rather swanky colonial-style luxury hotel.
• In Pangkor Laut (near Ipoh), I stayed at Pangkor Laut Resort (Read more here), a wonderful, off-the-grid resort.
• In Kuala Lumpur, I stayed at the Four Points Sheraton, which was right in the middle of Chinatown. Easy to walk everywhere to take public transit.
• In Malacca, I stayed at the Majestic Malacca which was very nice, although a 10-minute walk to the old town.
• And at Kuala Lumpur Airport, I stayed at Ibis Styles Sepang, which has a free shuttle bus to the airport.

11. What’s the best way to get around in Malaysia?

When I originally started planning this trip, I was going to take public transit as much as possible. However, after some additional research, I decided to fly to some places as the cost was fairly inexpensive. If you are planning to fly, try to have a carry-on, and expect that your flight will be delayed. On the six flights I took in Malaysia, all were delayed, with no reason provided. C’est la vie!

If you rent a car, you need an International Drivers License. I booked my car with Avis in advance (you can do this easily through booking.com, for example). Gas is not expensive in Malaysia, it was less than a dollar a litre. There are some toll roads, so get a Travel2Go card when you rent a car.  I don’t recommending driving in Penang, which is extremely congested, but on the mainland, driving a car can be helpful, especially on trips to places like the Cameron Highlands. Just remember to drive on the left hand side of the road! 

To book taxis, download the Grab app (Grab bought Uber here in Asia). It’s just like Uber – you can also order food. It’s inexpensive to travel with Grab. You may want to rent a car, if so do it at your guest house, they will arrange if for you. I’m paying 130 ringit per day for a car (about $30). Drivers are courteous, not fast drivers.

12. Can you swim in Malaysia?

Although Malaysia is an island country, Malaysians aren’t as fond of the beach as we are. In Langkawi, the beaches are beautiful, shallow white sand beaches. In Penang, the beaches are really not used for swimming although there are a lot of water sports. Many of the beaches are also eroding due to climate change and high seas. One safety note: Be cautious and keep an eye out for jellyfish – I personally did not see any venomous box jellyfish, but I’m sure they were around. If you are ever stung by a jellyfish, it’s recommended to pour vinegar on the wound and get to a hospital as quickly as possible.

13. What kinds of activities can you do in Malaysia?

In addition to Malaysia’s historic areas, street art and food, I really enjoyed the natural spaces and parks. For example, in Penang, you can climb or ride to the top of Penang Hill. (I recommend taking the cable car unless you are really ready for a grueling steep walk, and don’t go on the weekend or school holidays as it can be very busy with a two-hour wait.)

Coming in at around 25 square kilometres, Penang National Park is one of the world’s smallest national parks, second only to Moyenne Island National Park in the Seychelles. It’s located not far from the main resorts on the northwest corner of Penang Island, and is part of the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve. The 90-minute hike from the entrance to Pantai Kerachut Beach was a dance in the park in comparison to Penang Hill. It costs 50RM to enter the park (free for seniors). All visitors are required to register on a website which tracks you via your phone (smart). There are boats that bring you from one beach to the other for a fee of 120RM per boat, and a few places to grab a beer and simple meal at Monkey Beach, where I did indeed see many people swimming.

In Langkawi, a must-do is Kilim Geoforest Park, located on the north end of the island, on the Andaman Sea. It’s about an hour’s drive from Cenang Beach on a two-lane highway that runs through the island’s capital city of Langkawi, where you can stop at Eagle Park and see its famous eagle sculpture. Langkawi has thousands of islands and there are many island-hopping tours. These tours are not quite developed for mass tourism, but the cost is affordable – only 55 RM ($12 USD) for four hours of island-hopping and a beach stop. (Find options on Viator here).

14. What wildlife is there to be aware of?

Monkeys. It’s important to note that monkeys are almost everywhere and can be aggressive. If you are staying in a hotel, keep your doors and windows closed.  If you are hiking in a national park, don’t carry open food in your backpack or even open a canned drink when you’re in the park. Not only will they grab them right out of your hands, they will open up your backpack to see what’s inside, as I discovered in a face-off on a beach. These are wild animals, but they have become accustomed to being fed by tourists unfortunately.

15. I’ve heard Malaysia has great street art. Where’s the best place. to see it?

Both Kuala Lumpur and George Town have great and well-documented street art. In George Town, you can’t help but love the happy street art made by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic – one of the most famous is “children on a bicycle”, which invite people to interact with the art. There is also metal street art, one a tribute to Jimmy Choo. In Kuala Lumpur, there are many graffiti areas such as Project Kwai Chai Hong, an alley in Chinatown near Petaling Street.

16. I’ve heard Malaysia is a foodie destination?

Malaysia is known for its food – it’s all fresh, natural and unprocessed. My advice is to try everything at least once and find a night market in every city.  GeorgeTown, in Penang, features more Indian and Chinese food. Batu Ferringgi in Penang offers street food served in casual outdoor and open-air (covered) hawker centers and kopitiams (coffee shops). Langkawi is more traditional Malay food and seafood. Kuala Lumpur is more sophisticated, with skybars like Fuego (Latin American, make a reservation), Wanjo for nasi lemak, and just about anywhere in Chinatown.

Make sure to try a cooking class and a food tour. My favourite was the four-hour Sambal Streets Kuala Lumpur Food Tour with 15+ Tastings starting every half hour, which I found on Viator. Definitely try satay, nasi lemuk, sardines and dorian (the smelly fruit) if you get a chance.

17. What religions are in Malaysia?

Islam is the official state religion, so there are mosques on every corner. Approximatley 65% of Malaysians are Muslim, with the remainder Buddhist, Hindu, and Christian.  Everywhere in Malaysia, you’ll find ornate Chinese clan houses and temples, Hindu temples, and Christian churches which are all open to the public. In a Chinese temple, make sure you walk in the correct door (usually the right, never the middle) and walk in a clockwise direction. In Muslim mosques, wear appropriate clothing. Be prepared to remove your shoes in most Buddhist temples and mosques.

18. What is there to do in Kuala Lumpur?

I didn’t expect to enjoy Kuala Lumpur so much. It’s a city that glows at night, best seen from above from one of the many skybars. Fuego at the Troika Towers (and for the cocktails and food); the Skybar at The Traders Hotel for live music and open air views (Shangri-La) and the Helipad (worth the three flights of stairs) a former helicopter pad with no railings. Skip Mesa on 51.

19.  What is there to see in Malacca?

Malacca and George Town are considered sister cities and were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2008 for their shared history as colonial trading ports in the Straits of Malacca.  Malacca is also considered the oldest town in Malaysia.

I stayed in Malacca for four days, which in retrospect was probably too long. Plan to go on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday because the Jonker Street Market is only open those days. Malacca is charming, with a river that winds through the old town.  Sit along the canal and watch the river boats go by, or try on a peranakan skirt. Restaurants to try: The Baboon House, Nancy’s Kitchen or the Geographer Cafe for people-watching.  If you haven’t tried reflexology yet, Malacca is a good place to get your feet looked after, and it’s very inexpensive. Treat yourself!

20. Is it worth going to the Cameron Highlands?

Yes! On a map, the Highlands look close but in reality it’s quite a drive into the mountains (hence why they are called highlands). This area is full of tea and flower farms developed by Chinese immigrants a century ago, but take it slowly if you drive and don’t do it at night. I only spent one night here and wish I’d done more! It’s so scenic and beautiful.

21. How long should you stay in Malaysia to really understand its essence?

I was in Malaysia for almost eight weeks, from mid-December 2025 to February 2026. I spent three weeks on Penang, both in George Town and Batu Ferringhi, the beach area. I think one week or less would have been better, and one week in most of the other places. I would suggest at least 3 weeks if you have the time, and make time for Borneo (unfortunately I couldn’t fit it in).

22. How can I make this part of a longer stay?

If you’re flying to Asia, make the most out of it. It’s very easy and affordable to travel to nearby countries, such as Thailand, Indonesia (Bali), Singapore, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.  While in Asia, I took a Mekong river cruise with Ama Waterways starting in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and ending in Siem Reap, Cambodia. I would have liked to spend more time in Cambodia and spent a week in Thailand or Laos. Next time!

Disclaimer: I did not have any financial support from Malaysia Tourism, Viator or booking.com on this trip, and planned and booked it myself. I consider my travels an investment to broaden my knowledge and understanding of the world, and consider trips like this a service to our readers, so that we’re leading in our travels, not following the crowd. If you’ve found this article helpful, I’d love to know in the comments!  

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