According to ancient texts, the term Suvarnadvipa (Golden Peninsula) mentioned in the Ramayana may refer to the Malay Peninsula. The Vayu Purana also mentions a place called Maladvipa, which probably referred to Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. Although these references are controversial, no one doubts Malaysia’s popularity as a popular holiday destination for Indians. Malaysia has it all: delicious cuisine, fascinating culture, and breathtaking natural and scenic spots set against a vibrant urban atmosphere. Not only is Malaysia not that far away, it’s also affordable and easy to fit in. INRThe budget is 100,000.
Here’s a quick guide to what to see, do, eat, buy, and shop in Malaysia. If you are unsure of your itinerary, please visit: www.malaysia.travel/travel-ideasVisit the Malaysian Tourism Board official website for interesting itineraries.
Important cities: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, George Town, Langkawi, Johor Bahru, Malacca, Alor Setar, Ipoh, Genting.
Must see/must do: Meet orangutans in Malaysian Borneo, visit the Petronas Twin Towers, visit the historic city of Georgetown, explore Langkawi, climb Mount Kinabalu, hike the Cameron Highlands Trail, and explore Taman Negara and Tunku Abdul Rahman National Parks. Trekking, visiting Porta de Santiago (Famosa) and Dharmikarama Burmese temple, see the proboscis monkeys of Baco. Walk the path of food.
Must-eat:
• Mee Goreng Mamak: Yellow noodles with beef or chicken, shrimp, vegetables and egg.
• Appam Balik: Pancake-like snack
• Nasi kerab: green rice
• Ayam Persic: Chicken with persic sauce
• Roti John: Sandwich with grilled minced meat and egg in the middle of thin bread.
• Laska: Sour fish soup
• Chendawan Goreng: Fried mushrooms
• Leman: Rice mixed with coconut milk and cooked in bamboo.
• Tepung Pelita: Malay pastry
• Roti Canai: Flatbread dish
• Ramlee Burger: Malaysia’s iconic street food
• Satay or satay: barbecued meat
• Lok-Lok: A fusion of satay and hot pot
What to buy: Batik fabrics, wall hangings, pewter products, hand-woven crafts, Malaysian dodol, songket fabrics, pia khumbu fabrics, kerongsang (brooches), love saying (gourd-shaped clay jars), Nyonya beaded slippers.
Where to buy: Petaling Street Market (Chinatown), Little Indian Arcade, Pavilion, Berjaya Times Square, Central Market in Kuala Lumpur, Handicraft Market in Kota Kinabalu, Kuching Main Bazaar in Sabah and Sarawak, Langkawi Night Market, Sabai Sabai Market in Penang , Suria KLCC, Cameron Highlands.
package:
• Escape to Kuala Lumpur (4 nights and 5 days). Fee: INROver 42,000 (including air tickets). make a reservation: makemytrip.com
• Budget special Kuala Lumpur trip (4 nights 5 days). Fee: INROver 36,000 (including air tickets). make a reservation: makemytrip.com
• Romantic Langkawi (5 days and 4 nights). Fee: INROver 79,000 (including air tickets). make a reservation: makemytrip.com
• Amazing Malaysia (4 days and 3 nights). Fee: INR24,000+ (excluding airmail). make a reservation: thomas cook
• Exciting Malaysia (6 days and 5 nights). Fee: INR27,000 or more (excluding airmail). make a reservation: thomas cook
• Genting Dream Cruise Penang (4 days 3 nights). Fee: INR26,000+ (excluding airmail). make a reservation: sochiin
• You can find interesting itineraries www.malaysia.travel/travel-ideasthe official website of Tourism Malaysia.
Return (Economy): Departure times for the Delhi-Kuala Lumpur-Delhi return journey are as follows: INROver 24,000. Departure times for return flights from Bangalore are as follows: INR20,000+; INRMore than 16,000 people from Kolkata.
Visa: From 1 December 2023, Indian nationals will be allowed visa-free entry to Malaysia for up to 30 days.
Good to know:
Currency: 1 Malaysian Ringgit = INR 17.98
Language: The official and national language of Malaysia is Malay or Malay. English is widely spoken.
Local transportation: Public transportation such as the subway and buses are cheaper than taxis. Take advantage of Go KL City Bus, a free bus service that travels between Kuala Lumpur’s downtown hotspots. From Kuala Lumpur, RapidKL and KTM Commuter connect Kuala Lumpur to all major suburbs and states, respectively. In Kuala Lumpur, the KL Monorail runs through the city centre.
KL Sentral is a modern transportation hub served by many trains such as KTM Commuter, LRT, MRT, KLIA Express, KLIA Transit, and local buses including those to Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Use MyRapidKL buses for intercity and interstate travel.
If you want to avoid the roads, take a KTM train.
Wi-Fi: Most luxury hotels have free Wi-Fi.
Security tips:
• As in most cities, be aware of your surroundings.
• Follow local laws and regulations.
• Don’t keep all your money and travel documents in one wallet or bag. Keep cash, traveler’s checks, credit cards, and other valuables separate.
• Do not carry large amounts of cash in public places.
• On roads and sidewalks, watch for movement behind you and walk toward traffic if possible.
• Never leave your bags, suitcases, or other belongings unattended, even for a moment.
• If you go to the beach, store your valuables in a secure locker.
• Do not hang your bag on the back of a chair in a cafe or restaurant. Place it on your shoulders, knees, or between your legs.
• Ensure all credit/debit card transactions occur in front of you.