Malaysia Beach Holidays
Langkawi sunsets, Perhentian reefs, and Borneo's tropical coastline. Plan your Malaysia beach holiday with flights, hotels, weather, and travel tips.
€1 = RM 4.66
Today
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Travel warning
Weather in Malaysia
Fri
Sat
Sun
SPF level in Malaysia
Autumn
SPF 50+
Spring
SPF 50+
Summer
SPF 50+ (extreme)
Winter
SPF 50+
Entry requirements for Malaysia
You can visit Malaysia without a visa for tourism and will normally be allowed to stay for 90 days on arrival.
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after your arrival date and be undamaged with no pages missing.
You must submit an arrival card online before you travel, as airlines may ask for it at check-in.
You must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk.
You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty, including any medications you are unsure about.
Good to know:
When travelling between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), you must carry your passport and pass through immigration control to get entry and exit stamps.
You must declare cash in any currency or travellers cheques worth 10,000 US dollars or more when entering or exiting Malaysia, and you need prior approval for ringgit worth that amount.
Safety in Malaysia
Malaysia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Bag-snatching by thieves on motorbikes is common, so avoid carrying bags on the shoulder closest to the road.
Credit card and ATM fraud is widespread, so take care when using your card.
Do not open your hotel room door to strangers, especially late at night.
By law you must carry your passport with you as identification.
There have been cases of drink spiking in bars or restaurants, leading to robbery or assault.
Bonus tips:
Dress modestly, particularly in conservative areas, as you may be refused entry to some places.
If you rent a motorbike, it is illegal not to wear a helmet.
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Driving in Malaysia
A UK driving license is valid for driving in Malaysia for up to 3 months. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Side of the road
Left
Motorway speed limit
110 km/h
Urban speed limit
50-60 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.08%
Remember: Malaysia drives on the left. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the right.
Health in Malaysia
It's crucial to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, hospital stays, and repatriation. While GHIC/EHIC is not applicable in Malaysia, ensure your travel insurance covers you for all potential medical needs.
No vaccinations required
Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance of your trip to discuss necessary vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis, especially if you plan to visit rural areas. Dengue fever is prevalent throughout Malaysia, so take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and trousers, especially at dawn and dusk. Medical facilities are generally good in major cities, but may be limited in rural areas.
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major cities, tourist areas, and larger establishments. Smaller shops and restaurants may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1096
Tipping in Malaysia
Tipping is not as widespread in Malaysia as it is in some Western countries, but it's becoming more common, especially in tourist areas. Service charges are often included in restaurant and hotel bills.
Restaurant
5-10% if service is exceptional, but often a 10% service charge is already included in the bill.
Bar/Café
Not expected, but you can round up the bill as a gesture of appreciation.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is common.
Hotel Porter
MYR 2-5 per bag is appreciated.
Hotel Housekeeper
MYR 5-10 per day, left at the end of your stay.
Tour Guide
MYR 10-20 per person for a full-day tour if you are satisfied with the service.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer apply to UK citizens. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Malaysia. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper data and calls.
Local SIM
50GB for 120 MYR (~£20)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Electrical in Malaysia
Voltage
240V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type G
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls, especially in tourist areas.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Internet access is generally good in Malaysia, particularly in urban areas. Many establishments offer free WiFi to customers. Mobile data is also readily available but local SIM card is cheaper.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
999
Police
999
Ambulance
999
Fire
999
Save 999 in your phone before travelling.
Calling Malaysia
Country code
60
To call Malaysia from the UK, dial 00 60 followed by the local number.
UK Embassy
185 Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450, Malaysia
Phone
+60 3 2170 2200
Website
Kuala Lumpur International Airport
Penang International Airport
Kota Kinabalu International Airport
Kuching International Airport
Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport
Miri Airport
Recent updates
Safety
The specific high kidnapping threat between the towns of Sandakan and Tawau on the Sabah coast is no longer mentioned.
The kidnapping threat is now described as particularly high only on islands close to the Sulu Archipelago.
Beaches in Malaysia
No beaches listed for Malaysia yet.
Frequently asked Questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.