Malaysia is one of the most vibrant countries in Asia. She has a rich and incredibly diverse culture thanks to the influences of indigenous locals, China, India, Persia, the Middle East, and Europe, which makes it a cultural melting pot unlike any other country in the world. The food choices are incredibly complex and flavorful, the people are friendly, and there is so much to see in terms of tourist attractions.
The local yet global nature of Malaysia as a people and as a country gives this destination multiple layers to uncover, which is what makes it very exciting.
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And while Malaysia is relatively safe to visit, there are also certain travel tips you should keep in mind. Just like with any destination, unexpected occurrences may happen. This is why it’s recommended to have travel insurance since it allows you to roam without worry.
Here are 8 safety tips that will help you ensure you have a worry-free holiday in Malaysia:
1. Be aware of your surroundings
Kuala Lumpur and other popular travel destinations in Malaysia are prone to petty crime. These include purse snatchers and pickpockets, to which pedestrians are more prone to, so practice extra caution when walking around or riding a motorcycle. Avoid taking your mobile phone out when walking, and don’t wear expensive watches or jewelry since these will lure thieves.
2. Choose your ATMs well
Only go to ATM’s that are secured and well-lit before withdrawing any cash. Malaysian ATM’s require a six-digit code which may confuse travelers who have a four-digit PIN code. If you need to change money, do so only at reputable banks and money changers.
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3. Bring a face mask
Travelling from March to May, June, September, and October may expose you to the practice of burning vegetation, which is practiced in some parts of Malaysia and some neighboring islands. If you are traveling during this period, make sure to bring a face mask especially if you have respiratory conditions.
4. Be wary with food sanitation and hygiene
Malaysian street food is popular and delicious, but be careful since not all hawker food is prepared with strict sanitation procedures. When purchasing fruit, it’s better to buy the whole fruit instead of cut fruit. Bring your own bottled water so you can refill it during the day; tap water is not potable in Malaysia. It’s also a good idea to bring antacids or other stomach medications especially if you are sensitive to foreign or spicy food. Wash your hands well with soap and water whenever you can to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Pack tissue wherever you go because public restrooms are not easy to find, and when you do find one, they may not have toilet paper.
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5. Read up on religious and cultural customs
Muslims make up the majority of the population in Malaysia. It is illegal to distribute religious materials and leaflets about other faiths to Muslims; a crime that is subject to penalty and possibly imprisonment. Be careful about the kind of reading materials and videos that you are bringing into Malaysia. If the authorities think you are bringing in risky or obscene material, it may be confiscated. It is also frowned upon to display affection in public. Other prohibited activities include public gambling and nudity.
6. Dress conservatively in religious sites
Women, especially, should dress conservatively. Wearing light clothing that covers the shoulders and legs is not only culturally appropriate in Malaysia, but it will also protect you from sunburn since it has a warm, tropical climate.
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7. Use insect repellant religiously.
Malaysia’s humid climate means that mosquitoes are present all year round. Certain kind of mosquitoes transmit dengue and malaria, so make sure to apply insect repellant religiously at all times. While the risk for malaria in most areas in Peninsular Malaysia is fairly low, the risk is higher when visiting East Malaysia and the coastal plains.
8. Be careful with commuting
Not all taxi drivers use the meter, so check if your driver is using it as soon as you board a taxi. Otherwise, taxi drivers may end up negotiating a high fare especially when the weather or traffic is bad, or when there are several passengers. If you need to get around late at night, try to use a booked taxi service or ride sharing app for safety instead of flagging a cab down since you may end up getting into an unregistered taxi. The roads around Peninsular Malaysia are generally good, although this isn’t the case in East Malaysia. Bus crashes have been reported especially at night, so it’s best to go with a reputable operator for your trip.
Keep these safety tips in mind to make sure you have a safe but pleasant visit to Malaysia. The country offers a wealth of experiences and activities to enjoy but safety should always be your priority.
This article is a guest post courtesy of gobear.com/my
