Malaysia is a beautiful country spread across multiple islands throughout the Malay Peninsula and the mystical island of Borneo. Home to some 32 million inhabitants, the nation is a melting pot of different Asiatic cultures and customs that come together to form an unforgettable place.
That is why it is so sought after for travelers. Thousands upon thousands of visitors stream into Malaysia every year. They come in search of the beautiful beaches, the blend of cuisines, and the unique rainforests that play home to some of the most extraordinary wildlife on the planet.
Before those excited visitors get a start on planning their vacation, they must first do a bit of research to find out whether or not they require a visa to enter Malaysia. The last thing you want to do is to be rejected at your port of entry because of a lack of planning,
Those travelers who are required to get a visa will need to fill out a Malaysian visa application and wait to hear back from officials. The application is completely online and easy to fill out and the best part is that it is a safe and efficient way to ensure that you are eligible to enter the country.
It is also necessary to register for the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) to expedite your arrival process.
Being careful to double-check your visa requirements is the first step in a successful trip to Malaysia. So, what else should you be careful of during your Malay vacation?
Malaysia Is A Complex and Fascinating Country
The Malay Peninsula has an incredible history. With thousands of years of human movement throughout the region, it is no wonder that contemporary Malaysia is such a diverse place. The demographics roughly break down to two-thirds Bumiputera, a quarter Chinese, seven percent Indian, and the remaining people come from all over the world.
This hodgepodge of cultures all working together in one place makes Malaysia a difficult place to get your head around. However, even if it is impossible to learn everything about a place by visiting, that should not deter vacationers from pushing Malaysia towards the top of their list.
Instead, doing a small amount of research before going can go a long way to making sure that you are respectful of all of the nuanced differences between the various cultures you will encounter while there.
Malaysia Is an Islamic Country: What Does That Mean
It may be surprising to hear for some people, but Malaysia is a Muslim majority country. That does not mean that every person is Muslim, rather that the majority of the population follows that religion.
Since around sixty percent of the country are Muslim, Malaysians are accustomed to working, living, and being around people who do not practice the same faith. This means that travelers should not be worried about encountering a different way of life from their own. Instead, they should be respectful and excited to experience this unique way of living.
With that in mind, it is still good to consider your surroundings–as is always the case while traveling–so that you do not accidentally offend anyone.
For example, alcohol is readily available to non-Muslims in most of Malaysia, but that does not mean that you should drink to excess. Also, despite the heat, when visiting religious sites, in particular, dressing appropriately is always a wise move.
Exploring the Natural Wonders of Malaysia
The capital city of Kuala Lumpur is vast and sprawling. Inside of the urban jungle, there is more than enough to keep tourists occupied for days on end. Malaysia, however, has much more interesting jungles to explore.
Due to the unique climate, Malaysia holds some of the most beautiful natural reserves on the planet. Chief among the regions to explore are the jungles of Sabah, which is one of the only places on Earth where you can see Orangutans in the wild.
Anyone who is going to Malaysia specifically to try to see Orangutans should be careful about who they listen to for advice. Many people understand that they can take advantage of ignorant tourists and they may offer you a trip to a place that does not offer a realistic chance of seeing the animal.
Make sure to do sufficient research before deciding to book a guided tour or travel a long distance.
Malaysian Cuisine: How Hot Can You Handle?
By listening to the blend of cultures in Malaysia, you might have guessed that Malaysian food is spicy. Visitors should be careful of eating things that may contain a level of spice they are unprepared for.
Even people who love spicy foods would be wise to ease into Malaysian cuisine by starting mild and adjusting. Still, eating in Malaysia is one of the most exciting parts of visiting and should be looked upon with excitement rather than fear.
