Heading to Malaysia? Here are 10 must-know tips before you go

Malaysia's cultural richness is rivaled only by its stunning natural beauty.

With so many options, your vacation choices are endless—whether you're enjoying a perfect pint with pasembur in Penang, tracing Jim Thompson’s legacy in the Cameron Highlands, or diving with hammerhead sharks off Sipadan Island.

Amid the diversity, there are a few essential things to keep in mind when planning the ideal trip.

1. Low-cost flights are available to everyone

AirAsia pioneered low-cost flying in Southeast Asia, with Malaysia being its birthplace.

Thanks to AirAsia and Penang-based Firefly, 18 domestic destinations across Peninsular and East Malaysia are now connected with regular flights.

Imagine having breakfast in Georgetown, a UNESCO World Heritage city, lunch in Kuala Lumpur, and spending the night in the Borneo rainforest. With budget travel, you can live the jet-set lifestyle with no frills.

2. Expecting fair taxi fares? You likely won't find them

Kuala Lumpur's taxis are frequently ranked among the world's worst.

Their bad reputation was only worsened by a remark from a minister who compared the drivers’ behavior to the city’s "filthy public toilets." (The comment was later retracted with an apology.)

Smart travelers insist on using the meter, negotiate fares, or, if time allows, opt for local public transport. Many of the new taxi apps, like Easy Taxi and My Teksi, are also quite useful.

3. It's always time for Milo

Somewhere between 1950 and today, Malaysia became the top consumer of the famous Milo drink, and it's also where the largest Milo factory in the world is located.

You’ll find it everywhere, from KFC and local kopitiams (coffee shops) to McDonald's and mamak stalls.

It can be enjoyed hot or cold, mixed with Nescafé (called Neslo), topped with a mountain of Milo powder (known as Milo Dinosaur), or even a 'Milo Godzilla' – a supercharged version with whipped cream or ice cream on top.

4. The term 'bacon' is used quite loosely

For the third consecutive year, Malaysia has been ranked as the world’s most Muslim-friendly holiday destination, according to the Singapore-based Muslim travel consultancy Crescent Rating.

One of the key factors considered in the survey was the availability of halal-compliant food.

This means you’ll often notice the absence of pork sausages and bacon at most hotel breakfast buffets.

If your idea of bacon includes chicken, turkey, or beef alternatives, you’ll be fine. Otherwise, you might need to control your bacon cravings (yes, that’s apparently a thing).

Pork can still be found in Malaysia, particularly in Chinese-owned restaurants, especially in places like Penang, but overall, it's not widely available.

5. The best Guinness outside of Ireland

Such bold claims are backed by impressive awards and accolades.

For five years in a row, Malaysia has won the prestigious Guinness League of Excellence Award, earning bragging rights for brewing the smoothest Irish stout outside of Ireland.

6. Duty-free islands

If your indulgence in luxury items is taking a toll on your travel budget, here's a fact to consider – Malaysia’s excise tax on beer is the second highest in the world.

Fortunately, islands like Langkawi, Tioman, and Labuan are tax-free zones, meaning you can stock up on high-quality alcohol and cigarettes without paying extra duties.

Government taxes are also removed for hotels and select retail items.

7. Plants and wildlife thrive here, too

Malaysia is one of the few 'megadiverse' countries, home to 20% of the world’s animal species in its lush and varied ecosystems.

This natural biodiversity places Malaysia alongside Brazil. In fact, while the Amazon rainforest is only 55 million years old, Malaysia’s Taman Negara has been around for 130 million years and is considered the world’s oldest rainforest.

Despite their dwindling populations, wild elephants, tigers, and orangutans still roam freely in the country’s reserves and national parks.

Sipadan's waters are known to host some of the world’s most spectacular dive sites, while Malaysian Borneo is home to the rare and massive Rafflesia arnoldii, also known as the corpse flower, the largest flower on Earth.

8. Penang is home to the best char kuay teow

Penang is often hailed as the culinary capital of the country, with char kuay teow reigning supreme at the top of its food scene.

What else could explain why diners endure long waits (over an hour in some cases) and tolerate the famously grumpy, red-hatted owner, all for a plate of stir-fried noodles priced twice as much as at other stalls?

If you’re up for an adventure and a big appetite, any local will point you to the legendary Lorong Selamat Char Kuay Teow at Kafe Heng Huat.

The island’s many hawker centers serve a wide variety of Chinese, Indian, and Malay dishes, ranging from hokkien mee and curry mee to rojak.

Some even argue that the best street food in the world can be found right here on the island.

9. Ramadan visits won’t be an issue

With a majority Muslim population, Ramadan is widely celebrated throughout Malaysia.

Unlike more conservative places like Dubai, non-Muslim visitors in Malaysia are not required to refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking in public during Ramadan.

However, it's still considered courteous to avoid eating or drinking openly in public. While alcohol is generally available, hotel restaurants and those run by non-Muslims remain open as usual.

Ramadan is a feast at night – head to the vibrant Ramadan Bazaars (known locally as 'Param'), where food stalls cater to those breaking their fast at sunset.

10. Malaysians are crazy about social media

A 2010 global study by TNS revealed that Malaysians were the most socially active internet users, with an average of 233 online friends.

Making a new Malaysian friend is easy – locals are usually excited to add you as a friend, fan, or follower.