Malaysia, a country of stunning landscapes, colonial towns, fabulous food, and friendly people is one of the most underrated destinations in Asia. A trip to Malaysia in March is becoming more and more popular! The country is almost a mandatory stop on a route through South East Asia and this guide to Malaysia is showing you why.
Planning your next vacation to Malaysia? Then you definitely want to continue reading The Ultimate Travel Guide To Malaysia, which tells you the things you should know before booking your trip.
From the dense urban jungle of Kuala Lumpur to the wild rainforest of Borneo Island, Malaysia truly is a place where old and new, tradition and modernity, the crumbling and the glossy, meet in the middle.
Oh, and did I mention national parks with wildlife-packed rainforests also can be found in Malaysia?
All in all, this guide will give first-time visitors a great overview of what this incredible country has to offer.
While Malaysia’s beautiful landmarks and delicious cuisine made it an unforgettable trip, there are a few things that I wish I had known beforehand.
Malaysia in March! Best Time to Travel
There’s never a bad time to visit Malaysia although the strongly humid climate may be uncomfortable for some travelers. The warm weather makes this country a great travel destination all year round.
You can escape the heat by going into the highlands.
When planning a trip to Malaysia you might want to consider the monsoon season late November to mid-February with downpours sometimes going on for hours.
Now, if you’re on a budget, you’ll probably want to follow the monsoon. With most travelers preferring the dry season, you’ll have better luck finding cheap flights and great hotel room rates.
Overall, the best time to visit Malaysia is from March to early October when it’s drier and less humid!
Typically with good weather comes higher costs, so expect to pay higher prices for accommodation and flights!
Budget for Malaysia
The currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).
Malaysia’s main cities like Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, have many ATMs to withdraw cash, while most restaurants, hotels, and shops will accept credit cards as a form of payment.
However, if you’re planning to go shopping at the local markets, you’ll need to take with you enough cash as the vendors only accept cash. Also, ATMs are less common in rural areas.
Malaysia has pretty affordable accommodations and luxurious villas for rent. It’s up to you how cheap or how expensive you want your vacation to be.
Use Booking.com to compare prices for hotels.
Book your flight at least one month prior to your trip and if you have destinations on your Malaysian itinerary beyond Kuala Lumpur (which you definitely should!), make sure to have all your tickets prearranged.
Even though it will be rainy days, the budget-seekers should check December – February deals.
Getting Around Malaysia
There are several ways to get around Malaysia as the country is well-developed and makes your trip from A to B a piece of cake!
There are train and public bus connections between all major tourist destinations. While there are a few airports, you cannot reach all destinations by plane.
Shuttle or car services are the easiest and most comfortable way to move around Malaysia!
In case you are wondering, unfortunately, Uber is not available in Malaysia, but you can use the Grab app.
Taxis aren’t usually metered in Malaysia (even though they should), so make sure to agree on the fare before you set off.
Renting a car works out to be your best bet to travel around independently. An international driving license is recommended.
Now, if you don’t want to drive but still have a comfortable trip through Malaysia, one of the best ways of getting around is by booking a private car charter with a driver, which is also affordable.
What to do in Malay Capital?
Safety in Malaysia
Malaysia is mainly considered a safe country to travel to. You still need to be aware of your surroundings, petty theft, and tourist scams are usually the biggest things you need to pay attention to.
The people are friendly and will help you as much as they can.
Solo female travelers should feel comfortable here, though walking alone a night should be avoided just to be safe. Also, you should avoid carrying valuables and take particular care of your passport.
Also is really helpful to check the State Department’s Warnings before traveling.
My best advice is to make sure you take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. This is mainly because of the risk you are exposed to when traveling to a new country, whether might be illness, injury, or cancellation. Check out these affordable monthly plans given by SafetyWing. You definitely want a stress-free vacation and a few pennies on a dollar will be really worth it!
What to Wear in March in Malaysia
Malaysia is a wonderful mix of traditional southeastern Asian, Indian, and Chinese cultures. Despite the obvious openness to influences from around the globe, and the urbanity of Kuala Lumpur and Penang, society in Malaysia remains fairly conservative.
So, the things you should consider are mainly the weather and definitely the cultural norms. It’s going to be hot, but you need to cover up.
Swimwear and a bikini are necessary but only at the beach.
As always, the best thing to keep in mind for any travel is to pack light and only bring the necessities. Trust me, you don’t wanna carry a huge backpack all around Malaysia.
For day trips I’d recommend a lightweight cotton dress or a long skirt with a shirt and mandatory a wide-brimmed sunhat for shade.
Sneakers are always my favorite, given that you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Stick with flats or wedge shoes so, flip-flops and sandals are a must.
Ladies leave the heels at home! Except in some fancy restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, you don’t want to be in heels.
My outfit for my trip to Malaysia consisted of midi or maxi dresses that were short-sleeved or sleeveless and loose-fitting pants made of breathable fabrics.
Shorts and tank tops are perfectly fine here for resort areas and tourist hot spots or beaches. So, take with you not revealing, and comfortable items!
Another must-have item when visiting Malaysia is a good mosquito repellent the best way to avoid Dengue fever.
No trip to Malaysia without sunscreen and sunglasses. You want to take your own sunscreen with you as it can be a struggle to find a sunscreen that doesn’t contain whitening agents while you are in Malaysia.
Know Before You Go to Malaysia
Culture: Although predominantly a Muslim country, you still can wear what you’re comfortable with as long as you respect the culture. Of course, keep in mind that you should cover up if you go to religious or Islamic centers.
Also, as part of Asian culture, you should kick off your shoes when entering a building
Religion: Unlike some other Muslim countries, restaurants, cafes, shops, and businesses are still open as usual in Malaysia during Ramadan. Consider dressing a little more conservatively during Ramadan out of respect.
Visa: Most countries in Europe, the US, Canada, Central, and South America, and most SEA do not have to apply for a Malaysian Visa. There are only a few countries that need to apply for an e-Visa, which is an extremely easy process.
Language: In Malaysia, you can rest assured that most of the locals you´ll meet understand and speak perfectly English.
SIM Cards are super easy and cheap. It’s always a good idea to buy a local sim card once you arrive and you will have enough internet for all your vacation.
Plugs: In Malaysia, the power plugs are type G which has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. The standard voltage is 240 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. I recommend taking with you a universal adapter and also using a converter for hairdryers and hot tools.
Airport transfer: For your airport pick-up, arrange a car in advance through your hotel and tack on the meet and assist. The ease and peace of mind it will provide will be well worth it.
Drinks: Since Malaysia is a Muslim Country, alcohol is not served at all restaurants. Easily find which restaurants serve alcohol by asking to have a look at their drinks menu before being seated.
Drink only bottled water, tap water in Malaysia is clean, but not suitable for drinking.
Street food: Malaysia’s mix of cultures gives an incredible variety of delicious and cheap street food to enjoy here. Markets and roadside stalls are great places to pick up hawker food and try the tastiest traditional dishes. You can also take a street food tour to dive in-depth into food culture and history.
Always bargain: This is part of any trip to Southeast Asia. Very often the vendors start at a higher price knowing that you are a tourist and hoping that you will pay.
Always carry wet wipes and hand sanitizer.
Whether is the traffic, the laidback Malaysian culture, or just plain tardiness being late 10 minutes is considered on time. So don’t be surprised if you’re constantly left waiting!
Although it’s no longer the tallest building in the world, The Petronas Twin Towers it’s still a great landmark to visit and the locals are really proud of it.
Deepavali is the Hindu festival of lights, one of the biggest celebrations in Malaysia and it’s celebrated in October or November for five days.
There are many more cool festivals in Malaysia you shouldn’t miss and you want to book in advance!
Locate the best place to get an original experience of local culture in each destination as there are many things to do and see in Malaysia.
If you are all about getting the perfect shot of the temples, I recommend going there in the early morning or sunset, is less crowded and has spectacular views.
I’d highly advise hiring a local guide while in Malaysia as having someone helping you with the planning, transportation, and sightseeing is really great.
FAQs:
Ultimate Guide to March Travels in Malaysisa
Is March a good month for Malaysia?
March is a good month to visit Malaysia. It falls within the dry season for most parts of the country, offering pleasant weather with minimal rainfall. Temperatures are warm but not excessively hot, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the diverse attractions Malaysia has to offer.
Which island is best to visit in Malaysia in March?
In March, one of the best islands to visit in Malaysia is Perhentian Islands. Located off the northeast coast of Peninsular Malaysia, these islands boast stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, making them perfect for snorkeling, diving, or simply relaxing by the sea.
How many days in Malaysia is enough?
The ideal duration for a trip to Malaysia depends on your preferences and the places you wish to visit. However, for a comprehensive experience, spending around 10 to 14 days in Malaysia is recommended. This allows you to explore major cities like Kuala Lumpur, historic sites, cultural landmarks, and natural wonders such as the rainforests and islands, and indulge in various culinary delights.
What is the festival in Malaysia in March?
One of the prominent festivals celebrated in Malaysia in March is the Hari Hol, also known as the Festival of Colors. This Hindu festival signifies the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with great enthusiasm, particularly by the Tamil community. During this festival, vibrant processions, music, dance, and the throwing of colored powders mark the streets of cities with joyous celebrations.
For a memorable trip to Malaysia in March, plan your itinerary around the diverse festivals and events taking place during this time.
Overall:
Travel Guide to Malaysia for this March
And last but not least, Malaysia is somehow still a secret tip and holds many unexpected surprises. From ancient temples, spectacular beaches, or vibrant cities to green tea fields and friendly locals, Malaysia has it all and cannot wait to welcome you!
What I love most about Malaysia and especially Kuala Lumpur is the spectacular mixture of traditions and cultures I have ever seen. So no trip is complete without experiencing a day tour in Kuala Lumpur.
Now that you know what to do and also what not to do thanks to this travel guide in Malaysia, all you have to do is focus on having a fantastic vacation!
