Travel to Malaysia

Travel to Malaysia

Explore the Diversity of Malaysia

Malaysia, located partly on the Asian mainland and partly on the island of Borneo, is a vibrant nation where cultural diversity meets natural beauty. Bordered by the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, Malaysia offers travelers a captivating mix of bustling cities, ancient rainforests, tropical islands, and traditional villages. From the iconic Petronas Towers of Kuala Lumpur to the coral reefs of Sabah, Malaysia is a country of endless contrasts and discoveries.

Flights to Malaysia

Malaysia has 6international airports offering direct connections to Europe, the United States, Australia, and across Asia. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is the largest and busiest, serving as a major Southeast Asian gateway for global travelers. Discover the cheapest flights to Malaysia with Omio’s easy-to-use app. Compare the best flight deals to Malaysia’s top cities all in one place and book in the currency of your choice.

Key Travel Hubs

• Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL): Located about 45 kilometers south of Kuala Lumpur’s city center, KLIA is Malaysia’s main international airport, with two terminals offering connections worldwide.
• Penang International Airport (PEN): Situated near George Town on Penang Island, this airport links northern Malaysia with regional Asian destinations.
• Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI): Found in Sabah, Borneo, this airport provides access to adventure hotspots like Mount Kinabalu and the coral reefs of the South China Sea.

Buses in Malaysia

Buses in Malaysia are a fast, comfortable, and budget-friendly way to travel across the country's modern highway network. Intercity coaches link cities, towns, and rural regions on the peninsula, while ferry-and-bus routes extend into Malaysian Borneo. Malaysia also offers cross-border bus services into Singapore and southern Thailand. Plan your journey with Bus in Malaysia for effortless connections across Southeast Asia.

Key Bus Hubs and Routes

• Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), Kuala Lumpur: Located in the Bandar Tasik Selatan area, about 10 kilometers south of central Kuala Lumpur, TBS is the capital’s main long-distance bus hub. Popular routes include buses from Kuala Lumpur to Nakhon Si Thammarat and buses from Kuala Lumpur to Phatthalung, southern Thai provinces known for their coastal and cultural attractions.
• Sungai Nibong Terminal, Penang: Located about 11 kilometers south of George Town, Sungai Nibong is Penang’s main intercity bus terminal, offering routes to Kuala Lumpur, northern Malaysia, and onward into Thailand.
• Larkin Sentral, Johor Bahru: Situated about 5 kilometers northwest of Johor Bahru city center, this major hub serves buses into Singapore and throughout southern Malaysia. Options include buses from Johor Bahru to Putrajaya, buses from Johor Bahru to Mersing, and buses from Johor Bahru to Singapore.

Trains in Malaysia

Malaysia’s railway network offers scenic and efficient connections between the country's major cities and rural areas. The ETS (Electric Train Service) provides high-speed links between Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Penang, and Padang Besar (on the Thai border), while KTM Intercity trains offer slower, scenic routes through central and eastern Malaysia. Travelers can choose from economy seats, business class, or overnight sleeper berths.

Key Train Routes and Stations

• KL Sentral Station, Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s largest transportation hub, connecting ETS high-speed trains, KTM commuter lines, and the airport express.
• Butterworth Station, Penang: Located near George Town, Butterworth Station links the northern coast to Kuala Lumpur and Thailand’s rail network.
• Gemas Station: Found in Negeri Sembilan, Gemas serves as the key interchange between Malaysia’s north-south and east coast railway lines.

Travel Essentials

Malaysia Visa Requirements

Citizens of the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, and many other countries can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism purposes, whether arriving by land, sea, or air.

Travelers must hold a passport valid for at least six months and may be asked to show proof of onward travel. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, or if your nationality requires a visa, you must apply in advance at a Malaysian embassy or consulate.

Always check the latest Malaysia visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling.

Best Time to Travel to Malaysia

The best time to travel to Malaysia is from December to April for the west coast regions (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi), when the weather is drier and cooler. For east coast destinations like Tioman Island and the Perhentian Islands, March to September offers the best weather for beaches and diving.