Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy in Southeast Asia. It consists of thirteen states and three federal territories and has a total landmass of 329,847 square kilometres (127,350 sq mi) separated by the South China Sea into two similarly sized regions, Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo. Land borders are shared with Thailand, Indonesia, and Brunei, and maritime borders exist with Singapore, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The capital city is Kuala Lumpur, while Putrajaya is the seat of the federal government. In 2010 the population was 28.33 million, with 22.6 million living on the Peninsula.

While travelling to Malaysia it is better to take travel package as it will make the journey convenient for the travellers. The best and easiest medium of reaching Malaysia from different parts of the world(except the neighbouring countries of Malaysia) is by flying. Most international flights land at Kuala Lumpur International Airport(KLIA).          

Flights are available here from Australia,China,Cambodia,India,HongKong,Indonesia,Laos,Macau,NewZealand,Phillippines,Singapore,Sri Lanka,Thailand,Myanmar and Vietnam.

Malaysia experiences equatorial type of climate and receives seasonal rainfall in the months of April-Oct (milder) and Oct-Feb (heavier). The average annual temperature ranges from 20°C to 30°C. Nonetheless, the temperature is moderated by the presence of oceans. Humidity is high throughout the year and the average annual rainfall is 250cm.It is to be noted that the climates of Peninsula Malaysia and East Malaysia differ because former is easily affected by the wind of the mainland whereas latter experiences its own maritime type of climate.

The best time to visit Malaysia is between March and early October. This is time of milder rainfall and less humidity. The east coast of Peninsula Malaysia should be avoided from November to mid-February.

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, has emerged from a tin-mining outpost to a huge metropolitan city. The economic boom of the city after the independence won it the favours of a cosmopolitan city and a tourist hub. Now it offers some of the world’s cheapest 5-star hotels, shopping and food stop. Transportation and communication systems are developed very well and one can easily visit some exotic locations outside and inside the city. 

Petronas Twin Towers are iconic landmark of Kuala Lumpur very near to the Kuala Lumpur Tower. They are twin skyscrapers connected through a skybridge.The tower was designed by Argentine American architect Cesar Pelli.The building consists of 88 floors and 78 elevators. The vertical height of the building is 452 metres approx and is built on the world’s deepest foundations. It is the tallest twin buildings of world.

Batu caves are 13 kilometres north of Kuala Lumpur.They are limestone caves 400 meters long and 100 metres high. Batu caves are one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India. It is dedicated to Lord Murugan.Thaipusam festival is celebrated in Batu caves once in a year. It is a celebration for the son of Shiva and thousands of devotees visit the caves to pay homage to god. Batu caves also offers many rock climbing routes. They are scattered around the side of Batu Caves.

National Zoo which is also called Zoo Negara is located 13 kilometres north-east of Kuala Lumpur.The zoo along with aquarium is spread over 110 acres around the central lake. The national zoo houses 459 wildlife species including Sumatran tigers,leopards,milky stork,orang-utans,giraffes,King Cobras, silver leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques,Sumantan pit viper, elephants and many more. The emphasis is on the indigenous species of Sumatra and Borneo. There are different sections for different types of animals like Bear Complex, Reptile Park, Lake Birds display, Malaysian Elephants exhibit, Bear Complex etc.

The Tunkur Abdul Rahman Aquarium is situated at the corner of the zoo houses 80 marine species of freshwater ecosystem of Malaysia. They include aquarium fishes and other endangered species like crabs, prawns, corals and aquatic insects.

Genting Highlands is a high-altitude hill resort in Malaysia; it is located in the Titiwangsa Mountains northeast of Kuala Lumpur. Genting highland comprises hotels, a shopping mall, restaurants and the Casino de Genting and Indoor theme Park.  Its Chin Swee Caves Temple sits on forested acreage with mountain views. Genting Skyway, a cable car, connects the resort with the plateau town Gohtong Jaya.

Langkawi Island is an archipelago of 99 islands in Andaman Sea separated from the mainland coast of Malaysia. Transportation and residential accommodation is highly developed in these islands. It also houses its own international airport named Langkawi International Airport. The island has numerous beaches with the backdrop of dense forests and hills. The most popular beaches of Langkawi Island are Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah, Burau Bay, Pantai Kok and Datai Bay. Apart from the beaches Langkawi Island is known for its dense rainforests and conservation sites like Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. Karst Geoforest Park has numerous caves, waterfalls and diversity of fauna and flora. It is interesting to note that the island was initially cursed because of a popular legend surrounding these islands. One can come to know some interesting facts about it from the local people.

Penang is known for its multi-racial population.It is a fusion of East and West culture.Modernity infused with well-preserved heritage building.Penang is the best stop to hangout in foodies.S It is also called the food capital of Malaysia.One will also find some beaches in the island.They are not as exotic as other beaches of Malaysia but they are fine to hangout.

The time difference between India and Malaysia:

India is 2:30 hours less than Malaysia. For example if India is 23:00, Thursday, March 13, 2014 then Malaysia will be 01:30 Friday, March 14, 2014.

The Malaysian unit of currency is called Ringgit and is written as RM or MYR.It is divided into 100 sen(coins).The Ringgit notes are available in RM1,RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50 and RM100 denominations while the coins are issued in 5, 10, 20 and 50 sen denominations. All commercial banks are authorized to exchange foreign currency while foreign currency and traveller’s check is accepted in major hotels and resorts. Credit cards like MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are widely accepted throughout the country.

1 Malaysian Ringgit = INR 20/- aprx

Malaysian (also called Bahasa Melayu) is the official language of Malaysia. English is the second language of Malaysia. It is understood by people in administrative offices and hotels and resorts. There are as many as 137 languages spoken in Malaysia. However the languages vary from region to region.

Initially Malaysia and its neighbouring countries was inhabited by some indigenous tribes and Malays. Soon after the foreign trade started, they were visited by Hindu and Chinese traders who created an everlasting influence on their culture. So much that the influence of Hindu culture can be seen in the music and Malay wedding ceremonies. Later they were also visited by Persian, Arabic and British traders. They too left a lasting impact on the culture of Malaysia. As a result of this today we have a Malaysia which is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-cultural society. The best way to find out about the complex yarn of Malaysian culture is by witnessing some the traditional arts and woodcarving, dances, festivals, architecture and cuisine. The tourism slogan “Malaysia Truly Asia” rightly conveys the message of the cultural diversity and the peaceful blending and toleration of each religion and community of Malaysia. Malaysia is truly a symbol of ideal Asia.

Like the culture of the country, the food is also influenced by Malay, Chinese , Indian, Indonesian and ethnic Bornean cooking. Some delicious Malaysian dishes in rice are Nasi Lemak, Nasi Goreng and Nasi Dagang. In noodles are Mee Goreng, Lor Mee and Hookein Mee. Other dishes include Murtabak, Popiah, Apam Balik, Roti Canai, Laksa and many more. Popular beverages of Malaysia are Bandung, Teh Tarik, Teh See, Teh Halia and Palm wine.

The nightlife of Malaysia is quite different from the neighbouring countries. There is more partying,clubbing,dancing,eating and fun here. Malaysia is known for its most happening nightlife coupled with sophisticated and trendy urbanscape.Nightclubs and bars are opened till dawn so that you can enjoy best during the short stay.Fortunately,the nightclubs are distributed throughout the country but the best place to avail the benefits of urban nightlife is Kuala Lumpur.Other nightlife destinations are Langkawi,Penang,Kuantan,Malacca and Port Dickson.

1.Valid Passport + old Passport with at least 6 months validity from the date travel.

2.Three Photographs required (3.5 X 5.0 cm. matte finish, with white background and 60 to 70% facial) Recent camera clicked is a must and shoulder line photo required.

3.Covering letter on plain sheet of paper addressing to the visa officer Singapore High Commission New Delhi (if passenger is retired person)

4.SCANNED & COLOR PHOTOCOPY IS NOT ACCEPTED.

5. If travelling to Malaysia by surface it should be mention in the covering letter only CCU-SIN-CCU sector returned confirm ticket to be given.

6. Incase of Employed NOC is required on company letter head (mentioning the designation) addressing it to the visa officer Malaysia High commission, New Delhi.

7.Covering letter on plain sheet of paper addressing to the visa officer Singapore High Commission New Delhi (if passenger is retired person).

*The above information is provided as per the concern consulate and it may change time to time subject to their jurisdiction. Please recheck the above information at the time of visa submission.

8 to 10 working days