CHEAP HOTEL MURAH KUALA LUMPUR PRICE RATE

Hostel Cosmopolitan

No. 73 & 75 Jalan Haji Hussein Off Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kampung Baru, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur Affordable, air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi are available at Hostel Cosmopolitan, located just a 6-minute drive from KL Tower and Dataran Merdeka. It also provides bicycle rentals and laundry services.   Fitted with parquet flooring, rooms are simply decorated and come with either shared or private bathrooms. Mixed dormitory rooms also come with personal lockers.   Hostel Cosmopolitan is a convenient 7-minute drive from Suria KLCC and Kampung Baru, famous for its local eateries. It takes 45 minutes by car from the hotel to Kuala Lumpur International Airport.   The lounge provides a cosy area where guests can read and meet other travellers. The front desk can also help to arrange massages and excursions to local attractions.

Hotel Facilities

General

Non-Smoking Rooms, Elevator, Safety Deposit Box, Luggage Storage, All Public and Private spaces non-smoking, Air Conditioning, Designated Smoking Area, Snack Bar, Sun Terrace

Activities

Massage

Services

Laundry, Currency Exchange, Tour Desk, Fax/Photocopying, Shuttle Service (surcharge)

Internet

Free! Wi-fi is available in the entire hotel and is free of charge.

Parking

Public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed) and costs MYR 5 per day.

Hotel Policies

Check-in   From 14:00 hours

Check-out   Until 11:00 hours

Cancellation / Prepayment   Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. Please check the room conditions when selecting your room above.

Children and extra beds

Free! All children under 12 years stay free of charge when using existing beds.   One older child or adult is charged MYR 20 per night and person in an extra bed.

Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.

There is no capacity for cots in the room.

Any type of extra bed or baby cot is upon request and needs to be confirmed by the hotel.

Supplements will not be calculated automatically in the total costs and have to be paid separately in the hotel.

Pets

Free! Pets are allowed on request. No extra charges.

Accepted credit cards

Visa, Euro/Mastercard, JCB

The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorise credit cards prior to arrival.

FROM RM MYR 55

Serenity

20 Jalan Changkat Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur

A 5-minute walk from local food at Jalan Alor, Serenity provides dormitory rooms with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. Located in Changkat Bukit Bintang, it has a shared living area and kitchenette.   Serenity is a 15-minute walk from Suria KLCC and Bukit Bintang Monorail Station. It is a 15-minute drive from Petaling Street (China Town) and a 45-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.   Simply furnished, dormitory rooms come with wooden bunk beds. Guests have access to a shared bathroom and toilet.   The hostel provides laundry services, as well as a 24-hour front desk.

MYR 25

Hotel Facilities

General

24-Hour Front Desk, All Public and Private spaces non-smoking, Air Conditioning, Designated Smoking Area

Services

Laundry

Internet

Free! Wi-fi is available in the entire hotel and is free of charge.

Parking

Free! Free public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not needed).

Hotel Policies

Check-in   From 13:00 hours

Check-out   Until 12:00 hours

Cancellation / Prepayment   Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. Please check the room conditions when selecting your room above.

Children and extra beds

Children cannot be accommodated at the hotel.

There is no capacity for extra beds/cots in the room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Accepted credit cards

No credit cards accepted, only cash

The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorise credit cards prior to arrival.

hotel rates from RM25

Submarine Guest House Central Market

No.9 – Level 2, Lebuh Pudu, 50050 Kuala Lumpur

A 2-minute walk from Central Market in Kuala Lumpur, Submarine Guest House offers private and dormitory rooms with shared bathrooms. Providing free Wi-Fi, it also has a shared pantry, living room and a computer corner.   Simply furnished, rooms are fitted with carpeted flooring and air conditioning. The shared bathrooms have shower facilities.   Submarine Guest House Central Market is a 3-minute walk from Chinatown. Suria KLCC and Petronas Tower are about 7 minutes’ drive away. Kuala Lumpur International Airport is a 55-minute drive away.   Guests can arrange airport transfers at an extra charge. The non-smoking guesthouse also provides luggage storage.

MYR 56

Hotel Facilities

General

Non-Smoking Rooms, Luggage Storage, All Public and Private spaces non-smoking, Air Conditioning

Services

Airport Shuttle, Shuttle Service (surcharge)

Internet

Free! Wi-fi is available in the entire hotel and is free of charge.

Parking

No parking available.

Hotel Policies

Check-in   14:00 – 00:00 hours

Check-out   Until 12:00 hours

Cancellation / Prepayment   Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. Please check the room conditions when selecting your room above.

Children and extra beds

Free! All children under 7 years stay free of charge when using existing beds.

There is no capacity for extra beds/cots in the room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Accepted credit cards

No credit cards accepted, only cash

The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorise credit cards prior to arrival.

UFO Capsule Hotel

No. 30, Jalan 1/77A, Kampung Dollah, Off Jalan Pudu, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur

This hotel is situated just behind Berjaya Times Square, a shopping mall which houses an indoor amusement park. It features capsule rooms with free Wi-Fi access.   Located within Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle, UFO Capsule Hotel is just a few steps from the famous Bintang Walk, where shopping and entertainment options reside. The Kuala Lumpur International Airport is a 45-minute drive away.   Air-conditioned capsule rooms are equipped with satellite TV, a radio and an alarm clock. The separate public lounge houses a common bathroom.   UFO Capsule has a front desk that is open 24 hours. Guests can store their belongings in the lockers

MYR 28

Room rates RM28

Tiara Guest House

23 Jalan Mesui, Off Jalan Nagasari, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur

Set within a double-storey town house, Tiara Guest House offers air-conditioned accommodation with free Wi-Fi in Bukit Bintang. It is a 5-minute walk from shopping at Pavilion and Sungei Wang.   Located in Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle Area, Tiara Guest House is a 5-minute walk from both Raja Chulan and Bukit Bintang Monorail Stations. KLCC and the famous Petronas Twin Towers are a 5-minute drive from the hostel.   Tastefully decorated in warm colours, rooms at Tiara come with tiled flooring and wooden furnishings. Five shared bathrooms are available throughout the hostel, each equipped with hot and cold showers.   Guests may watch TV at the common lounge area, read a book at the outdoor garden courtyard, or arrange day trips at the tour desk. Tiara also provides a 24-hour front desk, as well as laundry and ironing services.   A daily Continental breakfast and local dishes are served at the hostel’s shared dining area. There is also a shared pantry where guests can prepare light meals.

RM MYR 75.20 per night

Irsia BnB

34 , Lorong 1/77 A , Jalan Changkat Thambi Dollah off Jalan Pudu , Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur

Irsia BnB is just a 5-minute walk from the Bukit Bintang area and Berjaya Times Square and provides simple accommodation with free Wi-Fi. It has a common living area, a tour desk and a reading area.   Rooms have either a fan or air conditioning, and are fitted with colourful beddings. Guests share a common bathroom.   The Guest Kitchen provides a simple breakfast daily for guests’ convenience. Other services include luggage storage facilities at the 24-hour front desk and laundry services.   BnB Irsia is a 45-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

MYR 70

Ribbon Stayyz Bed & Breakfast GuestHouse

No 31-M1 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 50000 Kuala Lumpur Ribbon Stayyz Bed & Breakfast GuestHouse is located in Kuala Lumpur’s city centre, just 5 minutes’ walk from Chinatown. The guest house offers a lounge, mini library, and free Wi-Fi.   Guests can browse the DVD library for a movie to watch in the lounge. The guest house offers tour arrangements and provides luggage storage while guests are on excursions.   Breakfast is served daily, and an all-day free flow of coffee and tea is available. Snacks can be bought at a 24-hour convenience store at the guest house’s doorstep.   The dormitory rooms at Ribbon Stayyz are air-conditioned and feature shared bathrooms. A hairdryer is provided upon request.   Walking from Berjaya Times Square and Sungei Wang Shopping Complex takes 20 minutes. Kuala Lumpur International Airport is a 45-minute drive away.

RM 55 per night

Stay Green Inn Hotel

No. 11, Jalan Petaling, 50000 Kuala Lumpur

Housed in a shophouse along Petaling Street, Stay Green Inn offers budget accommodation with free Wi-Fi. It provides 24-hour reception, computer stations and a lounge area with a flat-screen TV.   Stay Green Inn is a 5-minute drive from lively Bukit Bintang and a 15-minute drive from KL Sentral Train Station. It is a 45-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.   Simply furnished, rooms and dormitories come with air conditioning. They offer access to shared bathroom facilities.   Guests can enjoy the daily night market along Petaling Street and the numerous eating options surrounding the property.

RM 75 per night semalam sehari

Royal Brunei Airlines Sdn Bhd (Malay: Penerbangan DiRaja Brunei, or RBA, is the flag carrier airline of the Sultanate of Brunei. It is wholly owned by the Government of Brunei. Its home base is the Brunei International Airport in Berakas, just to the north of the capital city of Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan.

ROYAL BRUNEI AIRLINES – ROYAL AIRLINES – CHEAP TICKETS – VISITING BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

Royal Brunei Airlines was established on 18 November 1974 with two Boeing 737s.The airline’s first flight was on 14 April 1975 from the new Brunei International Airport to Singapore. Flights to the then British colony of Hong Kong and the city of Kota Kinabalu and Kuching in East Malaysia/Malaysian Borneo started the same day. Early route expansion included services to Manila, Philippines in 1976, and Bangkok, Thailand in 1977.

Royal Brunei acquired a third Boeing 737 in 1980, allowing the airline to reach Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 1981 and Darwin, Australia, in 1983.
From National Independence
After the independence of Brunei from the United Kingdom on 1 January 1984, services commenced to Jakarta, Indonesia, on 3 January, thus linking all the other five capital cities of ASEAN to Brunei.

Three Boeing 757 aircraft were purchased in the mid 1980s to enable the airline to expand to Taipei in 1986, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates in 1988. In 1990, Royal Brunei began their first flight to Europe when they started services to Frankfurt, Germany, via Bangkok and Dubai. Services to London Gatwick Airport commenced in 1990 via Singapore and Dubai, and changed to London Heathrow Airport in 1991. Also in 1991 routes opened to Perth, Western Australia, and to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, via Dubai.
Rapid Expansion
With the airline’s rapid expansion the 737s were sold and Boeing 767 aircraft bought. The delivery of the first Boeing 767 broke a world record when it flew 17 hours and 54 minutes non stop from the Boeing company in Seattle to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, on its way to Brunei. Seven more 767s were delivered, taking the fleet to eight 767s and two Boeing 757s (One of the 757s were sold off to fund the purchase of the new 767s).

In March 1993, Abu Dhabi was added to the route network and flights to Frankfurt and Jeddah were routed through Abu Dhabi instead of Dubai. Bali was the second Indonesian city to be added to the network in May of the same year. Flights to the third destination in Europe, Zürich, commenced in August 1993 via Kuala Lumpur and another new destination Bahrain. Before the end of the year, services to Beijing, China (October), and Cairo, Egypt (November), via Kuala Lumpur and Bahrain, were inaugurated. Royal Brunei sold its last Boeing 737-200s to Aloha Airlines of Hawaii in 1993.

The growth of the network continued in 1994. The delivery of two Fokker 50 aircraft were used to start services to Miri and Labuan in East Malaysia of the same year. Flights to Brisbane, Australia, and Osaka, Japan, commenced the same year in June and December respectively (the Brisbane service was initially routed via Darwin but later upgraded to a nonstop flight). The desire to link all the major Oil and Gas cities on Borneo saw the addition of Balikpapan to the route network in December.

Royal Brunei Airlines Boeing 767-300 landingIn 1995, services began to Kolkata (Calcutta), India, via Singapore and then on towards Dubai. Two Dornier 228s were purchased in the same year and leased to the Malaysian regional carrier, Hornbill Airways, to connect Brunei by air to Mulu. The service to Cairo was suspended in the middle 1995 due to low passenger numbers.

The F-50s were replaced by the larger and more comfortable F-100 jets in 1996 which fueled expansion to Bintulu. The route to Zürich was suspended in September 1996 to enable Royal Brunei to commence daily services to London Heathrow. Some of the flights to London were routed through Yangon, Burma, and Abu Dhabi, instead of via Singapore and Dubai. Yangon proved uneconomic and was dropped from the route the following year.
Consolidation
In August 1997, a Dornier 228 owned by Royal Brunei Airlines but operated and maintained by Malaysian regional carrier Hornbill Airways, carrying 19 passengers to Miri, crashed into high ground near Miri airport. All 19 passengers and two crew died. The Dornier 228s were sold in 1997 and short haul services connecting Brunei to Miri, Labuan, Mulu and Bintulu were terminated. Surabaya was the fourth Indonesian destination to be added to the network later that year.

Unprofitable cheap flights routes to Beijing and Osaka were suspended in 1998 and the F-100s were also sold off to Alpi Eagles Airlines in 1998.

Kuwait was added to the network in 2000 and was served via Singapore, Kolkata and Dubai. It was suspended a year later. Services also began to Shanghai Pudong International Airport in 2001. Royal Brunei started online booking facilities the same year.
Restructuring
After years of unprofitable operation, Royal Brunei began major restructuring in year 2003. The plan was for Royal Brunei’s fleet to grow from 9 aircraft in 2003 to 24 aircraft by the year 2013. The fleet of 6 Boeing 767 will be changed to 15 new narrow-bodied aircraft and 8 wide-bodied aircraft. The plan calls for half of the new aircraft to be leased and the others to be purchased. The plan also included new services to Auckland, Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh City, Sydney and Seoul and to increase its frequencies on other flights.

In 2003, the deliveries of the new Airbus A319 and A320 marked the start of the re-equipping exercise. Two A319s were delivered on August 28 and September 3. A320s were added December 9 and January 3, 2005. All of the Airbus were leased from CIT Aerospace of USA in a seven year contract. The Airbuses fly mainly on regional routes. With the introduction of new aircraft, the Boeing 757 has been phased out and sold to other parties.

In May 2003, Royal Skies, the airlines’ frequent flyer programme, was launched.

On 31 October 2003, a Royal Brunei jet touched down at Auckland International Airport making it the first destination in New Zealand and the first new destination added to the network as part of the restructuring exercise.

By end of the year 2003, Royal Brunei entered a controversial agreement with Royal Tongan Airlines of Tonga. Under the agreement, Royal Tongan Airlines was to wet-lease one of the two remaining B757s of Royal Brunei. In return, Royal Brunei was given the opportunities to open its market to the US. The deal did not happen because Royal Tongan Airlines went into bankruptcy with huge debt in mid 2004, after less than 6 months of operation. As Royal Tongan Airlines was unable to pay the fees, the B757 was repossessed and stored in Auckland International Airport.

In January 2004, the airline launched Blue Sky Fares, a low cost Internet booking facility, offering cheaper economy class fares to selected destinations, to compete with low cost carriers in the region, such as AirAsia.

Starting in March 2004, four of Royal Brunei’s Boeing 767 aircraft were modified by the introduction of SkyDreamer seats in Business Class to replace the old First Class and Business Class Skyluxe seats. Business Class was renamed as Sky Executive Class and in Economy class each seat was installed with an 8.4 inch TV. Sky Executive Class was subsequently renamed Business Class following poor response from the public.

The unprofitable Taipei route was suspended in late 2004. Kuching and Kolkata were dropped on 31 Oct 2004 due to the rising oil prices, but at the same time, Sydney was added to the route network. Commencing 17 December, flights to Jeddah were routed through Sharjah instead of Abu Dhabi.[1]

The last B757 was retired from the Royal Brunei fleet in early 2005.

Destinations

Main article: Royal Brunei Airlines destinations
Royal Brunei has started services to three of the five destinations (Auckland, Sydney and Ho Chi Minh City) stated in the 2003 restructuring plan. Services to Tokyo and Seoul mentioned in the restructuring plan have yet to commence. Sydney was added to the network in 2004, but will be “suspended” (at the same time as Bali) in 2008.[6]

Code Share Flights

The airlines has a code share agreement with Malaysia Airlines (Kuala Lumpur – Brunei), BMI (London to 6 British cities), Dragonair (Hong Kong – Brunei), Philippine Airlines (Manila – Brunei), and Thai (Bangkok – Brunei). Royal Brunei operates on all these routes with the exception of the domestic British flights which are operated by BMI. Some of the codeshare flights to destinations in Malaysia are also operated by Malaysia Airlines in addition to services operated by Royal Brunei.

Warning to all passengers traveling to or transiting in Negara Brunei Darussalam:

A stern reminder to all passengers traveling to or transiting in Brunei International Airport (BIA) Negara Brunei Darussalam that the carrying and possession of prohibited items such as drugs and live ammunitions is considered a serious offense. This also includes AMULETS OR LUCKY CHARMS made from bullets.

Possession of a bullet is a serious offense in Negara Brunei Darussalam. The punishment for such offense is imprisonment for a term no less than 5 years and no more than 15 years. Offenders shall also be punished with whipping of no less than 3 strokes and no more than 12 strokes.

Customs: Passengers will not be charged duty for carrying up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 227 grams of tobacco; two bottles of liquor plus 12 cans of beer (only for non-Muslims); and a reasonable quantity of perfumes.

Visas: German, Malaysians, Singaporeans and British nationals with right of abode in the United Kingdom and New Zealand are exempted from the requirement to obtain a visa for visits not exceeding 30 days. American passport holders can enter Brunei Darussalam for three months without visas. For nationals of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Republic of Maldives, The Netherlands, Norway, Oman, The Philippines, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand and The Principality of Liechtenstein, visas are waived for 14-day visits. Nationals of Australia are issued visas on arrival at the Brunei International Airport for visits not exceeding 14 days.

All other visitors entering Brunei Darussalam must have visas obtainable from any Brunei Darussalam diplomatic mission abroad. This Visas are normally issued for a two-week stay but can be renewed in Brunei. Visitors must hold onward tickets or sufficient funds to support themselves while in the country.

N.B. For more details please contact your nearest Brunei Embassy or diplomatic representative.

Transportation: The airport is about 11 kilometres from the capital. Taxis, car rentals and buses are available.

Currency: The Brunei dollar is on a par with the Singapore dollar, which is also accepted in Brunei. Banks, hotels and many department stores will cash traveller’s cheques. Some banks provide automated tellers linked to global access systems.

Clothing: Light clothing is advisable as the climate is generally warm and humid. Women are asked to dress modestly in keeping with local custom.

Language: Malay is the official language but English is widely used. Other languages include Chinese and its dialect variants and other indigenous dialects. Although the official religion is Islam, other faiths including Christianity and Buddhism are practised.

Health: Doctors provide private medical services for a nominal charge. There are a number of state health clinics and hospitals.

Credit cards: Hotels, department stores and other major establishments generally accept all internationally known credit cards.

Tipping: Optional. Some hotels add a 10 percent service charge to their room rates.

Telephones: Overseas calls can be made from hotel rooms through the operator, or via international direct dialling (IDD). There are also coin and phonecard operated public telephones.

Utilities: Power supply is 220 – 240 volts, 50 cycles. The PAL and NTSC system are used by local television. Tap water is generally safe to drink although some take the precaution of boiling it.

Media: Media: Radio Television Brunei has nightly news bulletins and a range of popular entertainment in both English and Malay. Cable network and Malaysian television programmes can also be received. There are two local daily newspapers namely: The Borneo Bulletin (English) and Media Permata (malay). Other regional and international publications are also available at newsstands.

Food: For the adventurous, the food stalls offer Malay favourites, such as satay (barbecued meat on a skewer) and local dishes prepared with curry or coconut milk. Chinese, European and Indian cuisines are also available.

Hotels: Accommodation in the capital ranges from international standard to middle range hotels. Service apartments are also available at reasonable rates.

Shopping: Department stores and shops offer goods ranging from cosmetics and stereos to local handicrafts such as the kris (an ornamental dagger); miniature brass cannon; and kain songket, a cloth with gold or silver thread.

Festivals and Celebrations: National Day, 23 February; Hari Raya, the end of the Muslim fasting month; and His Majesty The Sultan’s birthday, July 15. Other public holidays include Chinese New Year and Christmas.

Customs and courtesy: Thoughtful visitors learn to appreciate the nation’s devotion to Islam. In mosques, visitors should remove their shoes and not to pass in front of people at prayer. Never touch the Al-Quran. A woman should ensure that her head, knees and arms are covered before entering mosques.

A Bruneian shakes hands lightly and brings his hands to his chest. Members of the opposite sex do not shake hands. It is impolite to point with the index finger (use the right thumb instead) or to beckon someone with fingers upmost. Instead the whole hand should be waved with palm facing downwards. The right fist should never be smacked into the left palm. Gifts, particularly food, are passed with the right hand. When sitting, the sole of your feet should not be pointed towards your companions.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Malaysian Ringgit indicated as RM, which is equivalent to 100 cents. Coins are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 sen and RM1. Currency notes are in RM1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100. Foreign currency and traveler’s checks can be converted to Malaysian Ringgit at banks or authorized money changers throughout the country.

Telephone

Local calls can be made from public phones, whether coin or card operated. International calls can be made from phone booths with card phone facilities or at any Telecom offices. Most hotels are equipped with IDD services with a minimal service charge. – Useful Phone Directory

Passports and Visas

Passports

Malaysian government recognized all National Passport or Internationally recognized Travel Document. Any person not in possession of a Passport or Travel Document that is recognized by Malaysian Government must get a Document in lieu of Passport. Application for the Document in lieu of Passport can be made at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad. Holders of Travel Documents like a Certificate of Identity, Laisser Passer, Titre de Voyage or a Country’s Certificate of Permanent Residence must make sure that their return to the country that issued the document or the country of residence is guaranteed. . The former must have enough pages for the embarkation stamp upon arrival and be valid for at least six months at date of entry. The latter should be endorsed with a valid re-entry permit.

Visa

Foreign nationals who need a Visa whether using Single entry Visa, Multiple Entry Visa and Transit Visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain a Visa in advance at Malaysian Representative Office before entering the country. A visa is an endorsement in a passport or other recognized travel document of foreigner indicating that the holder has applied for permission to enter Malaysia and that permission has been granted. Foreign nationals who require a Visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain a Visa in advance at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad before entering the country. Visa, which has been granted, is not absolute guarantee that the holder will be allowed to enter Malaysia. The final decision lies with the Immigration Officer at the entry point.

How To Apply For A Visa

Application for visas should be made at the nearest Malaysian Missions abroad. In countries where Malaysian Missions have not been established, application should be made to the British High Commission or Embassy. The applicant should present himself together with the following documents:

Passport or Travel Document
Form IM.47 (3 copies)
Three (3) passport sized photographs
Return or onward – journey traveling ticket
Proof of sufficient funds

Tourist Police

Visitors who encounter unforeseen problems and difficulties can seek the Malaysian Tourist Police Unit for assistance. They often patrol tourist spots and will render assistance, as well as safeguard tourists’ security.

Business Hours

The country runs on a normal eight hours a day system with Saturday as half day and Sunday as a day of rest. In the states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah, Friday is a day of rest with Thursday as half days. Department Stores and supermarkets are open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Conversely, states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Kedah, Friday is a day of rest with Thursday as half days workday.

Private sector hours are generally operates from 9am to 5pm (Monday-Friday) and 9am to 1pm (Saturday) while government office hours are usually from 8.30am to 5.30pm work on a five-day week. At present, many private sector companies operate on a five-day week.

Tipping

Tipping is not a way of life in Malaysia, but is fast becoming one, depends entirely on you. Most hotels and large restaurants have already included a 10% service charge in addition to the 5% government tax to the receipt (indicated by the ++ mark on menus and rate cards) so tipping is needless.

Taxis in major cities of Malaysia are using a meter. Currently the rates are at RM2 for the first two kilometres and 10 sen for every following 200 metres. On the other hand, there’s a surcharge of 50% levied between midnight and 6am.

What to Wear

Light, cool, and casual clothing is recommended all year round. For more formal occasions, men should wear jackets, ties, or long-sleeved batik shirts whereas women should wear dresses.

Water

It is generally safe to drink water straight from the tap, but it is safer to drink boiled water or bottled beverages.

Medical Services

Medical services are available in most towns at government hospitals and private clinics. Non-prescription drugs are available at pharmacies, as well as supermarkets, hotels, and shopping centers.

Weather

Generally the country is warm throughout the year with temperatures ranging from 21? to 32? Celsius in the lowlands, which is low as 16? Celsius in the highlands. Annual rainfall is heavy at 2,500mm (100 inches). On a rainy day, thunder and lightning often go together with the deep downpour, which normally lasts for about an hour or two. The high humidity level at 80% throughout the year favours light and sweat-absorbent material like cotton for daily dressing.

Commonly, Malaysia has two different seasons. The dry season occurs during the southwest monsoon during May till September. The northeast monsoon brings the rainy period to the country from mid-November and March.

Local Touch

Traditional and local delicacies that are sold by Food hawkers make up the everyday scenes in big or small towns throughout the country. Try our “teh tarik”, a smoothened, creamed tea, and “roti canai”, a fluffy pancake prepared by a local person of Indian Muslim ancestry. “nasi lemak” and a variety of kinds of Chinese noodles are also popular. People from all walks of life common these food stalls.

DO’S

Do smile when you greet people. It is normal to see people in the tourist industry to greet visitors by placing their right hand over the left breast. It means “I greet you from my heart”.

Do remove your shoes when entering homes and places of worship.

Do dress neatly when entering places of worship. It is advisable for ladies, when entering places of worship to wear long sleeves and loose pants or long skirts.

Do wait until you’re in Malaysia to convert most of your currency. A special permit is needed to bring large amounts of ringgit (Malaysia’s currency) into or out of the country. There are no restrictions for foreign money.

Do point with the thumb of your right hand, fingers folded and not with the forefinger.

Do pay careful attention to your attire if you’re female: Wearing hot pants and vests on the islands where Malaysians are used to foreigners is fine, but it may invite harassment elsewhere. At mainland beaches, bring a wrap-around as well as a swimsuit so you won’t feel conspicuous; Malay women usually go swimming fully dressed and some keep their scarves on. While you wouldn’t be expected to do the same, it’s best not to draw attention.

Do help preserve reefs and beaches by leaving coral and shells where you find them.

DON’TS

Don’t kiss anyone in public – not romantically anyway. It has become fashionable in Kuala Lumpur (but not in other parts of the country) to kiss friends hello and goodbye as is done in Europe.

Don’t point the bottom of your feet at anyone.

Don’t touch the head of an adult.

Don’t offer to shake hands unless you know that your acquaintances are fairly Westernized. Even then, let them offer to shake first. Never shake hands with women unless they offer to do so first.

Don’t even think about buying or transporting illegal drugs – there’s a mandatory death penalty for trafficking (possession of 200 grams of marijuana is considered to be trafficking).

Don’t bring up the topic of ethnic relations in Malaysia or the political system: They are both sensitive subjects.