Offers tours tailored to the backpacker market, including walking tours of Chinatown (RM130) and trips to see the fireflies in Kuala Selangor (RM220), to Putrajaya (RM160) and to Melaka (RM220).
Tour 51 MalaysiaTOURS
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2161 8830; www.tour51.com.my; 1st fl Wisma Central, Jln Ampang; h7.30am-7pm; LRT KLCC)
Runs a decent selection of half-day city tours and day trips to places such as Putrajaya, Kuala Selangor and Pulau Ketam.
Travel HanTOURS
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2031 0899; www.han-travel.com; ground Fl, Bangunan Mariamman, Jln Hang Kasturi; LRT Pasar Seni)
One of the many agents offering budget tours to Taman Negara, a 4343-sq-km reserve protecting one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests. Three-day, two-night packages from KL start from RM400 per person.
Directory A–Z
Customs Regulations
Electricity
Emergency
Gay & Lesbian Travellers
Health
Internet Access
Legal Matters
Medical Services
Money
Opening Hours
Post
Public Holidays
Safe Travel
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Time
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Tourist Information
Travellers with Disabilities
Visas
Women Travellers
Directory A–Z
Customs Regulations
The following can be brought into Malaysia duty-free:
A1L of alcohol
A225g of tobacco (200 cigarettes or 50 cigars)
Asouvenirs and gifts not exceeding RM400 (RM500 when coming from Labuan or Langkawi)
Cameras, portable radios, perfume, cosmetics and watches do not incur duty. Prohibited items include weapons (including imitations), fireworks, ‘obscene and prejudicial articles’ (pornography, for example, and items that may be considered inflammatory or religiously offensive) and drugs. Drug smuggling carries the death penalty in Malaysia.
Visitors can carry no more than the equivalent of US$10,000 in ringgit or any other currency into and out of Malaysia.
Electricity
Emergency
Police & Ambulance 999
Fire 994
Tourist Police 03-9235 4999
Gay & Lesbian Travellers
Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country and the level of tolerance for homosexuality is vastly different from those of its neighbours. Sex between men is illegal at any age and sharia laws (which apply only to Muslims) forbid sodomy and cross-dressing. Outright persecution of gays and lesbians is rare.
Nonetheless, LGBT travellers should avoid behaviour that attracts unwanted attention. Malaysians are conservative about displays of public affection regardless of sexual orientation. Although same-sex hand-holding is quite common for men and women, this is rarely an indication of sexuality; an overtly gay couple doing the same would attract attention, though there is little risk of vocal or aggressive homophobia.
There’s actually a fairly active gay scene in KL. The lesbian scene is more discreet, but it exists for those willing to seek it out. Start looking for information on www.utopia-asia.com or www.fridae.com, both of which provide good coverage of gay and lesbian events and activities across Asia.
The PT Foundation (www.ptfmalaysia.org) is a voluntary nonprofit organisation providing education on HIV/AIDS and sexuality, and care and support programs for marginalised communities in Malaysia.
Health
Before You Go
ATake out health insurance.
APack medications in their original, clearly labelled containers.
ACarry a signed and dated letter from your physician describing your medical conditions and medications, including their generic names.
AIf you have a heart condition bring a copy of your ECG (taken just prior to travelling).
ABring a double supply of any regular medication in case of loss or theft.
Recommended Vaccinations
Proof of yellow-fever vaccination will be required if you have visited a country in the yellow-fever zone (such as those in Africa or South America) within the six days prior to entering Malaysia. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the following vaccinations for travellers to Malaysia:
Adult diphtheria and tetanus Single booster recommended if none in the previous 10 years.
Hepatitis A Provides almost 100% protection for up to a year. A booster after 12 months provides at least another 20 years’ protection.
Hepatitis B Now considered routine for most travellers. Given as three shots over six months. A rapid schedule is also available, as is a combined vaccination with hepatitis A.
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) Two doses of MMR are required unless you have had the diseases. Many young adults require a booster.
Polio There have been no reported cases of polio in Malaysia in recent years. Only one booster is required as an adult for lifetime protection.
Typhoid Recommended unless your trip is less than a week and only to developed cities. The vaccine offers around 70% protection, lasts for two to three years and is given as a single shot. Tablets are also available; however, the injection is usually recommended as it has fewer side effects.
Varicella If you haven’t had chickenpox, discuss this vaccination with your doctor.
DRINKING WATER
ANever drink tap water unless you've verified that it's safe. KL's water supply comes mostly from modern treatment plants and is usually safe to drink.
ACheck bottled-water seals are intact at purchase.
AAvoid ice in places that look dubious.
AAvoid fresh juices if they have not been freshly squeezed or you suspect they may have been watered down.
ABoiling water is the most efficient method of purifying it.
AIodine, the best chemical purifier, should not be used by pregnant women or those who suffer thyroid problems.
In Malaysia
Air Pollution
If you're troubled by the air pollution, leave KL for a few days to get some fresh air. Consult the Air Pollutant Index of Malaysia (http://apims.doe.gov.my/v2) for the current situation.
Availability of Healthcare
There are good clinics and international-standard hospitals in KL. Over-the-counter medicines and prescription drugs are widely available from reputable pharmacies across Malaysia.
Heat
It can take up to two weeks to adapt to Malaysia’s hot climate. Swelling of the feet and ankles is common, as are muscle cramps caused by excessive sweating. Prevent cramps by avoiding dehydration and excessive activity in the heat.
Dehydration is the main contributor to heat exhaustion. Symptoms include feeling weak, headache, irritability, nausea or vomiting, sweaty skin, a fast, weak pulse and a normal or slightly elevated body temperature. Treat by getting out of the heat, applying cool, wet cloths to the skin, lying flat with legs raised and rehydrating with water containing a quarter of a teaspoon of salt per litre.
Heatstroke is a serious medical emergency. Symptoms come on suddenly and include weakness, nausea, a hot, dry body with a body temperature of over 41°C, dizziness, confusion, loss of coordination, fits and eventually collapse and loss of consciousness. Seek medical help and commence cooling by getting the person out of the heat, removing their clothes and applying cool, wet cloths or ice to their body, especially to the groin and armpits.
Prickly heat – an itchy rash of tiny lumps – is caused by sweat being trapped under the skin. Treat by moving out of the heat and into an air-conditioned area for a few hours and by having cool showers. Creams and ointments clog the skin, so they should be avoided.
Infectious Diseases
The following are the most common for travellers:
Dengue fever Increasingly common in cities. The mosquito that carries dengue bites day and night, so use insect-avoidance measures at all times. Symp
toms can include high fever, severe headache, body ache, a rash and diarrhoea. There is no specific treatment, just rest and paracetamol – do not take aspirin, as it increases the likelihood of haemorrhaging.
Hepatitis A This food- and water-borne virus infects the liver, causing jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), nausea and lethargy. All travellers to Malaysia should be vaccinated against it.
Hepatitis B The only sexually transmitted disease (STD) that can be prevented by vaccination, hepatitis B is spread by body fluids.
Hepatitis E Transmitted through contaminated food and water and has similar symptoms to hepatitis A but is far less common. It is a severe problem in pregnant women and can result in the death of both mother and baby. There is currently no vaccine, and prevention is by following safe eating and drinking guidelines.
HIV Unprotected sex is the main method of transmission.
Influenza Can be very severe in people over the age of 65 or in those with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes; vaccination is recommended for these individuals. There is no specific treatment, just rest and paracetamol.
Malaria Uncommon in Peninsular Malaysia and antimalarial drugs are rarely recommended for travellers. However, there may be a small risk in rural areas. Remember that malaria can be fatal. Before you travel, seek medical advice on the right medication and dosage for you.
Rabies A potential risk, and invariably fatal if untreated, rabies is spread by the bite or lick of an infected animal – most commonly a dog or monkey. Pretravel vaccination means the post-bite treatment is greatly simplified. If an animal bites you, gently wash the wound with soap and water, and apply iodine-based antiseptic. If you have not been vaccinated you will need to receive rabies immunoglobulin as soon as possible.
Typhoid This serious bacterial infection is spread via food and water. Symptoms include high and slowly progressive fever, headache, a dry cough and stomach pain. Vaccination, recommended for all travellers spending more than a week in Malaysia, is not 100% effective, so you must still be careful with what you eat and drink.
Insect Bites & Stings
Lice Most commonly inhabit your head and pubic area. Transmission is via close contact with an infected person. Treat with numerous applications of an anti-lice shampoo containing permethrin.
Ticks Contracted after walking in rural areas. If you are bitten and experience symptoms such as a rash at the site of the bite or elsewhere, fever, or muscle aches, see a doctor. Doxycycline prevents tick-borne diseases.
Leeches Found in humid rainforest areas. They don’t transmit disease, but their bites can be itchy for weeks afterwards and can easily become infected. Apply an iodine-based antiseptic to any leech bite to prevent infection.
Bees or wasps If allergic to their stings, carry an injection of adrenaline (eg an Epipen) for emergency treatment.
DON'T LET THE BEDBUGS BITE
Bedbugs live in the cracks of furniture and walls and migrate to the bed at night to feed on you. They are more likely to strike in high-turnover accommodation, especially hostels, though they can be found anywhere. An appearance of cleanliness is no guarantee there are no bedbugs. Protect yourself with the following strategies:
AAsk the hotel or hostel what it does to avoid bedbugs. It’s a common problem and reputable establishments should have a pest-control procedure in place.
AKeep your luggage elevated off the floor to avoid having the critters latch on – this is one of the common ways bedbugs are spread from place to place.
ACheck the room carefully for signs of bugs – you may find their translucent light-brown skins or poppyseed-like excrement.
If you do get bitten, try the following:
ATreat the itch with antihistamine.
AThoroughly clean your luggage and launder all your clothes, sealing them afterwards in plastic bags to further protect them.
ABe sure to tell the management – if staff seem unconcerned or refuse to do anything about it, complain to the local tourist office and write to us.
Skin Problems
Fungal rashes can occur in moist areas that get less air, such as the groin, the armpits and between the toes. Treatment involves keeping the skin dry, avoiding chafing and using an antifungal cream such as Clotrimazole or Lamisil. The fungus tinea versicolor causes small, light-coloured patches, most commonly on the back, chest and shoulders. Consult a doctor.
Immediately wash all wounds in clean water and apply antiseptic. If you develop signs of infection (increasing pain and redness), see a doctor. Divers should be particularly careful with coral cuts as they become easily infected.
Sunburn
Always use a strong sunscreen (at least SPF 30), and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses outdoors. If you become sunburnt, 1% hydrocortisone cream applied twice daily to the burn is helpful.
Travellers Diarrhoea
By far the most common problem affecting travellers, travellers diarrhoea is usually caused by bacteria. Treatment consists of staying well hydrated; use a solution such as Gastrolyte. Antibiotics such as Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin or Azithromycin will kill the bacteria quickly.
Loperamide is just a ‘stopper’, but it can be helpful in certain situations, such as if you have to go on a long bus ride. Seek medical attention quickly if you do not respond to an appropriate antibiotic.
Giardiasis is relatively common. Symptoms include nausea, bloating, excess gas, fatigue and intermittent diarrhoea. The treatment of choice is Tinidazole, with Metronidazole being a second option.
Women's Health
Sanitary products are readily available in Malaysia. Birth-control options may be limited, so bring adequate supplies of your own form of contraception.
Heat, humidity and antibiotics can contribute to thrush. Treat with antifungal creams and pessaries such as Clotrimazole. A practical alternative is a tablet of fluconazole (Diflucan).
Internet Access
Malaysia is blanketed with hot spots for wi-fi connections (usually free). Internet cafes are less common these days, but they do still exist if you’re not travelling with a wi-fi enabled device.
In reviews, the wi-fi symbol indicates that free wi-fi is available.
Legal Matters
In any dealings with the local police forces it will pay to be deferential. You’re most likely to come into contact with them either through reporting a crime (KL has a tourist-police booth at the Malaysia Tourism Centre for this purpose) or while driving. Minor misdemeanours may be overlooked, but don’t count on it.
Drug trafficking carries a mandatory death penalty. A number of foreigners have been executed in Malaysia, some for possession of very small quantities of heroin. Even possession of small amounts of marijuana can bring a lengthy jail sentence and a beating with the rotan (cane).
Medical Services
KL is an increasingly popular destination for health tourism, for everything from cosmetic surgery to dental veneers. Medical centres and dentists are found in all the big malls and a private consultation will cost around RM50. Pharmacies are all over town; the most common is Watsons, in most malls.
Hospital Kuala Lumpur City's main hospital, north of the centre.
Twin Towers Medical Centre KLCC Handily located in the mall attached to the Petronas Towers, with a second clinic near KL Sentral.
Kien Fatt Medical Store ( GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2078 3229; 59 Jln Petaling; h8.30am-5.30pm Mon-Sat; LRT Pasar Seni) In business since 1943, this traditional pharmacy sells both Chinese and Western medicines. A qualified English-speaking doctor is available for consultations.
Tung Shin Hospital A general hospital with a Chinese traditional medicine clinic.
Klinik Medicare ( GOOGLE MAP ; %03-2938 3333; 2nd fl, Mid Valley Megamall; h10am-10pm; dMid Valley) For check-ups and emergency treatments. Based in Mid Valley Megamall.
Money
Most banks and shopping malls provide international ATMs (typically on the ground floor or basement level). Moneychangers offer better rates than
banks for changing cash and (at times) travellers cheques; they’re usually open later and at weekends and are found in shopping malls.
ATMs & Credit Cards
Mastercard and Visa are the most widely accepted brands of credit card. You can make ATM withdrawals with your PIN, or banks such as Maybank (Malaysia’s biggest bank), HSBC and Standard Chartered will accept credit cards for over-the-counter cash advances. Many banks are also linked to international banking networks such as Cirrus (the most common), Maestro and Plus, allowing withdrawals from overseas savings or chequing accounts.
Contact details for credit-card companies in Malaysia:
American Express (www.americanexpress.com/malaysia)
Diners Card (www.diners.com.my)
MasterCard (www.mastercard.com/sea)
Visa (www.visa-asia.com)
Currency
The ringgit (RM) is made up of 100 sen. Coins in use are one sen, five sen, 10 sen, 20 sen and 50 sen; notes are RM1, RM5, RM10, RM50 and RM100.
Taxes & Refunds
Since 2015 a goods and sales tax (GST) of 6% has been levied on most goods and services in Malaysia. There are some exemptions (mainly for fresh and essential foods), but generally you’ll now find this tax added to most things you buy, including restaurant meals and souvenirs.
Lonely Planet Kuala Lumpur, Melaka & Penang Page 39