+ 7 h / + 6 h during our summer time

Kuala Lumpur

Malay

• 240 volts
• A travel adapter for plug type G is required.

Banks

9.30 am - 4.30 pm (Mon - Fri)
9.30 am - 11.30 am (Sat)
Banks are closed on the first Saturday of every month.

Shops

10.00 am - 10.00 pm (daily)

• 1 January - New Year’s Day (Tahun Baru)
• Thaipusam (Thaipusam) - variable date (usually in late January or early February)
• Chinese New Year (Tahun Baru Cina) - variable date (late January or early February)
• 1 May - Labour Day (Hari Pekerja)
• Wesak Day (Hari Wesak) - variable date (usually in May)
• 1 June - Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s Birthday (Hari Keputeraan Yang di-Pertuan Agong)
• Hari Raya Puasa (Eid al-Fitr) (Hari Raya Puasa) - variable date (depending on the Islamic lunar calendar)
• 31 August - National Day (Hari Kebangsaan)
• 16 September - Malaysia Day (Hari Malaysia)
• Hari Raya Haji (Eid al-Adha) (Hari Raya Haji) - variable date (depending on the Islamic lunar calendar)
• Deepavali (Deepavali) - variable date (usually in October or November, except in Sarawak)
• Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (Maulidur Rasul) (Maulidur Rasul) - variable date
• 25 December - Christmas Day (Hari Krismas)

These are some of the main nationwide public holidays in Malaysia. There are also additional public holidays that apply only in certain regions or to specific population groups.

The following documents are required to enter Malaysia:

• A Swiss passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended return date.
• No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

• Travellers must register electronically no later than three days before entering the country via the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC).

• The boarding pass must be presented at passport control. Malaysian immigration authorities may also request a return or onward ticket and proof of accommodation.

• Minors: a travel consent form is recommended for minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without their parents. Further information: travel consent form for travelling with children.

As of: October 2024

Malaysia has a tropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year.

• Western Peninsular Malaysia (e.g. Kuala Lumpur, Penang):
  Warm and humid throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C. The drier period runs from May to September, while the rainy season lasts from October to April.

• Eastern Peninsular Malaysia (e.g. Tioman, Perhentian Islands):
  Temperatures range from 24°C to 32°C. The rainy season lasts from November to February, while the drier period runs from March to October.

• East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo):
  Tropical throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 31°C. The heaviest rainfall occurs between November and January, although the weather can also be changeable during other months.

The ideal time to travel to Malaysia:

• Beach holidays: March to October on the west coast (Langkawi, Penang) and May to September on the east coast (Perhentian Islands, Tioman) for sunny days and less rainfall.

• City breaks: November to March for pleasant weather in Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and George Town.

• Nature trips/hiking: March to September for Borneo (Sabah, Sarawak) and the Cameron Highlands, ideal for drier weather and clearer views.

• Using a mobile phone in Malaysia may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the applicable roaming fees before departure and, where necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in cafés, hotels and public spaces.
• Purchasing a prepaid SIM card is recommended for affordable mobile calls and internet access during your stay. In Malaysia, SIM cards from DiGi and Celcom are particularly recommended, as they offer excellent network coverage across large parts of the country.

• Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur - The iconic twin towers rise 452 metres above the city and are Kuala Lumpur’s most recognisable landmark. The Skybridge offers fantastic views across the city.

• Batu Caves, Selangor - An impressive limestone cave and Hindu temple complex, famous for its enormous golden statue of the god Murugan and the 272 steps leading up to the caves.

• Cameron Highlands, Pahang - A popular highland region known for its tea plantations, hiking trails and cooler climate, ideal for nature and tea lovers.

• George Town, Penang - A UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its colonial architecture, street art and delicious street food.

• Taman Negara National Park, Pahang: one of the world’s oldest rainforests, offering jungle trekking, boat trips and canopy walks amid spectacular natural scenery.

• Langkawi Sky Bridge, Langkawi - A spectacular curved pedestrian bridge on Langkawi Island offering panoramic views over the rainforest and the sea.

• Kinabalu National Park and Mount Kinabalu, Sabah - Home to Mount Kinabalu, one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia, and a UNESCO World Heritage natural site with exceptionally diverse flora and fauna.

• Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak - Another UNESCO World Heritage natural site, famous for its vast cave systems, including one of the world’s largest underground chambers, as well as spectacular limestone formations.

• Perhentian Islands - A tropical island paradise with white sandy beaches, clear waters and excellent diving and snorkelling sites.

• Malacca Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site): A historic city with well-preserved colonial buildings, churches and museums reflecting Malaysia’s rich history.

• Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur - One of the largest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia, known for its impressive architecture and views over Kuala Lumpur.

• Sunway Lagoon, Selangor: a vast theme and water park with numerous family attractions, including water slides, roller coasters and a zoo.

• Tioman Island: an idyllic island with unspoilt beaches, coral reefs and rainforests, ideal for snorkelling, diving and relaxation.

• Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sabah: a rescue and rehabilitation centre for orangutans where visitors can observe these remarkable animals at close range.

• Legoland Malaysia, Johor: a family-friendly theme park with rides, shows and attractions based around the world of Lego.

Travel inspiration
Be inspired by our blog articles and discover Malaysia’s most fascinating destinations:

• The 10 most beautiful islands in Asia: Penang and Langkawi

Malaysia offers a diverse and aromatic cuisine shaped by a variety of cultural influences, particularly Malay, Chinese and Indian. This culinary blend reflects the country’s cultural diversity.

• Rice and noodle dishes: rice is a staple food in Malaysia, particularly in dishes such as Nasi Lemak (coconut rice with various accompaniments) and Nasi Goreng (fried rice). Noodles also play an important role, for example in Char Kway Teow (stir-fried rice noodles) and Laksa (a spicy noodle soup).

• Flavours and spices: Malaysian dishes are known for their intense flavours, created with a blend of spices such as turmeric, ginger, chilli and lemongrass. Sambal, a spicy chilli paste, is often served as an accompaniment.

• Street food: Malaysia’s street food is legendary. Popular dishes include Satay (grilled meat skewers with peanut sauce), Roti Canai (Indian flatbread served with curry) and Hainanese Chicken Rice (chicken with rice).

• Seafood: Malaysia’s coastal regions offer an abundance of fresh seafood, including Ikan Bakar (grilled fish) and Chili Crab (crab in a spicy chilli sauce).

• Soups and stews: soups such as Bak Kut Teh (herbal soup with pork) and Tom Yum (spicy and sour soup) are known for their bold, aromatic flavours.

• Tropical fruits: Malaysia is rich in exotic fruits such as durian, mangosteen and rambutan, which are often enjoyed as snacks or desserts.

• Drinks: popular drinks include Teh Tarik (pulled milk tea) and Cendol (a refreshing drink made with coconut milk, palm sugar and green rice-flour strands). Fresh coconut water and a variety of fruit juices are also widely available.

• Greetings: the typical greeting in Malaysia is a friendly nod or handshake. A polite “Salam” is also commonly used.
• Saying please and thank you: politeness is appreciated. Use “Tolong” for “please” and “Terima kasih” for “thank you” – ideally with a smile.
• Clothing: clothing should generally be modest, especially when visiting religious sites. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
• Dining etiquette: food is generally eaten with the right hand. The left hand is considered unclean, so avoid using it for eating or when handing objects to someone.
• Smoking: smoking is prohibited in many public areas. Pay attention to signs and smoke only in designated areas.
• Tipping: tipping is not widespread, but it is appreciated in upmarket restaurants. A tip of 5-10% is appropriate.

• Tap water: drinking tap water directly in Malaysia is not recommended. To reduce health risks, most locals and travellers use bottled or boiled water. Bottled water is also recommended for brushing teeth.

• Vaccinations: no mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Malaysia. However, travellers are advised to check that their standard vaccinations are up to date before departure and to receive any necessary boosters. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended. For longer stays or travel to certain areas, vaccination against hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies and Japanese encephalitis (JE), as well as possible preventive measures against dengue fever, may also be considered.

• Mosquito-borne diseases:
  In Malaysia, there is a risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and, in some rural areas, malaria. The risk is particularly high during the rainy season. To protect yourself, avoid mosquito bites as much as possible: wear long, light-coloured clothing, use insect repellent and, if necessary, sleep under a mosquito net.

• Medical care in Malaysia is of a good standard in urban areas and meets internationally recognised standards, particularly in private hospitals. These are modern and offer high-quality treatment. In rural areas, however, access to medical care may be more limited.
• Travellers are strongly advised to take out international health insurance before departure that also covers emergencies and repatriation.
• Malaysia has many well-equipped and easily accessible pharmacies. Some medicines that require a prescription in the traveller’s home country may be available over the counter and are often cheaper than in Western countries. When travelling, it is advisable to carry all medication in its original packaging together with an official prescription.

• Before and during your trip, keep informed about the current situation through the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• The possibility of terrorist attacks cannot be completely ruled out anywhere in the country.
• Due to the high risk of kidnapping, tourist and non-essential travel to the northern and eastern coastal areas of Sabah and the offshore islands is discouraged.
• Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings. Foreign nationals are prohibited from taking part in demonstrations.

• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: October 2024

• Traffic drives on the left!
• A Swiss driving licence is only accepted if accompanied by a certified translation into English or Malay. Otherwise, an International Driving Permit is required, but it is only valid when used together with the national driving licence.

• To rent a car, drivers must be between 21 and 75 years old for standard vehicle categories and between 25 and 65 years old for luxury vehicle categories.

• Blood alcohol limit: 0.8 ‰.

• Long-distance trains: long-distance trains in Malaysia are mainly operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) via the KTM ETS (Electric Train Service). These trains connect major cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Butterworth (near Penang) and provide a comfortable and fast option for longer journeys.
• Regional trains: regional trains, also operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), mainly serve shorter routes and more rural areas. The KTM Komuter is a regional rail service operating particularly around Kuala Lumpur and connecting the suburbs with surrounding towns and cities.
• Coaches: Malaysia has an extensive network of long-distance and regional coaches operated by various companies. Coaches are often the most affordable way to travel and also serve more remote areas. Companies such as Transnasional, Mayang Sari Express and KKKL Express offer comfortable services between cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Penang. Local bus services are also available for shorter journeys within cities and regions.
• Boats: boat transport plays an important role, particularly in eastern regions and on the islands. Ferries connect islands such as Langkawi and Penang with the mainland. On Borneo, river services also provide access to more remote locations.
• Metro: Kuala Lumpur has a modern public transport system consisting of several LRT, MRT and monorail lines. Rapid KL operates services including the Kelana Jaya LRT, Ampang LRT and MRT lines. They provide a fast and convenient way to get around the city. The KL Monorail also serves central areas.
• Tickets and apps: train and metro tickets can be purchased from ticket machines or online. Most transport systems use cards such as the Touch ’n Go card, which can be used for buses, trains and toll roads. Various apps also make it easier to purchase bus and train tickets. Grab, a popular app in Southeast Asia, also offers transport and taxi options. Other useful apps include Moovit and KTM Mobile.

There are no direct flights between Switzerland and Malaysia, but connections with stopovers are available. The main airports in Malaysia are:

• Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Kuala Lumpur
• Penang International Airport (PEN), Penang
• Senai International Airport (JHB), Johor Bahru
• Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), Kota Kinabalu
• Langkawi International Airport (LGK), Langkawi
• Kuching International Airport (KCH), Kuching

Malaysia’s main domestic airlines are Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Firefly and Malindo Air. International airlines offering flights to Malaysia include SWISS, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Thai Airways, Korean Air and Cathay Pacific.

00 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss area code)

• Police: 999

• Ambulance: 999

• Fire brigade: 994

16, Persiaran Madge
55000 Kuala Lumpur

Tel.: +60 3 21 48 06 22
Email: kualalumpur@eda.admin.ch

• Malaysia is located in a seismically active zone where earthquakes and undersea earthquakes may occur.
• Extreme caution is advised when travelling to the east coast of Sabah (Borneo) and the offshore islands.
• When visiting nature parks, it is advisable to use a knowledgeable local guide, as jungle trails are often poorly signposted.
• Drug possession and trafficking are strictly prohibited and severely punished, including by the death penalty. The death penalty or corporal punishment may also be imposed for certain serious offences.