CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Duty-Free Items: Items such as cameras, watches, pens, portable radio-cassette
players, perfume, cosmetics and lighters are duty-free in Malaysia. Visitors bringing in
dutiable goods may have to pay a deposit for temporary importation, refundable on
departure - usually 50% of the value (carry receipt of purchase and obtain an official
receipt for any tax or deposit paid).
CAMPING
Because vast tropical rain forests cover Malaysia, camping is
available in numerous areas throughout the country. From the seemingly endless shorelines,
to the mostly unexplored islands off the coast, to the highlands and countryside, campers
from all places are certain to find suitable and enjoyable sites. It is advisable for
campers to inform the nearest police station of their whereabouts, and in certain areas,
permission must be obtained from the Forestry Department before campers are allowed to set
up camp. As the Malaysian rain forests are usually wet, due to substantial rainfall, it is
recommended to bring waterproof equipment to protect your belongings. Guides are available
for the adventurous campers who wish to explore beyond the trails of civilization.
Some commercial organizations devoted to camping are:
Malaysian Overland Adventures Sdn Bhd
Lot 1.23, Bangunan Angkasaraya, Jalan Ampang
50450 Kuala Lumpur
Tel (03) 241-3569 or (03) 241-4095
AYTB (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
G5 International Youth Centre
Jalan Tenteram, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras
56000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel (03) 971-2266 or (03) 971-2296
Perpel Travel & Tours
Tingkat Bawah, Wisma Maju
Jalan Sultan Ismail
20200 Kuala Terengganu
Terengganu
Tel (09) 622-700 or (09) 626-995 or (09) 636-626
Fax: (09)636626
Coral Island Cruises Tours & Travel
P.O. Box 14527
88851 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tel (088) 231-349 or (088) 223-490 Fax: (088) 223-404
DINING AND DRINKING
Because Malaysia is a country of diverse cultures and traditions, it is not surprising
that its cuisine is just as varied. As one might expect, each state has its own
specialized dishes as well as different means of preparation and variations in taste.
Generally, the Indians and Malays use spices liberally in their food. The Chinese, on the
other hand, are more subtle, while the Peranakan have developed their own style of
cooking. Even the Eurasions, although small in number, have perfected their own blend of
Eastern- and Western-style cooking.
"Authentic" Malay food is not as widely available in Malaysian restaurants as
Chinese style or American fast food. Restaurants in large hotels offer international
cuisine from such countries as Japan, Korea, France and Italy. Street food is widely
available throughout Malaysia.
Alcohol is fairly expensive in Malaysia. Muslims are forbidden to drink alcohol, so it
may be necessary to head to the hotels or Chinese liquor stores for beverages. Wine,
although expensive, even by the glass, may not have a good flavor, due to the tropical
heat. Beer is fairly common, yet is often served unchilled. Prices and varieties range
from state to state, but Anchor Draught is most likely the cheapest, at M$3.90 for a small
bottle (M$5.50 for a large bottle). Tiger and Guinness Stout are also among the most
popular and least expensive beers. Carlsburg, Heineken and Tsing Tao (Chinese lager) are
also available at a higher cost.
ENTERTAINMENT
At dusk, a new facet of Malaysia reveals itself. Hotel lounges
and clubs, frequently found within the larger hotels, are active at night. Although
somewhat expensive, these clubs usually have entertainment on a nightly basis, excluding
Sunday. Performances and styles range from jazz, to piano/singer acts, to popular music
and singers.
Pubs and bars can also be found. Locating these may require some
effort, even for taxi drivers, as the pubs and bars are usually situated in the suburbs.
Major hotels also have pubs, but these are more expensive than their suburban
counterparts. Music, often live, is played on a nightly basis. Pubs close around 11pm,
however, so late-night action seekers must look elsewhere. Discos begin to warm up just as
the pubs start closing their doors. Discos often stay open until 2am. Some have live bands
and light shows but often require cover charges or drink minimums. Consult with the locals
for the current hot spots. Nightclubs and cabarets, or "kelab malam" as the
locals call them, offer Fifties-style atmosphere, often with variety acts, floor shows and
bands.
VISITORS INFORMATION
Kuala Lumpur Tourist Information Centre
Jalan Parlimen, 50380 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel (03) 293-6664
MATIC (Malaysian Tourist Information Complex)
109, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel (03) 242-3929
TDC Malaysia
(Tourist Development Corporation of Malaysia)
Head Office
24-27th Floor, Menara Dato Onn
Putra World Trade Centre
45, Jalan Tun Ismail, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel (03) 293-5188
Fax: (03) 293-5884
Tourist Information Centre
Subang International Airport
Terminals 1 and 2
47200 Subang, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Tel (03) 746-5707 or (03) 746-5907
TDC (Tourist Development Corporation)
Northern Region
10 Jalan Tun Syed Shah Barakbah
10200 Penang
Tel (04) 620-066 or (04) 619-067
Penang Tourist Association
3rd Floor, KOMTAR Building
Jalan Penang
Penang
Tel (04) 614-461
Sabah Tourist Association
Level 1, International Airport
Kota Kinabalu
Tel (088) 211-484 ext. 335
TDC (Tourist Development Corporation)
Sarawak
Tingkat 2, Bangunan AIA
Bukit Mata Kuching
Jalan Song Thian Cheok
93100 Kuching
Tel (082) 246-575 or (082) 246-775
Malaysia Tourist Information Centre
818 West 7th Street
Suite 804
Los Angeles, CA 90017
USA
Tel 213-689-9702
Consulate General of Malaysia 350 South Figueroa Street #400
Los Angeles, CA 90071
USA
Tel 213-621-2991
Malaysia Tourist Information Center
830 Burrard Street
Vancouver, B.C.
Canada
Tel 604-689-8899
Tourist Development Corporation of Malaysia
57 Trafalgar Square
London WC2N, 5DU
United Kingdom
Tel (071) 930-7932
Tourist Development Corporation of Malaysia
65 York Street
Sydney, NSW 2000
Australia
Tel (02) 294-441
USEFUL PHRASES
- Yes - Ya
- No - Teedak
- Hello - apa kabar
- Good bye - se la mat jalan
- Thank you - te-ri-ma ka-sih
- Excuse me - Ma fkan say-ya
- Do you speak English? - Ta-hoo-kah
ber -da ha sa Ingris?
- I don't understand - Sa-ya tee dak
fa-ham
- Help! - To-long!
- Please bring me the menu - To long
bawa untuk say-ya me-noo
- Please bring me the bill - To long
bawa untuk say-ya bill
