Although Malaysia does not have the same reputation as its neighbouring countries, it is certainly worth getting to know and touring. You can find everything from wonderful beaches and islands (not very touristy), primary forest, jungle, nature in its purest form, cultural mix and a modern mega city like Kuala Lumpur.
Sultán Abdul Samad Palace Kuala Lumpur
If you decide to visit Borneo you will not be disappointed, it is an impressive island. Although deforestation is increasing the biodeversity it offers is unique in the world, the provinces of Sabah and Sarawak are part of Malaysian Borneo, the rest of the island belongs to Indonesia and the Sultanate of Brunei. On this trip we visited the province of Sabah.
Orangutans in Sepilok
Singapore is another of our destinations on this trip, a modern and very advanced mega city, although very expensive, it is worth visiting and can be done at a reasonable price.
Marina Bay Singapore
We will spend a few days in the south of Thailand, in the area of Krabi, total relaxation and idyllic beaches.
Ton Sai Beach
Visa
If you have a Spanish passport you don't need a visa, when you arrive at the airport they stamp a visa on arrival which is free. No visa is required for Singapore or Thailand either.
Money
The official currency is the ringgit (MYR). In Singapore it is the Singapore dollar ($S). Thailand is the Baht.
Language
In Malaysia he official language is Malay, however in English it is very easy to communicate. Useful Malaysian words: halo (hello), selamat pagi (good morning), terima kasih (thank you), sama sama (you are welcome).In Singapore, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, English and Tamil coexist. In Thailand, Thai. Useful Thai words: sabadi ka or kra (if you are a man or a woman).
Longtail
Transport
In Borneo, the bus network is cheap and works very well. Taxis are cheap. In Peninsular Malaysia the bus network is also economical and efficient. Travel on low-cost lines such as Air Asia works quite well. In Kuala Lumpur we moved by metro and suburban train.
In Sinagapur we use the metro, it is simple but not very cheap, still it is the cheapest way to move around. In Thailand, the buses work great, to move around the coast we use the longtail.
Accommodation
The basic accommodations do not have the quality/price ratio of other Southeast Asian countries and there are not so many of them either, in some areas it is advisable to book (especially in high season) although we did not do it and we sleep in some very basic places. The accommodations for divers are quite expensive but worth paying the price.
Maya Beach Thailand
Health
Before starting your trip contact the international disease service. Don't forget a first aid kit with the essentials: medicines, betadine, antibiotic ointment, syringes, flint, bandages, band-aids, scissors, water pills, mosquito repellent, sun cream.
Security
Before you travel it is convenient to have a travel insurance, not only health but also civil responsibility.
Mabul
Gastronomy
Malaysia is one of the countries with the greatest gastronomic diversity, the influence of Portuguese, Muslims, Chinese, Indians and Malaysians enriches its gastronomy.
All these influences merge in incredible dishes, curries on banana leaves, spicy soups (laksa), chicken (lauk), noodles, nasi goreng kampung (fried rice with fish), satay (grilled meat on skewers), asam (fish cooked in sauce) or nasi lemak (the most traditional Malaysian dish).
Don't forget to try samosas and empanadillas and grilled meat or fish.
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