Is Malaysia Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips)

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There are so many reasons to visit Malaysia! A lot of people might write it off because ‘it’s not as beautiful as Thailand’ or whatever, but we’re all for Malaysia. We love the mix of cultures, mix of landscapes, and mix of cuisine (obviously) in this overlooked country.

Malaysia is well worth your time and it might even surprise you. People here are super friendly and are more than ready to show you their amazing country!

And whilst it’s almost always safe in Malaysia, exactly where it’s safe is another question. Petty theft, like anywhere else in the world, exists here. The jungles can be full of dangerous creepy crawlies. There are areas with rabies. Earthquakes happen.

BUT… Malaysia is safe. Especially for tourists. 26 million tourists (2016) can’t be wrong. In fact, it’s the 5th most visited country in Asia.

There IS a bit of a problem with the Malaysian Borneo state of Sabah. This is due to militant activity by Islamic group Abu Sayyaf, who operate from the southern Philippines. In fact, the UK government warns against “all but essential travel” to anywhere between Kudat in the north and Tawau in the southeast.

However, there’s A LOT of Malaysia to see and most of it is totally ok to visit!

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As of right now, you’re all good to visit Malaysia.

Aside from the odd petty theft, crime against tourists is actually pretty low. Most visitors have a trouble-free time soaking up all the sights and scenery of Malaysia.

In regards to the so-called “security zone” in Sabah, this has been an ongoing issue since 2013 and it’s showing no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Granted, you CAN visit Sabah still, but you’ll need the proper guidance and security to do so. Try reaching out to a local tour company or lodge to make sure you can book a trip here. With some local support, you can be successful in Sabah and can enjoy the spectacular diving opportunities it offers.

In terms of timing, haze is a problem. From June to October, smoke blows over from Indonesia due to forest fires. It’s a little bit of a health concern, especially if you’ve got asthma or any other respiratory problem.

In general, there’s NOTHING right now stopping you from taking a trip to Malaysia.

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

Some places in Malaysia are safer than others. To make sure you’re having a successful trip, we’ve listed the safest, and the not-so-good areas below.

Kuala Lumpur 

Obviously, Malaysia’s capital city has to be featured here. In fact, it’s one of the most modern and safest cities in the country. Public transport is amazing, living and job conditions are great for expats, and there’s a lot to discover, from nightlife to culture. While there are reports of petty crime and pickpocketing, just like every big city has, violent crime is pretty much unheard of. Keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings and your trip to KL will be incredible.

Malacca/Melaka

For families, Malacca is one of the safest places in Malaysia! Bar the odd pickpocketing issue, it has one of the lowest crime rates of urban areas in the country. Also known as Melaka, Malacca is an increasingly popular destination on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia with a fascinating history! Its colonial past has left it a melting pot of Portuguese, Dutch, British and Malaysian culture – with one of the most eclectic culinary scenes in the country. It also has a creative soul, with plenty of fantastic art galleries.

Langkawi

Another safe place in Malaysia is actually a lot of little places combined. Langkawi is a collection of islands just off the coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It’s a popular destination for travelers to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea and we recommend that you spend 3 days in Langkawi at least! Officially a duty-free zone, the shops, bars, and restaurants here offer cheaper prices than those elsewhere in the country – making it a great place for shopping and dining.

Places to Avoid in Malaysia

As in almost every country, there are areas that are better avoided than visited if you want to have a safe trip. Same goes for Malaysia. While the crime rate is relatively low compared to other Asian countries, there is a violent crime threat present. If you want to explore the country on your own, you’re best off asking locals for their inside knowledge and get a tour guide, just to be on the safe side. To make things a bit easier for you, we’ve listed a couple of no-go areas below: 

• Petaling Jaya – This city is especially known for high crime rates, including violent crime and gang activity. While not all of the city is a complete no-go area, it’s best to explore with a local that knows the area. 
• Islands off the coast of eastern Sabah – These islands actually have a travel warming from the government itself due to the threat of kidnap-for-ransom and violence from terrorist and criminal groups. You’ll find increased road checkpoints and army presence in this area as well. Travelers to eastern Sabah should monitor local media or ask local police for the most recent curfew information.

Malaysia Travel Insurance

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

While there’s not a lot for you to worry about in terms of safety in Malaysia, there are some minor things to be aware of. Petty theft is still a risk and it pays to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Since it’s a Muslim country, Malaysia comes with a few different cultural practices that you should know about, too…

1. Don’t walk around dripping in valuables – SLR, smartphone, expensive earrings, gold chains, silver rings. It invites thieves.
2. Keep your bag close to you – bag snatchings, usually by motorbike thieves, happen. Keep your money very close to you by wearing a money belt.
3. Use reputable companies – especially when it comes to water sports. And make sure your insurance covers you.
4. Keep away from protests – though mostly peaceful, police have been known to use tear gas. That and it’s illegal for a foreigner to take part in any protest, anyways.
5. Be aware of Malaysia’s multicultural nature – Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism; there’s a lot going on here.
6. Visiting a place of worship? Be respectful – make sure you COVER UP.
7. Kelantan has been described as a “laboratory for sharia law” – you might want to research what you can and can’t do in the northern state.
8. Forget drugs – you can get the death sentence for trafficking. Possession can get you corporal punishment. Not worth an actual whipping.
9. Homosexual acts are illegal – that is the state of affairs here. Same-sex PDA is NOT advised.
10. Storms happen – between October and February. Sometimes these can cause flooding.
11. Protect yourself against mosquitoes – they carry dengue fever here. Not nice.
12. Watch out for stray dogs – because of rabies. Known to be a problem in Sabah, Sarawak, and Penang.
13. Scams happen – everything from asking for money for fake charities to lottery ticket scams and credit card duplication. Be aware of anything that seems too good to be true, or anyone that doesn’t SEEM right.
14. Tsunamis happen – and can hit almost ANY of Malaysia’s coastlines. Knowing what to do in the event of a tsunami is a good idea.
15. Travelling on boats between islands? – check the company’s credentials. Boats have been known to be dangerously overcrowded or just SINK entirely.
16. If you’re hiring a motorbike WEAR A HELMET – don’t be stupid. Also, hire from a reputable company.
17. Hire a guide or stick to the trails if you go out trekking – jungles can be horrible if you don’t know where you are. In fact…
18. … Jungles can be dangerous – leeches, snakes, macaques, spiky trees, boars, getting lost; none of these things are particularly fun to deal with.
19. Speaking of which, don’t feed monkeys – they might be cute but, honestly, it just encourages them to be little shits.
20. Vaccines, vaccines, vaccines – ask your doctor what they recommend. Rabies is a start.
21. Head to the tourist police – if you have a crime to report.

Being aware not only in an urban environment but also when you’re in trekking mode, will help you stay safe. Be respectful of local customs, follow these basic travel tips for Malaysia, and everything should be dreamy.

Travelling by yourself is always going to have its ups and downs. It’s super cool to just be by yourself doing something for yourself.

However, being alone, you’ll be more of a target for thieves and scammers. Malaysia is an amazing backpacking destination for solo travellers, arguably one of the safest in Southeast Asia. But just to make sure, we’ve still got a few words to the wise…

• Booking yourself into a hostel in Kuala Lumpur (or wherever you’re staying in Malaysia) where you can meet other travellers is a good idea. Meeting people is not only great for some sanity, but it can make your trip genuinely safer by getting yourself a travel buddy or two.
• When you’re looking for a hostel, do your research. Read reviews to get a feel for the place.
• Head out on a tour. Heading out on a tour is a good way to get acquainted with fellow travellers as well as the local area. This helps you not look lost when you’re navigating your way around, which in turn helps you become less of a target for thieves.
• A lot of people speak English but knowing a little Bahasa Malaysia still pays. Doing so will help you read menus in local restaurants and order street food. It also looks good to the locals if you at least try to learn their language.
• Get yourself a maps app. Maps.me is an offline service, which is pretty handy if you don’t have data roaming or a local sim card.
• At the beach, careful with your stuff. This mainly goes for resort towns. Leaving your bags unattended whilst you go off for a swim is a no-no. Go with some hostel buddies and take turns guarding bags.
• Don’t overdo it. It can be tempting to tick off every destination the guidebook tells you about, and that you MUST do it in X amount of days… Have a day off – it doesn’t have to be full-on travelling all of the time. Not only will you possibly get fed-up but, worse than that, you could totally get burnt-out. And nobody wants that.
• Join in with the local culture. Chat to people at the beer stands in Georgetown, ask questions when you visit the National Mosque and other cultural sites in Kuala Lumpur. People are open, welcoming, and super chatty. Be involved and you’ll get a lot more out of your trip.

Currently, we definitely recommend solo travel to Malaysia. It’s safe, it’s interesting, it’s fun, it’s beautiful. You’ll have an awesome time!

We’re pretty happy to say that Malaysia is safe for solo female travellers. That’s right, this wonderful culture has it right when it comes to female tourists.

However, travelling as a solo female can often mean you have to pay a lot more attention to your surroundings in order to make sure that you have a stress-free, enjoyable time no matter where you stay in Malaysia. So, with that in mind, here are some safety tips for solo female travellers in Malaysia.

• Make sure you lock your door at night and don’t open your door to strangers, especially at night time. Be wary of people knocking on your door. Ignore them, unless you can see, or otherwise confirm, who it is.
• Even if you’re in a chic bar or nightclub, no matter how high or low-end it is, don’t accept drinks from people other than the bartender or your friends. These have been known to be spiked and it isn’t all too uncommon either.
• Try to blend in. Take a look at how the other women around you are dressed and take cues from them. If they have covered their arms and shoulders, the best way to not get unwanted attention is to follow suit.
• Many Malaysian women cover-up at swimming pools and at the beach – it’s probably best to wear a little bit more to swim in than you might usually. Even a t-shirt over your swimming stuff is a good idea just so you don’t get too much attention.
• Men di hassle women – even if you’re in a group. Try not to make a fuss. A firm no and ignoring will usually work – the guys will hopefully get the message and jog on.
• Cover your head and dress modestly at mosques – usually, mosques hand out clothing for women (AND men) to wear.
• Make friends with other women. If you want some travel buddies, find yourself some female mates by staying at a sociable hostel or guesthouse.
• And while we’re at it, make sure to stay in safe hostels, i.e. at a well-reviewed place with good security. If it feels dodgy and not like a place you want to stay when you turn up, leave and find somewhere else. 
• Don’t go wandering around in deserted areas at night, especially in cities and around beaches.
• Join a tour. It doesn’t have to be for days – even a simple walking tour of a city organised by your accommodation can be an awesome way to explore without hassle or stress. It’s a good way to meet interesting people too.
• Let people know your plans. Whether you’re taking an impromptu trip to Langkawi or just out for dinner, let somebody know where you are and what you are getting up to. Keeping in touch with people is ALWAYS a good idea.
• Women’s rights in Malaysia are still antiquated. Get to know more about local women from different backgrounds and learn about their lives. A good way to meet people is through Facebook groups, in cafes, local hangouts, or NGOs.

There are some extra things to think about when you travel to Malaysia. For the most part, Malaysia is safe if you’re planning on travelling alone as a woman. It’s a COOL place to explore!

We’ve covered the main aspects of Malaysia’s safety already, but there is loads more to know. Read on for more detailed information on how to stay safe when visiting Malaysia.

Is Malaysia safe to travel for families?

Of course, it is! There are PLENTY of family-friendly resorts you can stay at, all the way from the East Coast to the high-end island of Langkawi. And there are TONS of activities for children.

Malaysian society is very family-orientated so your kids will be very welcome as well.

Obviously, there are things to watch out for. 

• Nature and wild animals are two major things. Dogs here definitely can be aggressive because of rabies. Don’t let your kids near them.
• Certain insect and mosquitoes that could really harm your children. So cover ’em up with suitable clothing and mosquito repellent. Definitely brief them on the dangers of going off-piste in a jungle.
• Talk about the dangers of the ocean while you’re at it. Rip-tides are super dangerous. Usually, there are lifeguards on duty in resort areas but you should still keep your eyes peeled.
• If you’re worried about taking your family to Malaysia because of the terrorist threat… DON’T WORRY. In fact, some European nations are more likely to be victims of terrorist attacks than Malaysia.

In conclusion? Malaysia is safe to travel for families. Case closed.

Is it safe to drive in Malaysia?

It is actually quite safe to drive in Malaysia.

The roads are really good – honestly – especially if you compare them with neighbouring countries like Thailand. And the Malaysian government has been working towards improving the roads even more. 

So if you were thinking of a road trip in this tropical melting pot, we say go for it.

It’s worth noting that rental cars aren’t always in the best condition especially around resort areas.

The highways are good but the drivers may NOT so good. Watch out for speeding and random overtaking. As always in SE Asia, there are motorbikes weaving in and out of traffic to think about.  In these situations, confidence and a cool head pay off.

You can also hire a motorbike. These can be fun to explore more remote areas. Again – watch out for other drivers taking risks. Just make sure you WEAR A HELMET. No point being an idiot.

Riding a motorbike in Malaysia

First of all, there are a couple of rules, which are quite unusual for an Asian country. In Malaysia, you can’t just rent a motorbike around every corner. You actually need to present a valid driving license in order to get your hands on a bike.

Your license has to be at the appropriate level for the cubic capacity of the bike you want to rent. If you’ve got enough time, it’s possible for tourists to do their bike license in Malaysia too.

Once you’ve got your motorbike, there is an incredible amount of great bike tours in Malaysia. You can spend anything from 3 days to 4 weeks on these tours.

Riding our motorbike is generally pretty safe in Malaysia, however, there are a couple of exceptions. Especially in the West, bikes are not seen very often, and cars can be quite reckless.

Unlike other Asian countries, people usually follow basic traffic rules. It’s definitely less chaotic than Thailand or Vietnam. But you should always keep your eyes open, wear your helmet and stay focused while driving.

Is Uber safe in Malaysia?

There is no Uber in Malaysia anymore – it’s all about Grab here. It was founded in Kuala Lumpur, after all.

It’s safe! It’s easy! The app also has an in-built emergency button.

Sometimes you may have to wait around because of traffic, but other than that Grab is safe in Malaysia. Just make sure you check the details of the driver and that you’re getting into the right car with the correct number plate.

Are taxis safe in Malaysia?

For the most part, yes, taxis ARE safe in Malaysia. There are two types in Kuala Lumpur:

• Executive (white and red) are the safest kinds and are the ones you’ll find at ranks, train stations and airports. These have a very neat system. Pay at the counter for set areas, get a receipt, wait for your driver. Simple.
• Budget taxis (yellow). These need to have a meter.

Elsewhere, taxis vary. For example, there’s Langkawi Ferry Terminal which is pretty, pretty chaotic. Taxi drivers here are almost literally fighting for your business and can feel quite overwhelming.

When taxis might NOT be safe in Malaysia is when the driver tries to get you to share with somebody, or they try to pick someone up whilst you’re in the car. If this happens, refuse. 

And if a driver doesn’t want to turn the meter on, just get out. There will be plenty of other drivers who WILL turn the meter on.

Otherwise, an app like Easy Taxi can help. It works like Uber (or Grab) in that you order in-app and track your journey. It’s also safer than hailing a cab of the street.

Is public transportation in Malaysia safe?

Yep, the public transport in Malaysia is safe and there’s a load of different options in the cities.

Especially Kuala Lumpur. There’s the LRT, the KLIA Express (for the airport), the MRT, the Komuter line. Those trains are clean, cheap and efficient and as safe as any other place in the world. As ever, keep an eye out for pickpockets.

Kuala Lumpur actually has a free bus system – the GO KL City bus – which connects tourists hot-spots. The thing about that free service is that you can get some weirdos lingering and riding the bus all day. 

Then there are national transport systems. A railway travels across the border from Thailand to Malaysia and all the way through the country to Johor Bharu in the south.

There’s also the East Line, which is more well known as the Jungle Train. 

Night trains are pretty comprehensive. These have dinner carts and everything. They’re clean and boast privacy curtains on the bunks.

You might want to know about the long distance bus services too. These aren’t as safe as the trains. In recent years there have been some pretty major accidents, which have been blamed on underpaid, overworked drivers. But bus travel is safe enough – if a little speedy.

Local boat services connect various islands, travel along rivers, and onwards to National Parks. Make sure these aren’t overcrowded when you get on.

Is the food in Malaysia safe?

Malaysian food is amazing, not to mention safe to eat. You’ll get to take your pick of food courts, chill with some kaya toast and jet fuel coffee at a kopitiam, and eat at a whole load of different food stalls that are basically everywhere.

Obviously, not everywhere’s gonna be up to scratch so here are some tips on how to avoid a bad tummy in Malaysia…

• Popular places are usually popular because they’re amazingly tasty. This usually means that you won’t get ill eating there either. People wouldn’t keep going back if the food played havoc with their stomachs, let’s be honest. 
• If you want to choose with precision, look online. Check travel/food blogs for favorable write-ups, have a look on the map to see if somewhere has a gazillion good reviews.
• Eat HOT things. When stuff is cooked at high temperatures, most bacteria gets fried too. If you see food being cooked in front of you at a stall, it’s probably safe.
• Satay is good; very good. It’s standard practice to have the sticks already cooked and then give them a good grilling before they get given to you. Don’t be scared!
• Another good dish is kaya toast, which is served with a soft-boiled egg. If you’re afraid of eggs being undercooked, or if you crack said egg open and it IS undercooked, feel free to avoid. Don’t freak out either – this is how the locals eat one of the tastiest breakfast foods known to humankind.
• That said, don’t go crazy. When you’re travelling, ease yourself in. Some food can overly spicy, some can be super rich.
• If you’re not feeling street food, head to a mall. These usually have a very comprehensive food court filled with little places that serve local dishes. It’s basically a clean, more hygienic way to get your fill of Malaysian cuisine.
• Oh and, whatever you do, wash your hands. Did you ever consider it might be your own grubby little mitts making you ill and NOT the local food?
• Traveling with an allergy? Research ahead of time how to explain your allergy. Keep in mind that store owners and restaurant staff might not know all the foods that contain allergens, so it’s helpful to know the names of some of these too. If you’re gluten-free, pick up a handy Gluten-Free Translation Card with descriptions of Celiac disease, cross-contamination risk, and local Malaysian ingredients in Bahasa Malaysian.

Malaysian food is pretty much safe. Most of the stuff you’re going to come across will be cooked before your very eyes anyway. Just make sure where you choose to eat has some good credentials and looks clean. Mostly though you’ll be fine.

Can you drink the water in Malaysia?

Nope. We wouldn’t advise it. Stick to bottled water. It’s cheap, for one thing.

Bring your own reusable travel bottle and/or some form of water purification if you feel like it. If you’re planning on doing some hefty jungle trekking in Sarawak, a Grayl Geopress will serve you very well when dealing with the natural water supplies.

Is Malaysia safe to live in?

Malaysia is absolutely safe to live in. Where you live will influence how safe you are though as there are different rates of crime throughout the country. Doing your research is going to tell you what parts of the country are safest as well as which parts aren’t safe, too.

• Kuala Lumpur is where it’s at in terms of jobs and good living. There are plenty of areas to choose from and lots of short-term rentals in Kuala Lumpur as well as other accommodation options. Klang Valley is a decent suburb of the capital.
• Kuching is the interesting capital of Sarawak. You’ll also have the orangutans on your doorstep (figuratively speaking, that is).
• Johor Bharu and Petaling Jaya are options, but they also tend to be hefty on the crime. The latter is particularly known for gangs.
• Or else you could choose somewhere like Georgetown for a less city-like experience. Or Langkawi.

It’s best to have either a job lined up for yourself already (in which case you won’t be able to pick your city so much) or to have complete freedom and already work a travel job.

Living in Malaysia, however, is cheap. Maybe not as cheap as Thailand, but, then again, Malaysia is a lot more developed.

But at the end of the day, Malaysia is safe to live in. Case closed.

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Is it safe to rent an Airbnb in Malaysia?

Yes, it’s absolutely safe to rent an Airbnb in Malaysia. And it’s not only that, you’ll also find the best and most unique accommodation options on the platform. With the secure booking system, you can check reviews and rating of each property which makes choosing where to stay even easier.

Most Airbnbs are held at a very high standard in Malaysia, so you’ll definitely be in for a treat! That being said, you’ll find most options in the bigger cities. If you move away from the urban areas, you might need to stick with a normal guesthouse.

Planning a safe trip to Malaysia can get very overwhelming. To help you out, we’ve listed and answered the most frequently asked questions so you can have a safe trip to Malaysia.

For the foreseeable future, Malaysia is safe. It’s an excellent jumping-off point for the great Southeast Asia backpacking journey because it’s accessible and interesting in itself. It doesn’t need to be a stop-off, a visa-run, or anything like that.

Malaysia is a seriously cool country to travel around. All of that tropical scenery, friendly people, sprawling cities, rainforests, rare wildlife, and gastronomic delights – it’s a unique place. 

Even though the government often tries to appeal to hardline Islamic sensibilities, Malaysia is still one of the most lenient Muslim countries in the world.

So travel to Malaysia, we say! Bear in mind that you might have to do some things differently. At the same time, don’t go doing stupid stuff that you wouldn’t do in your own country, like walking through a sketchy part of town because it ‘looks cool.’

Keep your senses intact and your safety will stay intact too. Trust your gut and follow the common-sense rules of safe travel.

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

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