Getting There – The approximate flight times from Australia to Kuala Lumpur are:
	Hours from,–	Sydney 8.30	Melbourne 7.45	Brisbane 8.25
		Adelaide 7.00	Perth 5.30	Darwin 5.00
	Passport & Visas					Climate
	Travelers to Malaysia must have a valid passport for entry which must be valid for at least six months beyond the anticipated duration of stay. In general most nationalities will be granted two weeks visitors visa on arrival. Australian passport holders may stay up to 60 days without a visa. All travelers should check with a travel agent before departure.					Malaysia’s position just north of the equator ensures a warm, sunny and generally humid climate all year round. There is a wet season from November to February, mostly over the north-eastern region of Sabah and Western Sarawak. The whole Malaysian peninsular generally experiences brief thunderstorms from November right through to April. Even though you may find an umbrella occasionally useful during the above periods, the temperature always remains between the 22 to 32 Celsius. The only exception to this is the Cameron Highlands where the temperature will be between 13 to 23 Celsius.
	Airport Tax Australian authorities make a Passenger Movement Charge from Australia and a Noise Levy Tax for arrivals into Sydney. A Passenger Service Tax and departure Tax is payable at Singapore’s Changi airport. All of these charges should be paid prior to departure and marked on your airline ticket.
	Customs					What to Wear
	Most common items like cameras, watches, cosmetics and portable radio-cassette players are duty free. If you wish to import an item which would normally attract duty however, such as video equipment, you may have to pay a refundable deposit to allow temporary import.					Due to the warm and humid climate, light weight natural fabrics are best recommended. Although the general manner of dress is informal, restrictions apply when visiting mosques or temples.
	Currency and Banking					Local Cuisine
	The Ringgit is the Malaysian unit of currency and is based on the decimal system. (100 Sen to One Ringgit) The exchange rate is approximately AUD $1.00 – M $2.40 (August, 2001)					Most hotels and restaurants offer a wide range of local and international dishes. Street vendors and local eating establishments offer many tempting local dishes for the more adventurous.
	Banking hours are: Monday to Friday 10.00am to 3.00pm
	Saturday 9.30am to 11.30pm					Tipping
	Credit Cards and Travellers Cheques					Tipping is not compulsory and is entirely at your discretion. If you do wish to tip, 5% to 10% of the amount is always safe.
	It is always safest to take traveler's cheques with you when on holidays. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, retail places and business establishments. Street exchanges may offer better rates but may have hidden charges. It is always advisable to change money only at authorised establishments in any country.					Shopping
						.Shopping complexes, supermarkets and department stores offer air conditioned comfort and an assurance of fair trading practices at fixed prices. If you want fun and bargains however, don’t overlook the smaller traders and street markets
	Travel Insurance
	Travel insurance is highly recommended especially when you're travelling to destinations quite foreign to other places you've ever been to. The unexpected always happens when you least expect it and where you least expect it!					Health
						Before travelling, it is important that before travelling you seek medical advice from your doctor regarding information pertinent to your personal health, vaccinations and the availability of any special medical care you may need. (Malaysia has very strict laws concerning drugs. Make sure that any drugs you may need to carry are permitted within Malaysia)
	Language
	Malay is the main language with various regional dialects also spoken. English is spoken and understood in major cities and tourist centres.
	Electricity
	Please check that your appliances will operate at the applicable voltage before using.
*	Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the above information, it is provided for your guidance only and Asian Holidays cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions.*