About Malaysia

Malaysia

Malaysia as a nation is split between two places. "Peninsular Malaysia" is also referred to as "West Malaysia" and includes Kuala Lumpur, other places on the mainland, and the islands in the area. 

"East Malaysia" refers to the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah along with the federal territory of Labuan located on Borneo, the third largest island in the world. This part of Malaysia is commonly referred to as "Malaysian Borneo." 

The people in Malaysia 

• Population: 32 million
• Ethnic Groups: 68.8 percent Malay; 23.2 percent Chinese; 11.8 percent Indigenous; 1 percent Other
• Life Expectancy: 74.5 years (per the U.N.; both sexes combined)

While traveling in Malaysia, travelers get to interact with people from a diverse mix of different ethnic backgrounds. In any given situation, you'll often find Malay, Indian, and Chinese doing business and speaking English together. 

The indigenous groups in Malaysian Borneo, collectively referred to as the Dayak people, are made up of over 200 tribes and subgroups. Many have their own languages and customs. 

Is a Visa Necessary to Visit Singapore?

Most nationalities receive a free 90-day stay in Singapore upon entry and do not require a tourist visa. A few nationalities are only granted a 30-day visa exemption. Technically, you are required to show an onward ticket when entering Singapore and may be asked to provide proof of funds. These requirements are often waived or can be easily satisfied if you don't look too much like a dirtbag.

Language

When compared to some tonal Asian languages such as Thai, Vietnamese, and Mandarin, the Malaysian language is relatively easy for travelers to speak and learn. Bahasa Melayu doesn't use tones, and the rules of pronunciation are very straightforward and predictable. Even more convenient, the English alphabet is used — travelers can read signs and menus a lot easier than when trying to decipher an unfamiliar script. 

Although the official language is Bahasa Melayu, a majority of the population also speaks English due to the large mix of ethnic backgrounds. Business is often conducted in English with heavy doses of regional slang thrown in. English often serves as the working language at universities and in government offices. 

Greetings in Malaysia are based on the time of day. Learn the basics while you are there — attempting the local language is a sure way to get a smile or two. 

Visa Requirements

Unless you have special requirements (e.g., work), no need to apply for a travel visabefore visiting Malaysia. U.S. citizens are granted free entry for up to 90 days upon arrival. After those 90 days, if you wish to stay longer, you can simply exit the country for a while and then return to receive 90 more days.

Sarawak, one of the two Malaysian states in Borneo, maintains its own immigration controls. Although a visa is free, travelers receive a separate stamp for Sarawak that may be of a shorter duration.