TRAVEL INFORMATION

Climate

Malaysia enjoys a tropical climate with plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Temperatures typically range from 70 to 90°F (22°C to 33°C) and cooler in the highlands. With the occurrence of the annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons, the average rate of annual rainfall is high: 100 inches (250cm). Much of the rainfall is concentrated in the late afternoons. Humidity is high throughout the year.

Time

GMT + 8 hours

Language

Bahasa Malaysia is the national language, although English is widely spoken. Other languages used are Mandarin (Chinese) and Tamil.

What to wear

Light and cool comfortable clothe in the day. A jacket is suitable for evening dining in air-conditioned restaurants.

Getting around

Getting around in Kuala Lumpur is pretty easy, a well-developed and effective public transportation system served by buses, taxis, monorails and trains.

Currency

RINGGIT MALAYSIA [RM]

The Ringgit (RM) is the Malaysian currency. Money and travelers cheques can be exchanged at banks and moneychangers. Major credit cards are accepted in hotels and department stores. Cash however, is required in the local markets.

Narcotics

The trafficking of illicit drugs in or out of the country carries the mandatory death sentence.

Important Travel Information: Entry Formalities

All visitors must possess a valid passport or other internationally recognized document with a minimum validity period of six months beyond the period of intended stay. Visa requirement varies according to traveler's origin country. For more information, check with nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission or Tourism Malaysia office.

Visa Requirements - Please check with the Malaysia consulate for visa requirements.

For those who require a visa and can get it on arrival this is the process.

No form is needed at this time (Jan 2008) – please confirm this prior to your travel.

In arrivals area, proceed to the counter, show your passport and return air-ticket, pay RM100.00 (must be in cash & Ringgit Malaysia) and the visa will be issued right away.

RM100 is the standard fee for all nationalities.

Please check ahead for those who may need letters of referral based on their nationalities.

Below is a link to the Official Malaysia Ministry of Foreign Affairs website that lists visa requirements for various nationalities. http://www.kln.gov.my/?m_id=53

Current Taxes and Service Charges

The Malaysian Government levies taxes on accommodation, beverages, car rental and other services. HTT is not responsible for tax rate revisions by the Government and reserves the right to change all quotations and billings to reflect this change with immediate effect without the need to inform the contracting party.

In Malaysia, current service charge is 10% and government tax is 5%. In proposal submitted, all rates are NETT in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) and non-commissionable (unless mentioned otherwise).

GST: Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be implemented in Malaysia in next couple of years. HTT reserves the right to review our rates to include the impact into our pricing should the implementation of GST takes place.