Social etiquette
Some of the accepted behaviour is in keeping with many Islamic cultures and includes the removal of shoes before entering a home and the avoiding of public displays of affection. Remember that conservative dress is the order of the day. Also a Malaysian handshake may be less than firm and then followed by them moving their hand over their heart.
Fast Facts

Location: Kuala Lumpur is located in the state of Selangor part of the Klang Valley. The Valley is bordered by the Titiwangsa Mountains in the east. The city is at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers.

Time: GMT + 8 Hours

Language: Behasa Melayu is the official language of Malaysia but is only one of the languages of Kuala Lumpur (Mandarin, Cantonese, Tamil and English.)

Climate: Kuala Lumpur has a year round equatorial climate so is both sunny, warm (maximum temperature between 31-33 degrees) but with heavy rainfall. September to April is the Monsoon season and so sees the greatest rainfall.
Area: The city covers an area of 243.65 km2

Population: The population of the city itself was estimated at 1.6million in 2006 but the urban of Greater Kuala Lumpur is more than seven million.

Religion: Islam is the official religion but other religions are also widely practiced.
Electricity: Voltage is 220-240 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. The standard three-pin square plugs and sockets are accepted.
Telephone code: +603

Currency: The Ringgitt Malaysia (RM)

Passport/visa requirements: Visitors to Malaysia must hold a valid passport or travel document with a minimum validity of six months beyond the intended visiting period.

National airline: Malaysia Airlines (www.malaysiaairlines.com)

Airports: Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Flight time: Approximately 12 and a half hours.

Public Holidays

2009
1 Jan New Year's Day.
26 Jan Chinese New Year.
1 Feb* Federal Territory Day.
9 Mar Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of Prophet Muhammad).
1 May Labour Day.
9 May Wesak Day (Birth of Buddha).
6 Jun King's Birthday.
31 Aug Merdeka Day (National Day).
21 Sep Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan).
17 Oct** Deepavali.
27-28 Nov Hari Raya Qurban (Feast of the Sacrifice).
18 Dec Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year).
25 Dec Christmas.

UK Tourist Office details: Malaysia Tourism Office, Malaysian House, 7 Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DU. Tel: 020-7930 7932.