Travelling in the digital age means locals and tourists alike turn to online platforms for a range of services. From food delivery to tickets to certain attractions, visitors might find several sites in Malaysia useful. We’ve gathered the best online services available for travelers, as well as a selection of useful tips to bear in mind when visiting the country.
In Malaysia, there are various online services that travelers often use. These include food delivery apps, transport apps, ticket reservation sites, online entertainment and leisure platforms, and E-commerce sites for local souvenirs and products.
Entertainment and Leisure Online
Eager to travel but worried about missing out on your favorite Netflix show? That’s no problem! You’ll be able to access the streaming platform as well as others, such as YouTube and Amazon Prime, while curing your wanderlust. If you’d like to see what the local talent has to offer, consider watching a movie or two on iFlix, which has a wide variety of movies and TV shows from Asia.
You can also stay up-to-date with your favorite casino games while exploring the country. There are a number of sites with good reviews available in Malaysia for sports betting and casino games, available to both locals and visitors. There is also the option of using a VPN to make bets back home, while traveling in Malaysia.
Navigating Food Delivery Apps
Travelers love to use food delivery apps when visiting Malaysia, as it makes life easier and gives access to a wide variety of restaurants without the hassle of navigating traffic.
The most popular apps are GrabFood and Foodpanda. These apps allow users to rate their dining experiences, which makes it easy for tourists to find restaurants that are going to offer high-quality food and service. Third party apps contribute towards 65% of food delivery app use in Malaysia; merchant delivery apps are used less but increasing in popularity due to their appealing loyalty programs.
If you’re travelling to Malaysia, we highly recommend trying the local cuisine. However, we also understand that everyone likes different foods – so if you’re looking for the comfort of home in the form of some regular takeout, both Grabfood and Foodpanda have you covered. There is also the option to order directly from the restaurants themselves, but this can be a little more expensive.
Transportation Apps for Easy Commuting
There is no more need to know the train, bus or tram schedule, or stress about ordering an expensive meter taxi – now you can get around quickly and easily with the likes of Grab and MyCar. These are two of the most popular e-hailing services in Malaysia and have made travel more fun and less stressful.
Another provider that is making waves is AirAsia, who have recently collaborated with FoodPanda for e-hailing and food delivery; this pairing is great for when you need to order food on the go!
With a variety of payment options, including a few popular eWallets, using e-hailing apps to travel in the cities is hassle-free. However, as with any form of transport, travelers need to take safety precautions just in case. Here are four safety tips for e-hailing in Malaysia:
- Check Child-Lock: Before getting into the vehicle, quickly glance at the car door’s latch to ensure the child-lock is not activated. A lever near the latch is usually the indicator – up means unlocked, down means locked.
- Share Location: Share your live location with a friend or family member, especially if you’re going somewhere unfamiliar. This can help them locate you quickly in case of an emergency.
- Know SOS Options: Familiarize yourself with the SOS feature in ride-hailing apps, like Grab’s SOS button, which sends an emergency SMS to your contacts. You can also dial 999 even if your phone is locked.
- Stick to Designated Route: Ensure your driver follows the app’s designated route. If unfamiliar with the area, express your preference for the app’s route. Periodically check the app to confirm you are on the designated route for added security.
Staying Connected with Mobile Providers
If you want to ensure uninterrupted access to these online services as well as avoid the high charges that come with mobile roaming, then it is important to be connected to the local data network. You can do this by purchasing a local SIM from providers such as Maxis, Celcom and Digi.
If you’re travelling to other Asian countries later on, you will want to ensure that you get a SIM card for a network that is supported in those countries too. Travelers can keep an eye out for tourist-specific packages to avoid unnecessary additional expenses.
SIM cards available at airports are often more expensive than at other outlets and will have lower data quantities available. You’ll have access to a wider variety of cards and better data bundle options when purchasing a SIM card online or at an outlet.
Travelers and event-goers should consider using ticket booking platforms
Ticket booking sites like Klook.com provide a one-stop platform where you can browse and book tickets for various activities, events, attractions, and transportation options. This convenience can save you time compared to searching for tickets on individual websites or at physical locations. They offer a wide selection of tickets for various activities, including tours, shows, theme parks, museums, and more.
Klook frequently offers discounts, promotions, and exclusive deals that can help you save money on your bookings. This can be especially beneficial for budget-conscious travelers. With their mobile app you’ll have easy access your bookings and tickets on the go. Sites like these are very popular in Malaysia and there are hundreds of attractions and activities where you can use the platform to save significant amounts on ticket prices.
