Page 7 - Singapore and Malaysia 2024 - 2025

TRAVEL TIPS

WHEN TO GO RAMADAN
Singapore’s tropical climate is hot and humid Singapore, Bintan Island and Malaysia include a
all year round and is affected by two different large Muslim population. Ramadan is observed
monsoon periods. The Northeast Monsoon by many throughout these countries and we
season takes place from December to March with recommend you make yourself aware of how
frequent rain. The Southwest Monsoon season falls that may affect your travel. Daytime is often
between May and September and is marginally quieter, business hours are generally shorter with
dryer. Soak up the lively atmosphere during the restaurants and cafés screened off or closed out of
months of July to September when many festivals respect for those who are fasting. In the evening,
such as the Singapore Food Festival and the Great cities come to life, public places will be busy well
Singapore Sale are in full swing.
into the early hours of the morning. Ramadan is
Malaysia has a tropical climate with high from 9 March to 8 April 2024 and from 28 February
temperatures and high humidity throughout the to 29 March 2025.
year. Monsoon season for the south-west is
from May to September and the north-east from LANGUAGES
November to March. On the west coast, the Malay, English, Mandarin and Tamil are the official
green months are May to October, while on the languages of Singapore. Bahasa Malaysia (Malay)
east coast, the green months are September to is the official language of Malaysia, however English
December. Enjoy the lush countryside and bountiful is widely spoken. Bahasa Indonesia is the official
waterfalls when visiting after the green season.
language of Bintan Island. English is widely spoken
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Cambodia ETIQUETTE particularly in major towns and resort areas.
ATTRACTION
In respect for local traditions and religious beliefs,
Vietnam TIME
arms and legs should be covered and shoes Singapore and Malaysia are both four hours behind
removed when visiting places of worship. Food New Zealand Standard Time (NZST).
should be handled with the right hand. Topless
sunbathing (by women) is not permitted. Pointing CURRENCY
with the foot is not considered polite.
Singapore: Singapore Dollar (SGD)
VISAS & PASSPORTS Bintan Island: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
A valid passport is required with at least six months Malaysia: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
validity beyond the intended stay in Singapore, Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout
GULF OF THAILAND
Bintan Island and Malaysia. New Zealand passport Singapore, Bintan Island and Malaysia.
holders do not require a visa for visits of up to 90
days in Singapore and Malaysia and 30 days in ELECTRICITY
Thailand
Bintan Island. Travel advice is available from the 220-240V 50Hz. An adapter is required. Select hotels
New Zealand Government Ministry of Foreign Affairs have international sockets and USB charging ports
and Trade at safetravel.govt.nz. available, ask your travel agent for further details.

TEMPERATURE & RAINFALL
Langkawi • Kota Kinabalu 
• • Mt Kinabalu Singapore J F M A M J J A S O N D

• Sandakan Temperature (max ºC) 29 31 31 31 31 31 30 30 30 31 30 29
Penang • Average rainfall (mm) 242 154 171 179 162 140 145 143 177 194 252 304
Kuala Lumpur J F M A M J J A S O N D

MALAYSIA Temperature (max ºC) 31 32 33 33 32 32 32 32 31 31 31 31
Average rainfall (mm) 163 145 218 285 184 127 129 146 192 272 275 230
Brunei Langkawi J F M A M J J A S O N D
• Cameron Highlands Temperature (max ºC) 31 32 32 31 31 31 31 30 30 30 30 31
Average rainfall (mm) 69 72 146 221 203 178 192 242 356 383 232 114
Kota Kinabalu, Borneo J F M A M J J A S O N D
• Kuala Lumpur  Temperature (max ºC) 29 30 30 31 31 31 31 31 30 30 30 30
MALAYSIA Average rainfall (mm) 129 64 61 112 226 291 255 260 285 336 298 230

• Kuching 
SINGAPORE 
BORNEO
• Bintan Island
(Indonesia)

Sumatra Kalimantan
(Indonesia) (Indonesia)

JAVA SEA
Chinatown, Singapore 7