Useful Phrases for Tourists in Malaysia

Malaysia is a mix of cultures, cuisines and languages, so a few local phrases can make moving between street markets, attractions and transit much smoother. Whether you’re ordering laksa, asking for directions, or checking bus times, the right words help you connect and avoid confusion.

There are 55 Useful Phrases for Tourists in Malaysia, ranging from “Ada Wi-Fi?” to “Tutup”. Each entry is organized with Translation (EN), Pronunciation, Context/use to make it easy to read and use in real situations — you’ll find below.

Which phrases should I learn first when visiting Malaysia?

Start with greetings (hello, thank you), basic questions (where, how much), numbers, and food-related lines — they solve most everyday needs. Malaysians generally speak some English, but trying Malay phrases shows respect and often gets friendlier help.

How reliable are the pronunciations and when should I use them?

Pronunciations are phonetic guides to help with quick speaking; they’re not perfect but work well for simple exchanges. Use them for polite interactions, ordering, asking directions, and emergencies; the Translation (EN) and Context/use columns tell you when a phrase is most appropriate.

Useful Phrases for Tourists in Malaysia

Images and Descriptions

Selamat pagi

A standard, polite morning greeting used in hotels, shops, and with locals. Use in mornings until mid-day; say “Selamat petang” for afternoon and “Selamat malam” for evening. Appreciated for showing respect.

Terima kasih

The common way to say thanks anytime. Adding “banyak” (byah-NEE-ak) — “terima kasih banyak” — means thank you very much. Polite and always well received.

Sama-sama

Standard response to “terima kasih.” Short and friendly. Use in shops, restaurants, or after someone thanks you. Very common and neutral.

Tolong

A versatile word: “tolong” alone often means “help!” or “please.” Precede requests with it to be polite. In emergencies, shout “Tolong!” to attract attention.

Maaf

Used to apologize or to say “excuse me” when brushing past someone. Short and polite. For stronger apology say “Maafkan saya.” Useful in crowded places.

Maafkan saya

Polite, sincere apology. Use after accidents or when you need to apologize formally. More emphatic than “maaf.”

Saya tak faham

Useful when learning or when someone speaks Malay quickly. Follow with “Boleh ulang?” or ask for English. Polite and honest; locals often switch to English.

Boleh cakap Bahasa Inggeris?

A polite way to request English. Many Malaysians speak some English; staff in tourist areas usually respond. If not, try “Boleh cakap perlahan-lahan?”

Boleh cakap perlahan-lahan?

Very useful when learning. People often accommodate by speaking slower. Combine with “Terima kasih” to show appreciation.

Di mana tandas?

Direct and widely understood. “Tandas” is common; “bilik air” also used. Adding “sila” makes it polite: “Di mana tandas, sila?”

Berapa harganya?

Essential for shopping and taxis. Locals will usually give price; in markets haggling may be expected. Say “murah sikit” to request a lower price.

Murah sikit?

Polite, casual phrase for negotiating price. Many street markets expect bargaining; say with a smile. Avoid aggressive haggling in tourist attractions or chain stores.

Bil, sila

Common and short. Alternatively “Boleh minta bil?” is slightly more formal. Restaurants may bring a separate service charge; check menu before tipping.

Boleh saya minta bil?

Polite and widely used. Servers will bring the bill; add “sila” for extra politeness. Cash and cards are accepted in many places.

Satu air kosong, sila

Air kosong means plain drinking water. In some places bottled water is sold. Saying “sila” makes it polite. Useful in hot weather.

Tidak pedas, terima kasih

Ask this to reduce spice. Malaysian food can be very spicy; servers will usually accommodate. “Kurangkan pedas” is another polite alternative.

Adakah makanan ini halal?

Important for Muslim travelers or those seeking halal food. Many restaurants display halal certification; asking politely avoids confusion.

Boleh bungkus?

Bungkus is commonly used for takeaway. Useful at hawker stalls or cafes. Say “boleh bungkus, sila?” to be polite. Great for leftovers or street food.

Bolehkah saya cuba?

Polite when asking to try on clothing or taste something. For clothes add “boleh saya cuba ini?” Staff usually expects this.

Saiz apa?

Short and direct. Follow with numbers if known (e.g., “saiz S, M, L”). Sellers will show available sizes; useful in markets and malls.

Di mana stesen bas?

Useful when navigating cities. Specify “stesen bas utama” for main bus terminal. Taxi drivers and locals will point you or give directions.

Di mana stesen keretapi?

Essential for intercity travel. Use local names (e.g., KL Sentral). Ask for “stesen keretapi” or “stesen ETS” for express trains.

Di mana lapangan terbang?

Use when arranging transport. Say the airport name (e.g., “Lapangan Terbang KLIA”). Taxi drivers know routes; confirm fare or meter use.

Berhenti di sini, sila

Polite phrase to tell driver to stop. Also “Tolong berhenti di sini.” Confirm fare or use meter/app to avoid confusion.

Boleh hantar saya ke…

Start with “Boleh hantar saya ke” followed by place name. Show address on phone for clarity. Using ride-hailing apps is also common.

Berapa tambang?

Useful to confirm price before starting a trip. For taxis insist on meter: “Tolong guna meter.” Negotiate for private hires if meter unavailable.

Tolong panggil teksi

Polite request at hotels or restaurants. Many places can call a taxi or suggest a ride-hailing option like Grab (widely used).

Di mana mesin ATM?

Common in cities and malls. Say nearest bank name or ask “Di mana ATM?” Many ATMs accept international cards; watch for fees.

Bolehkah saya bayar dengan kad?

Useful in shops, restaurants, and hotels. Many places accept cards, but small stalls may be cash-only. Contactless payment increasingly common.

Di mana kaunter tiket?

Ask at transport hubs or attractions. Ticket counters (“kaunter”) sell official tickets; avoid unlicensed sellers. Helpful for trains, buses, and ferries.

Saya kehilangan bagasi

Use this phrase at airport lost-and-found or police desk. Follow with details and flight info. Staff will direct you to the proper counter.

Saya perlukan doktor

Use for non-life-threatening medical needs. For emergencies add “segera” (immediately). Many clinics speak English; carry travel insurance details.

Tolong! Saya perlukan bantuan

Clear request in emergencies. Locals will assist and call services. For immediate danger follow up with “Polis!” or “Ambulans!” if necessary.

Polis!

Short, universally recognized emergency call. Use to attract attention or ask someone to call the police. Malaysia’s emergency number is 999 for police, ambulance, fire.

Ambulans!

Shouted in emergencies to alert bystanders. Staff at hotels will call emergency services. Say location clearly to helpers.

Bomba!

Used to call for firefighters. In an emergency yell to attract attention and request help while someone calls emergency services.

Ada Wi-Fi?

Short and handy in cafes and hotels. Staff will usually provide a password with “kata laluan Wi‑Fi.” Many public places offer free Wi‑Fi.

Boleh saya guna tandas?

Polite phrasing when asking to use facilities. Some businesses reserve restrooms for customers; buying something is courteous.

Boleh saya ambil gambar?

Polite and respectful, especially when photographing locals, religious sites, or private property. Many Malaysians appreciate being asked first.

Saya alergi kepada…

Essential for food safety. Follow with the allergen (e.g., “kacang” for nuts). Staff may advise dishes to avoid; pointing at menu items helps.

Saya vegetarian

Useful for dietary preferences. Many Malay dishes contain fish/shrimp paste; ask specifics. “Sayuran saja” means vegetables only.

Tiada daging babi?

Important for dietary/religious reasons. Many Malay eateries serve halal food; in Chinese restaurants pork may be present. Ask politely to be safe.

Kurangkan pedas, tolong

Polite way to ask chefs to reduce chili. Useful at local stalls where spice level is high. Servers usually accommodate.

Bolehkah saya menukar wang?

Use at banks, money changers, or airport counters. Compare rates and ask about fees. Avoid street exchangers with poor reputations.

Di mana kaunter bagasi?

Useful on arrival or after a delayed bag. Staff will direct you to the airline’s baggage service counter.

Jam berapa buka?

Short and practical for shops, museums, and tours. Many places have different hours on weekends or public holidays; always confirm.

Tutup

Simple word used on signs or when told a place is not open. Respect local hours; many shops close mid-afternoon or on religious holidays.

Buka

Opposite of “tutup.” Helpful when checking if a shop or attraction is operating. Tourist spots often note opening hours.

Saya dari…

Use in small talk when meeting locals. People are interested in visitors’ origins; it opens friendly conversation. Follow with “saya dari [country].”

Nama saya…

Common polite introduction. Useful when meeting guides, hosts, or new people. Say “Nama saya [your name]” and reply politely to introductions.

Bagaimana saya nak ke…

Useful for getting step-by-step directions. Locals may give landmarks rather than street names; show a map on your phone for clarity.

Ada diskaun?

Polite question at markets or for group bookings. Some tourist services offer promotions; asking never hurts. Use respectfully in formal shops.

Kunci bilik

Useful when checking in or requesting assistance with your room. Staff will understand immediately; say “saya kehilangan kunci bilik” if lost.

Saya bayar tunai

Simple phrase at stalls or taxis. Some places prefer cash; others accept cards. Good to clarify payment method beforehand.

Ruang menukar wang

Useful phrase when seeking official exchange counters. Look for banks or licensed money changers with visible rates and receipts.

Useful Phrases for Tourists in Other Countries