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Living and Teaching English in Malaysia - Habits, Customs & Curiosities

Malaysia is a multicultural wonderland that is filled with exciting opportunities for teachers of English as a foreign language.

A unique mix of Chinese, Indian and local Malay cultures makes Malaysia a fascinating place to live and work in.

On top of that, English teachers command a high salary which allows you to enjoy a comfortable standard of living.

Below you will find a range of information related to visiting Malaysia, including the best things to see and do, a list of do’s and don’ts, general travel information, and a useful guide to the country’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia is an exciting location with a great demand for qualified teachers. The capital city, Kuala Lumpur, has the most jobs for teachers but you can find suitable positions all over the country. When in Malaysia, be sure to try out ‘Nasi Lemak’, rice cooked in banana leaves, the unofficial national dish of the country.

Malaysia is a very multi-cultural country with a population that includes large communities of Chinese and Indians. Malaysia is hot and humid throughout the year which allows you to go out and explore the country year-round.

Traveling to Malaysia, you need a valid passport and a visa (for some nationalities). It is also recommended to get vaccinations to prevent typhoid and malaria. When in Malaysia, be sure to visit the famous Batu Caves just outside of Kuala Lumpur. Langkawi is also a destination worth visiting with stunning beaches and crystal clear water.

Malay is the official language of Malaysia but due to its multi-cultural population, Chinese, Cantonese and various Indian languages are also widely spoken. Malaysia is also home to a variety of national parks, including the Bako National Park, Mulu Cave National Park and the Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park, just to name a few.

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and it offers friendly locals, delicious cuisine and vast shopping opportunities. In fact, Kuala Lumpur is the 6th most visited city in the world. There are also plenty of fascinating cultural and historical attractions, such as the National Museum and the Islamic Arts Museum.

KL offers something for everyone, including fascinating architecture like the Petronas Twin Towers, a vast bird park with many different species to spot, and more than 60 malls with a wide variety of stores and restaurants.