Travel Information:

Travel:

Unless you live nearby, the only practical way to get to Putrajaya is by air. There are direct flights to Kuala Lumpur from New York, San Francisco, London, Amsterdam, and Singapore, as well as from a number of other major cities. The Kuala Lumpur International Airport itself is modern, with two terminals and a shuttle train that runs between them. The KLIA offers excellent services, including food courts and restaurants serving both Malaysian and Western fare. More information on the airport is available at https://airports.malaysiaairports.com.my/

The Kuala Lumpur International Airport lies 55 kilometers/ 34 miles south of Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya is situated between the two. So it’s easiest to get from the airport to Putrajaya by taxi. Taxis can be found outside the Arrivals Hall at the curbside, where there is a taxi kiosk and rank. Alternatively, you can book a Grab taxi (a little like Uber) at https://www.grab.com/th/en/transport/taxi/. Finally, you can take an express train, the KLIA Ekspres ( https://www.kliaekspres.com/ ) direct from the airport, which stops at Putrajaya Sentral before going on to Kuala Lumpur. However, you will still have to get a taxi from the station to your hotel, so since you’re going to be taking a taxi anyway, getting one from the airport is more convenient.

Climate:

Malaysia is a tropical country, with high humidity and abundant rainfall. The months from June through September are considered the best for visiting Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding region, including Putrajaya, but you will still encounter heat and humidity—just a bit less rain. Daytime temperatures average 31 C./ 85 F. with rain showers in the afternoon. Thankfully the hotels we recommend and the Heriot-Watt campus itself are air conditioned, but if you expect to spend much time exploring Putrajaya’s parks and walks, it’s best to come prepared with loose-fitting, wicking outdoor clothes (see below).

Health and Safety Protocols:

Though Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya are free of malaria, there is a chance of contracting dengue, which is transmitted during the daytime by several members of the Aedes family of mosquitoes. Dengue is not a disease you want to contract—most people recover within a week, but it’s painful while it lasts and there is no known cure. To avoid dengue, we recommend that you wear long, loose fitting clothes outdoors and/or apply DEET during the day. Perhaps both.

As of August 1, 2022, Malaysia has lifted all previous COVID restrictions on persons entering the country, so you no longer have to present proof of vaccination or take a COVID test to be admitted. There is also no mask mandate covering outdoor events, but you may be asked to mask up indoors under some circumstances. It is therefore a good idea to come with masks—and preferably to wear one on the airplane, where air circulation can be a problem

Visas:

Citizens of most countries—including the UK, the EU, the US, Canada, and Australia—do not need a visa before arriving in Malaysia. Instead, they will be issued a 90-day tourist visa at customs. If you are uncertain about your country’s status, you can check it at https://www.malaysia.gov.my/portal/content/133

Delegates from Israel:

Being a majority Moslem country, Malaysia does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel at present. However, it is possible to get permission to travel to Malaysia to attend an academic conference, including the IUT Conference. For details on securing a visa for Israeli citizens, please contact us at iutconference@gmail.com.