Travel Easy: 135 Essential Malay Travel Phrases

petronas twin towers_malay travel phrases

Planning a trip to Malaysia?

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a seasoned traveler, knowing some essential Malay travel phrases can make your experience much smoother and enjoyable.

Simple expressions like Selamat Pagi (Good Morning) or Tandas kat mana? (Where is the toilet?) will help you connect with locals and navigate daily interactions with ease.

From greetings to shopping, dining, and getting around with phrases like Jalan terus (Go straight) and Harga berapa? (How much is this?), these basic phrases will make your trip more comfortable and memorable.

In this guide, we’ve compiled 50 must-know Malay expressions, along with tips on how to use them naturally in conversation.

With this list, you’ll feel confident engaging with locals in various situations—from ordering food to asking for directions.

Let’s dive into the most useful Malay travel phrases every foreigner should know!

Malay Travel Phrases: Six Key Categories

To simplify things, we’ve broken down these Malay travel phrases into six key categories: Basic Greetings, Basic Phrases for All Scenarios, Introducing Yourself, and Shopping, Dining Out, and Traveling And Giving Directions.

Each category covers practical expressions you’ll use throughout your trip, allowing you to navigate different situations confidently.

Read on to find the phrases most relevant to your needs!

Malay greetings, salam_Malay travel phrases

Basic Greetings

1) Hello / Hai – Hello / Hi

This is one of the most basic and widely used greetings. You can say Hai when meeting someone casually or use Hello more universally, just like in English. It’s friendly and informal, perfect for a relaxed conversation.

2) Selamat Pagi – Good Morning

Use this phrase in the morning, typically before 12 PM, to greet someone with a smile. It’s polite and shows that you’re starting the day on a positive note, which is always appreciated!

3) Selamat Tengahari – Good Afternoon

This greeting is perfect between 12 PM and 3 PM. While it’s not as commonly used as Selamat pagi, it’s still a courteous way to acknowledge someone during the afternoon hours.

4) Selamat Petang – Good Evening

This phrase is used to greet someone in the late afternoon or early evening, typically between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. It’s a polite and friendly way to acknowledge someone as the day transitions into night.

5) Selamat Malam – Good Night

While this translates to “Good Night,” it’s worth noting that it’s not commonly used as a greeting in the evening (Selamat Petang) in Malaysia. Instead, you’ll simply greet each other with “Hello” or “Hai.” during the nighttime.

Basic Phrases Suitable For All Scenarios

6) Terima kasih – Thank you

This phrase is your go-to expression of gratitude. Whenever someone does something kind for you, a simple Terima kasih will go a long way in showing appreciation.

7) Terima kasih banyak-banyak – Thank you very much

If you want to show extra appreciation, use this phrase! It’s more heartfelt and expresses a deeper level of gratitude than the simple Terima kasih.

8) Sama-sama – You’re welcome

After someone thanks you, you can reply with Samasama, which is a polite and informal way to say, “You’re welcome.” It’s commonly used in casual exchanges.

9) Minta maaf – Sorry

This is the basic apology in Malay, whether you’ve accidentally bumped into someone or need to express regret. It’s a helpful phrase to use in everyday situations.

10) Tumpang tanya/ maaf ye – Excuse me

Use these phrases when you want to politely interrupt someone to ask a question. It’s a respectful way of getting someone’s attention, especially in busy places.

11) Boleh awak cakap…? – Do you speak …?

When you’re traveling and need to ask someone if they speak a certain language, you can use this phrase. For example, Boleh awak cakap Inggeris? means “Do you speak English?”

12) Boleh awak cakap perlahan sedikit? – Can you speak slowly?

If you’re having trouble understanding someone, this phrase will help you ask them to slow down their speech so you can follow along better.

13) Maaf, boleh tolong ulang semula? – I’m sorry, can you please repeat?

When something isn’t clear, this polite request can prompt someone to repeat themselves, making sure you fully understand what was said.

14) Saya tidak/ tak faham – I don’t understand

A very practical phrase when you’re struggling to understand a conversation. It’s common to hear locals say tak instead of tidak in casual speech, making this phrase informal and easy to use.

15) Tolong! – Help!

In emergencies or when you need assistance, simply shout Tolong! It’s short, urgent, and universally recognized, making it a vital phrase to know when traveling.

16) Sila, Ya, Tidak/ Tak – Please, Yes, No

These are the basics of polite conversation. Sila means “please,” Ya means yes in Malay, and Tidak or Tak means “no.” Knowing these will help in almost every interaction.

Malay self introduction_ travel phrases

Introducing Yourself

17) Nama saya… – My name is…

This is the simplest and most direct way to introduce yourself in Malay. Simply follow it with your name, and you’re all set to make a friendly introduction.

18) Umur saya X tahun – I am X years old

This literally means, “My age is X years old.” Alternatively, you can say Saya berumur X tahun, which means “I age X years” and is slightly more formal but equally clear and polite.

19) Saya tinggal di… – I live in/at…

Use this phrase to share where you live, whether it’s your city, neighborhood, or country. Instead of di ‘in/at” in everyday speech, native speakers also say kat as in Saya tinggal kat, which means the same thing.

20) Saya datang dari… – I come from…

This phrase helps you explain your origin or hometown, making it useful for introductions. For a simpler, more informal alternative, you can say Saya dari…, which simply means “I am from…”

21) Saya seorang – I am a + occupation

This phrase helps you introduce your job or profession. For example, Saya seorang guru means “I am a teacher.”

22) Saya suka – I like / I like to

If you want to express interest in an activity, hobby, or food, you can use saya suka. This expression can be followed by a verb or noun. For example, Saya suka makan nasi means “I like to eat rice,” and Saya suka kucing means “I like cats.”

23) Siapa nama awak? – What’s your name?

This literally means, “Who’s your name?”. Alternatively, you can say Apa nama awak? (What’s your name?)These are friendly and casual phrases to ask someone their name. You can use it when meeting new people.

Shopping

24) Harga berapa? – How much is this?

This phrase is essential when shopping. It directly translates to “How much is the price?” and will help you inquire about the cost of items at the market or store. A simpler expression would be Berapa? (How much?).

25) Apa ini? – What is this?

Use this to ask about an item you are unfamiliar with, whether you’re at a shop, restaurant, or market. It’s a handy way to find out what something is.

26) Mahal sangat – That’s too expensive

If something costs more than you expected, this phrase will help you express that it’s too pricey. It’s useful when negotiating prices in markets.

27) Boleh kurang (lagi)? – Can you reduce the price (further)?

This is a polite way to ask for a discount. When you’re shopping in local markets or dealing with street vendors, use this to try and lower the price. The word lagi means further, and it’s optional here.

28) Boleh murah sedikit? – Can it be cheaper?

Another way to ask for a lower price is to use a slightly softer tone and suggest that you’re looking for a smaller reduction in price.

29) Saya nak beli… – I want to buy…

This is how you would express that you’re looking to buy something specific. Simply add the name of any item you’re interested in after.

30) Saya tak ada cukup duit – I don’t have enough money

This phrase is a polite and indirect way of telling a seller that you’re unable to afford the price. Sometimes, it can evoke empathy from the seller, and they might feel inclined to lower the price or offer a discount to help you out! 

Here’s a quick reference for essential adjectives, numbers, and colors that will help you when shopping or negotiating:

EnglishMalay
PriceHarga
ExpensiveMahal
CheapMurah
OneSatu
TwoDua
ThreeTiga
FourEmpat
FiveLima
SixEnam
SevenTujuh
EightLapan
NineSembilan
TenSepuluh
OrangeOren
WhitePutih
BlackHitam
RedMerah
GrayKelabu
BrownCoklat
GreenHijau
BlueBiru
Malaysian dining/ eating out_malay travel phrases

Dining Out

31) Boleh cadangkan/rekomen makan apa? – Can you recommend a dish?

This phrase is perfect when you’re at a restaurant or hawker stall, and you’re unsure of what to order. You can also say Apa yang sedap di sini? (What is delicious here?)

32) Boleh bagi menu? – Can I have the menu?

If you want to ask for the menu, this is a polite way to do so. Simply add your native language name at the back if you want the menu in that language—Boleh bagi menu Inggeris? (Can I have the menu in English?)

33) Saya nak order/pesan – I would like to order

Use this when you want to order food in Malay at a restaurant or food stall. It’s straightforward and clear.

34) Tanpa gula/ais/manis/pedas – No sugar/ice/sweet/spicy

If you prefer your food or drink to be made a certain way, use this phrase to specify your preference.

35) Kurang gula/ais/manis/pedas – Less sugar/ice/sweet/spicy

For a more customized dish, this is the phrase to use if you want less of something.

36) Tambah gula/ais/manis/pedas – Extra sugar/ice/sweet/spicy

If you want more of something in your food or drink, simply ask for extra with this phrase.

37) Saya sangat lapar – I’m very hungry

This is a great phrase to use when you’re craving food or when you want to let others know you’re eager to eat.

38) Saya dah kenyang – I’m already full

If you’ve eaten enough, say this phrase to politely decline any more food or to let others know you’re satisfied.

39) Boleh bagi bil/resit? – Can I have the bill/receipt?

Use this when you’re ready to pay at a restaurant or café. It’s straightforward and courteous.

40) Boleh saya bayar dengan kad kredit? – Can I pay with a credit card?

If you want to pay with your credit card, simply ask this question when you settle the bill.

Whether you’re ordering at a Malaysian restaurant or talking about your favorite dish, these vocabularies cover everything from food items to how to customize your meal.

EnglishMalay
EatMakan
DrinkMinum
a menuMenu
a mealHidangan
DessertPencuci mulut
DeliciousSedap
Self serviceLayan diri
ReceiptResit
BreadRoti
NoodlesMee
MeatDaging
RiceNasi
ChickenAyam
BeefDaging lembu
FishIkan
VegetablesSayur
WaterAir
Drinking waterAir minuman
Black coffeeKopi o
Coffee with milkKopi Susu
To payBayar
Allergic toAlah
To be vegetarianVegetarian

Traveling And Giving Directions

41) Belok kanan / Belok kiri – Turn right / Turn left

These simple phrases are essential for asking or giving directions while traveling. You can use them when navigating the streets or when a local is pointing you in the right direction.

42) Macam mana pergi…? – How do I get to…?

This is a useful phrase to ask for directions when unsure how to reach a specific place. For a quicker, simpler version, you can also just say Di mana…? (Where is the…).

43) Berapa lama untuk sampai ke…? – How long does it take to go to…?

This phrase comes in handy when you need to know when it takes to reach a place, whether by walking, driving, or public transport.

44) Tiket ke (destination) berapa? – How much is the ticket to (destination)?

This is the phrase you’ll use when buying a ticket for public transport or an attraction. For example, Tiket ke Johor Bahru berapa? (How much is the ticket to Johor Bahru?)

45) Jalan terus – Go straight

A very common phrase when asking for directions is terus je (keep going), which means to tell someone to continue moving forward without turning. You might also hear it in more casual conversations.

46) Perlahan sikit – Slow down

This phrase is helpful when your driver is going too fast, whether you’re in a car, bus, or other form of transportation.

47) Tandas kat mana? – Where is the toilet?

A crucial phrase, especially when you need a restroom while out and about. Again, kat is the informal version of the locative word di “in/at.”

48) Tolong turunkan saya kat sini – Please let me get down here

This phrase is useful when you’re taking public transport and want to get off at your stop. You can also say Boleh berhenti kat sini? (Can you stop here?). It’s a polite and straightforward way to request the driver to stop.

49) Pergi ke (destination) berapa? – How much is it to (destination)?

If you’re taking a taxi, bus, or other transport, this phrase helps you inquire about the fare.

50) Jaraknya jauh tak? – Is it far?

This expression literally translates to “Is the distance far?” Another quick way to ask how far away a location is is simply to ask, Jauh tak? “Is it far?”

When traveling around Malaysia, knowing how to ask for directions and understand travel-related terms is crucial.

This list of useful travel vocabulary will help you navigate cities, find transportation, and get to your destination without any confusion.

EnglishMalay
BetweenDi antara
In front ofDi hadapan
BehindDi belakang
NorthUtara
SouthSelatan
EastTimur
WestBarat
A zooZoo
A beachPantai
A restaurantRestoran
A museumMuzium
A coffee shopKedai kopi
A plane ticketTiket kapal terbang
To boardMenaiki
A flightPenerbangan
TrainKereta api
Train stationStesen kereta api
A bus stationStesen bas
A bus ticketTiket bas
A driverPemandu
FerryFeri
petronas twin tower_malay travel phrases

How Do You Say Malay Travel Phrases In Malay?

To say Malay travel phrases in Malay, you would say Frasa perjalanan Bahasa Melayu.

This phrase combines frasa perjalanan (travel phrases) with Bahasa Melayu (the Malay language).

If you’re planning to travel to Malaysia, this term can guide you in finding the essential phrases you’ll need to navigate through the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Malay Travel Phrases

What are some Malay phrases that travelers must know?

Since English is widely spoken in most parts of Malaysia, you can often get by without knowing Malay.

However, for urgent situations where locals might not speak English, it is helpful to memorize key Malay travel phrases like Tandas di/kat mana? (Where is the toilet?), Saya tak faham (I don’t understand) and Awak boleh cakap Bahasa Inggeris tak? (Can you speak English?)

Or even some emergency phrases in Malay like Tolong! (Help!) and Saya sesat (I’m lost).

These expressions can make a big difference when you need quick assistance.

What are some tourist attractions in Malaysia?

Malaysia offers stunning attractions like the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the serene Cameron Highlands, and the pristine beaches of Langkawi.

Don’t miss the cultural experience of visiting historic sites like George Town, Penang, and the Batu Caves.

What is the slogan for Malaysia tourism?

The official tourism slogan for Malaysia is Malaysia, Truly Asia.

This iconic tagline reflects the country’s rich blend of Asian cultures, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences, making it a truly unique destination.

It captures the essence of Malaysia’s diversity, showcasing its vibrant festivals, delicious cuisines, and harmonious multicultural society.

The slogan also highlights Malaysia’s breathtaking natural landscapes, from tropical rainforests and majestic mountains to pristine beaches and islands, which offer something for every type of traveler.

The Ultimate Table: All The Malay Travel Phrases You Need

EnglishMalay
Hello / HiHello / Hai
Good MorningSelamat Pagi
Good AfternoonSelamat Tengahari
Good EveningSelamat Petang
Good NightSelamat Malam
Thank youTerima kasih
Thank you very muchTerima kasih banyak-banyak
You’re welcomeSama-sama
SorryMinta maaf
Excuse meTumpang tanya / Maaf ye
Do you speak…?Boleh awak cakap…?
Can you speak slowly?Boleh awak cakap perlahan sedikit?
I’m sorry. Can you please repeat it?Maaf, boleh tolong ulang semula?
I don’t understandSaya tidak/tak faham
Help!Tolong!
Please, Yes, NoSila, Ya, Tidak/Tak
My name is…Nama saya…
I am X years oldUmur saya X tahun
I live in/at…Saya tinggal di…
I come from…Saya datang dari…
I am a + occupationSaya seorang
I like / I like toSaya suka
What’s your name?Siapa nama awak?
How much is this?Harga berapa?
What is this?Apa ini?
That’s too expensive.Mahal sangat
Can you reduce the price (further)?Boleh kurang (lagi)?
Can it be cheaper?Boleh murah sedikit?
I want to buy…Saya nak beli…
I don’t have enough moneySaya tak ada cukup duit
Can you recommend a dish?Boleh cadangkan/rekomen makan apa?
Can I have the menu?Boleh bagi menu?
I would like to orderSaya nak order/pesan
No sugar/ice/sweet/spicyTanpa gula/ais/manis/pedas
Less sugar/ice/sweet/spicyKurang gula/ais/manis/pedas
Extra sugar/ice/sweet/spicyTambah gula/ais/manis/pedas
I’m very hungrySaya sangat lapar
I’m already fullSaya dah kenyang
Can I have the bill/receipt?Boleh bagi bil/resit?
Can I pay with a credit card?Boleh saya bayar dengan kad kredit?
Turn right / Turn left.Belok kanan / Belok kiri
How do I get to…?Macam mana pergi…?
How long does it take to go to…?Berapa lama untuk sampai ke…?
How much is the ticket to (destination)?Tiket ke (destination) berapa?
Go straightJalan terus
Slow downPerlahan sikit
Where is the toilet?Tandas kat mana?
Please let me get down here.Tolong turunkan saya kat sini
How much is it to (destination)?Pergi ke (destination) berapa?
Is it far?Jaraknya jauh tak?

Traveling To Malaysia? Explore More Malay Phrases Today!

As we’ve explored in 50 Essential Malay Travel Phrases and Other Useful Vocabularies, learning a few basic Malay words and phrases can make your trip to Malaysia much more rewarding.

From greetings like Selamat Pagi in the Basic Greetings section to useful phrases for shopping like Harga berapa? in Shopping, we’ve covered practical expressions to help you connect with locals and navigate your journey with ease.

Similarly, the Dining Out and Traveling And Giving Directions sections are packed with phrases such as Tandas kat mana? (Where is the toilet?) and Belok kanan / Belok kiri (Turn right / Turn left), which are incredibly handy for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

While English is widely spoken in Malaysia, especially in urban areas, learning Malay travel phrases can enhance your travel experience and create meaningful connections with locals.

Malay is considered one of the easiest languages to pick up, making it an excellent choice for travelers eager to immerse themselves in the culture.

If you’re ready to take your language learning journey further, the Ling app offers an engaging and interactive way to expand your Malay vocabulary.

Download the Ling app today and start mastering Malay to make your trip to Malaysia truly unforgettable!

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    • Essential vocabulary and useful phrases in bite-sized lessons
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