MDAC - Malaysia Digital Arrival CardMalaysia Digital Arrival Card

Malaysia Entry Points

Comprehensive guide to all international entry points into Malaysia where your MDAC will be processed. Choose your gateway to Malaysia.

International Airports

Malaysia has six major international airports serving millions of travelers annually

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA)

Kuala Lumpur International Airport is Malaysia's primary and largest international gateway, located in Sepang, Selangor, approximately 45 kilometers south of Kuala Lumpur city center. KLIA serves as the main hub for Malaysia Airlines and is one of Southeast Asia's busiest airports, handling over 60 million passengers annually. The airport features state-of-the-art facilities with two main terminals.

KLIA Terminal 1 (Main Terminal) serves full-service carriers and handles most international flights. It features comprehensive immigration facilities, duty-free shopping, restaurants, lounges, and hotels. The airport connects to downtown Kuala Lumpur via the KLIA Ekspres train (28 minutes), airport buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services.

Airport Information:

  • Airport Code: KUL
  • Location: Sepang, Selangor
  • Distance to KL: 45 km (28 miles)
  • Major Airlines: Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines
  • Terminals: Main Terminal (T1) and klia2 (T2)
  • Transportation: KLIA Ekspres train, buses, taxis, Grab

Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (klia2)

klia2 is the dedicated low-cost carrier terminal at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, serving as the main hub for AirAsia, Asia's largest low-cost airline, and other budget carriers. Built to accommodate the growing demand for affordable air travel, klia2 is the world's largest purpose-built terminal for low-cost carriers, with capacity for 45 million passengers annually.

Despite being designated for budget airlines, klia2 offers modern facilities including extensive shopping, diverse dining options, immigration services, and comfortable waiting areas. The terminal is connected to KLIA Main Terminal via a free shuttle train service, and shares the same ground transportation options including KLIA Transit train, buses, and taxi services.

Airport Information:

  • Airport Code: KUL
  • Location: Sepang, Selangor
  • Distance to KL: 45 km (28 miles)
  • Major Airlines: AirAsia, Malindo Air, Lion Air, Scoot
  • Terminal: Single integrated terminal
  • Transportation: KLIA Transit train, buses, taxis, Grab

Penang International Airport

Penang International Airport is Malaysia's second-busiest airport and the primary gateway to northern Malaysia and Penang Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located on Penang Island, approximately 16 kilometers from George Town, the capital, the airport serves both international and domestic flights, handling over 8 million passengers annually.

The airport connects Penang to major Asian cities including Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Jakarta, and many Chinese cities. It features a modern international terminal with efficient immigration services, duty-free shopping, restaurants, and lounges. Transportation to George Town includes taxis, ride-sharing services, and airport buses. The airport is popular among tourists visiting Penang's beaches, cultural sites, and famous street food scene.

Airport Information:

  • Airport Code: PEN
  • Location: Penang Island
  • Distance to George Town: 16 km (10 miles)
  • Major Airlines: AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways
  • Destinations: Major Asian cities, domestic routes
  • Transportation: Taxis, Grab, airport buses

Kota Kinabalu International Airport

Kota Kinabalu International Airport is the main gateway to Sabah state in East Malaysia on Borneo Island, and the second-busiest airport in Malaysia after KLIA. Located just 8 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu city center, the airport serves as the hub for exploring Sabah's natural attractions including Mount Kinabalu, pristine islands, and diverse wildlife.

The airport features two terminals handling both international and domestic flights, with connections to major Asian cities, Australia, and extensive domestic routes throughout Malaysia. It serves as an important entry point for tourists visiting Borneo's natural wonders, divers heading to Sipadan Island, and those exploring indigenous cultures. The airport offers modern facilities with efficient immigration processing for international arrivals using MDAC.

Airport Information:

  • Airport Code: BKI
  • Location: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
  • Distance to City: 8 km (5 miles)
  • Major Airlines: AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, China Southern
  • Terminals: Terminal 1 (International) and Terminal 2
  • Transportation: Taxis, Grab, airport buses

Kuching International Airport

Kuching International Airport serves as the primary gateway to Sarawak state in East Malaysia, located approximately 11 kilometers south of Kuching city, the capital of Sarawak. The airport is the main entry point for visitors exploring Sarawak's rainforests, national parks, indigenous longhouses, and unique wildlife including orangutans and proboscis monkeys.

The modern airport handles international flights from Singapore, Brunei, major Indonesian cities, and several Chinese cities, along with extensive domestic connections throughout Malaysia. It features efficient immigration facilities, shopping, dining options, and easy access to Kuching city center. The airport has been significantly upgraded to accommodate growing tourist arrivals to Sarawak's natural and cultural attractions, making it a crucial entry point for Borneo explorers.

Airport Information:

  • Airport Code: KCH
  • Location: Kuching, Sarawak
  • Distance to City: 11 km (7 miles)
  • Major Airlines: AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Batik Air
  • Destinations: Singapore, Jakarta, Brunei, Chinese cities, domestic routes
  • Transportation: Taxis, Grab, airport shuttle buses

Langkawi International Airport

Langkawi International Airport is the gateway to Langkawi Island, a duty-free tropical paradise and one of Malaysia's premier tourist destinations. Located on Langkawi Island in Kedah state, the airport serves as the primary entry point for visitors to this archipelago of 99 islands known for beaches, luxury resorts, rainforest, waterfalls, and duty-free shopping.

The airport handles both international flights from nearby countries including Singapore, Thailand, China, and India, as well as domestic connections from major Malaysian cities. Its compact but modern facilities include efficient immigration processing, car rental services, and taxi stands. The island's duty-free status makes it a popular destination, and the airport experiences particularly high traffic during peak tourist seasons and the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition.

Airport Information:

  • Airport Code: LGK
  • Location: Langkawi Island, Kedah
  • Distance to Kuah Town: 12 km (7 miles)
  • Major Airlines: AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, Singapore Airlines
  • Destinations: Singapore, Bangkok, Chinese cities, domestic routes
  • Transportation: Taxis, car rentals, hotel shuttles

Land Border Crossings

Malaysia shares land borders with Thailand, Singapore, and Brunei with multiple crossing points

Malaysia-Thailand Border Crossings

Malaysia's northern border with Thailand features several official crossing points in the states of Perlis, Kedah, Perak, and Kelantan. These crossings serve as important gateways for tourists traveling overland between the two countries, as well as local cross-border trade and commuters. All foreign nationals entering Malaysia through these land borders must have a completed and approved MDAC.

Padang Besar (Perlis)

Major crossing point with train and road connections between Padang Besar, Thailand and Padang Besar, Malaysia. Features modern immigration facilities.

Bukit Kayu Hitam (Kedah)

The busiest Malaysia-Thailand border crossing on the North-South Expressway. Open 24 hours with comprehensive immigration and customs facilities.

Pengkalan Hulu (Perak)

Crossing point connecting Betong, Thailand with Pengkalan Hulu, Malaysia. Popular route for tourists and traders.

Rantau Panjang (Kelantan)

Eastern border crossing between Sungai Kolok, Thailand and Rantau Panjang, Malaysia. Serves local cross-border traffic and tourists.

Malaysia-Singapore Border Crossings

The Malaysia-Singapore border is one of the busiest land borders in the world, with over 400,000 people crossing daily. Two main land links connect Johor state in southern Peninsular Malaysia with Singapore island. These crossings experience heavy traffic, especially during peak hours and weekends. MDAC is required for all foreign nationals entering Malaysia, though Singapore citizens and permanent residents have separate arrangements.

Johor-Singapore Causeway

The main link connecting Woodlands, Singapore with Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Open 24 hours with separate lanes for cars, motorcycles, buses, and heavy vehicles. Expect congestion during peak periods.

Malaysia-Singapore Second Link

Connects Tuas, Singapore with Tanjung Kupang, Johor. Less congested alternative to the Causeway. Popular for travelers heading to western Malaysia and those avoiding Johor Bahru city center.

Malaysia-Brunei Border Crossings

Malaysia's border with Brunei is unique because Brunei is geographically divided into two parts, and both share borders with the Malaysian state of Sarawak and Sabah. Travelers moving between different regions of Malaysia may need to transit through Brunei territory. Multiple crossing points facilitate movement between these countries, serving both local populations and tourists exploring Borneo.

Sungai Tujoh-Kuala Lurah

Connects Miri, Sarawak with Brunei. Main crossing for travelers between northern Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam.

Tedungan-Pandaruan

Connects Limbang, Sarawak with Brunei's Temburong District. Important for overland travel through Brunei territory.

Mengkalap-Puni

Border crossing between Lawas, Sarawak and Temburong, Brunei. Used by travelers heading to Brunei or transiting through.

Sindumin-Pagalungan

Connects Sabah with Brunei. Less busy crossing serving local cross-border traffic.

Seaport Entry Points

Malaysia's strategic coastal location provides several seaports for cruise ships and ferry services

Port Klang (Selangor)

Port Klang is Malaysia's busiest seaport and one of the largest in Southeast Asia, located about 38 kilometers west of Kuala Lumpur. While primarily a commercial cargo port, it also serves as a cruise terminal for international cruise ships visiting Malaysia. The port features dedicated immigration facilities for cruise passengers who must present their MDAC when disembarking to enter Malaysia.

Cruise passengers arriving at Port Klang typically use the port as a gateway to explore Kuala Lumpur and nearby attractions. The port provides transportation options including taxis and organized tours to reach the capital city. Immigration processing for cruise passengers is typically efficient, with dedicated lanes for tourists holding approved MDAC documents.

Penang Port (Swettenham Pier)

Penang Port, particularly Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal in George Town, serves as a popular cruise destination and entry point for international travelers. The terminal is conveniently located near George Town's UNESCO World Heritage area, allowing cruise passengers easy access to Penang's famous street art, heritage buildings, and renowned food culture.

The cruise terminal features modern immigration facilities where passengers must present their MDAC for entry processing. Many cruise lines include Penang as a port of call on Southeast Asian itineraries. Passengers can explore George Town on foot from the terminal or arrange transportation to other parts of Penang Island including beaches and temples.

Ferry Terminals

Several ferry terminals along Malaysia's coasts provide international entry points, particularly for travelers from neighboring countries. These include ferry services from Indonesia (Sumatra and Batam) to Peninsular Malaysia ports, and services connecting Sabah and Sarawak with Brunei and the Philippines.

Major international ferry routes include Batam/Bintan, Indonesia to Johor, and services between Kota Kinabalu and Brunei or the Philippines. All ferry terminals handling international passengers have immigration checkpoints where foreign nationals must present their approved MDAC along with their passport and visa (if required). Ferry services typically have scheduled departure times, and passengers should arrive early for immigration processing.