Health & Insurance

Staying Healthy

Whether you are exploring a city, the rainforest, or the beach, you'll need to protect yourself from exposure to sun and heat. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid the outdoors during the middle of the day, if possible. Day or night, mosquito repellent is a must.

What to Do If You Get Sick away from Home -- Consult a physician if you develop a high fever or diarrhea that lasts longer than 24 hours. My recommendation, if you need medical attention, is to consult the manager of your hotel or resort. All hotels and resorts have reputable general practitioners on call who speak English. For extreme emergencies, hotel staff knows the closest hospital and best way to get there.

Common Ailments

Tropical Illnesses -- Malaria has not been a continual threat in most parts of Malaysia, even Malaysian Borneo. Dengue fever, on the other hand, which is also carried by mosquitoes, remains a constant threat in most areas, especially rural parts. Dengue, if left untreated, may cause fatal internal hemorrhaging, so if you come down with a sudden fever or skin rash, consult a physician immediately. There are no prophylactic treatments for dengue; the best protection is to wear plenty of insect repellent -- the breed of mosquito that carries dengue bites during the day, as opposed to malaria-carrying ones that bite at dusk. Choose a product that contains DEET or is specifically formulated to be effective in the tropics.

In 2003, SARS seemed to skip right over Malaysia, but Avian Influenza, or Bird Flu, has found its way here, particularly in the northern state of Kelantan. The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) then advised travelers to Malaysia to avoid contact with live or raw poultry.

Dietary Red Flags -- The tap water in KL is supposedly potable, but I don't recommend drinking it -- in fact, I don't recommend drinking tap water anywhere in Malaysia. Bottled water is inexpensive enough and readily available at convenience stores and food stalls. Food prepared in hawker centers is generally safe -- I have yet to experience trouble, and I'll eat almost anywhere. If you buy fresh fruit, wash it well with bottled water, and carefully peel the skin if you are really concerned.

Safety

Malaysia has been having an unfortunate problem with thievery. "Snatch thieves" are becoming bolder and bolder, riding on motorcycles through heavily populated areas in KL, Johor Bahru, and other cities, snatching handbags from women's shoulders. Some victims have been dragged and seriously injured. When you're out, don't wear your handbag on your side that's facing the street, or better yet, don't carry a handbag at all.

The first thing I do when I check into a hotel is put my passport, international tickets, extra cash, and traveler's checks, plus any credit or ATM card I do not have immediate plans to use, straight into the safe, either in my room or behind the hotel's front desk.

Be careful when traveling on overnight trains and buses where there are opportunities for theft. Keep your valuables close to you as you sleep.