A discussion in a Facebook group recently reminded me that we had never shared the apps and websites that made life easier for us in Malaysia. This guide begins with services useful to visitors and continues with tools that are particularly handy for longer stays. It has been thoroughly updated because several apps in the original 2017 article no longer operate.

A post shared by Kokla Dünyayı (@kokladunyayi) on 30 October 2017 at 3:49 am PDT

1—HOTEL AND FLIGHT BOOKING

One of the services we use most for accommodation is Booking.com via our Stay22 link. For flights from Turkey, we have also used Turna.com. Compare the final price, taxes, baggage and cancellation terms rather than relying only on the headline fare.

2—GRAB

Grab is Malaysia's main all-in-one app for rides and services. Uber sold its Southeast Asian operations to Grab in 2018, so old advice to install both apps is obsolete. Download for iPhone or Android. Depending on the city and service, payment options may include cards, wallets or cash. Check the app before confirming a ride, verify the licence plate and driver, and use the built-in safety tools. The old KOKLA999 promotion has expired. cash may still be offered for some bookings, but availability depends on the account and location.
Update: Uber's Southeast Asian ride-hailing business was acquired by Grab in March 2018. Grab is therefore the relevant app today; competition may include licensed local taxis and newer services such as Bolt in selected areas.

3—TOUCH 'N GO eWALLET

For a longer stay, the Touch 'n Go eWallet can be useful for QR payments, bills and selected transport-related services. Registration features and access for foreign visitors can change, and the eWallet is not the same thing as every physical Touch 'n Go card or transit product. Check identity-verification and top-up rules in the official app before relying on it.

4—FOOD DELIVERY

For restaurant delivery and selected groceries, compare GrabFood, foodpanda and the restaurant's own ordering channel. Availability and delivery fees vary by city. The old Morganfield's sign-up voucher described in this article is no longer a dependable recommendation, so we have removed it. iPhone options / Android options

Our original photograph from Morganfield's.

5—PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND ROUTE PLANNING

In Kuala Lumpur, use current information from MyRapid together with a live map app for rail and bus routes. Service alerts, last-train times and payment methods change. The old Pizza Hut app promotion in this section has expired and has been removed. MyRapid website / route and service information

6—INTERCITY BUS, FERRY AND TRAIN TICKETS

Two established platforms we have used for buses—and, on selected routes, ferries or trains—are Easybook and BusOnlineTicket.com. Compare the operator, boarding point, luggage rules and refund terms. For Malaysian rail travel, also check the official KTMB channel because not every train or fare appears on third-party sites.

7—GROCERY AND MEAL DELIVERY

The old Honestbee service suspended its Malaysian operation in 2019 and the company was later liquidated. Current alternatives include GrabMart, foodpanda shops and supermarket delivery services. Use the availability shown for your exact address and compare product mark-ups with delivery fees. Visit GrabMart to see whether it serves your area; the old Honestbee referral discount no longer exists.

But first, let me take a selfie...

8—BOLT AND LICENSED TAXI OPTIONS

Jag Rewards, the points service described in the original article, no longer appears to be a dependable active option. For transport, Grab remains the most widely recognised app, while Bolt has entered parts of the Malaysian market and ordinary licensed taxis remain available. Compare the price shown in the app with local options, confirm that the service operates legally in your city and never accept a ride whose driver or number plate does not match the booking.The old referral code has been removed because we could not verify an active benefit for readers.

9—WISE

Wise remains one of our favourite ways to handle international transfers. Availability, supported currencies, fees and account features depend on the country from which you send. You can review the current service through our Wise link. We explain international money transfers in more detail here. Always compare the amount the recipient receives—not only the advertised fee—with your bank and other regulated providers.

10—FAVE

Favecontinues to operate in Malaysia and Singapore, offering deals, cashback and merchant payment features in participating cities. Offers and terms change frequently, so read the conditions and expiry date before paying. The old guaranteed RM5 discount is no longer claimed here. Visit Fave's current website to see what is available in your location.