Planning a trip to Morocco from Malaysia? Muslim travelers from Malaysia will find a lot that feels familiar: the call to prayer, halal food and a warm welcome. Add Sahara dunes, old medinas and the Atlas Mountains, and you have an unforgettable trip. This guide covers entry rules, flights, halal food, mosques, the best season, money and the best route. Our family team is from Merzouga and based in Marrakech. We wrote this to help you plan a trip to Morocco from Malaysia with confidence.
Do Malaysians need a visa for Morocco?
No. Malaysian passport holders can visit Morocco without a visa for up to 90 days. According to The Star, the visa exemption started on 27 December 2017, after the two countries signed an agreement in July 2017. Wikipedia also lists Morocco as visa free for 90 days. Entry rules can change, so check with Wisma Putra or the Moroccan embassy in Kuala Lumpur before you fly.
Flights to Morocco from Malaysia
There are no nonstop flights between Kuala Lumpur and Casablanca. Every trip to Morocco from Malaysia connects through at least one hub. The fastest routes go through Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Dubai, Kuwait or Jeddah, and take around 17 hours in total.
Casablanca is the main international airport, and Marrakech also receives many flights from Europe. Read our guide to airport transfers in Morocco to see how each arrival works.
Halal food on a trip to Morocco from Malaysia
Morocco is a Muslim country, so halal food is the norm, from street stalls to riads. Try tagine, couscous on Friday, harira soup and fresh bread from the local oven. Alcohol is served in some hotels, bars and restaurants, but it is easy to avoid. Read our Moroccan food guide for the dishes to try first.
Mosques and prayer in Morocco
You will hear the call to prayer five times a day, in cities and villages alike. Muslim visitors can pray in mosques across the country. Most Moroccans follow the Maliki school of Islam, while most Malaysians follow the Shafi’i school. You may notice small differences, such as many worshippers praying with their arms at their sides.
In Casablanca, the Hassan II Mosque stands on the edge of the Atlantic, and its minaret rises 210 m. Read our full guide to the Hassan II Mosque. If you travel during the holy month, read about Ramadan in Morocco too.
Best time to visit Morocco from Malaysia
Morocco has real seasons, which can surprise travelers from a tropical country. Spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, are the most comfortable. Summer is very hot in Marrakech and the Sahara. In winter, days are often sunny, but nights in the desert are cold and snow can fall on the High Atlas. See our guide to the best time to visit Morocco and Morocco in winter.
Money, time, plugs and driving
A few practical differences will make your trip to Morocco from Malaysia easier:
- Money: The currency is the Moroccan dirham. Euros and US dollars are the easiest to exchange, and ATMs are common in the cities. Keep cash for the souks and small villages. Read our guide to tipping in Morocco.
- Time: Morocco is usually 7 hours behind Malaysia. During Ramadan, Morocco moves its clocks back one hour, so the difference becomes 8 hours.
- Plugs: Morocco uses European two pin sockets, types C and E. Bring an adapter for Malaysian three pin plugs.
- Driving: Morocco drives on the right, unlike Malaysia. If you plan to drive, read how to rent a 4×4 in Morocco.
- Water: Most travelers drink bottled water. See is tap water safe in Morocco.
Language in Morocco
Moroccans speak Darija, a Moroccan form of Arabic, and Amazigh. Even if you read some Arabic, Darija sounds quite different. French is common in the cities, and English is spoken in hotels and by people working in tourism. A simple salam alaykum always opens doors. Read what language is spoken in Morocco and our guide to Moroccan etiquette.
Where to go on a trip to Morocco from Malaysia
A classic first trip combines cities, mountains and the desert. Many guests start in Marrakech, cross the High Atlas, visit Ait Ben Haddou, spend a night in the Sahara at Merzouga and finish in Fes. With more time, add the blue port of Essaouira or the imperial cities of Morocco.
Not sure how long to stay? Read how many days you need in Morocco.
The Sahara: the highlight of Morocco from Malaysia
The Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga are the dream of most visitors. Ride a camel at sunset, share dinner at camp and watch a sky full of stars far from any city lights. Read about a night in a Sahara desert camp and what to pack for the Sahara.
Our 4 day Marrakech Sahara desert tour is a good start, and our guide to choosing a 3 or 4 day desert tour explains the difference.
Why book a private tour of Morocco from Malaysia?
A private tour lets you travel at your own pace. Your driver can plan stops around prayer times and choose places to eat that suit your family. We are a family team from Merzouga, so the desert part of your trip is run by our own people. Read how booking works or see our 7 day imperial cities and Sahara tour.
FAQ: Morocco from Malaysia
Do Malaysians need a visa for Morocco?
No. Malaysian passport holders can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Check the latest rules before you travel.
Is there a direct flight to Morocco from Malaysia?
No. Flights from Kuala Lumpur connect through a hub such as Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Dubai, Kuwait or Jeddah.
Is food in Morocco halal?
Yes. Morocco is a Muslim country, and halal food is the norm. Alcohol is served in some hotels and restaurants.
Can Muslim visitors pray in Moroccan mosques?
Yes. Muslim visitors can pray in mosques across Morocco. Most Moroccans follow the Maliki school.
What is the time difference between Morocco and Malaysia?
Morocco is usually 7 hours behind Malaysia, and 8 hours behind during Ramadan.
Planning a trip to Morocco from Malaysia? Tell us your dates and we will plan a route that suits your family.
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