|
 Malaysia
is a country of amazing geography and cultural diversity. The country
is physically divided by the South China Sea into two distinct areas
- Peninsula Malaysia (which borders Thailand in the north) and East
Malaysia (Sarawak and Sabah - formerly Borneo) next to Indonesia.
Malaysia’s strategic location on the east – west trading
route has meant the country has absorbed many cultural influences
from Europe, India and China, creating a modern day multicultural
society made up of Malays, Chinese, Indians, Tamils and others.
In the more remote areas, indigenous hill tribes still remain. Originally
Hindu-Buddhist, Malaysia is now predominantly Muslim with other
religions and ethnic groups peacefully co-existing.
 Malaysia’s
scenery is as varied as the population. As well as pristine beaches
and deserted islands, Malaysia has mountain ranges, ancient rainforest,
rivers and rice fields.
Why Visit?
It’s got the lot. From the modern metropolis of Kuala Lumpur
(KL) the capital city, to the British style country houses of the
Cameron Highlands, to the rattan longhouses of the Sarawak tribes,
each place is different.
Great food - influenced by Chinese, Indian and Malay cuisines,
beaches, islands, adventure and, some of the oldest tropical forest
on the planet.
 Kuala
Lumpur, affectionately known as KL, is Malaysia’s capital and
a modern bustling city where hi-rise office blocks and shopping
malls are a national obsession.
The highest building in Asia – The Petronas Twin Towers is
located here. A rapidly expanding city with good shopping, communications,
rail and air links.
 Malacca
(Melaka) |
A quiet seaside town, 150 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur, Malacca
(Melaka) was once an important centre on the east – west trading
route. The influence of the Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch and English
who traded gold, silk, tea, opium, tobacco and perfumes is still
evident in the town’s old buildings, narrow streets, churches
and temples. Walking through the streets is a historical adventure.
| Cameron
Highlands |
Part of the province of Pahang, the Cameron Highlands offer breathtaking
scenery, tea plantations, flower gardens and cool temperatures (average
16-26 C) Tucked away at 1,500 metres above sea-level on the mountain
range along Peninsular Malaysia, this former British Hill station
still retains the charm of an English village with old country houses
and golf courses.
Islands
| Penang |
An old British colonial trading post, facing the Straits of Malacca,
Penang has well established beach resorts and a leafy interior.
Georgetown - the main town, retains some colonial style buildings
and a genteel air blended with Chinese influences. The E & O
Hotel, one of the oldest in the region, reflects a bygone era. Batu
Ferrenghi is the main resort area with several international resort
hotels.
| Langkawi |
 Rugged
and beautiful, Langkawi is being carefully developed for tourism
with marinas, a golf course, family attractions and upscale hotels.
A quiet alternative to Penang, Langkawi offers diving, trekking,
water-sports and outdoor activities as well as beautiful beaches.
| Tioman |
Located near the southern tip of mainland Malaysia, Tioman is a
paradise for divers and snorkellers. Shallow reefs offer novice
snorkellers a wonderful experience while further offshore, deeper
waters provide excellent diving. Part of a Marine National Park,
Tioman also has a lush interior perfect for jungle trekking, camping
and rock climbing.
East Malaysia - Sarawak
|
Sarawak – Land of the Hornbill |
A place for exotic adventures in lush tropical rainforest. Incredible
wildlife, indigenous tribes and an interior that offers thick jungle,
fast rivers and mysterious caves. Take a tour and explore the magnificent
Gunung Mulu National Park or take river cruise through the Similajau
National Park. Kuching, the capital, is located on the banks of
the Sarawak River where you can hire a boat or Sampan to catch the
sunset.
East Malaysia - Sabah
| East
Malaysia: Sabah – Land below the Wind (formerly Borneo) |
 Sabah
is a place for exploring and offers trekking and river safaris in
its exotic interior. The province shares a border with Sarawak and
Kalimantan and has around 1,400 km of coastline around the Sulu
Sea, Celebes Sea and South China Sea. Offshore islands offer spectacular
coral reefs and dive sites, including Miri, a world class diving
destination
Sabah also has a tropical summer climate year round. Much of the
northern are is national park and the highest mountain in Malaysia
(4,095 metres) is located here. The capital Kota Kinabalu, a modern
town virtually rebuilt since the second world war has direct air
links with K.L.
| Activities |
You name it, Malaysia has it. Diving, trekking, jungle exploration,
watersports, sailing. From visiting hilltribes in Sarawak to frantic
shopping in KL
| When
to Go |
Malaysia, close to the equator, is humid and hot throughout most
of the year. Temperatures average 20-30 C with cooler temperatures
in hilly areas. The rainy season lasts from mid - October to early
April, but downpours don’t stop activities. Best time..November
to March (dry season) Bring lots of film.
| Getting
Around |
Roads and air links are very good throughout Malaysia. KL is the
main transport hub.
| Official
Language |
Bahasa Malay. English also spoken in most tourist areas.
| Currency |
Malaysian Ringgit
| Culture
/Customs |
Malaysia is a Muslim country, although relaxed in tourist areas.
Dress appropriately when travelling, especially in non-tourist areas.
Don’t eat with your left hand, or beckon with your finger (very
rude)
| What
to Buy: |
Songkiet (exquisitely woven cloth with silver and gold threads,
pewter ware, batik, wood carving, local artifacts.
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