Discover Malaysia

About Malaysia 

Multiculturalism has not only made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise, it has also made Malaysia home to hundreds of colourful festivals. It's no wonder that we love celebrating and socialising. As a people, Malaysians are very laid back, warm and friendly.

Geographically, Malaysia is as diverse as its culture. There are two parts to the country, 11 states in the peninsula of Malaysia and two states on the northern part of Borneo. Cool hideaways are found in the highlands that roll down to warm, sandy beaches and rich, humid mangroves.

One of Malaysia's key attractions is its extreme contrasts. Towering skyscrapers look down upon wooden houses built on stilts, and five-star hotels sit several metres away from ancient reefs.

For the perfect holiday full of surprises, eclectic cultures and natural wonders, the time is now, the place is Malaysia.

Facts

Area
329,758 square km

Population
27.17 million

Capital City
Kuala Lumpur

People
Malays comprise 57% of the population, while the Chinese, Indian and Indigenous Bumiputeras and other races make up the rest of the country's population.

Language
(Bahasa Melayu)Malay is the national language in use, but English is widely spoken. The ethnic groups also converse in the various languages and dialects.

Religion
Islam is the official religion of the country, but other religions are widely practised.

Time
Eight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of U.S Standard Time.

Electricity
Voltage is 220 - 240 Volt AC at 50 cycles per second. Standard 3- pin square plugs and socket.

Telephone

Local calls can be made from public phones using shillings or prepaid cards. International calls can also be made using card phones or at any Telekom office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Things to do

Island / Beaches

Frolic in the sand, under the refreshing weather.
Be mesmerised by the wonders of Malaysia!

City/Shopping/Entertainment

Chinatown! It's loud, it’s packed with people, and it has some pretty good bargains.

Food & Dining

Savour Malaysia’s gastronomical delights, with its rich local influences, and modern fusion.

Culture/Lifestyle/
Homestay/History

A unique Malaysian culture is a mix of its rich heritage, lifestyle and much more!

 

 

 

 

Kuala Lumpur

The Capital City

A delightful mix of cross-cultural influences and traditions, Kuala Lumpur radiates an exciting, enticing charm, which will no doubt pique your interest throughout your stay.

Let the city's warmth embrace you as you lose yourself in its unique blend of tradition, culture, old world charm and new world sophistication. Explore its nooks and crannies, and you'll discover captivating sights, sensational sounds, aromatic smells and fantastic people.

Kuala Lumpur, affectionately known as KL, is an amazing cultural melting pot. Here, you will wander through communities of Chinese, Malays, South Indians, East Malaysian ethnic groups, Thais, Indonesians, Sikhs and a huge community of expatriates. Each community offers its own festivals, food, music, art and fashion while influencing each other's cultures.

KL has a lively nightlife scene and a fascinating art and performance culture, which blends contemporary and traditional styles from many backgrounds. There is the widest range of sporting activities available with state-of-the-art facilities to impress any sporting enthusiast. The architecture is somewhat eccentric and is certainly unique, from hundred year old mansions to awe-inspiring skyscrapers, and all within meters of each other. Treat your taste buds to Kuala Lumpur's extremely varied cuisine, which is certainly a tasty adventure in itself! Above all else KL is a shopping haven, offering everything from street side trinkets to haute couture.

The resulting kaleidoscope of cultures, costumes and cuisines is nothing short of a whirlwind for the senses - more intense here than anywhere else in the country.

You may obtain more information from the following link:

http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/destinations/state.asp?state=kl

http://www.visitkl.gov.my/home.html

 

 

Melaka

Historical City

The city of Melaka is divided into the new and old sections. The older part of the city is fairly compact and has many historical and cultural attractions tucked into the nooks and crannies of its narrow streets.

Much of the remnants of Melaka's glorious past lie within the Town Square and waterfront area near the river.

Just above the Town Square is St. Paul's Hill (Bukit St. Paul) which is the site of the original Portuguese fort of A'Famosa and St. Paul's Church.

There is a sign-posted heritage trail which visitors can follow to visit all the historical places in the old part of town. The new section of Melaka lies across the Melaka River and is mostly built on land reclaimed from the sea. It consists of modern shopping centres like the Mahkota Parade and is a bustling food and entertainment district.

Outside Melaka town, there are some nice beaches, two excellent offshore islands with resorts and a golf course. The Air Keroh district is close to the North-South Expressway and has many recreational theme parks.

You may obtain more information from the following link:

http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/destinations/state.asp?state=melaka

 
 

Penang

The Pearl of the Orient

Penang, often referred to as the Pearl of the Orient, is one of the most picturesque and romantic cities in all of Asia. This tropical island lies in the Indian Ocean, just off the north-west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Penang received its name from the Pinang, or Betel Nut tree, once commonly found on the island. Established as the first British trading post in the Far East in 1776, Penang today is a bustling metropolis reflecting a uniquely exotic blend of East and West.

The state of Penang consists of the island of Penang and a strip of land on the mainland known as Seberang Prai.

The Penang Bridge, one of the longest in Asia at 13.5 km, links the two land masses. Penang is also connected by a ferry service to the mainland.

On Penang Island sits the capital, Georgetown, a city steeped in history and tradition yet sparkling with progress and modern development. Certain sections of Penang present a quaint picture from the past where narrow side streets, trishaws, temples and traders plying their goods, seem to belong to a forgotten era. Penang is a shopper's paradise for goods old and new, at bargain prices.

The island also boasts some of the best food in the region, ranging from fabulous Chinese, Malay and Nyonya cuisines to foodstall favourites like nasi kandar, char kway teow and penang laksa, all of which are cooked in a uniquely 'Penang' way.

You may obtain more information from the following link:

http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/destinations/state.asp?state=penang

 

 

Langkawi

The Island of the Mystical legends

Langkawi has been designated a UNESCO Global Geopark, Southeast Asia's first, and Malaysia's pride. This cluster of 99 islands offers beautiful beaches, world-class infrastructure, ultra-cheap duty-free shopping and fascinating myths and legends.

Off the coast of Kedah is a cluster of 99 islands with the best of many worlds; beautiful beaches, world-class infrastructure, mangroves rich in flora and fauna, ultra-cheap duty-free shopping and fascinating legends.

Langkawi has a lingering legend woven into its history. Ask anyone in Langkawi about the tragic legend of a beautiful young lady named Mahsuri, and you'll hear a tale of love, jealousy and a curse that was placed upon the island by the her for seven generations. Today, the seventh generation of Langkawi’s inhabitants has long come and gone, but people here still believe that the prosperity and blessings the islands enjoy today and the passing of the curse is not a pure coincidence. The mysticism of this legend can be felt in many parts of this island, especially at Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri’s Mausoleum) where the famous legendary figure is said to be buried.

Langkawi is not only geared towards tourism. Many of the islanders are farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs. Experience the beautiful countryside and the peaceful landscape of paddy fields by renting a car and taking a leisurely drive around the island. Some of Langkawi’s most rustic and memorable views are along the road that circles the island. You'll pass small villages with wooden houses framed by palm trees, and children pedalling their old bicycles on an errand. Aside from experiencing the local lifestyle, there is no shortage of things to do in Langkawi.

Head up the thrilling new cable car to the summit of Mount Mat Cincang - Langkawi's second highest mountain - for an unrivalled view of the entire main island and beyond. You can also visit the Field of Burnt Rice, the Hot Springs, Telaga Tujuh (The Seven Wells) and the Beach of Black Sand. Boat tours are organised to Tasik Dayang Bunting, (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden), Gua Cerita (Cave of Stories) and the Gua Langsir (Curtain Cave). And if you're more outdoorsy, why not go trekking through the pristine rainforest that blankets most of Langkawi, or go on a boat tour of the mangroves, go diving, or play a round of golf at some of the 5-star resorts. Langkawi also has an underwater world, containing an underground tunnel that runs though a giant aquarium, that has gotten rave reviews.

For beautiful scenery, great adventures and five-star conveniences, Langkawi is the place to getaway.

You may obtain more information from the following link:

http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/destinations/state.asp?state=langkawi