Malaysia, truly Asia: Melting pot of people and cultures, is an exotic holiday destination where you can experience a whole gamut of Asian sights, tastes and sounds. Endowed with magnificent scenic wonders and a colourful thriving cosmopolitan elegance, with rainforests dating back 130 million years that still retain their ancient splendours while bustling cities and towns boasts of modern day sophistication.

In the heart of SE Asia, the country consists of two separate land masses with a total of 330,343 sq km. Peninsular Malaysia or West Malaysia is bordered by Thailand in the North and Singapore in the South. East Malaysia, comprising the states of Sabah and Sarawak, stretches along the northern region of Borneo. The two land masses are separated by the South China Sea.

Malaysia has an exuberant celebration of festivals, customs, traditions and a tempting array of multicultural cuisines. Opportunities for adventure are as numerous as they are diverse. From jungle trekking, mountain climbing, caving, and mountain biking, to river safari�s, whitewater rafting, diving, sailing, off road excitement and more. Its ancient rainforests, climatic stability, plentiful rainfall, and tropical greenhouse heat have endowed Malaysia with a cornucopia of bizarre life forms.

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In Peninsular Malaysia alone there are over 8000 species of flowering plants, including 2000 trees, 800 orchids, and 200 palms. They include the world�s tallest tree species, the �tualng�, and the world�s largest flower, the �rafflesia� measuring up to a metre across. Mammals include elephants, rare rhinos, tapirs, tigers, leopards, honey bears, several kinds of deer, �tempadau�, forest cattle, various gibbons, and monkeys, including in Borneo, the orang utan and the bizarre proboscis monkey, scaly anteaters also known as pangolins, and porcupines, to name but a few. The bird life features spectacular pheasants, the sacred hornbills, and many groups of colourful birds such as kingfishers, sunbirds, pittas, woodpeckers, trogons, and barbers.

FAST FACTS ABOUT MALAYSIA
Climate - Malaysia has a typically tropical climate � it�s hot and humid all year-round. Throughout the region the humidity tends to hover around the 90% mark, but on the Peninsula you can escape from the heat and humidity by retreating to the delightfully cool Hill Resorts and Highlands.
Full country name - Federation of Malaysia
Area - 329,750 sq km (204,445 sq mi)
Population - 28 million (85% of the population lives in Peninsular Malaysia and the remaining�15% in Sabah and Sarawak)
Capital city - Kuala Lumpur (pop 2 million)
People - Comprising of 93% Malaysian Citizens - 65% Malay plus indigenous People, 26% Chinese, 9% Indian
Language - Bahasa Malaysia (Malay), English, Chinese dialects, Tamil, indigenous dialects
Religion - 52% Muslim, 17% Buddhist, 12% Taoist, 8% Christian, 8% Hindu, 2% tribal
Government - Parliamentary Monarchy
Prime Minister - Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
King - HRH Duli Yang Maha Mulia Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin
GDP: US$99 billion GDP per head: US$4530
Major products/industries - Tin, rubber, palm oil, timber, oil, textiles, electronics
Major trading partners:  Singapore, Japan, USA

RELATED LINKS

States of Malaysia 13 States and the Federal Territories Map with State flags and fast facts People The people of Malaysia come from a number of different ethnic groups mainly Malays, Chinese, Indians, with the indigenous Eurasians and the indigenous Orang Asli of the peninsula and the various tribes of Sabah and Sarawak and others tribes making up the remaining population. Cultures The variety of religions found is a direct reflection of the diversity of races living in Malaysia. The Language, Music and Dace, Cultures, and its Celebrations and Festivals.   Local Food & Cuisine Just look, with our multi-cultural social mix, you certainly can expect somewhat of a unique and endless blend of cuisine.   Handicrafts Various Items as well as a host of other decor pieces and functional household items. Details on the various handicrafts and cultural items include Pua Kumbu / Wau / Keris / Wayang Kulit / Wood Carving / Pottery / Songket / Mengkuang / Gold, Silver & Brass   Festivals One of the unique feature of Malaysian celebrations is the concept of open house. Hari Raya Puasa / Chinese New Year / Fifth Moon Festival / Moon Cake Festival / Ghost Festival /  9 Emperors Festival / Thaipusam / Deepavali / Pongal / Kaul / Pesta Kamaatan / Gawai Dayak / Christmas / Fiesta San Pedro

FAQ Frequently asked questions regarding travel to and about Malaysia History Brief History of Malaysia from the early Malay people, Melaka, the colonization by European powers, the Japanese Occupation, Malayan Emergency to independence and the Indonesian Confrontation   Government Malaysia is a confederation of 13 states. The political system is a federal one, which each state having its own legislature   The Monarchy Undoubtedly, the Malaysian monarchy is a unique system as it is the only country where its King or the �Yang DiPertauan Agong� is elected every five years. The King / The Royal Regalia / Past Kings   Holidays in Malaysia Features National & State holidays - Festivals, Religious holidays, School Holidays as is observed for the current Calendar 2008 Cultural / Religious & Special Days 2008   Transport in Malaysia Information on transport services and facilities in Malaysia Road Transport / Rail Transport / Air Transport   Golfing Golfing at challenging and scenic courses throughout Malaysia   Weather & Climate Information and details on the climate and weather conditions prevailing throughout Malaysia

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