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Lying
in the heart of South East Asia, Malaysia 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.
Here you will discover a delightful fusion of Asia�s oldest
civilizations � The Malay, Chinese and Indian, a geo-cultural mix made even
more interesting by the assimilation of other cultures into the fabric of
its society � the indigenous cultures of the Kadazans, Ibans and other
ethnic groups of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as the influence of the British,
Portuguese, Dutch and Thais. 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, skydiving, off road
excitement and more. With its national parks offering ancient rainforests,
and a cornucopia of flora and fauna it is also nature lovers paradise.
Tropical islands with white beaches dot its coastlines
What attracts most is that all the above
is available at a cost for value bargain. With good hotels costing only
between USD 80 - 100 and meals at less than USD 3 - 5, this holiday
destination allows you to stretch your money for all its worth.
Click on the destinations on the location map below for your Travel Guide
info

In Peninsula Malaysia, the West Coast is the more developed
side of Peninsular Malaysia, made up with the states of
Kedah, Melaka, Negeri
Sembilan, Penang, Perak,
Perlis and Selangor.
Kuala Lumpur is the capital city and main gateway
into Malaysia with Putrajaya as the new
administrative centre, are all located within this region. In the upper
north-west is the fabled island of Langkawi.
The East Coast is made up of the states of Kelantan,
Pahang and Terengganu,
is more rural, traditional and conservatively Muslim. The islands (Perhentians)
off the coast here are glittering tropical jewels. In the South is the state
of Johor and the idyllic island of
Tioman.
Some 800 kilometres to the east is East Malaysia, and the states of
Sabah and Sarawak, which
occupies the northern third of the island of Borneo, shared with Indonesia
and the small kingdom of Brunei. Off the upper western coast is the island
of Labuan. Covered with tropical rain forests, it
offers a variety of wildlife. It is peopled by various native tribes that
still practice a cultural lifestyle that remains unchanged especially in the
interior regions. Also here of the coast of Sabah are the famous dive
islands of Sipadan.
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 - 26 million
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
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
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13 States and the Federal Territories
Map with State flags and fast facts
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.
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.
Just look, with our multi-cultural
social mix, you certainly can expect somewhat of a unique and
endless blend of cuisine.
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
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
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Frequently asked questions regarding
travel to and about Malaysia
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
Malaysia is a
confederation of 13 states. The political system is a federal one,
which each state having its own legislature
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
Features National & State holidays - Festivals,
Religious holidays, School Holidays as is observed for the current
Calendar 2008
Cultural / Religious & Special Days 2008
Information on transport services and facilities in
Malaysia
Road Transport /
Rail Transport /
Air Transport
Golfing at challenging and scenic
courses throughout Malaysia
Information and details on the climate
and weather conditions prevailing throughout Malaysia |

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