Malaysia is a South-East Asian country that is located on the geographical coordinates of 2′ 30° N North and 2’30° N and 112′ 30° East latitude and longitude respectively.
This peninsular country borders Thailand and one-third of the northern Borneo Island. Indonesia and South China Sea also borders Malaysia. Malaysia lies in the south of Vietnam. Malaysia Map features the important divisions along with the countries and water bodies surrounding Malaysia.
Multiculturalism has not only made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise, it has also made Malaysia home to hundreds of colorful festivals. It’s no wonder that we love celebrating and socializing. 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 meters away from ancient reefs.
For the perfect holiday full of surprises, eclectic cultures and natural wonders, the time is now, the place is Malaysia.
* Further information on the country can also be obtained from the Malaysian government’s official portal: www.malaysia.gov.my.
Malaysia climate is tropical without extremely high temperatures. Days are very warm and often humid, while nights are fairly cool.
The main rainy season in the east runs between November and February, while August is the wettest period on the west coast. East Malaysia has heavy rains (November to February) in Sabah and in Sarawak. However, it is difficult to generalize about the country’s climate, as rainfall differs on the east and west coasts according to the prevailing monsoon winds (northeast or southwest). Average daytime temperatures in Kuala Lumpur are around 27°C (82°F) year round
Malaysian food is not one particular kind of food but a unique culinary spectrum originating from Malaysia’s multi-ethnic population that has melded together sampling tastes, ingredients and cooking methods from each other.
Malaysians relish and celebrate their diverse food choices. It is not uncommon to drive for hours to eat a really good bowl of noodles. As you can imagine, eatery standards are very competitive all over the country.
Each state in Malaysia has something different to offer in terms of culinary delights. Kuala Lumpur has the most diverse offering of foods from all over the world. Indulge in gourmet fusion cuisine created by talented chefs in designer restaurants, or sample an endless amount of goodies found practically bursting out of malls, store fronts and side-street hawker stalls.
Melaka is also home to delicious Baba Nyonya food, much of it served in quaint cafes in historical shophouses. Penang is hawker stall haven, where the most delicious food requires you to wait for al fresco tables and costs as little as RM3.50 per dish. Ipoh receives many day trippers who come only to savour local favourites.
Kelantan is the cradle of Malay culture and serves exotic Malay food rich in flavour and colour. When trying to decide on what stall or restaurant to visit, the rule of thumb is that the most popular place, especially among the locals, is normally the best.
This multi-cultural array of food has now come to be known all over the world as Malaysian Food. For gastronomic adventures fit for kings, the time is now, the place is Malaysia.
Culture and people
Malaysia’s cultural mosaic is marked by many different cultures, but several in particular have had especially lasting influence on the country. Chief among these is the ancient Malay culture, and the cultures of Malaysia’s two most prominent trading partners throughout history — the Chinese and the Indians. These three groups are joined by a dizzying array of indigenous tribes, many of which live in the forests and coastal areas of Borneo. Although each of these cultures has vigorously maintained its traditions and community structures, they have also blended together to create contemporary Malaysia’s uniquely diverse heritage.
Malaysia consist of more than 100 races, dialect group and indigenous people speaking more than 142 different languages and dialect among themselves, Malaysia deserves to be called “Malaysia Truly Asia”.
Malaysia’s official religion is Islam and freedom of religious worship is enshrined in the constitution making Malaysia a colorful country, you will find numerous churches, Hindu Temples, Taoist Temples, Buddhist Temples, Mosques and other religious places all over the country.
Malaysia official language is Bahasa Melayu which is the medium of instruction in primary and secondary schools, English is the trade language, all Malaysians are bi lingual some multi lingual. All private universities use English as the language of instruction.
Kuala Lumpur originated as a shanty-mining outpost for the tin trade in the 1800’s at the confluence of the Gombak and Klang Rivers. Today, KL, as it is popularly known, is a bustling metropolis. It is the federal capital of Malaysia and is the principal center of commerce, politics, entertainment and international activities. Kuala Lumpur serves as the pulse of the nation, with a population of 2.5 million people. For more information visit: www.tourism.gov.my
The Malaysian Ringit (MYR), also referred to as the Malaysian Dollar, is divided into 100 sen. Malaysian banks charge in the region of US$2-3 for foreign exchange transactions. Moneychangers are generally quicker to deal with and do not charge commission; their rates however are variable. Pounds or dollars are the easiest to exchange. Travelers’ cheques can be exchanged at banks and some hotels. All major credit cards are accepted at up market hotels, shops and restaurants. ATMs are widely available.