Introduction to Malaysia

Malaysia boasts some of the most exotic beaches, mountains and National Parks in Asia. Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands Hill Station, Langkawi, wildlife in East Malaysian Island, Mount Kinabalu, two of the world.s tallest skyscrapers and a magnificent cyber center for computer business are few of the major tourists attraction worth visiting. Kuala Lumpur, Capital of this Country has a number of skyscrapers and exotic markets. The Country is ruled by the constitutional monarchial government. Western Industrialization is mainly followed and liked by these people. The major industries are for electronics, textiles, rubber, tin, timber and palm oil and their major trading partners are USA, Singapore and Japan. With 4% inflation rate country.s annual growth is 2% with per capita income of US $ 4,530.

Malaysia is divided into two halves by the South China Sea and includes a number of small islands. The western half i.e. the Peninsular Malaysia occupies two-third of the entire 18 million populations. The eastern half is under-developed and mostly occupied by world.s most remote jungles - Sabah and Sarawak that covers the northern third of Borneo. Tourists are restricted to visit the islands off Sabah's east coast that also includes Sipadan and Pandanan and are instructed to be cautious while in Sabah.s east Coast as there is risk of kidnapping and terrorist attacks in this region.

Malaysia is a tropical country with hot and humid weather pattern practicing tropical vegetation in abundant and is well known for world.s oldest rain forest. Borneo is the most humid place. In both areas, coastal lowlands give way to mountainous interiors. Eastern coast has better climate and is colder at higher altitude. October-February is the monsoon time in the eastern coast. During this season, the eastern coasts are mostly wet, sea is rough and the coastal roads are flooded with high water level disrupting communication and tourist operations. One sweater or jacket can survive you in the cold temperature of Mount Kinabalu area. This is the best time in Western Coast as it is dry when Eastern Coast is wet.

Popular in whole of Asia for its vibrant and enchanting colors, Malaysia has multi-cultural sights with a vast range of flora and fauna, captivating islands, sunny beaches, dense forests and magnificent mountains. The Malaysian people are friendly and hospitable and are well known for their kindness and affectionate nature. Malaysia is a paradise for tourists with many other attractions like shopping malls, versatile conference venue, adventure land and many more.

The people are hostile and speak Malay language. Malaysia being a centrally located country between Indian Ocean and South China Sea, is a major meeting point for the traders from East and West. English is the business language and is compulsory in schools. Mostly occupied by Chinese, Indians and other native people. They follow Islamic religion but also have diversified religions with temples, mosques and churches in same locality.

Marvel In Malaysia

Malaysia is a land of contrasts offering a unique blend of Asia’s great civilisations – Chinese, Indian, Malay and the many indigenous tribes – in one fascinating cultural melting pot of colourful festivals, customs and cuisine.

Thanks to the positioning of the Indonesian island of Sumatra, the Malaysian peninsula was relatively unaffected by the Boxing Day tsunami. Malaysia's most popular holiday islands Penang and Langkawi were hit by tthe tsunammi's second wave, however this proved to be far less destructive than the first wave that hit elsewhere. Casualties on both island resorts were low, with minimal damage occuring to property and hotels, so if you are thinking of visiting Malaysia anytime soon, don't worry - you will not be visiting a national disaster zone.

Malaysia is a country which offers the widest diversity – ranging from bustling cities to lush rainforests; from high mountain and deep cave adventure to white sandy beaches and idyllic island retreats; from exotic wildlife and marine life to upbeat nightlife and every leisure pursuit under the sun.

Some of the country's top destinations include:

Kuala Lumpur: Ideal for shoppers, food lovers and sightseers, Kuala Lumpur, known as 'The Garden City of Lights,' is a clean, vibrant and cosmopolitan city. Stunning architecture combines Moorish buildings, colonial history and futuristic skyscrapers. Shopping is a major attraction with the variety of air conditioned malls, department stores, hypermarkets, speciality stores, duty free shops, bazaars and night markets.

Other main attractions include hundreds of restaurants, cafes and hawker stalls offering multi cultural cuisine; Chinatown, Central Market, KT Tower and the world’s tallest buildings, the Petronas Twin Towers.

Attractions include sandy beaches with sea front hotels, hill stations with funicular railway, restaurants and famous hawker food, and excellent water sport facilities. Also, electronic items are cheaper in Penange than they are in other parts of Malaysia.

Langkawi: The worst hit area of Malaysia by the tsunami, although relatively untouched compared to other areas, Langkawi is a duty-free island paradise known as 'The Isle of Legends.' Providing an idyllic retreat with secluded beaches, clear blue waters, coral coves, lagoons and waterfalls, Langkawi, also offers holidaymakers the opportunity to enjoy a jungle trek through lush rainforest and discover the wildlife which includes long tailed macaques, leaf monkeys and giant squirrels.

Explore the natural mountain beauty spots at a leisurely pace or go island hopping to coral reefed marne parks, mangrove swamps, wildlife sanctuaries and dense jungle clad areas.

The Cameron Highlands: If you like the heat, but appreciate a somewhat cooler climate, then the Cameron Highlands, a former colonial retreat for tea planters, could be the place for you. This area combines varied mountain scenery, rolling tea plantations, flower nurseries, strawberry farms and rose gardens. Countryside and nature walks abound in the highland forests which contain colourful birds, orchids, wild ginger plants and Lipstick flowers.

Visit the settlements of the highland natives deep in the tropical rainforest along with three small townships to find good restaurants, shops and quaint tearooms serving the local ‘Cameronian’ brew.

Sarawak: If you enjoy combining adventure with your holiday, Sarawak, the Malaysian state on the north side of Borneo is one of the world’s leading ecotourism destinations – with vast areas of virgin rainforest over 130 million years old and an immense variety of tropical flora and fauna. Visit mangrove swamps, the largest cave chamber in the world, and relax on white, sandy beaches. Journey by longboat through the jungle and stay in a tribal longhouse.

Things to do and see: