- Long, stretching beaches
- Breathtaking scenery
- Tropical weather
- Key tourist destination
- Delicious local cuisine
- Vibrant economy
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Malaysia boasts one of south-east Asia's most vibrant economies, the fruit of decades of industrial growth and political stability. Its multi-ethnic, multi-religious society encompasses a majority Muslim population in most of its states and an economically-powerful Chinese community.
Malaysia’s capital is Kuala Lumpur, while Putrajaya is the seat of the federal government. The population stands at over 27 million. The country is separated into two regions — Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo — by the South China Sea. Malaysia borders Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines. The country is located near the equator and experiences a tropical climate.
Climate
Malaysia essentially observes tropical weather, but the best part is it is never too hot. Humidity is a common feature, which can be duly expected from its proximity to waters. With the exception of highlands, the climate is by and large moderately hot and extremely sultry. Throughout the year, the temperature ranges from 20°C to 30°C on an average.
Tourism
Malaysia is one of the region's key tourist destinations, offering excellent beaches and brilliant scenery. Dense rainforests in the eastern states of Sarawak and Sabah, on the island of Borneo, are a refuge for wildlife and tribal traditions.
Location & Getting There
Most international flights land at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). AirAsia flights now use the new LCC terminal, a 20km road transfer away from the main KLIA terminal.
If travelling by train from nearby Thailand and Singapore the below options apply for train and road travel:
To/from Thailand: Direct sleeper train services operated by the State Railway of Thailand connect Bangkok (Thailand) and Butterworth near Penang (Malaysia), while Keretapi Tanah Melayu (Malaysian Railways) runs trains between Hat Yai (Thailand) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia).
To/from Singapore: Singapore is the southern terminus of the Malayan Railway (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) network. Comfortable overnight sleeper and daytime "express" trains connect Singapore with Kuala Lumpur and Tumpat, near Kota Bharu.
By road, land crossings are possible from southern Thailand and Singapore into Peninsular Malaysia, as well as from Brunei and Kalimantan (the Indonesian side of Borneo) into Sarawak. An International Drivers Permit (IDP) will be required for foreign nationals.
Food and Drink
Malaysian chefs have drawn on their multi-ethnic heritage for centuries with the result being a unique blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai and Eurasian cooking methods and ingredients. But, while the staple ingredients may resemble those used by their Asian neighbours, the extras are what make Malay food so original. Tropical fruits and seafood are added to various dishes, coconut milk is added to almost everything and rice serves as the basis for every meal. And, while the ingredients may not vary largely from dish to dish, the cooking method and accompaniments are what make each dish special.
Language and Culture
Malay refers to a group of languages closely related to each other to the point of mutual intelligibility but that linguists consider to be separate languages. They are grouped into a group called "Local Malay", part of a larger group called "Malayan" within the Malayo-Polynesian branch of the Austronesian language family.
The desire to maintain face makes Malaysians strive for harmonious relationships.
Face can be lost by openly criticizing, insulting, or putting someone on the spot; doing something that brings shame to the group; challenging someone in authority, especially if this is done in public; showing anger at another person; refusing a request; not keeping a promise; or disagreeing with someone publicly. Conversely, face can be saved by remaining calm and courteous; discussing errors or transgressions in private; speaking about problems without blaming anyone; using non-verbal communication to say "no"; and allowing the other person to get out of the situation with their pride intact.