Tourism in Malaysia

Why travel to Malaysia?

Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia's top travel destinations, possessing an endless range of attractions and activities that cater for the cosmopolitan shopper, cultural enthusiast, historical buff and nature-lover. Divided into Peninsular Malaysia in the West and East Malaysia, part of the Borneo archipelago, the country will allure you with the shopping experience of its modern cities, the splendour of its cultural arts and natural heritage of rich flora and fauna!

In the heart of Asia lie some of the world's most beautiful beaches, with sparkling sand and crystal waters. It would be an impossible task to describe every one of Malaysia's thousands of beautiful beaches. Ranging from the powdery stretches of sand that characterize the eastern coastline of Peninsular Malaysia to the black sand beach of Pantai Pasir Hitam and the smooth pebble beach of Pantai Batu Kerikil, Malaysia's shores offer more idyllic locales than one could explore in many lifetimes.

Multiculturalism has not only made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise, it has also made Malaysia home to hundreds of colourful festivals. It's no wonder that we love celebrating and socialising. 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 metres away from ancient reefs. For the perfect holiday full of surprises, eclectic cultures and natural wonders, the time is now, the place is Malaysia.

Country
The Federation of Malaysia comprises Peninsula Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo.

Geographical Location
Located between 2 and 7 north of the Equator, Peninsula Malaysia is separated from the states of Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea. To the north of Peninsula Malaysia is Thailand while its southern neighbour is Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak are north of Indonesia in Borneo while Sarawak also shares a border with Brunei.

Capital
Kuala Lumpur

Language
Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the national language but English is widely spoken. Other languages widely spoken are Mandarin, Hakkien, Tamil and Urdu. The ethnic groups also speak various languages and dialects.

Religion
Islam is the official religion but all other religions are freely practised.

Government
Malaysia is governed by a Parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislative system. The Head of State is the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, a position that is awarded to a different State Monarch every five years and the Head of Government is the Prime Minister.

Climate and Weather
Malaysia has an equatorial /tropical climate and as such the weather is warm all year round. The weather is hot and humid all year round with average temperatures of 23 - 33 C

Economic Profile
Manufacturing constitutes the largest single component of Malaysia's economy. Tourism and primary commodities such as petroleum, palm oil, natural rubber and timber are other major contributors to the economy.

Currency
The unit of currency is Malaysian Ringgit indicated as RM. AUD1 is roughly equivalent to RM2.90. Foreign currency can be converted at banks and money changers.

Banking and Office Hours
Most states: Mon - Fri: 9.15am to 4.30pm. Sat & Sun: Closed (Selected banks and branches are open on Sat). Kelantan & Terengganu: Sun - Wed:9.15am to 4.30pm. Thurs:9.15am to 4.00pm. Friday/ Saturday*/Public Holiday: Closed

Time
Eight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time or 2 hours ahead of Australian Eastern Standard Tome (AEST) and 3 hours ahead of AEST during daylight saving time.

Electricity
Voltage is 220 - 240 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. Standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets

Telephones
Local calls can be made from public phones using coins or pre-paid cards. International calls can be made from public phones with card phone facilities or at any Telekom office.

Pre-paid sim cards can be purchased at the bookstore at KLIA and many other outlets for mobile phones. The presentation of a passport will be required for connection purposes and credit will last from a few days up to 4 months depending on the package purchased.

Accommodation
Malaysia has a wide range of accommodation at competitive rates. Six-star, medium range, budget hotels, youth hostels, beach chalets and timeshare apartments are just some of the types of accommodation available. Privately operated motor-homes are also available for rent.

For the perfect holiday full of surprises, eclectic cultures and natural wonders, the time is now, the place is Malaysia.

More info about tourism in Malaysia go to tourism malaysia website http://www.tourismmalaysia.com.my