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About Malaysia - Truly Asia - Land of Many Charms - Taste of Asia
To know Malaysia is to love Malaysia. A bubbling, bustling melting pot of races and religions where Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other ethnic groups live together in peace and harmony.
 
Islands and Beaches in Malaysia: Come experience the enchantment of Malaysia's idyllic islands and golden beaches: Malaysia, a land of friendly people and a nation blessed with natural wonders, welcomes you. Bordered by Thailand to the north and Singapore to the south. Malaysia also stretches across the northern tier of Borneo to form the states of Sabah and Sarawak. With 4,500 km of coastline, Malaysia boasts some of the most beautiful islands and beaches in Asia. With the Straits of Malacca on the west, the South China Sea to the east and the Andaman Sea to the northwest, an amazing number of these natural treasures lay nestled in tranquil bays and coves. Beneath the acquamarine waters lies a fascinating world of corals and marine life waiting to be discovered. Come and mesmerised by these fabulous holiday retreats.
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.
Malaysia, a land of ready smiles and incredible contrasts beckons the visitor with a rich diversity of experienecs. A charming, fascinating land of warm, friendly people, here you get a taste of all of Asia in a single destination.
  
Accommodation in Malaysia: 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.
One is never at a loss for a place to stay in Malaysia. There is accommodation to suit every visitor. The capital city of Kuala Lumpur and the main towns in each state have a number of international class hotels ranging from 2 stars right up to luxury five stars. There are also resort hotels, motels, inns, rest houses and guest houses. Long stay guest may appreciate the service apartment hotels situated within the city of Kuala Lumpur.
Types of accommodation offered in international class hotels range from basic hotel rooms to luxury suites and penthouses. Most cater for total living requirements and have restaurants, discotheques and shops within the hotel vicinity. Pricing is competitive and the visitor is ensured generally good value, often with complimentary breakfast or fruit basket included. Facilities are excellent and include swimming pools and spas with several five-star hotels offering large convention and banqueting venues. Several resort hotels even have adjoining golf-courses with special privileges for hotel guests.
Budget accommodation is rated according to the Orchid Classification Scheme and includes hostels, bed and breakfast establishments, inns, boarding houses, rest houses and lodging houses. The Orchard Rating is awarded to tourist accommodation offering basic facilities as well as safe and clean premises.
Getting Around Malaysia: Getting around Malaysia is affordable and convenient. There are variety of ways one can choose to move around while enjoying the interesting sights in the country.
Fast Facts:
Country: The Federation of Malaysia comprises Peninsula Malaysia (aka West Malaysia) and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo (aka East Malaysia).
Geographical Location: Located between 2º and 7º 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.
Area: 329,758 sq km
Population: 26 million
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
People: Malays who make up about 57% of the population are the predominant group with Chinese, Indians and other ethnic groups making up the rest.
Language: Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the national language but English is widely spoken. 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: Tropical climate with warm weather all year round. Temperatures in the lowlands range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF). The highlands are cooler, where temperatures range between 15°C (59° F) to 25°C (77°F). Annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm.
Major Holidays:
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.
Distance to Malaysia:
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London, United Kingdom to Kuala Lumpur : 6,557 miles (10,552 km)
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Paris, France to Kuala Lumpur 6,483 miles (10,432 km)
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Rome, Italy to Kuala Lumpur : 6,038 miles (9,716 km)
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Stockholm, Sweden to Kuala Lumpur : 5,812 miles (9,353 km)
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Berlin, Germany to Kuala Lumpur : 5,979 miles (9,622 km)
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Madrid, Spain to Kuala Lumpur : 6,885 miles (11,079 km)
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New York, USA to Kuala Lumpur : 9,400 miles (15,126 km)
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Los Angeles, USA to Kuala Lumpur : 8,790 miles (14,144 km)
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Vancouver, Canada to Kuala Lumpur : 7,944 miles (12,783 km)
Currency: The unit of currency is Malaysian Ringgit indicated as RM. USD1 is roughly equivalent to RM3.70. Foreign currency can be converted at banks and money changers.
Banking 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
Post Offices: Open from 8.30am to 5.00pm daily except the first Saturday of each month, Sundays and public holidays. In Kelantan and Terengganu post offices operate during the same hours but are closed on Fridays and public holidays.
Time: Eight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time.
Electricity: Voltage is 220 - 240 volts AC at 50 cycles per second.Standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets.
Weights and Measures: Malaysia follows the metric system in weights and measures.
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.
Bring the family along for the Malaysian holiday adventure is a well-rounded experience. In the words of British novelist and playwright. Somerset Maugham, "If you haven't seen this place, you haven't seen the world." |
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