Malaysia Fast Fact
Country : The Federation of Malaysia comprises Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Geographical Location : Located between 2º and 7º north of the Equator, Peninsular Malaysia is separated from the states of Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea.
To the north of Peninsular Malaysia is Thailand while its southern neighbour is Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak are bounded by Indonesia while Sarawak also shares a border with Brunei.
Area : 329,758 sq km – Population : 25 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.
Government : Parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislative system. The Head of State is the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and the Head of Government is the Prime Minister.
Climate : Tropical climate with warm weather all year round. Temperatures range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF). Annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm.
Places Of Interest
Malaysia is attractions for anyone who appreciates the natural world. Its primal forests, ranging from shoreline mangrove to mountain top, natural trees and forests cover almost three quarters of the land, an area equivalent to almost the entire United Kingdom. One can walk for hundreds of miles in Malaysia under a continuous canopy of green, marveling at an abundance of plant and animal species equaled by no other location in the entire world. A single island like Langkawi for example, contain more than 200 different species of butterflies, a stunning degree of variety that pales, however, in comparison to the profusion and diversity of trees, flowers, birds, and insects.
Malaysia’s forests are also home to Southeast Asia’s highest peak, as well as to the world’s most extensive and capacious natural caverns. It has for tens of thousands of years been the home of nomadic forest peoples, and ancient civilizations have flourished as well as disappeared in its vastness. Legends abound, and archaeologists have only just begun their efforts here. Equally exciting discoveries are now being made by genetic biologists, who have begun searching the wealth of life in Malaysia’s forests for new medicines with which to combat AIDS, cancer, and many other illnesses.
And that is only the forest. Malaysia’s offshore islands are of legendary beauty. For millenia, Pulau Langkawi and Pulau Tioman have been sought-after havens of peace from the turbulent outside world, a tradition that is evidenced today by their international status as holiday destinations. A mountainous place with lush tropical rainforests, Visit Mount Kinabalu (4,101 metres), popular with climbers, orchid lovers, bird and butterfly watchers. Near the National Park headquarters is Poring Hot Spring, a refreshing refuge to visitors. Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, is a riverine town with beautifully landscaped parks and gardens, historic buildings, colourful markets and an interesting waterfront.
Terengganu has many natural delights. Witness giant leatherback turtles lay their eggs at Rantau Abang between May and September each year. Those who love the sun, sea and sand can visit Tanjung Jam whose resort is designed after an old many palace.
Discover adventure unlimited at one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests, Taman Negara in Pahang. For a rejuvenating experience, stay at one of Fraser’s Hill’s bungalows or hotels and wake up every morning to fresh cool air. Asia’s first Club Mad in Cherating, Pahang is also a great draw. Visitors who want both the relaxing surroundings of a hill resort and the excitement of city life will like Genting Highlands, the only place in Malaysia where gambling is legal. There is also an amusement park for a day of fun rides and more.
In order to safeguard its precious natural heritage, Malaysia has set aside many areas as parks and wildlife reserves. Together with natural forest management, conservation of wildlife, birds and marine life, nature reserves have been established through a network of protected areas. Almost one and a half million hectares of conservation areas are protected by legislation.
Malaysia has much to offer the traveler, Visit Kuala Lumpur the ‘Garden City of Lights, and shop till you drop at its many modern shopping complexes or colorful bazaars at Chinatown and Central Market.
Malacca is the oldest town in Malaysia. One of its main attractions is the A’ Famosa Resort Hotel located along the North South Highway. This holiday getaway offers luxurious bungalows fully equipped with modern amenities and private swimming pool, golf course, water theme park and equestrian club.
For food lovers, a trip to Penang is a must! There are many stalls selling local delicacies. You can reach Penang via the Penang Bridge. While there, visit the Snake Temple or take the funicular train up Penang Hill for a panoramic view of the island.
Langkawi boasts of beautiful beaches and interesting legends. There is the Mahsuri’s Tomb which has a tragic tale behind it, the Beach of Black Sand, The Lake of the Pregnant Maiden and more.
