MALAYSIA

Now Playing Outthere.mid
Boost up your speakers!! Please.

General Information:-

Malaysia is located in the heart of Southeast Asia, slightly north of the Equator. Consisting of 127,000 sq. miles. Malaysia is divided into two main regions: Peninsular Malaysia, which lies just south of Thailand, and East Malaysia, which can be found north of Indonesia on the island of Borneo. These two regions are divided into thirteen states and federal territories. Approximately 80% of the nation's total population occupies the main peninsula.

The terrain is certain to remain etched in the memories of all visitors for life. It consists of some of the world's finest coral reefs, largest cave chamber, vast stretches of white sandy beaches, green hills, towering mountains, limestone formations, networks of white-water rivers perfect for rafting, lakes and vast expanses of jungle and tropical rain forest full of flora and fauna. The territories that comprise of Malaysia were British protectorates in the 1920s. Malaysian nationalism reached its peak during the 1930s and again in the Post-World War II Era, culminating in the formation of the Federation of Malaya in 1957, which became Malaysia in 1963.

People and Religion:-

Malaysia has a combined population of over 18 million people. Because of its central location, between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, Malaysia has traditionally been a meeting point for traders and travelers from both the East and West. As a result, Malaysia has a multicultural and multiracial population consisting of Malays, Chinese, Indians and numerous indigenous peoples. Although Malay is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in business, and the English language is a compulsory subject in all schools. With such a varying ethnic composition, it is no surprise that a great diversity of religions is prevalent throughout Malaysia. Although the official religion is Islam, freedom of worship is practiced. As a result, it is a common to see temples, mosques and churches within the same area.

Ethnic Groups: 59% Malay and other indigenous, 32% Chinese and 9% Indian.

Languages: Malay (official), English, Chinese dialects, Mandarin, Hakka dialects, Cantonese, Tamil and numerous tribal languages.

Religion: Muslim (primarily Malays), Buddhism (Chinese), Hindu (Indian), Christianity, Confucianism, Taoism and tribal religions.

Weather:-

Malaysia enjoys a tropical climate with plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Temperatures typically range from 70 to 90ºF (22 to 33ºC) and cooler in the highlands (Cameron and Genting). With the occurrence of the annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons, the average rate of annual rainfall is high. Much of the rainfall is concentrated in the late afternoons. Humidity is high throughout the year.

Statistic and general:-

Population: 18,410,920

Capital: Kuala Lumpur

Flag: Fourteen equal horizontal stripes of red (top) alternating with white (bottom); there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing a yellow crescent and a yellow fourteen-pointed star; the crescent is the traditional symbols of Islam and the fourteen-pointed star represent the fourteen states in Malaysia.

Shop Hours: Department stores and supermarkets are usually open from 10am to 10pm and shops from 9:30am to 7pm. In Kuala Lumpur, as well as in most major towns, there are several 24-hour stores.

Bank Hours: Monday through Friday from 10am to 3pm, and Saturday 9:30am to 11:30am.

Bank Holidays: Weekly holidays vary from region to region. In Selangor, Melaka, Penang, Perak, Pahang and Negri Sembilan, there is a half-day holiday on Saturday and a full-day holiday on Sunday. In the states of Johor, Kedah, Perlis, Terengganu and Kelantan a traditional half-day holiday is observed on Thursday and full-day holiday on Friday; Saturday and Sunday are treated as weekdays.

Travel in Malaysia:-

Airlines: Malaysia Airlines flies to 35 towns and cities in Malaysia. Domestic flights are relatively inexpensive and often fully booked. Confirm reservations at least a day in advance. The Discover Malaysia Pass is offered by the airline. This enables international visitors to travel on domestic routes for about half the normal fare.

Cars: It is advisable to obtain an international driver's license in addition to a valid permit from home. Laws regarding seat belts are stringent. They are required for drivers and front seat passengers. Driving is on the left side of the road.

Trains: Malayan Railways (KTM) offers an inexpensive yet comfortable service on the peninsula. Foreign tourists may purchase at main railway stations a KTM Railpass, which grants unlimited travel for ten days (M$85) or thirty days (M$175). For information about service from Kota Kinabalu to Tenom (East Malaysia, Sabah), contact Sabah State Railways at (088)54611.

Buses: Bus services are both extensive and inexpensive, but frequently are not air-conditioned. Local buses are often slow, noisy and full.

Ferry: Feri Malaysia offers cruises on the ship "Muhibah" from Port Klang and Kuantan to the eastern states. The Muhibah is equipped with air-conditioned cabins and suites, restaurants, a cinema, a disco, a gym and a swimming pool. Feri Malaysia also offers a regular ferry service to various outlying islands.

Entertainments:-

At dusk, a new facet of Malaysia reveals itself. Hotel lounges and clubs, frequently found within the larger hotels, are active at night. Although somewhat expensive, these clubs usually have entertainment on a nightly basis, excluding Sunday. Performances and styles range from jazz, to piano/singer acts, to popular music and singers. Pubs and bars can also be found. Locating these may require some effort, even for taxi drivers, as the pubs and bars are usually situated in the suburbs. Major hotels also have pubs, but these are more expensive than their suburban counterparts. Music, often live, is played on a nightly basis. Pubs close around 11pm, however, so late-night action seekers must look elsewhere. Discos begin to warm up just as the pubs start closing their doors. Discos often stay open until 2am. Some have live bands and light shows but often require cover charges or drink minimums. Consult with the locals for the current hot spots. Nightclubs and cabarets, or "kelab malam" as the locals call them, offer Fifties-style atmosphere, often with variety acts, floor shows and bands.

Links to some Malaysia & Sarawak informations:-