By Air

The national carrier,Malaysia Airlines and the budget airline Air Asia offer domestic air travel to major cities in the peninsula and to the states of Sabah and Sarawak.Points linked to kuala Lumpur include Ipoh,Penang,Alor Star ,Langkawi,Kota Bharu,Kuala Terengganu,Kuantan ,Johor Bharu,Kota Kinabalu,Sandakan,Lahad Datu,Tawau,Labuan Kuching,Sibu,Bintulu and Miri.Private carrier Berjaya Air has direct flights to the islands of Pangkor,Redang and Tioman from the Sultan Abdul Aziz shah Airport near Kuala Lumpur.Note that upon your arrival in sabah or Sarawak,you will need to present your international passport even if you are arriving from Peninsular Malaysia.

GETTING AROUND MALAYSIA

BY RAIL

Trains are acomfortable, efficient and economical means of exploring Malaysia.The main line extends from Thailand in the north,southwards to Singapore.Another line radiates from Gemas in Negeri Sembilan to Kota Bharu on the east coast.In Sabah.a line connects from Kota kinabalu through rainforests to Tenom and is not to be missed by train buffs.You can travel in airconditioned comfort while sleeping berths are available for overnight journeys.Rail service in Peninsular Malaysia is operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) or Malayan Railway offering privileged passes for easy travel.

The Eastern& Oriental Express is one of the world's great train journeys.The journey links the cities of Singapore and Bangkok passing through Kuala Lumpur and includes a tour of Penang's capital Georgetown.

VISIT MALAYSIA AND:

.Experience Asia in a nutshell-Malay,Chinase,Indian and ethnic cultures

.explore the world's oldest rainforests

.meet genuinely warm people of different races and religions

.shop for local handicraft or cotemporary fashion

.see the marine life at some of the world's best dive sites

.admire traditional and modern architectural marvels

.dine on delicious food at affordable prices

.relax on beaches where time appears to stand still

.stay in international resort hotels or,homestay with the locals

Food in Malaysia

Malaysia has many kinds of restaurants almost everywhere in the cities and towns. There are Malay Restaurants, Chinese restaurants, Indian Restaurants, Thai Restaurants and more. Eating out in Malaysia is a real gastronomic adventure. There is such a great variety; spicy Malay Food, a seemingly endless variety of Chinese food, exotic cuisine from North and South India, as well as Nyonya and Portuguese Food. Popular Malaysian dishes include satay, nasi lemak, rendang, roti canai, murtabak, laksa, chicken rice, and fried noodles. Western cuisine is also easily available. In addition, international fast food chains operate in major towns side by side with thousands of road side stalls and food bazaars.

MALAY FOOD

nasi lemak

Coconut-flavored Rice Meal - is rice cooked in coconut milk made aromatic with pandan leaves [screwpine leaves]. It is typically served with Sambal Ikan Bilis - fried dried anchovies cooked in a dry sambal sauce, and garnished with cucumber slices, hard boiled egg and roasted peanuts. Traditionally packaged in a banana leaf, it is usually eaten as hearty breakfast fare.

Laksa

Noodles in Tangy Fish Soup - Thick rice noodles are served in a tangy fish soup/gravy. Not at all fishy, the soupy gravy is made with mackerel and lots of aromatic herbs. Fresh garnishing of shredded cucumber, lettuce, pineapple, onion and fragrant mint leaves finishes the dish. In general the term Laksa refers to Malay style laksa, sometimes calledMalay Laksa. There are slight variations in different parts of the country. The key ingredient is tamarind, used as a souring agent, giving it a tart tangy taste. This version of laksa from the 'hawker food capital' - Penang, is especially famous and well known as Penang Laksa or Penang Assam Laksa.

Otak Otak

Malay Fish Mousse - fresh fish fillets are blended with light spices, coconut milk, kaffir lime leaves and other aromatic herbs, into a sort of fish mousse. The fish mousse is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed or grilled. It makes an exotic appetizer or cocktail

CHINESE FOOD

.There are also a number of restaurants that offers a variety of Chinese dishes like steamed seafood dumplings with shark's fin, steamed soft noodles with shrimps, steamed crabsticks stuffed with fish paste, deep-fried dumplings with salted eggs and red bean paste.

INDIAN FOOD

Malaysia boasts of a large Indian population in the country and consequently there are numerous restaurants dedicated to Indian foods. Indian foods are all about spices and variety. The restaurants here offer you a wide range of Indian dishes that includes North Indian and South Indian dishes.

50 Malaysia National Heritage

In conjunction with the country's 50th Merdeka Celebration, 50 things have been chosen as a national heritage that all the peoples of Malaysia should be aware. The 50 things consists of 18 buildings, 20 objects and 12 cultural practices. The buildings listed include the Parliament House, Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the National Mosque. The objects include the national flag, the hibiscus flower and The Royal Long Keris. The cultural practices include the lion dance, the Malay Joget and Ngajat.

These national heritage were chosen by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage of Malaysia. With this, Malaysia now joins countries such as Britain, USA, Germany, France and Australia in having legislation to protect their heritage.


1. Parliament House - Members of Parliament who were elected by the people meet here.
2. Istana Negara - The National Palace
3. Flagpost - The Flagpost at Dataran Merdeka where the Malaya flag was raised for the first time.
4. Sultan Abdul Samad Building - The Moorish architecture historical building built in 1897.
5. City Hall building and City Hall Theatre
6. Kuala Lumpur train station building - The Moorish architecture building.
7. Keretapi Tanah Melayu headquarters building - The Moorish architecture building built in 1910.
8. General post Office building, Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur
9. Public Works Department building, Jalan Hishamuddin, Kuala Lumpur
10. Residency building, Jalan Dato' Onn
11. National Mosque
12. Carcosa Sri Negara
13. Batu Caves
14. St George's Church Penang
15. Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall building, Kuala Lumpur
16. The National Monument - Built to remember soldiers who gave their lives in defending the country.
17. Kinabalu National Park, Sabah - The park at the foothill of Mount Kinalabu, the highest mountain in South East Asia.
18. Mulu National Park, Sarawak
19. Jalur Gemilang - The National Flag of Malaysia
20. National Emblem
21. Royal Regalia
22. The Royal Long Keris
23. Royal Head-dress
24. Royal Tiara
25. Royal Waist Buckle
26. Royal Short Keris
27. Royal Necklace
28. Sceptre of Religion
29. Sceptre of the World
30. Maces
31. Dewan Rakyat mace
32. Dewan Negara mace
33. Hibiscus flower
34. Sejarah Melayu manuscript
35. Malacca Penal Code
36. Hikayat Hang Tuah manuscript
37. The Merdeka Proclamation letter
38. Perak Man
39. National Anthem
40. Mak Yong41. Wayang Kulit
42. Bangsawan
43. Malay Joget
44. Dondang Sayang
45. Malay Silat
46. Ngajat
47. Sumazau
48. Sewang
49. Malaysia Open House
50. Lion dance on poles

Homestay

Malaysia's friendly traditional communities have opened up their homes to foreign guests so they can have a taste of the kampung or village lifestyle to cherish for a lifetime. Experiencing a homestay in a traditional village is perhaps one of the fastest and easiest ways to get to know the real Malaysia.

You will discover that things here move at a slightly slower pace than in the city, and for those who relish the quiet calm of the rustic life, this is possibly as good as it gets. Homestay guests will not just be immersed in the lifestyle of the locals; they will also quickly establish a bond with their warm and welcoming families who will treat them like family.

Visitors will experience the full spectrum of village life. Home-cooking lessons and meal times will surely be a memorable part of your stay. The wide variety and sumptuousness of painstakingly prepared dishes can sometimes be enough to confuse most people! Guests will learn how to prepare the food. This might include gathering, cooking and washing it as well.

The lucky few will also have the opportunity to harvest fruits that are in season or try their skill at plucking coconuts out of palm trees 30-40 ft. above the ground with a bamboo pole! Spend time with the children after they return from school and indulge in traditional games that are still popular, such as kite flying, top-spinning, and congkak. Or you can choose to explore your surroundings, spend some time at the local pond, trying your hand at riverside fishing or perhaps indulge in a spot of farming a la Malaysia. In the evenings, you'll enjoy cultural dances, musical performances and even a mock-wedding, all of which you will be encouraged to participate in.

Experience the charm of Malay traditions that have been preserved throughout the ages, which remain very much alive. Live with your hosts, eat with them, be a part of their family. And when you return home, take with you a memorable cultural experience, and the friendships of a family happy to welcome you whenever you return to Malaysia!The amenities in Malaysian villages offer basic comforts. Electricity and running water are available all over Malaysia, while all these villages are connected to big cities via modern highways and public transport.

The kampungs, or villages, that are involved in the homestay programme are committed to ensuring that you experience village-style living first-hand. and are used to welcoming a variety of foreign guests from around the world. These kampungs have been carefully selected and conform with strict guidelines set by the Ministry of Tourism so as to bring out the best of Malaysia. Do check more about the homestay programme here:www.go2homestay.com (For further information, do contact the homestay coordinator directly). For a cultural experience like no other, the time is now, the place is Malaysia.

Diving Attractions

Malaysia is fast becoming one of the leading dive destinations of the world with one of the richest marine environments in the Indo-Pacific Basin. The incredible bio-diversity of marine life, coupled with beautiful islands, white sandy beaches and clear warm waters, keeps divers coming back time and time again.

Top dive sites around Malaysia include diverse underwater geography such as sloping reefs, coral blocks, wall dives, deep dives, drift dives and wreck dives. A dip below the warm sea’s surface guarantees you an astounding experience, with a concentration of vibrant and exotic marine life rarely rivalled anywhere else in the world.

From schooling Hammerhead Sharks, to huge schools of barracudas and various species of turtles, to the bizarre Frogfish and Ghost Pipefish, there is always something fascinating awaiting you. It's no exaggeration to say that almost every time a marine bio-diversity survey is conducted in Malaysia’s tropical seas, the species list increases!

Dive centres in Malaysia are numerous, well equipped and certified by all the internationally recognised dive agencies like PADI, SSI and SSAC for maintaining their standards of safety and professionalism. Naturally, all scuba diving courses in Malaysian waters are also endorsed by these certifying agencies.

After completing your scuba course, get outfitted with the latest scuba equipment as all international brands are available from dive centres in Malaysia. Almost all the islands in Malaysia cater to divers of all levels of experience - be it easy, shallow drift-diving, to advanced wreck-diving or technical diving.

Located in the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin, the heart of the world's richest marine biodiversity area, Malaysia also offers pristine beaches and professional dive centres for the pleasure and safety of the advanced and novice diver. For a most memorable diving holiday, the time is now, the place is Malaysia.

Malaysia nice

ABOUT MALAYSIA

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 of Peninsular Malaysia, and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Geographic Location Situated between 2º and 7º to the North of the Equator line, Peninsular Malaysia is separated from Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea. In the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia lies Thailand, and in the south, neighbouring Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak are bounded by Indonesia while Sarawak also shares borders with Brunei. Area 329,758 square km Population 27.17 million Capital City Kuala Lumpur People Malays comprise 57% of the population, while the Chinese, Indian and Bumiputeras and other races make up the rest of the country's population. Language (Bahasa Melayu)Malay is the national language in use, but English is widely spoken. The ethnic groups also converse in the various languages and dialects. Religion Islam is the official religion of the country, but other religions are widely practised. Government Malaysia follows the bicameral legislative system, adopting a democratic parliamentary. The head of the country is the King or the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, a position which is changed every five years among the Malay Sultanates. The head of government is the Prime Minister. Weather The country experiences tropical weather year-round. Temperatures are from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF). Higher elevations are much colder with temperatures between 15°C (59° F) to 25°C (77°F). Annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm. Main Holidays New Year*, Hari Raya Aidiladha*, Federal Territory Day **, Chinese New Year *, Awal Muharam*, Maulidur Rasul*, Labour Day*, Wesak*, King's Birthday*, National Day* Deepavali# Hari Raya Aidilfitri* Christmas* Note: (*) - National Holidays (**) - Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur & Labuan only (#) - except Labuan & Sarawak 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 major contributors to the economy. Distance to Malaysia London, United Kingdom to Kuala Lumpur : 6,557 miles (10,552 km) Paris, France to Kuala Lumpur 6,483 miles (10,432 km) Rome, Italy to Kuala Lumpur : 6,038 miles (9,716 km) Stockholm, Sweden to Kuala Lumpur : 5,812 miles (9,353 km) Berlin, Germany to Kuala Lumpur : 5,979 miles (9,622 km) Madrid, Spain to Kuala Lumpur : 6,885 miles (11,079 km) New York, USA to Kuala Lumpur : 9,400 miles (15,126 km) Los Angeles, USA to Kuala Lumpur : 8,790 miles (14,144 km) Vancouver, Canada to Kuala Lumpur : 7,944 miles (12,783 km) Currency The monetary unit of the country is Ringgit Malaysia and is written as RM. The exchange rate is valued at USD1 = RM3.40. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and money changers. Banking Hours Most states: Monday- Friday: 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. Saturday & Sunday: Closed (Some banks and its branches are opened Saturdays). Kelantan & Terengganu: Sunday - Wednesday :9.30 am to 4.30 pm. Thursday :9.30 am to 4.00 pm. Friday/Saturday*/Public holiday: Closed Post Office Opening hours from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm daily, except for the first Saturdays of the month, Sundays, and public holidays when it is closed. In Kelantan and Terengganu the post office operates at the same time, but is closed on Fridays and public holidays. Time Eight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of U.S Standard Time. Electricity Voltage is 220 - 240 Volt AC at 50 cycles per second. Standard 3- pin square plugs and socket. Measurement and Weight Malaysia follows the metric system for weight and measurement. Telephone Local calls can be made from public phones using shillings or prepaid cards. International calls can also be made using card phones or at any Telekom office. Accommodation Malaysia has a wide range of accommodation at competitive rates. International standard hotels, medium and budget hotels, youth hostels are just some of the types of accommodation available.