"...MALAYSIA PAGE..." Malaysia by Xinta

Malaysia Travel Guide: 27,574 reviews and 68,430 photos

EAST MALAYSIA & WEST MALAYSIA

Malaysia is truly an Asia! It is situated in the heart of Southeast Asia. So much of Asia can be found in just one destination: the exotic blend of cultures - Malay, Chinese, Indian, the ethnic groups of Sabah and Sarawak, the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia and the influences of the British, Dutch, Portuguese and Thai are indeed a fest for the senses. There are so much to see, do and experience. Blessed with diverse scenic tropical beauty, it offers challenging jungle-clad mountains, exotic underwater marine life, sweeping coastlines, fascinating mangrove forests and rich blend of exotic cultures with friendly people.

Malaysia consists of Peninsular Malaysia and the two states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo, is located 7 degrees north of the Equator. To the north lies Thailand and to the south Singapore. Peninsular Malaysia is separated from the states of Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea. The country comprises of 13 states, namely Selangor, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, Perak, Pulau Pinang, Kedah, PerliS, Terengganu and Kelantan. The three Federal Territories are Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan. The Government is an alliance of parties representing different racial groups, and is headed by the Prime Minister and members of his cabinet. The Supreme Head of State is the Yang Di Pertuan Agong (The King). He is a constitutional monarch elected for a term of 5 years by his fellow rulers from the other states.

The population are made of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and indigenous people. Although the National Language is Bahasa Malaysia, English is widely used by the people in their daily lives and in business. The other common languages spoken in the State are major dialects of the Chinese and Indians. Islam is the official religion but freedom of other religions is practised freely.

Malaysia’s temperature fluctuates little throughout the year. Average temperature is between 21oC – 32oC. Humidity is high. Monsoon season occurs sometime between November and February on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, on western Sarawak and north-eastern Sabah. Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 16 hours ahead of United States Pacific Standard Time. The unit currency used is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM).

Malaysia definitely offers a never-ending discovery that truly captures the essence of Asia out of the thirteen different states along with the three Federal Territories. Malaysia is simply astounding! Enjoy it...

FLAG OF MALAYSIA

Flag of Malaysia

The dark blue stands for the unity of the Malaysian people. The crescent moon is a symbol of the official religion Islam. The red and white stripes stand for equal status in the federation of the member states and the federal government. The 14 pointed star symbolises the unity of the 13 states and the federal government. The yellow of the crescent and the star is the colour of Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Malay States.

STATE OF SARAWAK

Map of Sarawak

Populated by the indigenous races, the Malays, Indians and Chinese, Sarawak has world famed natural wonders and fascinating traditional cultural diversities where visitors will find Sarawak "A Place Like No Other". The ever friendly local hospitality will make one fall in love with this beautiful state which has a population of over 2 million people with the Iban making up the vast majority and living harmoniously with the other ethinic groups consisting of the Bidayuh, Orang Ulu, Melanau, Bisayah and Penan to name a few of the many people here. Travelling to Sarawak is easy and pleasant because visitors are welcomed in all of the interesting places where the friendly locals are ever willing to welcome and assist their visiting guests. Language is not a problem for English is widely spoken by locals although the national language is Bahasa Malaysia.

As Sarawak is a land of rich traditional cultural heritage, it is a haven for collectors of items where the excellent collection of native handicrafts and unique artistic items such as the famed native ikat woven "Pua Kumbu" by the Iban women are found. The interesting bamboo handicrafts by the indigenous Bidayuh is another unique collectibles for visitors. Famous for its longhouses too, visitors to Sarawak will be impressed with the unique village under one roof concept where a trip here is incomplete without a visit to one. The world famed Sarawak Cultural Village with its live residents concept is another "must see" venue for visitors to Sarawak.

**...I LOVE COLLECTING POSTCARDS AND STAMPS. IF ANY ONE OF YOU SHARE SIMILAR INTEREST, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. I'LL BE MOST HAPPY TO TRADE IT WITH YOU!...**

Pros and Cons

Pros:A multi-racial country which is very peaceful...
Cons:Can't think of any...
In a nutshell:No other place like Malaysia - great people, great food, great places to visit & great festive seasons!

Last visit to Malaysia: Mar 1976
Intro Updated Jun 19, 2003
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Reviews (23)

Something for Someone back home? Shopping (1)

This shop offers the best selection of antiques, arts and traditional handicrafts in the whole of Borneo, and for exotic... more travel advice

Mount Kinabalu... Things to Do (9)

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Bako National Park... Things to Do (9)

This park is a compact lil area with abundance of flora and fauna. It really offers the perfect introduction to... more travel advice

Shaped like a ‘***ake’... Things to Do (9)

Shaped like a ‘***ake’ mushroom, Sipadan is absolutely a must... Its exceptional water clarity and seascape is... more travel advice

Warnings and Dangers (3)
See All Trafficking of illegal and...
Transportation (2)
See All Getting around Malaysia is...
Local Customs (2)
See All Whenever you take a boat ride...

Travelogues (1)

Written Apr 5, 2003

6 photos

**...MALAYSIAN FRUITS...**

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Comments (63)

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evona Apr 26, 2004 at 11:24 AM

I hope one day I`ll go there.. Nice pics and good infos :)
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Faiza-Ifrah Jun 20, 2003 at 5:06 AM

very nice tips on national parks of east malasia and on shopping. east malaysia seems to be very different from west malaysia.
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city_guy May 26, 2003 at 9:10 AM

Lovely pictures of East Malaysia. One day i'll make it there..... one day ☺
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jmmorgan May 26, 2003 at 2:25 AM

You had a really good trip. The tips are excellent and very much reflect my own experiences. I ate in most of those restaurants too!
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tamlandells May 10, 2003 at 9:02 AM

Hi - i've added u to my friends just so can go immediatly to your pages...have been studying them madly as going in the summer to Malaysia!Can't wait your pages are an inspiration for me..thanks Tamsin x
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kenmerk Apr 12, 2003 at 5:54 AM

The wildlife and natural beauty in Malaysia is really incredible...
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Jim_Eliason Apr 5, 2003 at 6:00 PM

Cool Page!
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Pavlik_NL Mar 9, 2003 at 3:22 AM

Wonderful page of a country that I still have to visit. Your page made that even more clear to me. Wonderful pictures and good info. Thank you, Paul
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coral0317 Feb 26, 2003 at 7:20 PM

lovely fruits, makes my mouth watering... unfortunately i didn't try durian due to fears of its smell, hehe=)
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o00o Feb 26, 2003 at 8:38 AM

Lovely pictures - great info