About Malaysia

Malaysia, a land of ready smiles and incredible contrasts, gives the visitor a rich diversity of experiences. A charming, fascinating land of warm, friendly people, here you get a taste of all of Asia in a single destination. The country's social, political and economic stability has ensured a well-structured development. Malaysia today is a cosmopolitan, progressive nation of great opportunity which has managed to retain its rich heritage of culture and traditions despite modernisation.

Geographically, Malaysia is divided into thirteen states and three federal territories, separated by the South China Sea with eleven states and two federal territories (Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya) in Peninsular Malaysia and two states and one federal territory (Labuan) in East Malaysia.

In Malaysia, you can choose to city-hop to experience the incredible variety of shopping opportunities, entertainment and accommodation or lie back blissfully on white sandy beaches as you gaze upon the rustic charms of the countryside. Or take an eco-holiday and climb Kinabalu, one of the region's highest mountains, visit the orang-utans in Sepilok, or go diving in Sipadan. Malaysia has something for everyone, the historian, the businessman, the eco-tourist, city-hopper or beachcomber.

Kuala Lumpur, is the capital of Malaysia and the main gateway to the rest of the country. This "Garden City of Lights" is the home of the spectacular Petronas Twin Towers - still the tallest twin towers in the world today.

Within her boundaries, varied and interesting architectural styles of the old and new can be found. Her many attractions amidst her tree lined city streets include a bustling Chinatown, magnificent colonial buildings, beautiful temples and mosques, parks, gardens and lakes. Kuala Lumpur also offers a sophisticated and pulsating night scene from her fine arts theatre shows and classical symphony performances of Asia's foremost orchestra to her dazzling array of pubs, latest dance clubs and discos.

Get ready to experience Malaysia!

A date with Malaysia

Country MALAYSIA

Malaysia is a country with fascinating people and enthralling range of attractions. Its three major races, the Malays, Chinese and Indians, along with the ethnic traditions of the Kadazan, Dusun, Iban and many more in East Malaysia, make up the delightful multicultural fabric of Malaysia.

The potpourri is enriched further with the influence of the British, Portuguese, Dutch and Thai. The Federation of Malaysia comprises Peninsular Malaysia; made up of 11 states; three federal territories and the states of Sabah and Sarawak in Borneo.
Capital City Kuala Lumpur
Area 329,758 sq km
Population 30,513,848 (July 2015 est)
Language Bahasa Malaysia is the national language but English is widely spoken.
Religion Islam is the official religion but all other religions are practised freely.
Climate Tropical climate with warm weather all year round. Temperatures range from 21oC to 34oC. Annual rainfall varies from 2,000 mm to 2,500 mm.
Time Zone Eight hours ahead of GMT (GMT+8) and 16 hours ahead of US Pacific Standard Time.
Currency Malaysian Ringgit (RM) Travellers' cheque and foreign currencies can be changed for Malaysian Ringgit at banks and hotels. However there are also money changer kiosks available at major shopping complexes and at the airport. Most major hotels charge a nominal fee for currency conversion.
Tipping Most hotels and restaurants levy a 6% government sales tax on bills and tipping is not customary. However, should you want to show your appreciation for good service, a small tip will suffice.
Shopping All purchases are done in Malaysian Ringgit (RM). Major credit cards are accepted in most dining and retail outlets. Hypermarkets, supermarkets and most retail outlets have fixed prices for their goods, which are displayed on the products. However, bargaining is acceptable at selected retail outlets and is most common at night markets (pasar malam), or at bazaars. Shopping centres operate from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm with extended hours during sales and festive seasons.  
Dining Most eateries operate until late night. However, selected eateries are open 24 hours. Most Malaysians enjoy their meals using their fingers and adventurous visitors may choose to do so. However, it is perfectly normal to request for a cutlery set.
Insurance Visitors are advised to obtain adequate insurance coverage before travelling to Malaysia.
Business Hour In Malaysia, government offices are usually open for business during weekdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and close on weekends and public holiday. Bank opens from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Most shops and shopping mall are open from 10:00 am to 10:00pm.
Getting There The state-of-the-art Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), KLIA2, Subang Airport Selangor and Penang International Airport are the main gateways into the country.
Getting Around The country has a well-developed and efficient and public transportation system served by buses, taxis and trains.  In Kuala Lumpur, the Putra and STAR Light rail Transit (LRT), Express Rail Link (ERL), KL Monorail and KTM Commuters trains provide regular and hassle-free accessibility within the city as well as to several outlying towns. Car rental agencies can be found in most cities around the country.
Taxi In Kuala Lumpur, taxi fares are based on a metered rate and are available 24 hours a day. The flag-off rate is RM3.00 and 10 cents is charged for every subsequent 100 metres. Extra charges apply for services after midnight or for services booked by phone.
Buses In Kuala Lumpur, bus services such as RapidKL, City Liner and Metrobus ply a network of routes.  Feeder buses are available from LRT stations to designated surrounding areas. There is also an airport coach service which connects KLIA to the Jalan Duta Bus Terminal and Chan Sow Lin LRT Station in Kuala Lumpur. There is also a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus service provided in Kuala Lumpur.
KTM and ETS Rail Services The Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) or Malayan Railway offers a well-connected rail network to all states in Peninsular Malaysia as well as neighbouring countries. Tickets can be purchased at KL Sentral.
KLIA Express and KLIA Transit The KLIA Express and KLIA Transit are the fastest modes of transport that ply between the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang, and the city. A non-stop 28-minute ride on the KLIA Express will connect you from the airport to the KL City Air Terminal (KLCAT) at the KL Sentral Station and a one way ticket cost RM55.00. This state-of-the-art transportation hub offers flight and baggage check in services for Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Royal Brunei Airlines.
Electricity Voltage is 220-240 volts AC at 50 cycles per second.
Emergency phone number (999) Police, Ambulance, Fire Brigade and Civil Defense.