Located partially on the northern half of Borneo island
and partially on the Asian mainland, Malaysia is a shining star
in South East Asia that is known for technology and oil
production. That said, Malaysia also offers a chance to explore
Asia and Oceania at the same time in a tropical paradise. You've
probably heard of the world's tallest building - Petronas Twin
Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. They're also referred to as
simply the Twin Towers sometimes, but the building is the
crown jewel of Malaysia.
There are plenty of other things to do and see in the country,
however. The Twin Towers aren't the only draw to the area. Here
are some other favorite destinations to think about if you're
going to Malaysia:
Kuala Lumpur - While this
is where the Twin Towers are, this is also the capital of
Malaysia, which means there's quite a bit else that goes on in
this city of millions of people.
Kuantan - If you enjoy
shopping, this commercial city is located on the East Coast of
Malaysia.
Malacca - If you're into
history, the ancient historical city of Malaysia is going to
whet your appetite for knowledge about the area.
Fraser's Hill - If you want
to relive the Colonial Era, this is the place to do it in
Malaysia!
Langkawi - With nearly 100
islands, this archipelago is the place to go if you want to
enjoy the beaches and related activities.
Characteristics of Malaysia:
Multicultural - Malaysia is
a very multicultural country, with Malays only making up
around 50% of the population. As a result, there are many
faiths practiced in this country, making it a good place no
matter what your personal beliefs are.
Festivals - Celebrations
and big events are huge in Malaysia, so if you like outdoor
events (like parades and festivals) with lots of people,
you're going to find there's plenty to do once you get here.
Tips for Travelers going to Malaysia:
Getting Around - Taking the
bus is going to be the least expensive means of transportation
once you're in Malaysia. That said, it's relatively easy to
rent a car to take you around. Of course, since there's water
dividing some of the country, you may need a boat, plane, or
helicopter to travel from Borneo to the mainland.
Travel Visas - Most Western
nationalities don't need a travel visa to enter Malaysia.
Still, you'll want to check before you get on the plane just
in case things have changed or there are new requirements for
you to get into the country.
Language - The official
language is Malay. There are some dialects near the border
with Thailand. Because there is such a large Chinese
population in the country, Cantonese, Mandarin and other
Chinese languages are spoke as well in some areas.
Currency - Local Malaysian
currency is the ringgit, also sometimes just referred to as
the dollar locally. In most places in Malaysia, foreign
currency isn't accepted, so you'll want to get some local
currency when you're planning to spend some time in the
country.
Expenses in Malaysia - Most
people will find that things in Malaysia are generally
inexpensive or at least not inflated too much. This means your
money can go a little further in this country while you still
enjoy the perks of this tropical paradise.
About Malaysia