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Why
travel to Malaysia?
Malaysia is
one of Southeast Asia’s top
travel destinations, possessing
an endless range of attractions
and activities that cater for
the cosmopolitan shopper,
cultural enthusiast, historical
buff and nature-lover. Divided
into Peninsular Malaysia in the
West and East Malaysia, part of
the Borneo archipelago, the
country will allure you with the
shopping experience of its
modern cities, the splendour of
its cultural arts and natural
heritage of rich flora and
fauna!
Malaysia is
one of
Southeast
Asia’s top
travel
destinations,
possessing
an endless
range of
attractions
and
activities
that cater
for the
cosmopolitan
shopper,
cultural
enthusiast,
historical
buff and
nature-lover.
Divided into
Peninsular
Malaysia in
the West and
East
Malaysia,
part of the
Borneo
archipelago,
the country
will allure
you with the
shopping
experience
of its
modern
cities, the
splendour of
its cultural
arts and
natural
heritage of
rich flora
and fauna!
In the heart
of Asia lie
some of the
world's most
beautiful
beaches,
with
sparkling
sand and
crystal
waters. It
would be an
impossible
task to
describe
every one of
Malaysia's
thousands of
beautiful
beaches.
Ranging from
the powdery
stretches of
sand that
characterize
the eastern
coastline of
Peninsular
Malaysia to
the black
sand beach
of Pantai
Pasir Hitam
and the
smooth
pebble beach
of Pantai
Batu Kerikil,
Malaysia's
shores offer
more idyllic
locales than
one could
explore in
many
lifetimes.
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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.
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Country
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The Federation of Malaysia comprises
Peninsula Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on
the island of Borneo.
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Geographical Location
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Located between 2º and 7º north of the
Equator, Peninsula Malaysia is separated from the states of
Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea. To the north of
Peninsula Malaysia is Thailand while its southern neighbour
is Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak are north of Indonesia in
Borneo while Sarawak also shares a border with Brunei.
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Capital
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Kuala
Lumpur
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Language
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Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the national
language but English is widely spoken. Other languages
widely spoken are Mandarin, Hakkien, Tamil and Urdu. The
ethnic groups also speak various languages and dialects.
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Religion
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Islam is the official religion but all
other religions are freely practised.
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Government
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Malaysia is governed by a Parliamentary
democracy with a bicameral legislative system. The Head of
State is the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, a position that is
awarded to a different State Monarch every five years and
the Head of Government is the Prime Minister.
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Climate and Weather
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Malaysia has an equatorial /tropical
climate and as such the weather is warm all year round. The
weather is hot and humid all year round with average
temperatures of 23 – 33 Cº
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Economic Profile
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Manufacturing constitutes the largest
single component of Malaysia's economy. Tourism and primary
commodities such as petroleum, palm oil, natural rubber and
timber are other major contributors to the economy.
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Currency
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The unit of currency is
Malaysian Ringgit indicated as RM. AUD1 is roughly
equivalent to RM2.90. Foreign currency can be converted at
banks and money changers.
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Banking and Office Hours
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Most states: Mon - Fri: 9.15am to
4.30pm. Sat & Sun: Closed (Selected banks and branches are
open on Sat). Kelantan & Terengganu: Sun - Wed :9.15am to
4.30pm. Thurs :9.15am to 4.00pm. Friday/ Saturday*/Public
Holiday: Closed
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Time
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Eight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific
Standard Time or 2 hours ahead of Australian Eastern
Standard Tome (AEST) and 3 hours ahead of AEST during
daylight saving time.
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Electricity
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Voltage is 220 - 240 volts AC at 50
cycles per second. Standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets
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Telephones
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Local calls can be made from public
phones using coins or pre-paid cards. International calls
can be made from public phones with card phone facilities or
at any Telekom office.
Pre-paid
sim
cards
can be
purchased
at the
bookstore
at KLIA
and many
other
outlets
for
mobile
phones.
The
presentation
of a
passport
will be
required
for
connection
purposes
and
credit
will
last
from a
few days
up to 4
months
depending
on the
package
purchased.
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Accommodation
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Malaysia has a wide range of
accommodation at competitive rates. Six-star, medium range,
budget hotels, youth hostels, beach chalets and timeshare
apartments are just some of the types of accommodation
available. Privately operated motor-homes are also available
for rent.
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For the
perfect
holiday full
of
surprises,
eclectic
cultures and
natural
wonders, the
time is now,
the place is
Malaysia. |
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