Malaysia, comprising Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo, covers an area of about 336,700 sq. km. Blessed with diverse scenic tropical beauty, it offers challenging jungle-clad mountains, exotic underwater marine life, sweeping coastlines, fascinating mangrove forests and exotic cultures.
Across the country the 13 different states, namely Selangor, Perak, Negeri, Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, Pulau Pinang, Kedah, Perlis, Terengganu, Kelantan, Sabah and Sarawak along with the three Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan, offer a never-ending discovery of country that truly captures the essence of Asia. Malaysia is simply astounding! Enjoy it.
KUALA LUMPUR - Garden City of Light
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's eclectic charming capital is situated centrally on the West Coast of PeninsularMalaysia. Covering an area of approximately 243.6 sq. km. It is home to 1.8 million people who work and live in the thriving city.
 The city began as a mining town in the late 1800s with the discovery of tin at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. It was subsequently called Kuala Lumpur meaning, "muddy confluence". Although the heydays of Kuala Lumpur's tin trade has since declined, the growth of the city has remained unabated. It was proclaimed city status on 1 February 1972, and declared a Federal Territory in 1974. In 2001, the city's administrative centre was moved to Putrajaya, a new futuristic territory 25 km. Away, thus relieving Kuala Lumpur of some of the functions.
Kuala Lumpur, as it is fondly known locally, is the pulse of the nation and leads the country's fast paced development in information technology, commerce, economic growth, sports, leisure industry and social life. The city is served by the state-of -the-art Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at Sepang, about 50 km from Kuala Lumpur. Rail links from major towns on the peninsular converge at the new Kuala Lumpur Central. For cruise liners, the main port of call is Port Klang, located 41 km. Away.
Moving around the city is made easier with
the Light Rail Transport (LRT), KTM Commuter
Trains, buses and taxis and self-drive rental
cars.
PUTRAJAYA - Malaysia's Futuristic City
 Putrajaya
is Malaysia's stylish futuristic city. Named after
the nation's first Prime Minister, the late Tunku
Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj, the 4581 hectare 'Garden
City' with intelligent features is the new administrative
capital and was declared a Federal Territory in
2000.
Putrajaya is located at the hub of Asia's fastest
growing market - the Multimedia Super Corridor
(MSC). The MSC, like US's Silicone Valley, is
a bold initiative for companies developing or
using leading multimedia developers. Lying 25
km south of Kuala Lumpur, the nation's capital,
and 20km north from the KL International Airport
at Sepang (KLIA), Putrajaya has multiple entry
and exit points and is the most accessible city
in Malaysia.
LABUAN - Malaysia's Financial Offshore Centre
 Labuan
is the largest of a cluster of six islands situated
off the west coast of Sabah, about 123 km from
Kota Kinabalu. The idyllic little island is accessible
by air from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu, and
also by sea from the latter.
Labuan, a Federal Territory of Malaysia, is
an International Offshore Financial Centre (IOFC).
It is also a Free Port. Hence its attraction
as a shopping haven for electrical goods, designer
labels and other items. But for many visitors,
it is the waters surrounding the islands that
provide the lure. Labuan offers ideal diving
conditions all year round for first-time, novice
and seasoned divers. Crystal clear waters and
a wealth of shipwrecks from Second World War
and postwar have made Labuan the region's centre
for wreck diving.
JOHOR - The Southern Gateway
 Johor,
the 'Southern Gateway, the third largest state
in Peninsular Malaysia covers some 18,941 sq.
km. Of verdant undulating terrain that refreshes
the spirit. Scenic beaches, seductive islands,
nature reserves and mangroves breathe excitement
for visitors.
The state, a major producer of oil palm, rubber
and pineapple, also offers agrotourism products
such as homestays and fruit tours. It is renowned
for its shopping, golfing, nature and sports
events - especially among neighboring Singaporeans
who cross over the stretch of water at every
available opportunity to enjoy Johor's multifaceted
attractions. Johor is served by an airport,
sea links, highways and also a causeway that
links the state to Singapore. The state capital
is Johor Bahru.
MELAKA - Where it all Began
 Historic
sites … … legacies of a region's stormy
past can be fulfilled through a visit to Melaka.
Located on the southwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia,
Melaka covers an area of 658 sq. km. It's history
began in 1403 when an exiled Hindu prince from
Sumatra called Parameswara sought refuge in the
little fishing village which he subsequently named
after the Melaka tree he sat under when he first
arrived.
Melaka thrived as a port-of-call to many a
ship and merchants from China, India and Arabia
and South America. Steeped in history, it was
colonized by the Portuguese in 1511 (for 130
years), the Dutch in 1641 (for 154 years), and
the British in 1824 (until Independence in 1957).
Melaka also experienced Japanese occupation
from 1942 to 1945. After World War 11, anti-colonial
sentiments bred in the country among the nationalists,
the result of which was the proclamation of
Independence by Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj,
Malaysia's first Prime Minister, at Padang Pahlawan
Bandar Hilir, Melaka on 20th February 1956.
Melaka's population is a fascinating blend
of Malays, Chinese, Indians, Straits-born Chinese,
Portuguese descendants and Eurasians. Melaka,
the historical capital city, features an interesting
blend of architecture-legacies of its former
rules. Most of Melaka's sights are located conveniently
within each other.
NEGERI SEMBILAN - Land of Minangkabau
 Located
between the states of Selangor and Melaka is Negeri
Sembilan, a pastoral state covering some 6,645
sq. km. Of rolling hills and scenic lakes. Literally
translated meaning 'Nine States' because it comprises
a federation of nine districts the state's distinct
feature is its unique culture which is greatly
influenced by Minangkabau settlers, mostly farmers,
from Sumatra. They brought a matrilineal kind
of system called adat perpatih.
The system encompasses almost all aspects -
in politics, economic and social systems as
well as in royal ceremonies and divides inherited
properties whereby the ancestral property is
passed onto the womenfolk. This ancient practice
is still being followed by the Minangkabau people.
The state's most distinctive external feature
is the Minangkabau architectural style of its
buildings and traditional houses. It is characterized
by the sweeping upward turn of the roof's corners
- rather like the horns of the buffalo.
Negeri Sembilan is well-connected to all the
major cities and towns of Malaysia. By air,
Seremban, the state capital, lies just 30 minutes
away from the new KL International Airport at
Sepang.
Seremban is also linked to other cities in
the peninsula by an excellent network of roads.
Strategically located along the North-South
Expressway, access to the capital is swift for
those arriving north from Bukit Kayu Hitam on
the Thai border or south from Singapore. Rail
offers an alternative mode of travel, and an
attractive one at that as rail tracks pass through
idyllic rural villages and scenic terrain. The
main railway line along the West Coast of Peninsula
Malaysia passes through Seremban while the railway
line to the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia
starts from the old railway town of Gemas in
Negeri Sembilan. A fast commuter train service
also connects Seremban to Kuala Lumpur, and
this is a preferred transport for locals who
work in Kuala Lumpur but live in Seremban.
SELANGOR - A never ending Discovery
Rich in history, yet strikingly modern, Selangor
is the most developed state in the country.
Home to the KL International Airport (KLIA)
at Sepang - the most advanced airport in the
region, and Port Klang, the biggest port in
the country, it leads the country in fast-paced
development.
From its early days, Selangor's strategic position
has helped it to become the prosperous state
that it is today. Its history dates to the 16th
century when rich tin deposits were found in
the area, attracting miners, immigrants and
colonizers. By the middle of the 18th century,
the Bugis, who established the present sultanate,
had begun to dominate the state both politically
and economically. Infighting between the Bugis,
Chinese and Malay nobility gave the British
their opportunity to gain a foothold. Selangor
remained under British rule from 1874 until
independence on 31 August 1957.
Many of the country's largest industrial operations
ranging from manufacturing, industrial to commercial
activities are found in the various industrial
zones, particularly in the Klang Valley. Selangor
also has several interesting tourist attractions,
which include history, nature, shopping malls
and sports events of international stature such
as the Petronas Formula One Grand Prix at Sepang.
Selangor, which covers an area of approximately
8,000 sq. km. On the west coast of Peninsula
Malaysia, has the distinction of being the most
populated state with 3.75 million inhabitants.
Selangor's capital is Shah Alam while Klang
is the Royal Town.
PERAK - The Silver State of Malaysia
 Perak
…. captivating … beguiling … and
immensely enriching. Covering an area of 20,722
sq. km. Peninsular Malaysia's second largest state
offers scenic limestone hills, caves, lakes, forest
reserves, wildlife sanctuaries, historical places,
archaeological sites, rich cultural heritage,
sumptuous cuisine and warm hospitable people.
Perak's major towns include Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar,
Taiping and Lumut.
Perak's history began with the installation
of the state's first sultan, Muzaffar Shah,
the eldest son of the last Sultan of Melaka,
in 1528. Sultan Muzaffar Shah's reign was based
on the control of the great Perak River that
produced tin ore. It is from the silvery appearance
of the metal that Perak got its name. The name
'Perak' means 'silver' in Malay.
For centuries the Malay sultans ruled, although
attacks came from outsiders, namely Thai, Achinese,
Bugis, Portuguese and Dutch, eager for the state's
spices and tin. The state was saved from Thai
domination with British assistance in 1820.
In the 19th century, industrialization in Europe
created a demand for tin. The abundance of tin
ore in Perak attracted Chinese miners and migrants
to the tin fields of Larut, and Kinta Valley
that became the largest tin-producing region
in the world. The wealth from tin mining activities,
later the rubber industry that began in Kuala
Kongsar in Pera contributed the development
of the state.
 PENANG
- Pearl of the Orient
Timeless. These are tales of adventure, intrigue
and romance that unfold in the island's historic
past. The island of Penang was fondly referred
to as 'The Pearl of the Orient' by the British
who ruled the island for more than a century.
But Penang is more than the island. It comprises
a 285-sq. km. Island and a 760-sq. km. Strip
of land on the mainland known as Seberang Perai
(Province Wellesley). The two regions are linked
by the majestic 13.5 km Penang Bridge.
Penang is rich in history and old buildings.
A legacy of clan houses, missionary schools,
houses, shops and places of worship, passed
on by the early artisans who came from all over
the world offer an insight into the early history
of its people. Among the popular sights are
the Penang Museum and Art Gallery, Fort Cornwallis,
Acheen Mosque, Kapitan Kling, Mosque, Khoo Kongsi,
Kek Lok Si, Nattukotai Chettiar Temple and the
Snake Temple.
 The
island's people are intriguing - a multicultural
society with cross-cultures evolving from a variety
of ethnic groups who arrived here more than 200
years ago from Thailand, Myanmar, Sumatra, Java,
India and South China. Arising out of these cultures,
are year-round festivals and religious celebrations
and food. Penang is well known as a gourmet's
paradise. The island's exotic cuisine has been
described as the 'melting pot of the melting pot'.
The resulting 'hybrid' dishes are the basis of
hawker food, one of the most sought-after taste
experiences in Penang.
Penang's capital is George Town. The island
is served by the Bayan Lepas International Airport,
and has air links with major cities in the region.
It is also accessible via the Penang Bridge
from the North-South Expressway. By sea, visitors
can still use the quaint ferries from Butterworth
on the mainland. Keretapi Tanah Melayu provides
rail services from Butterworth that is linked
to Kuala Lumpur, Padang Basar, Haadyai and Bangkok.
KEDAH - The Rice Bowl of Malaysia
The northwestern state of Kedah brings fresh
delights within relatively flat terrain. Topping
the flat 9,425 sq km. Land is Gunung Jerai (1,200
meters above sea level). At the food of the
mountain lies Bujang Valley, an area that has
drawn much interest from historians and archaeologists.
Once a major trading point between India and
China, Kedah attracted Indians, Chinese, Achinese,
Burmese and Arabs.
Kedah's ancient civilization waned in importance
by the 13th century when Malacca assumed a more
dominant role. Off its coast are the legendary
isles of Langkawi, nicknamed 'the Caribbean
of the East'. Kedah's fertile land encourages
rice cultivation and together with its neighbor,
Perlis, is Malaysia's largest producer of rice.
Alor Setar is the capital of Kedah. It is served
by air, road and rail from major towns in Peninsular
Malaysia.
PERLIS - Land of Rustic Idyll
 Tiny
but memorable. Perlis, the smallest state in Malaysia
lies at the northwestern tip of the Malay Peninsular.
It is bounded by Thailand in the north and by
Kedah to the east and south. Its western coastline
borders the Straits of Malacca.
It measures approximately 759 sq. km. Although
small in size, Perlis is not without its attractions,
foremost among which is its serene unspoiled
beauty. Perlis too abounds with rustic rural
scenes and rolling green fields of paddy, Kangar,
the state capital is surrounded by an expanse
of verdant green paddy fields. Ten kilometers
away is Arau, the royal town of Perlis.
KELANTAN - The Cradle of Malay Culture
 Kelantan,
the northern most state on the East Coast of Peninsula
Malaysia, comprises an area of 14,922 sq. km.
Much of it is covered by rugged forest terrain.
The southeastern corner of the state forms part
of the Taman Negara (National Park).
Kelantan has a long and turbulent history.
Between the 16th and early 18th century it was
under the influence of Patani, the Thai kingdom
which was a dominant power in the region. Then
it came under the British influence before finally
becoming a part of the Federation of Malaya
in 1957 and, later, Malaysia in 1963. The Kelantanese
are deeply religious and traditionalists. Be
respectful of their feelings and avoid offensive
behavior, particularly in manner of dressing
and public displays of affection between the
sexes. Kelantan has a population of approximately
1.4 million, 95% of whom are Malays. The rest
is made up of Chinese, Indian and others. Kelantan's
economy is based mostly on agriculture, fishing,
cottage industries and tourism. The state, steeped
in Malay culture, offers traditional sports
of giant kite-flying, top-spinning, silat, bird-singing
competitions and exquisite handicrafts such
as songket, batik, silverware and mengkuang
products.
 The
climate tends to get wet from November to January,
but other months are pleasant. Kelantan's capital
is Kota Bharu. It is served by the Sultan Ismail
Petra Airport at Pengkalan Chepa, 12 km. Northeast
of Kota Bharu. The state capital is also served
by the Wakaf Bharu and Tumpat rail stations.
TERRENGGANU - Land of Coastal Charm
Tranquil Terengganu, on the east coast of Peninsula
Malaysia, has a land area of 12,995 square kilometers
and a 225 km. Long picturesque coastline, with
attractive offshore islands.
Terengganu has a population of about one million
people of which 90% are Malays, and the rest made
up of Chinese, Indians and others. The people
of Terengganu are traditionalists. Respect their
culture and avoid skimpy dressing and public displays
of affection between opposite sexes. Terengganu
tends to get wet from November to January and
waves can be rough during these months. Besides
its scenic beaches, Terengganu is known for its
attractive handicrafts, notably silverware and
songket.
Kuala Terengganu, the state capital, is served
by the Sultan Mahmud Airport, 18-km. From the
town. Driving through the state is a pleasantly
relaxing experience, as charming laid-back coastal
scenery unfolds miles after miles of scenic
and sandy beaches.
PAHANG - Where Adventure Beckons
 Delightful
Pahang, situated on the ast coast, is home to
some of Malaysia's premier holiday destinations.
They offer diverse outdoor holiday experiences
including jungle trekking, birdwatching, scuba
diving, windsurfing, river rafting, caving and
much more.
Covering an area of 35,964 sq. km. Of primeval
forests, wetlands, hill resorts, lakes, islands
and beaches, Pahang is the largest state in
Peninsular Malaysia. The state capital is Kuantan,
a charming coastal town famed for seafood restaurants.
The town is served by air, rail and road.
SABAH - Land Below The Wind
Sabah is a rugged country in raw natural splendor
that is simply breathtaking. It has a land area
of 73,620-sq. km., much of virgin jungle. In
safeguarding its forest heritage, state parks
and wildlife reserves have been set aside to
provide sanctuaries for near-extinct wildlife.
Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast
Asia, rises to 4,101 meters above sea level.
It has a wide diversity of flora and fauna.
Located at the northeastern corner of Borneo,
Sabah was referred to as the 'Land Below The
Wind' by maritime traders because it lies below
the typhoon belt. The people of Sabah comprise
about 32 various indigenous groups. Amongst
them are Kadazans, Muruts, Bajaus, Kedayans,
Sulu, Bisaya, Rumanau, Minokok and Rungus. Sabah's
capital is Kota Kinabalu. It has air links to
and from major towns in Malaysia and the region.
SARAWAK
- Land of Hornbills
Sarawak's history filled with adventure and
romance that make history books come alive!
When English adventurer, James Brooke arrived
in 1839, Sarawak was rebelling against the
Brunei Sultanate. As a reward for the role
he played in quelling the rebellion, the Pengiran
Mahkota of Brunei made Brooke the Rajah of
Sarawak in 1841. His nephew Charles Brooke
succeeded James in 1868, who in turn was succeeded
by his eldest son, Charles Vyner in 1917.
During the Second World War, the Japanese
forces occupied Sarawak but it was subsequently
ceded to Britain after the war and became
a British Crown Colony. Sarawak joined Malaysia
in 1963 and today observes a democratic system
of government. Occupying an area of 124,450
sq. km. On the northwestern seaboard of Borneo,
Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia.
It is popularly known as 'The Land of the
Hornbills' in tribute to the majestic-looking
hornbills, which are considered messengers
from the spiritual world by the Iban community,
an indigenous group. Hornbills are central
to many Iban ceremonies, beliefs and traditional
dances. Sarawak's population comprises about
1.8 million people including Chinese, Malay,
Indian, and ethnic groups such as Penan Iban,
Murut, Kenyah, Melanau, Kayan and Kelabit.
Sarawak is an endless discovery of fascination
- the largest cave in the world, verdant jungles,
unique fauna and flora, white beaches, and
remote islands. Its economy is based largely
on natural resources such as pepper, cocoa,
palm oil, timber and oil. Being a vast state
with areas of impenetrable jungle, travelling
in some parts of the state is often by means
of light aircraft, helicopters and boats.
Sarawak is served by major carriers at Kuching,
the main gateway, while Miri is the ideal
entry point for travelers arriving from Sabah
and Brunei. By road, for those entering from
Pontianak in Indonesia and Brunei, Sarawak
is accessible from Kuching and Miri, respectively.
Visitors may enter Sarawak from Brunei or
Indonesia using their own vehicles or rental
vehicles, provided they have an international
driver's license. |
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