Official Language:
Bahasa Malaysian
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Currency:
Ringgit
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Population:
More than 23 million people call live throughout t
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Malaysia: Hot & Humid with the rainy season being October and November, especially on the eastern coast, at higher altitudes, it does get better (it even gets downright cold in the Cameron Highlands). Monsoons can cause flooding, with high water blocking roadways and causing long delays for motorists, especially along the coast. The country is generally warm throughout the year with temperatures ranging from 70-90°F/ 21-32°C in the lowlands. This can however be as low as 61°F/16°C in the highlands The east coast is wet between October and February, and many tourist operations on the islands shut down because of rough seas. This is the best time to visit the west coast, where it tends to be dry when the east coast is wet. Borneo is more humid and generally more miserable than the rest of the country. Take along a sweater or jacket if you're going to the higher elevations in the Mount Kinabalu area, the rainy season being October and November.
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Malaysia is one of the richest countries in Southeast Asia in many ways! It is home to approximatley 20 million. From beaches to wildlife to a journey down the rivers of Sarawak or a day exploring the streets of Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, not far beyond. Malaysia has much to explore. Situated in the heart of Southeast Asia between Thailand and Indonesia.
Malaysia’s history began with Pirates and European adventurers searching for spice and gold rushed its shores in the 1600s staying approximately 200 years. Followed by being conquered by the Portuguese, and then again by the Dutch. In the 19th century millions of Chinese came to work in the country’s rapidly expanding industries. The British colonized Malaysia, and following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese invaded. Malaysia finally gained independence in 1957. Since then Malaysia’s major regions have formed three separate, independent countries; Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore.
Malaysia is made up of two districts. The first district, Peninsular Malaysia, known as mainland Malaysia is home to 80 percent of the country’s population. The second district, East Malaysia, is actually bigger, but it is mainly jungle. This portion of the country sits on the island of Borneo and includes the states of Sarawak, Sabah, the Republic of Brunei, and a portion of Indonesia.
Cruise ships visit many ports of Malaysia, including: Kuantan, Malacca, Penang, and Port Kelang
Kuantan: Located between Singapore & Kota Bharu. The capital of the state of Pahang. There are many beaches this busy port. Known for its high-quality handicraft selection. You’ll find a great selection of batik at the local factory and many hand-carved wood items. Breeze through the local markets, view the activities taking place on the Kuantan River, or enjoy the sand at Teluk Chempedak beach, which happens to be the area’s most popular attraction.
Langkawi: This is Malaysia’s hottest resort destination! Langkawi, the largest, features many resort hotels and miles of pristine beaches. A wonderful spot to enjoy the beaches, snorkel the shallow lagoons, or island hop via boat!
Malacca: A small fishing village at one time, Malacca has grown into one of the largest sea commerce centers east of India. Ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. Home to some of the most ancient Chinese relics and temples in Asia. You wont want to miss the Town Square and St. Paul’s Hill; Stadthuys, the Maritime Museum; and the Cultural Museum.
Penang: Located just two miles off the northwestern coast of the Malaysian Peninsula. The 8-mile long Penang Bridge –the largest in Southeast Asia – and a 24-hour ferry service link these two areas. Penang is one of Malaysia’s major beach resorts. Penang offers plenty of history. It is the oldest British settlement in Malaysia, was bombed by the Allied troops when the Japanese governed the land. Georgetown is a modern city center with colonial buildings and skyscrapers. Georgetown is know for having one of the most authentic Chinatowns in the world!
Port Kelang: The seaport for Kuala Lumpur. Port Kelang is located about 20 miles from the capital city and offers not much to see or do. Buses and trains provide regularly scheduled transportation to and from Kuala Lumpur. Cruise ships offer motorcoaches transportation for the 75 miled ride between Port Kelang and Kuala Lumpur.
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Attractions |
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In Penang a top highlight is the Penang State Museum, with exhibits categorised according to Penang's communities, customs, traditional costumes, historical sites, etc. Another interesting location, among many, is the beautifully restored Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion which sits with grace and dignity on Leith Street.
Kuantan, offers sights such as the Central Market, where one can watch the women traders. The Cultural Centre is very popular and there are performances of top spinning, traditional dance dramas, wayang kulit and other traditional activities. The State Museum is next to the tourist information center and brings together a fasinating array of crafts, paintings and photographic displays.
Telok Chempedak, just five minutes away from Kuantan is the popular beach of Telok Chempedak. Gently swaying palms welcome you as you step on the powdery white sand while the cool sea breeze softly blows. Telok Chempedak is also a favorite among surfers, and sailing enthusiasts apart from being a popular retreat for sunbathers. Sungai Pandan Waterfalls, is 25 kilometers from Kuantan. It is easily accessible by main road and a 5-mile stretch of paved road. The falls is a popular spot consisting of cascading rapids, from which the water collects at a pool below, where swimming is available.
Langkawi, offers the Makam Mahsuri
among the significant sites on the island that have been preserved for posperity is Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri's Mausoleum) This shrine was erected in honour of Mahsuri, a fair maiden who was unjustly accused of adultery. Gunung Raya, the tallest peak on Pulau Langkawi, standing at 881m etres. It can be reached by a snaking, paved road through the jungle. It is a spectacular drive to the top with views across the island and over to Thailand.
Malacca, offers it's old city as the most outstanding feature/attraction. Constructed by the Dutch in the 17th century, visitors cannot help but pay rapt attention to the several bright red buildings there. This structure is the Stadthuys, or the Town Hall, and now houses the Tourist Office. The nearby hill is where the colonial masters built their houses of worship and at the other end of the foothill is the main entrance of the once-imposing fort of A' Famosa, the Porta de Santiago. Nearby is the Cultural Museum. The Malacca Crocodile Farm, the Orang Asli indigenous peoples Museum, Air Keroh National Forest, and the Taman Mini Malaysia/Taman Mini Asean theme park are some of the other attractions.
Port Kelang/Kuala Lumpur offers many sights: Chan See Shu Yuen Temple; the Central Market, the National Art Gallery, China Town, the Jamek Mosque, Independence Square, the National Monument, and the Lake Gardens, which is a 92-hectare garden built around one of the city’s most prominent British neighborhoods.
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