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Malaysia is a country located in Southeast Asia, neighbor country of Indonesia. Due to its location in the north of the equator, Malaysia has a tropical climate with two seasons: rainy and dry season.

Malaysia is ethnically heterogenous. Moslem Malay is the majority ethnic, while others are Chinese and Indian. Mixed ethnic between Malaysian and Thai as well as Middle East and Indonesian are pretty common in Malaysia. This results in variety of cultures and culinary in Malaysia.

One of Malaysia’s most popular dishes is nasi lemak. Its composition may vary according to each ethnic. Indians prefer chicken to beef in their nasi lemak, while Chinese prefers pork.

Main areas in Malaysia

Malaysia has more than 900 big and small islands. Some of the main islands are Kapas Island, Langkawi Island, Pangkor Island and Payar Island.

Geographically, Malaysia is divided into two main areas: West Malaysia and East Malaysia separated by South China Sea. Capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is the most populated city located in West Malaysia.

West Malaysia

West Malaysia is located on the combined continental landmass of Eurasia (Europe and Asia). It is surrounded by sea, except the northern part which neighbors Thailand.

Some main cities in West Malaysia are:

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia, located on the west shore of West Malaysia. As the most populated city in the country, Kuala Lumpur boasts some of the most prominent landmarks in the country. One of them is Petronas Twin Towers, formerly known as the world’s tallest building.

Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru is located across from northern part of Singapore. Its Stulang Laut Harbour is appointed as the main harbour for boats coming from Batam, Indonesia and Singapore.

Ipoh

This large area is located on the northern part of West Malaysia, 200 km from Kuala Lumpur. Ipoh’s landmark is known for being British heritage such as train station, law court building and town hall.

Shah Alam

Shah Alam is on the western part of West Malaysia, around 25 km from northern Kuala Lumpur. Proton, the country’s giant automotive factory is located in this industrial city.

Petaling Jaya

Also known as PJ, Petaling Jaya is a satelite city of Kuala Lumpur. It is located in the southwest of Kuala Lumpur.

East Malaysia

East Malaysia is located on the northern side of Borneo Island in Indonesia, right next to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam.

Some main cities in East Malaysia are:

Kuching

This is the most populated city in East Malaysia. It attracts visitors with its local delicacies and the famous Serawak.

Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is on the northern side of West Malaysia. The city directly borders South China Sea on the west. Kota Kinabalu boasts some of the most popular fishing spots.

Miri

This second largest city in West Malaysia after Ipoh is located on the northern coast and directly connects to Brunei Darussalam. Miri is the main entrance for those who visit Gunung Mulu National Park.

Lahad Datu

Lahad Datu is the eastern coast jewel of East Malaysia. This city is a major site of oil palm plantations. Some of Lahad Datu’s main attractions are Madai Caves, Danum Valley and Tabin Wildlife Reserve.

Kuala Penyu

Kuala Penyu sits on East Malaysia on the north, bordering the eastern part of Brunei Darussalam. Visitors to Pulau Tiga National Park enters through Kuala Penyu. The popular Tempurung beach and Sawangan beach are located in Kuala Penyu.

History of Malaysia

In ancient era, East Malaysia was a part of Malaya Peninsula under the Kingdom of Sriwijaya, along with southern Myanmar, Thailand and Singapore. Malaya Peninsula was once one of Southeast Asia’s prominent economy hubs.

In 1511, Portugal successfully defeated local authority and then formed its first colony in Malaya Peninsula in 1786.

In 1824, Great Britain reigned over Malaya Peninsula, marked by London Treaty that divided a part of Malaysia and Indonesia into two. Afterwards, Malaya was ruled by Great Britain and Indonesia by the Netherlands.

After the Malayan Communist Party fought Britain, Malaysia finally gained its independence on 31 August 1957.

How to get there

There are many ways to reach Malaysia by plane, boat and land transportations:

By plane

Malaysia has a total of 62 airports, with Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) as one of the main airports.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport provides facilities such as:

• ATM Center

• Baby Care room

• Luggage storage

• Banking

• Medical clinic

• Post office

• Restroom and facilities for disabled

• Immigration service

• Free WiFi

• Praying room

• Smoking room

Transportation from and to Kuala Lumpur International Airport

To get to Kuala Lumpur, choose one of many transportation modes:

Bus

Bus operates 24 hours from the airport to Kuala Lumpur Central Station. Busride takes up to one hour and leaves every 30 minutes.

Bus fare one-way

• Adult RM 10.00

• Child RM 6.00

Bus fare round trip

• Adult RM 18.00

• Child RM 10.00

(Prices may change at any time)

Taxi

There are four types of taxi, each may carry from 3 to 8 passengers. To use taxi, passengers have to buy coupon from the counter at the airport.

Express Rail Link (ERL)

It takes 30 minutes to go from the airport to KL Central Station.

ERL fare one-way

• Adult RM 35.00

• Child (age 2-12 years) RM 15.00

ERL fare round trip

• Adult RM 70.00

• Child (age 2-12 years) RM 30.00

(Prices may change at any time)

By boat

Malaysia can be reached by boat from Singapore or Indonesia.

From and to Singapore

Leave from Changi Point Ferry Terminal in Singapore to go to Tanjung Belungkor Harbour, Malaysia. The journey takes up to 45 minutes.

Fare starts from RM 60 to RM 100.

(Prices may change at any time)

From and to Indonesia

One of the ways to reach Malaysia is from Batam in Riau Province. From Batam Center Harbour, boat leaves for Stulang Laut Harbour in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Journey may take up to 90 minutes.

Fare starts from RM 80 to RM 120.

(Prices may change at any time)

By land transportation

Malaysia can be reached by land transportation from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Thailand.

Visa to Malaysia

Majority of nationalities are allowed to enter Malaysia without visa, including Indonesia. However, there are some countries that require visa such as: Bhutan, Cina, Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Israel.

There are 58 nationalities that may enter and stay in Malaysia without visa up to 90 days. There are 99 nationalities including Indonesia that may enter and stay in Malaysia without visa up to 30 days. Citizens of Ivory Coast, Iran, Libya, Sierra Leone and Somalia may enter and stay without visa for up to two weeks. Citizens of Taiwan may enter and stay without visa up to 15 days.

List of countries allowed to enter Malaysia without or with visa can be found on International Air Transport Association website https://www.timaticweb.com/

Public Transportation in Malaysia

Malaysia’s daily public transportations covers as follows:

Plane

Plane is the only transportation from East to West Malaysia.

Bus

Malaysia has Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, a main bus hub in West Malaysia which is located in Bandar Tasik Selatan.

To go to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, use various public transportation modes. Besides by car, you can go to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan directly from Kuala Lumpur International Airport by KLIA Transport Link (airport train), LRT (Light Rail Transit) and KTM Intercity.

Taxi

Taxi is commonly found in Malaysian cities. There are four types of taxi operating in Malaysia:
 

• Budget taxi carries 3-4 people

• Premier limo carries 4-5 people

• Super luxury carries 3 people

• Family service carries up to 8 people

Train (Light Rail Transit and KTM Intercity)

There are two types of train in Malaysian cities: Light Rail Transit (LRT) and KTM Intercity.

Light Rail Transit (LRT) is used to go from and to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, while KTM Intercity is used to travel long-distance between cities in Malaysia.

Weather in Malaysia

Malaysia’s climate is similar to Indonesia. Malaysia has two seasons: rainy and dry season. Rainy season normally starts in October and lasts until March. Dry season lasts from April to September.

Language used in Malaysia

Official language of Malaysia is Malay. Some ethnics also speak English, Chinese and Tamil as their every day language.

Tourist attractions in Malaysia

Malaysia boasts some of the most fascinating tourist attractions:

Genting Highlands

Genting Highlands encompasses an area as well as a resort on top of Titiwangsa Mountains. The cool climate ranges between 15 - 30° Celcius.

Genting Highlands is located on the border of Pahang state and Selangor, around 51 km northeast off Kuala Lumpur.

To get to Genting Highlands, you can use Genting Express bus, around one hour from Kuala Lumpur. Then, continue by Skyway (cable car) that may take up to 15 minutes.

Genting Express ticket is available at:

• Pudu Bus Terminal

• KL Central Station

• Putra LRT (Light Rail Transit) Terminal Gombak

• One Utama Petaling Jaya Shopping Center

Legoland Malaysia

For LEGO lovers, Legoland Malaysia is a must-visit. It is located in Nusajaya, Johor Bahru.

There are various building miniatures made of more than 30 millions LEGO blocks. Aside from miniatures, you can enjoy more than 70 shows and attractions.

Legoland Malaysia also provides water rides with more than 20 waterslides and 70 LEGO block models.

Legoland Malaysia entrance fee

• Adult (age 12-59 years) RM 175

• Child (age 3-11 years) RM 140

• Above 60 years old RM 140

(Prices may change at any time)

Langkawi Island

Langkawi Island is located on northwest side of East Malaysia. Pulau Langkawi is famously known as Langkawi Permata Kedah, a cluster of Langkawi islands.

Aside from beaches, Langkawi Island boasts several charming attractions like suspension bridge on top of Machinchang Mountain and Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls.

By plane to Langkawi, you will arrive at Langkawi International Airport. You may also use ferry from Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah, Penang or Satun.

Culinary in Malaysia

Malaysian traditional cuisine is derived from the influence of Malay, India and China.

Nasi lemak or lemak rice is Malaysia’s national delicacy, known for its high level of fat or lemak. Nasi lemak is the identical twin of Indonesia’s nasi uduk (uduk rice). It contains rice cooked with coconut milk, egg, tempe and chilli sauce.

Malaysia’s other popular dish is nasi kandar. It resembles Indonesia’s padang rice, similarly displayed behind storefront glass just like in Indonesia’s Padang restaurant.

Another Malaysian specialty is teh tarik or tarik tea, a mix of tea and milk. It’s called teh tarik because the preparation requires a pouring process of pulling (tarik) two glasses in mixing tea and milk.

Travel Tips in Malaysia

• To avoid taxi scams, it is suggested that you order taxi by phone or at taxi stand at hotel lobby and shopping centres.

• If you’re afraid of heights, visit Genting Highlands by taxi instead of cable car.

• For souvenirs, go to Petaling Street (Jalan Petaling) which is also the Chinatown of Kuala Lumpur. This area is open for visitors from 5 pm to late at night.

• Taste local cuisine varying from Chinese to Malay delicacies on Alor Street in Kuala Lumpur.