Malaysia, Country in Southeast Asia between the South China Sea and Indian Ocean.
Description
This federation in Southeast Asia occupies the Malay Peninsula and the northern portion of Borneo island, separated by the South China Sea. Both regions feature tropical coastlines, highland areas, and extensive forested zones.
History
The Sultanate of Malacca emerged in the 15th century and quickly grew into a major trading hub before falling under Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule starting in 1511. Independence was declared in 1957, with Sabah and Sarawak joining the federation in 1963.
Culture
The Malay language uses Latin script with occasional diacritical marks, while Islamic holidays shape the public calendar and Ramadan noticeably affects daily routines. In Penang and Malacca, Chinese temples stand beside Indian shrines, allowing visitors to encounter different prayer rituals within a few blocks.
Practical
The ringgit is accepted throughout the territory, with ATMs and banks readily available in cities and larger towns. Entry requirements depend on nationality, so travelers should check visa rules well before departure.
Did you know?
The Taman Negara rainforest dates back 130 million years, making it one of the oldest forested areas on Earth and home to rare species such as the Sumatran rhinoceros and Malayan tiger. Some Dipterocarpus trees tower more than 200 feet (60 meters) above the surrounding canopy.
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Malaysia offers diverse photographic subjects from the Cameron Highlands with their tea plantations to the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur. The landscape includes tropical rainforests in Borneo, limestone formations at Batu Caves, and coral reefs off the Perhentian Islands. Chinese temples in...
Gunung Mulu National Park
1394 km
Niah National Park
1281.2 km
Kinabalu Park
1603.8 km
Deer Cave
1405.3 km
Swallow Reef
1318.9 km
Bako National Park
965.2 kmSarawak Chamber
1400.9 km
The Astana
958.4 km
Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
1530.3 km
Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre
1744.5 km
Danum Valley Conservation Area
1708.9 km
Gomantong Caves
1755.3 km
Fort Margherita
958.9 km
Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
1542.5 km
Agnes Keith House
1762.8 km
Tun Mustapha Tower
1542.9 km
Sarawak Stadium
958.9 km
Sarawak State Museum
958.5 km
Kuching Cat Museum
956.3 km
Kundasang War Memorial
1594 km
New Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Building
958.7 km
Likas Stadium
1541 km
Turtle Islands National Park
1758.6 km
Atkinson Clock Tower
1539 km
Sabah State Administrative Centre
1543 km
Maliau Basin
1623.8 km
Wisma Sanyan
1092 km
Planetarium Sultan Iskandar
958.9 km
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