MALAYSIA

Capital	: Kuala Lumpur
National Population	: 22.6 million
Language	: Bahasa Malaysia

In the heart of Southeast Asia lies one of the world's most enchanting lands - Malaysia. A tropical paradise of immense charm, Malaysia is a veritable treasure trove of diverse cultures and hospitable people, exotic cuisine, fascinating festivals, quaint villages and modern skylines. Bordered by Thailand to the north, Singapore and Indonesia to the south and southeast, Malaysia also stretched across the northern tier of Borneo to form the states of Serawak and Sabah.

Discovering Malaysia's rainforest is a highlight for tourist

Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia's dynamic capital is a modern city with great shopping facilities, both traditional and contemporary, museums and galleries, a fascinating architectural mix, lively bars, restaurants, hospitable accommodation and good transportation. The city's skyline is rapidly changing and presently boasts of the world's tallest building, the magnificent Petronas Twin Towers.

Both the historic settlement of Malacca and Penang are labyrinth of interisting streets, mosques, temples and fascinating shops. The mountain retreats of Cameron Highlands, Fraser's Hill and Genting Highlands are cool and peaceful. The island of Tioman, Redang, Perhentian, Pangkor and Langkawi provide both simple chalets as well as some of the world's most exclusive resort facilities. Relax, dive and snorkle in tranquil waters and view the magnificent array and colours of the underwater world.

Taman Negara is the best known rainforest reserve of 150 million years old in Malaysia but there are others like Endau Rompin and Kenong Rimba National Park. Kenyir, Cini and Bera lakes are unexplored destinations offering abundance opportunities for fishing, birds watching, and experiencing village life.

Malaka has a long and varied history

Sabah is best known for its adventure and ecoturism such climbing Mount Kinibalu, Southeast Asia highest peak at 4,101 metres, undisturbed rainforest at Danum valley, proboscis monkeys along the Kinibatang river, the world's largest orang utan sanctuary at Sepilok and turtles on Turtle Island Park.

Neighbouring Serawak, the largest state in Malaysia has similar activities. Here you can find the Mulu caves (one of the largest limestone cave system in the world), the Niah caves, indland river cultural exchanges at Batang Ai and Rejang river as well as several good national parks.

Malaysia is a colourful amalgam of southeast Asia's major cultures (Malay, Chineses and Indian plus a rich array of other ethnic races). It is a fascinating land of hspitable and friendly people, a kaleidoscope of interseting and colourful places, customs, festivals, arts and delicious cuisines.

The rich array of local, oriental, as well as western and continental foods is aviable throughout the country. Eating is favourite pastime of Malaysians. Delicious dishes are served at street stalls to sophisticated restaurants troughout the day.

In the villages, traditional sports and pastimes such as sepak takraw, giant top spinning, and kite flying still survive although football is the most popular sport. Golf is also popular and players can choose to play on the 250 plus excellent courses located throughout the country.

Shopping in Malaysia is a never ending discovery- treasure of the orient, designer goods and local handycraft. With its competitive ringgit exchange and a wide array of choices, Malaysia is a shopper's haven and value for money destination.

For more information, please visit http://www.tourism.gov.my/.

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