General: Malaysia is bordered by Thailand to the north and Singapore to the south. The South China Sea separates the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak (on the island of Borneo), from the mainland. Malaysians warmly welcome travellers from all areas to its beautiful country.

Area: 330,400 sq km

Population: 22 million

Capital City: Kuala Lumpur (population 1.2 million)

People: 50% Malay, 33% Chinese, 9% Indian

Language: Bahasa Melayu is the national language but English is widely spoken

Time Zone: GMT + 8

Electricity: 240 volt, 50-cycle system

Customs / Religion: The major events are usually connected to Ramadan, the 9th month of the Muslim calendar, which changes every year. Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of Ramadan with 3 full days of celebration.

When to Go: Malaysia is hot and humid all year, however it is best to avoid November to January, which is the rainy season. For those who wish to view the turtles on the East Coast, it's best to visit between May and September.

Duty Free: Items such as video equipment, cameras, radio cassette players, watches, lighters, perfumes and cosmetics are all duty free in Malaysia. Visitors bringing in dutiable goods (liquor, cigarettes etc) may have to pay a deposit for temporary importation, refundable upon departure.

Major Attractions / Regions:

KUALA LUMPUR - The focal point of Malaysia and its most prominent international gateway, this city best illustrates the convergence of the past and present. Kuala Lumpur likes to do things big and this is best seen at the renowned PETRONAS TOWERS - 1,453 feet - it is the world's tallest building. Visit the 1998 Commonwealth Game site and stadium, or explore the National Zoo or Library. Like all Asian cities the beauty of their CENTRAL MARKETS or NIGHT MARKETS provides not only a bargain but also displays many cultural aspects of Malaysia.

PENANG - Come and see why this area is aptly named the Pearl of the Orient. Its gentle blend of Oriental and Western culture, past and present can be widely seen. Situated off the North - Western Peninsula Coast of Malaysia, the island covers 285 sq km and is linked to the mainland by the Penang Bridge. Easily accessible by air from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Bangkok, or by road (approx 6 hrs) or Ferry from Butterworth, this island is a beauty to behold.

History is evident from various Temples (Snake, Nattukkatai, or Kekloksi Temple to name a few) but the most popular reason to visit Penang is for its beautiful golden sandy beaches and deep blue seas. The Tanjung Bunga, Batu Ferringhi and Taluk Bahang beaches offer the best selection while for more private areas try Monkey Beach or Teluk Duying Beach.

To cover this island on limited time take one of the many day tours on offer from the hotels or if you dare take a Trishaw ride (always agree on the price before taking the ride). At night Penang offers a large number of pubs, lounges, karoke bars and restaurants with the Ferringhi Belt being the widest choice.

But there is another, undiscovered side of Penang. Along the Northwestern coastline, on the opposite side of the island from Georgetown, lie some of the finest and least known beaches on the island. The sparkling sea, powdery white sand, and sunlight filtering through coconut groves await those who are willing to hike the jungle paths that are the beaches' only access. The effort is more than worthwhile.

LANGKAWI - Blessed with soft sandy beaches and lush tropical rainforest, this resort island is the fastest growing Malaysian destination. Off the North Western coast, Langkawi consists of 99 smaller tropical islands blessed with an intriguing heritage of myths, legends and romance. The islands have unique rock formations, numerous caves for exploring and fine beaches with emerald waters. In addition to their natural beauty and chequered past, the Langkawi islands are notable for the wealth of legends with which they are associated. The best known of these tales is that of Mahsuri, a lovely maiden executed after having been falsely accused of adultery. As the blood flowed out of her dying body, Mahsuri laid a curse on the island - that Langkawi would be barren for seven generations. Soon after, the Siamese attacked the island and ravaged it. Evidently seven generations have passed, as the island today possesses an abundance of enchanting flora and fauna in addition to a wealth of world-class holiday accommodations.

Kuau is the main town and the take-off point to neighbouring islands and resorts. Kuau is a duty free shopping haven with a wide variety of goods sold at attractive prices. The Crocodile Farm and Taman Lagenda (scenic park and gardens) and Gunang Raya (highest peak on the island) are popular attractions, while the Galeria Perdana Museum and Air Hangat Village show off the city's artistic spirit and culture to all. Most visitors want to try the wide range of high-energy watersports or just relax on the golden sandy beaches. At evening the choice of restaurants and seafood are extensive and conveniently located.

Among the many leisure activities available on the islands are snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, water skiing, wind surfing and parasailing. There are many scenic beaches on Pulau Langkawi, among them Pantai Cenang, Pantai Rhu, Pantai Kok, Pantai Tengah and the black sand Pantai Pasir Hitam. The seas around the island teem with fish, and fishing trips can be arranged through your hotel. Car rental is readily available for visitors interested in exploring Langkawi's interior; the roads are good, the scenery beautiful. Rustic Malay kampongs, rubber estates, scenic padi fields, and placid water buffaloes all mark the landscape. Migratory birds favour Langkawi, and the islands are also home to a number of species of butterflies not found anywhere else in the world.

Sabah and Sarawak
With its rugged, mountainous terrain, Sabah possesses relatively few coastal beaches. However, it does possess some of the best islands in the region.

Tanjung Aru
The seaside resort of Tanjung Aru is 6km from Kota Kinabalu. International class hotel accommodations or budget chalets are available.

Sipadan Island
Shaped like a 'shitake' mushroom, Pulau Sipadan draws diving enthusiasts from all over the world because of its exceptional water clarity, its unusual seascape, and its extraordinarily wide variety of marine life. Sipadan is the only oceanic island in Malaysia.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park comprises five idyllic islands that are only 10 to 25 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu by speedboat. These islands - Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Mamutik, Pulau Manukan and Pulau Sulug--offer stretches of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and some of the most diverse coral reefs and marine life in the world. They are ideal spots for picnicking, diving and snorkeling, particularly on Sapi and Manukan which have picnic facilities, and Mamutik where cabins are available for rental.

Pulau Layang-Layang
This man-made island, located 165 miles Northwest of Kota Kinabalu, was created in 1991 from a coral atoll in the South China Sea. Soil from the mainland and sand pumped from the seabed formed what is today a major attraction for scuba divers and anglers. The 5,000 to 6,000 feet drops around the reef make it an excellent dive site and the island has become a sanctuary for thousands of terns. Chalet-type accommodations are available.

Sarawak
Like Sabah, Sarawak possesses a coastline that prevents the formation of many lengthy and deep sand beaches. Nonetheless, there are a few gems in Sarawak - beaches made all the more attractive for the relative lack of attention that they have received.

Getting around within Sarawak
Express boats are available to service the intricate network of rivers and the main towns along their banks. Bus companies also operate regular services within the town centres and certain rural areas.

Salang Island
A tropical paradise with white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters perfect for snorkeling, is uninhabited--the perfect holiday escape. The coral reefs lie close to the shore, and colourful little fish can be glimpsed weaving through the coral. The island is also a popular nesting place for turtles.

Siar Beach
About 90km from Kuching, with its secluded bays and inlets and interesting rock formations, is another inviting spot.

Where to find:

Nightlife: Discotheques - Can be found in hotels but there are several independent ones too. They are usually packed after 10pm and are busiest on Fridays and Saturdays.

Pubs and Bistros: Most pubs are open from late afternoon or evening and close at midnight. Barn Thai, Planet Hollywood, TGIF and the Hard Rock Cafe are among the most popular.

Cafes: Cafes, both indoor and street cafes, are popular with the younger set and many trendy cafes are found in Bangsar Baru as well as Bintang Walk located in Bukit Bintang.

Theatres: The local theatre clubs are Dramalab, Actors Studio, Five Arts Centre and Instant Cafe.

What and Where to Buy:

Woodcarvings: Woodcarvings of Kelantan and Terengganu are of excellent workmanship. As these can be bulky items, you can make arrangements with the stores to have them sent home. Check out shopping centres for a good range of products.

Batik: Combines wax brushing, dyeing, drying and boiling of material. Almost anything can be made from the beautiful fabric. The quality varies greatly and good quality batik is sold at large handicraft centres.

Pottery: Sarawak pottery is ochre-coloured with bold geometric designs. Sayong pottery, from Perak, has the characteristic glossy black colour. Handicraft centres offer the best variety.

Currency / Credit Facilities: The local currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). All major credit cards are accepted at shops and most restaurants, and if you have a card with a PIN Number you can obtain ATM withdrawals and bank cash advances. Travellers cheques can still be used, with most banks charging a 2-3 US$ transaction fee.

Tipping: Is not customary in Malaysia.

Bargaining: Although prevalent in most markets and some tourist shops, bargaining is a polite social activity, rather than a necessary way of making a sale.

Health: Malaysia does not have a reciprocal health service agreement with other nations, but no major vaccinations are required to enter Malaysia. Please check with your doctor for current up to date information before you leave.

Medical services in Malaysia are excellent and most International Hotels have an in-house Medical Practitioner to service their guests. It is safe to drink the water. Singapore Airlines Holidays highly recommends Travel Insurance for all your overseas medical needs.

Recommended Packing List:


Loose fitting cotton clothing is the general wear
Light sweater for afternoons or air-conditioned areas
Light waterproof jacket or umbrella (short showers or harsh sunshine)
Stout walking shoes
Swimwear, Beach towel
Sunglasses, Factor 15 plus Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Telephone No's in Malaysia:     Addresses in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:
Ambulance - 999 Tourist Office - Jalan Parlimen 50480, Kuala Lumpur
Fire - 994 Australian Consulate - 6, Jalan YapKwan Seng - PH (603) 21465555
Police - 999