Malaysia Malaysia

Like two countries rolled into one, Malaysia is divided into two stunning areas, the western peninsular and Borneo in the east!

The peninsular, flaunting a concoction of Malay, Indian and Chinese cultural influences, and the third largest island in the world Borneo, home to seemingly never ending jungles that are teeming with life, remote tribal groups and some of the most unique landscapes in the world!

From the dazzling high rise buildings of the capital Kuala Lumpur, to the beautiful rural villages made up of traditional longhouses across Borneo’s magical regions. Malaysia is world renowned for the vast array of wildlife that has blessed this diverse nation, with the great Orang-utans commanding the treetops of Sarawak, to some of the worlds best diving spots off the East coast of Sabah, be prepared for a truly unique and captivating Malaysian experience!

Quick Facts

Name

Malaysia

Location

South East Asia

Bordering Countries

Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand

Capital City

Kuala Lumpur

Government

Federal constitutional monarchy

Population

30 million

Language

Bahasa Malaysia (Malay), English

Currency

Malaysian Ringgit (RM) (MYR)

Poverty

20%

Main Exports

Refined Petroleum, Petroleum Gas, Palm Oil, Integrated Circuits, and Computers.

Climate

The climate of Malaysia is driven by its equatorial position, extensive coastlines on tropical seas and monsoonal winds. Malaysia has uniformly high temperatures throughout the year, along with high humidity and high rainfall.

Time Zone

UTC +8

Flag Malaysia

Fun Facts

  • Malaysia has it’s own Loch Ness Monster. The Jakun Orang Asli people believe their is a dragon that inhabits Tasik Chini lake called the Naga Seri Gumum.
  • Malaysia has 9 different royal families, all reigning at one time, the highest number in the world.
  • Malaysia is home to the largest citrus fruit in the world, the Pomelo. It can reach the size of a football and can weigh between 1-3 kg.

Travel Highlights in Malaysia

  • Visit the stunning Perhertian Islands of the coast of peninsular Malaysia; voted some of the most beautiful islands in the world!
  • Lose yourself (not literally) in the epic rainforests of Borneo, and discover amazing wildlife along the way, such as the majestic Orang-utan.
  • Scale all 4000m+ of the Malaysia’s highest mountain, Mount Kinabalu, located in the stunning Sabah region of Borneo.
  • Take a river cruise through the Kinabatangan Rainforest and try to spot the mysterious Pygmy Elephant.
  • Shop till you drop in the lively metropolis of Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur.

Where is Malaysia?

Malaysia is a stunning nation located in the travel hot-spot of South East Asia. To the north of Malaysia you will find Thailand, to the south you will find Singapore and Indonesia, and to the east is the Phillipines. The Malaysian nation consists of some 13 states, 11 of which can be found on the main Malay Peninsular (known widely as West Malaysia), and the other 2 will be found dividing East Malaysia on the magical island of Borneo.

This enchanting nation is split in two by the South China Sea, stretching for over 400 miles (640 km) between East and West Malaysia. Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, is found in the heart of the West Malay peninsular.

What is the climate like in Malaysia?

Malaysia is situated in the heart of the equatorial region, and therefore is blessed with a tropical climate, combining high temperatures, high humidity and high rainfall throughout the year. There is a reason why Malaysia has some of the highest density of rainforest in the world, and quite simply it is the rain!

Being hot and humid throughout the year means that there is not really a best time to visit, it is just best to avoid the Monsoon which affects the Eastern regions in Borneo. Between October and March the eastern climate is cast into heavy rainy periods, and due to the rough weather during these months it is advised to avoid travel to Borneo during this period.

The average temperature in Malaysia throughout the year is 35 °C (95 °F), and the average rainfall throughout the year is high at 250 cm (98in) per year.

What languages are spoken in Malaysia?

The main language spoken throughout Malaysia is Malay (Bahasa Malaysia), however English is also widely spoken in most developed areas, and where English is not spoken our team will provide you with a bilingual guide (so don’t worry!). Some of the other languages spoken throughout Malaysia are Mandarin, Cantonese, Tamil, Hindi, and wide range of local tribal dialects.

Who are the People of Malaysia?

The largest ethnic group in Malaysia are the domestic group of people known as the Malay. The Malay account for more than half of Malaysia’s total population, and are a mainly Muslin, meaning that all people visiting Malaysia are expected to abide by Muslim law and be respectful of the local customs. The other key ethnic groups in Malaysia consist of the Chinese and Indians, who have been emigrating to Malaysia since the 15th century, and who’s religious beliefs tend to be Christian, Buddhist (Chinese) and Hindu (Indian).

Malaysia also have a wide range of tribal groups within the country, including some of the world’s most notorious groups including The Iban, who became known for practising head-hunting of other tribesmen in their native Sarawak river regions. They are generous and placid peoples, however are sticklers for etiquette, and abide by many rules that govern their communities. Tip: Never enter an Iban longhouse without being invited in!

The Kadazun Dusun are the largest ethnic group found in the region of Sabah, Borneo. They are an ancient group of people who believe that everything has life, including rocks, trees and rivers, however in recent times some of this group have been converted to Christianity or Islam.

Finally, the Orang Sungai (meaning River People) are a group of indigenous people native to the rivers in Sabah, Borneo. They make their homes along the rives and benefit from the corridor of life that the rivers bring, making their livings from fishing and generally follow the Islam religion.

Wildlife in Malaysia

The wildlife in Malaysia are among some of the most diverse in the world. As Malaysia is a tropical nation, with the majority covered by dense rainforest, which plays host to an incredibly diverse array of flora and fauna. With over 210 recognised species of mammal, over 620 species of bird, upwards of 250 species of reptile and a staggering 150+ species of frog found in Malaysia, it is not shock that Malaysia attracts a huge range of wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists each year.

Malaysia’s Borneo regions are renowned for its array of rainforest wildlife, including the Orang-utans (meaning People of the Trees), Pygmy Elephants, the worlds smallest bear – the Sun Bear, and so much more! As well as the rainforest, Malaysia’s marine life does not disappoint, with the country’s coastal regions comprising an area that is known as the Coral Triangle, which is known widely for it’s vast array of marine and coral species.

Gap Year and Career Break Travel in Malaysia

There is simply no better destination for those who are looking to get away from the beaten backpacker routes and explore a country that will take you back to the roots of travel. The relaxed and welcoming nature of Malaysia’s people will make any gap year or career break visit to this spectacular country well worth the time. Experience the beauty of Malaysia’s stunning islands, such as the Perhertian Islands and the Langkawi Islands off the coast of peninsular Malaysia, or delve deep into the exotic rainforests and discover am whole new world of incredible wild-life and indigenous people!