Country
Malaysia achieved its independence on 31st August 1957. The Federation of Malaysia comprises Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak.

Geographical Location
Located between 2º and 7º north of the Equator, Peninsular Malaysia is separated from the states of Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea . To the north of Peninsular Malaysia is Thailand while its southern neighbour is Singapore . Sabah and Sarawak are bounded by Indonesia while Sarawak also shares a border with Brunei .

Population
25 million

Capital
Kuala Lumpur

People
The Malays form the largest racial group in the country followed by the Chinese, Indians and indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak such as the Ibans and Kadazans. Bahasa Malaysia is the national language of the country. However, English is widely written and spoken by many Malaysians as well. Being a multiracial society, the ethnic groups also communicate in other languages such as Mandarin, Tamil as well as various ethnic dialects. Islam is the official religion but coexists with other main religions such a Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity.

Language
Bahasa Malaysia is the national language but English is widely spoken. The ethnic groups also speak various languages and dialects.

Religion
Islam in the official religion but all other religions are freely practised.

Government
Parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislative system. The Head of State is the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and the Head of Government is the Prime Minister.

Climate
Tropical climate with warm weather all year round. Temperatures range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF). Annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm.

Economic Profile
Manufacturing constitutes the largest single component of Malaysia 's economy. Tourism and primary commodities such as petroleum, palm oil, natural rubber and timber are other major contributors to the economy.

Currency
The unit of currency is Malaysian Ringgit indicated as RM. USD1 is roughly equivalent to RM3.75. Foreign currency can be converted at banks and money changers.

Time
Eight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of U.S. Pacific Standard Time.

Electricity and Water
• Voltage is 220 – 240 volts AC at 50 cycles per second.
• Standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets.

It is generally safe to drink water from the tap. However, visitors are advised to boil the water before drinking or to use bottled water.

Weights and Measures
Malaysia follows the metric system in weights and measures.

Telephones
Local calls can be made from public phones using coins or pre-paid cards. International calls can be made from public phones with card phone facilities or at any Telekom offices.

Accommodation
Malaysia has a wide range of accommodation at competitive rates. International standard, medium and budget hotels; youth hostels; and timeshare apartments are just some of the types of accommodation available. Privately operated motor-homes are also available for rental.

Tipping
Tipping is not a way of life in Malaysia but is always welcomed when the service rendered is appreciated. It is usually unnecessary to tip in hotels and restaurants where there is already a 10% service charge.

Passport/Visa
Visitors to Malaysia must hold a valid passport or travel document with a minimum validity of six months beyond the intended visiting period. Most nationalities do not require visas for social or business visits.

For further information, please contact the nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission or Tourism Malaysia office. Or visit the Malaysian Immigration Department's website ( www.imi.gov.my ).

Transportation - Getting To Malaysia
Set in the heart of Southeast Asia , Malaysia is easily accessible from most parts of the world by air, surface and sea links. Over 45 international airlines fly into the country while national carrier Malaysia Airlines has a global network that spans six continents and a national network that covers more than 36 local destinations. AirAsia , Malaysia 's budget airline also services certain domestic and regional routes.

By Air
Most visitors arrive by air at one of the six international airports in Malaysia . The main gateway is the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA ) at Sepang in the state of Selangor. Located about 50km from the capital city of Kuala Lumpur (KL), the fully computerised, state-of the-art KLIA is among the most modern airports in the world.

From KLIA, KL is a short 28-minute journey away on the comfortable KLIA Ekspres , a high-speed rail service. Car rental, bus, coach, taxi, limousine and rail services into Kuala Lumpur and neighbouring towns are widely available at the airport.

Transportation - Getting Around Malaysia
Getting around Malaysia is affordable and convenient. Public buses and taxis are one of the most popular modes of transportation in the country. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) and other inter-city rail services offer hassle-free accessibility to well-known landmarks in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, as well as connections to outlying districts and nearby towns.

By Air
The national carrier, Malaysian Airlines , and the budget airline, AirAsia , offer domestic air travel to major cities in the Peninsular and East Malaysia .

By Road
Connected to the country's major road networks, most towns and cities on the Peninsular are easily accessed via the North-South Expressway. Also, there are many comfortable bus services between cities and towns

By Rail
Connecting the major cities and towns on the west and east coasts of Malaysia , the rail network extends from neighbouring Singapore , in the south, up to Thailand , in the north. For more information on Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) or Malayan Rail, train fares, timetables, routes and tour packages, visit www.ktmb.com.my .

Attractions in Kuala Lumpur Petronas Twin Towers Sultan Abdul Samad Building Petronas Twin Towers – At a height of 452 metres, this pair of 88-storey buildings are the world's tallest twin towers. Housing offices, a state-of-the-art concert hall, a shopping mall, a double-deck sky-bridge and high-speed double-deck lifts, this architectural wonder has become the international symbol of Kuala Lumpur . KL Tower – Standing 421 metres tall, this is one of the highest towers in Asia and the fourth tallest telecommunications tower in the world. The view of the city from the observation deck is fantastic; alternatively, it can be enjoyed while dining in the revolving restaurant. Merdeka Square – The smooth green cricket pitch locally known as the Padang is the international symbol of British colonial rule and it forms the heart of this square. It is situated in front of the Selangor Club, social centre for colonial social life. This was the site where in 1957 the British rule was peacefully ended and Malaysian Independence came into being. A 100-metre flagpole, one of the tallest in the world, marks the spot. Sultan Abdul Samad Building – Completed in 1897 and the first example of Moorish inspired British colonial architecture in the city, this building was the seat of the British colonial government. Today it houses the Malaysia Supreme and High Courts. It is also known for its 40 metre clock tower topped with a golden dome and flanked on both sides by two domed towers. Other attractions include Istana Negara, National Museum , Carcosa Seri Negara, Thean Hou Buddhist Temple , Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, National Mosque, Sri Mahamariaman Temple , Masjid Jamek, Lake Garden , Aquaria KLCC, Central Market, Petaling Street . Attractions around Kuala Lumpur Batu Caves – This is one of the holiest and most popular Hindu shrines in Malaysia . The main cave holds a shrine of the deity Lord Subramaniam. A 272-step concrete staircase leading to the temple cave is also popular – but as a test of endurance! A cave gallery is located at the foot of the caves featuring clay figurines and wall paintings depicting scenes and figures from Hindu mythology. During Hindu festivals, the caves and the surrounding area are completely flooded with devotees. Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) – For a close encounter with nature, the museum and walking trails of this institute are excellent. This sprawling 600-hectare reserve is popular with locals who come to jog and picnic. The museum displays the nation's rich forest heritage and afterwards, a walk through the cool rainforest is highly recommended. Sultan Salahuddin Mosque - If you are really fascinated by mosques, one of the most impressive is the Sultan Sallahudin Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia . Located in Shah Alam, about 16 kilometers outside of KL, it is huge and magnificent -- with an enormous, dark blue cone-like dome and four pronounced minarets pointing to the heavens. Its interior is also open to visitors at non-prayer times. The Sultan Sallahudin Mosque is adjoined by a small man-made lake, which makes it a particularly serene setting, especially at sunset. Batu Caves Attractions outside Kuala Lumpur Putrajaya - The new Administrative Capital of the Federal Government of Malaysia. Situated within the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC), the development of Putrajaya marks a new chapter in the history of modern city planning in Malaysia. It is set to be a model garden city with sophisticated information network base on multimedia technologies. It is 25 km from Kuala Lumpur and 20 km from the new Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Genting Highlands – Only an hour outside the city, this entertainment centre and resort boasts family-oriented theme parks, a theatre restaurant, the country's only legal casino, an 18-hole golf course, cable cars and a boating lake. At 2,000 metres above sea level, the resort is popular for its cool temperatures and it is particularly crowded on weekends. Cameron Highlands are the largest and most genteel of the hill resorts in Malaysia . It's located in Pahang's north-western corner, at an altitude of 1,829 meters. The cool, fresh air on the highlands is also a retreat for city dwellers who want to retreat temporarily from the noise and pollution in the city. The drive time from Kuala Lumpur is about three and a half hours. Cameron Highlands Kuala Selangor Fire Flies - Kuala Selangor Nature Park - 250 hectares of coastal land with mangrove swamps and home of the Silver-leaf monkeys, butterflies and over 130 species of birds. Travel upstream in a small boat in quiet darkness to witness the blinking trees. This scintilating display of fireflies potrays an image of a flashing Christmas tree. The synchronized, rhythmic flashing is produced by the thousands of fireflies found in the mangrove swamp of Kampung Kuantan . The skilled local oarsmen make this experience a memeorable and unforgettable one. About 2 hours from Kuala Lumpur by road. Taman Negara National Park - Malaysia is naturally proud of its national park, Taman Negara, 4,343 square kilometers of virgin forest and home to over 200 varieties of animals and just as many species of plants, trees and blooms. It is located in the state of Pahang. Islands Penang - the ' Pearl of the Orient', also called as Pulau Pinang, is one of the most beautiful and the most popular tourist destination in Malaysia . Penang is famous for its beautiful natural surroundings and its historical past. The capital, Georgetown , is quite popular for its elegant colonial buildings and old world charm, which exists quite harmoniously along with modern hotels, department stores and shopping complexes. Pulau Tioman - this picture-postcard island lies off the eastern coast off Pahang in South China Sea . It boasts beautiful beaches, clear, coral-filled water, marine life, virtually unpopulated jungle highlands, crystal-clear streams, and the dramatic peaks of Batu Sirau and Nenek Semukut. Tioman has been blessed with exotic place names like `Palm-Frond Hill' and ` Village of Doubt ' and is generally quoted as the setting for the mythical Bali Hai in the film South Pacific. Pulau Redang is the largest of a group of island dotting the South China Sea off the Terengganu coast. Scuba diving and swimming are the main activities here. Once a destination for camping travelers, it is now the site of a massive tourism development project comprising hotel and resort development, a golf course, a horse ranch and a sports complex. Pulau Redang Pulau Langkawi is the main island of a group of 99 islands of the coast of Kedah . It is know for its natural beauty as well as its many legends, the most well-known being that  of a beatiful lady, Mahsuri, who was accused and executed for adultery, a crime she did not commit. Popular beaches on the island are Pantai Cenang, Pantai Kok, Pantai Tengah, Tanjung Rhu, and Pantai Pasir Hitam. Pulau Pangkor Laut is a smaller island off Pulau Pangkor. It is privately-owned but accessible to those who would like to experience the ultimate in luxury and tropical splendour in a world-class resort - Pangkor Laut Resort. The resort is located on Emerald Bay , voted one of the world's best beaches.   Shopping Shopping in Kuala Lumpur promises variety, value and convenience. There is a bewildering range of shopping establishments catering for every taste and budget, which includes modern air-conditioned shopping malls, department stores, hypermarkets, shopping arcades, specially stores, handicraft centres, duty-free shops, bazaars and nightmarkets. There are several principal shopping precincts in the city. There are • Jalan Bukit Bintang (Bintang Walk) • Jalan Raja Chulan/Jalan Conlay • Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman • Jalan Ampang/Jalan Tun Razak • Jalan Sultan/Jalan Tun H.S. Lee (Petaling Street/Chinatown) • Jalan Cheng Lock/Jalan Pudu • Bangsar - Jalan Maarof/Jalan Telawi

FAQs
For more frequently asked questions, please refer to this page.