Malaysia

Overview

Said to be the third richest country in Southeast Asia, and continually booming in terms of economic growth, Malaysia is a thin peninsula jutting out towards Indonesia, linked by a bridge to Singapore at its end. It is highly multi-cultural and well worth a visit, or even a longer stay.

An Islamic country which has a huge Chinese population, as well as Indians and other smaller minorities. Kuala Lumpur, known as KL, is the capital, situated to the middle-west of the country. Although fairly westernised, with fast food outlets, high rise hotels, bars, restaurants and big air-conditioned shopping malls, it is still steeped in tradition. The streets are still lined with markets and food stalls, also known as hawker stalls, and many of the attractions, such as Chinatown, Merdeka Square and Little India, demonstrate the multiculturalism that still flourishes. Other recommended places and buildings to visit include the Lake Gardens and the Petronas Towers.

Moving north of KL, you come across more colonial history, in the form of the island of Penang, with old colonial buildings and a Chinatown in its capital of Georgetown. Further inland there are the Cameron Highlands, where cooler temperatures and green countryside provide a taste of Old England.

Further north, there is Kota Bahru and Kuala Terengganu, near the northeastern Thai border, where the best Malay traditions, craft production and performing arts can be found. Moving down the east coast, you come across Cherating, just north of Kuantan. Slightly touristy, it is still a good place to unwind...more

History

During the late 18th and 19th centuries, Great Britain established colonies and protectorates in the area of current Malaysia; these were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. In 1948, the British-ruled territories on the Malay Peninsula formed the Federation of Malaya, which became independent in 1957. Malaysia was formed in 1963 when the former British colonies of Singapore and the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of Borneo joined the Federation. The first several years of the country's history were marred by Indonesian efforts to control Malaysia, Philippine claims to Sabah, and Singapore's secession from the Federation in 1965.