About

Malaysia is a federation of thirteen states in Southeast Asia. The country consists of two geographical regions divided by the South China Sea.

Modern Malaysian society is heterogeneous, with substantial Chinese and Indian minorities. The vibrant mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous tribal cultures, creates a veritable melting pot of peoples, traditions and religions that makes Malaysia a deeply intriguing place to visit.

Tropical island resorts and endless white, sandy beaches offer a taste of paradise, while beneath warm coral seas, world-class dive sites await exploration. Orang-utans, the oldest rainforest in the world, city skyscrapers and majestic mosques and temples plus a gorgeous coastline are enough to tempt even the most jaded visitor.

Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia's capital city.

History

The region now known as Malaysia was first mentioned in Chinese and Sanskrit records of the seventh and eighth centuries. In subsequent centuries the area was under the influence and loose control of various Thai and Indonesian empires, including the great Sumatra-based civilisation of Sri Vijaya.

The British were relatively late arrivals to the region in the late 18th century, but they played a key role following the European wars of the 1790s and, in particular, the defeat of The Netherlands by France in 1795. The Federated Malay States were created in 1895, and remained under British colonial control until the Japanese invasion of 1942.

After Japanese defeat in 1945, the 11 states were once again incorporated as British Protectorates and, in 1948, became the Federation of Malaya. In 1963, the Federation of Malaya merged with Singapore and the former British colonies of Sarawak and Sabah (North Borneo) to form Malaysia. Singapore seceded to become an independent state in its own right in 1965, leaving Malaysia in its present form.

Places to visit

Getting around Kuala Lumpur

Taxi is by far the easiest method to get around KL and can be hailed from most places.
There is also the LRT (Light Railway Transit) which the equivalent the tube or subway.