Malaysia

Vibrant, colourful and hi-tech are some thoughts that might come to mind when you first sight Malaysia's, fast-growing west-coast capital, Kuala Lumpur (KL), The city is bustling with people, and many tourists only stay long enough to plan their next destination. But there are good reasons to stay a little longer, accommodation is bountiful and cheap, the food is outstanding and its streets are safe and friendly.

The premier tourist destination of Pulau Langkawi, are to the North of Penang, which are also a duty-free island.

The state capitals of Kota Bharu , near the northeastern Thai border, and Kuala Terengganu , further south, showcases some of the best of Malay crafts and performing arts, while the unblemished tropical rainforests of Taman Negara National Park offer trails, animal hides, a high canopy walkway and waterfalls.

To the south of Malaysia lies the birthplace of Malay civilization, Melaka , while north up the coast is the first British settlement, the island of Penang , and its very attractive capital, Georgetown. For a sample of Old England and lots of walks, head for the hill station of the Cameron Highlands .

Routes down the Peninsula's east coast are more peacefull. There are glorious stops along the way like Cherating and the dazzling islands of Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Tioman.

Across the sea from the Peninsula are the Bornean states of Sarawak and Sabah . For most travellers, their first taste of Sarawak is Kuching, the old colonial capital, and then the Iban longhouses of the Batang Ai and Batang Lupar river systems, or the Bidayuh communities closer to the Kalimantan border.

Sibu, much further to the north, is another starting point for more visits to other Iban longhouses and the idyllic Pelagus Rapids region. In the north of the state, Gunung Mulu National Park is the primary destination, its extraordinary razor-sharp limestone needles providing skilled climbing and its deep, cathedral-shaped caves awe-inspiring.

Conquring the 4101-metre granite peak of Mount Kinabalu are the main reason for a trip to Sabah. Also on offers is a wide range of wildlife, including turtles, orang-utans, proboscis monkeys, and much more, as well as one of the world's top coral reef dives.

Climate Conditions

The climate in Malaysia is tropical. The north-east monsoon (October to February) deluges Borneo and the east coast in rain and often causes flooding, while the west coast (particularly Langkawi and Penang) escape unscathed. The milder south-west monsoon (April to October) reverses the pattern. The southern parts of peninsular Malaysia, including perennially soggy Kuala Lumpur, are exposed to both but even during the rainy season, the showers tend to be intense but brief.

Understanding the Culture

As in any predominantly Muslim country, you should dress respectfully, particularly in rural areas, wearing trousers not shorts and covering your shoulders is recommended but not essential. In more metropolitan areas such as Kuala Lumpur, attitudes are more liberal.

As a tourist, it is best not to criticize the Government and especially the Malay royal families.

When entering a home or a place of worship, always take off your shoes.

Never eat with your left hand, or give a gift with your left hand, and never point with your forefinger (you may use a closed fist with the thumb instead), point your feet at a person or touch a person's head.

Public showing of affection in larger cities is tolerated but might invite unnecessary attention from the public. In more rural areas it is frowned upon and is to be avoided.

Same-sex relationships are a taboo subject in Malaysia. Gay and lesbian travellers should avoid any outward signs of affection, including holding hands in public.

Understand the Geography

Regions

• Peninsular Malaysia - occupies most of the Malayan Peninsula between Thailand and Singapore. It is home to the bulk of Malaysia's population
• West Coast - the more developed side of Peninsular Malaysia
• East Coast - more traditional and Muslim, the islands here are glittering tropical jewels
• South - comprising just one state, Johor, two coastlines, and endless palm plantations Sabah - superb scuba diving in Sipadan and the mighty Mount Kinabalu
• Sarawak - jungles, national parks, and traditional longhouses

Cities

• Kuala Lumpur - the capital
• Malacca - the historical city of Malaysia
• George Town - the cultural and cuisine capital of Penang
• Ipoh - famous for its Chinese food, tin mines and limestone mountains and caves, it is the state capital of Perak
• Johor Bahru - gateway to Singapore and state capital of Johor
• Kota Kinabalu - the largest city in East Malaysia and capital of Sabah
• Kuching - the capital of Sarawak state, Kuching is Malay for 'cat'
• Putrajaya - the federal government administrative centre of Malaysia, known for its lavish buildings, bridges and man-made lakes.

Islands

Some of the most stunningly beautiful things about Malaysia are its tropical islands. And there's more to them than sun, sand and surf, particularly on the East Coast and Borneo's Sipadan, there are coral reefs and hence excellent diving.

• Labuan - offshore finance centre off the coast of East Malaysia, Borneo
• Langkawi - newly developed West Coast island home to some of Malaysia's most opulent resorts and the Pulau Paya Marine Park
• Pangkor - fishing community and less well-known tourist destination off the west coast
• Penang - former British colony known as the "Pearl of the Orient", and bustling island city with excellent cuisine
• Perhentian Islands - glittering jewels off the East Coast still undiscovered by mass tourism
• Redang Island - popular destination for scuba divers
• Sipadan Island - remote scuba diving paraside at the easternmost tip of Malaysia
• Tenggol Island
• Tioman Island - once nominated one of the most beautiful islands in the world
• Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

National parks

There are various beautiful national parks in Malaysia. There are many different types of expeditions available, ranging from those where you hardly lose sight of the hotel to those were you are fully immersed in the jungle with only the guide and yourself if you are willing to pay the money! Tours vary from about 4 days to 2 weeks or more. It is very unlikely in most of the national parks for you to see a tiger or an elephant, this is only really likely if you are going to be staying for longer than a few days, i.e. for a couple of weeks at least. One of the most common forms of wildlife that you will encounter in the jungle however are definitely leeches! In the rainforest it is very humid but actually it is not incredibly hot. This is because of the large amount of shade afforded by the canopy created by the interlocking trees.

• Endau Rompin National Park - palm tree paradise in Johor
• Taman Negara National Park - the self-proclaimed World's Oldest Rainforest, spanning Kelantan, Pahang and Terengganu

• Kinabalu National Park - home of 4100 metre peak Gunung Kinabalu, the tallest mountain in South-East Asia

• Bako National Park - famed for its wildlife, especially bearded pigs and proboscis monkeys
• Batang Ai National Park - the Iban heartland
• Gunung Gading National Park - home of the parasitic flower Rafflesia
• Kubah National Park - home of the orang-utan and many other species of wildlife
• Loagan Bunut National Park - hosts the largest fresh water lake in Borneo
• Mulu National Park - fantastic limestones caves and karst formations