The flag of Malaysia
Malaysia
Malaysia, located in Southeast Asia, is a captivating blend of diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cities. From the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur to the idyllic beaches of Langkawi and the lush rainforests of Borneo, Malaysia offers travelers an unforgettable journey through its rich tapestry of traditions, flavors, and natural wonders.

Overview

Capital: Kuala Lumpur

Area sq km: 330803.00 km²

Area sq miles: 127724.00 mi²

Population: ~ 34.30 million

Official Languages: Malay

Widely Spoken: English, Chinese, Tamil

Currency: Malaysian ringgit (RM)

Driving Side: left

Quick Facts

ISO Codes: MYS

Calling Code: 60

Median Mobile Internet Speed:

  • Download: 85.59 Mbps
  • Upload: 20.21 Mbps
  • Latency: 23 ms
  • Global Rank: #28

Median Broadband Internet Speed:

  • Download: 113.89 Mbps
  • Upload: 55.76 Mbps
  • Latency: 7 ms
  • Global Rank: #41

Electrical Socket Type:

Socket Type G G No alternative plugs will also fit in type G sockets
Geographical Information

Continent: Asia

Bordering Countries: Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand

Climate: Malaysia experiences a tropical climate characterized by high humidity and abundant rainfall throughout the year. The country is divided into two main regions: Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak). Both regions have distinct weather patterns, with the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia experiencing heavy rainfall from April to October during the southwest monsoon season, while the east coast faces rainfall from November to March during the northeast monsoon season. Malaysian Borneo typically experiences a more consistent climate with rainforests receiving rainfall year-round.

Travel Essentials

Emergency Police: 999

Emergency Ambulance: 999

Emergency Fire: 999

Tipping:

Vaccinations for Most Travelers: Hepatitis A, Tetanus

Vaccinations for Some Travelers: Cholera, Hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, Rabies, Turberculosis, Typhoid

Cultural Insights

History

Malaysia, located in Southeast Asia, is a captivating blend of diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cities. From the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur to the idyllic beaches of Langkawi and the lush rainforests of Borneo, Malaysia offers travelers an unforgettable journey through its rich tapestry of traditions, flavors, and natural wonders.

Culture

Malaysia's culture is a vibrant mosaic of traditions, festivals, and customs reflecting its multicultural society. Festivals such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali are celebrated with gusto, bringing communities together to share food, music, and traditions. Traditional arts and crafts such as batik textiles, woodcarvings, and shadow puppetry showcase Malaysia's artistic heritage, while traditional dance forms such as joget and lion dance are performed during cultural events and celebrations.

Cuisine

Malaysian cuisine is renowned for its diverse flavors, influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous culinary traditions. Street food stalls and bustling markets offer a plethora of dishes, from spicy curries and fragrant rice dishes to savory noodles and fresh seafood. Nasi lemak, a coconut-infused rice dish served with anchovies, peanuts, and spicy sambal, is considered Malaysia's national dish. Other popular dishes include satay (grilled skewered meat), laksa (spicy noodle soup), and roti canai (flaky flatbread served with curry).

Language

Bahasa Malaysia, also known as Malay, is the official language of Malaysia and is widely spoken throughout the country. English is also widely used, particularly in business, education, and tourism, making it easy for travelers to communicate with locals. Additionally, Malaysia's multicultural population speaks a variety of languages, including Mandarin, Tamil, and various indigenous languages, reflecting the country's diverse heritage.

Politics

Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy, with a king serving as the ceremonial head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The political scene in Malaysia is dynamic and has seen several changes in recent years, including shifts in government leadership and party alliances. Despite occasional political tensions, Malaysia maintains stability and is known for its commitment to democratic principles, rule of law, and peaceful transitions of power. Travelers should stay informed about local developments and adhere to local laws and regulations during their visit to Malaysia.

Religions

Safety and Legal

Tap Water

Tap Water Global Rank #74

#1 would be highest quality tap water and #195 would be lowest quality tap water.

Crime

Global Crime Rank #38

#1 would be highest in crime and #195 would be lowest in crime.

LGBTQ

Global LGBTQ Rank #170

#1 would be highest in LGBTQ friendliness and #195 would be lowest in LGBTQ friendliness.

Cannabis Laws Recreational Illegal Medical Illegal

A

B

C

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