Malaysia Travel Guide - Welcome

Copyright © Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board

WELCOME

Selamat Datang

SITUATED in the midst of the Asia Pacific region, Malaysia enjoys a strategic location and a year round tropical climate. With 13 states, three Federal Territories and a population that currently stands at more than 28 million, Malaysia combines the best of Asia and is well known for its diverse cultural landscape, which includes three of Asia’s oldest civilisations – Malay, Chinese and Indian – and the unique ethnic communities of Sabah and Sarawak

One of the world’s top holiday destinations, Malaysia is filled with a wide variety of unique attractions. Whatever your definition of a fulfilling holiday, Malaysia has all the necessary elements – pristine beaches and breathtaking islands, a rich tapestry of cultures and history,well-preserved heritage treasures, world-class modern facilities, a fascinating collection of flora and fauna, lush and well-maintained nature reserves, a delightful array of mouth-watering cuisine and a long list of shopping hotspots. But do not just take our word for it. Come and discover the many wonders of Malaysia.

CONTENTS

CENTRAL REGION

Vibrant towns and cities, towering buildings, great shopping and exciting theme parks make up the urban landscape of Malaysia's central region.

- KUALA LUMPUR

Kuala Lumpur, or popularly known as ‘KL’, is Malaysia’s capital city and one of Asia’s most dynamic cities. This bustling metropolis is a melting pot of races and cultures, and is home to a population of 3.4 million people.

- SELANGOR

Selangor is also known as the ‘gateway to Malaysia’ because the main entry points, KLIA and Port Klang, are situated within the state.

- PUTRAJAYA

Touted as Malaysia’s ‘Intelligent Garden City’, Putrajaya is the futuristic administrative capital of the country. This model township combines the beauty of nature with strategic town planning and infrastructure development.

SOUTHERN REGION

Discover the diverse facets of Asia as you explore the fascinating states of Melaka and Johor.

- NEGERI SEMBILAN

Negeri Sembilan is situated in the west of Peninsular Malaysia. It is about 50km south of Kuala Lumpur and spreads over an area of 6,645 sq km. Its name literally means ‘nine states’ as the state once consisted of nine districts.

- MELAKA

Melaka enjoys a strategic location on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, along the historic Straits of Malacca, covering an area of 1,650 sq km.

- JOHOR

Johor derives its name from ‘Jauhar’, an Arabic word that means precious stones. The southern gateway to Malaysia, Johor is linked to Singapore via the Causeway.

NORTHERN REGION

UNRAVEL more wonders as you journey up north, traversing the states of Perak, Penang, Kedah and Perlis.

- PERAK

Perak is situated along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and covers an area of 21,000 sq. km. Meaning silver in Malay, it was so named as the state is home to Kinta Valley, which once contained the world’s richest tin deposi

- PENANG

Witness the delightful fusion of the East and West as well as the old and new in the Pearl of the Orient, Penang. This 1,048 sq km sun-kissed state comprises the island of Penang and Seberang Perai on the mainland.

- KEDAH

KEDAH is the most ancient state in Malaysia, boasting a history that dates back to the 5th century AD. It is the country’s main rice producer, situated at the the north of the peninsula bordering Thailand.

- PERLIS

PERLIS is the northern gateway to Malaysia, flanked by Kedah in the south and Thailand in the north. It is the peninsular’s tiniest state and covers only 810 sq km.

EAST COAST REGION

Imagine an idyllic island surrounded by the azure waters of the South China Sea, or a pristine tropical rainforest with rare, exotic plants and towering trees.

- PAHANG

Pahang is the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia. Nearly two-thirds of the state is enveloped in verdant rainforest, making it a refreshing enclave of lush greenery, exotic wildlife and natural treasures.

- TERENGGANU

Hailed as the ‘Gem of the East Coast’, Terengganu is a marvellous destination steeped in culture and heritage. Its long coastline offers sweeping vistas of aquamarine waters fringed by white powdery sands.

- KELANTAN

The most rustic of the three states in the region, Kelantan truly lives up to its name as the ‘Cradle of Malay Culture’. The state’s landscape is a charming blend of quaint villages, small towns and riverine settlements.

EAST MALAYSIA REGION

In the vast rainforests of Borneo, lies a region unlike any other. Here, nature and adventure come alive to sweep visitors away to a mesmerising, intriguing world.

- SABAH

Stunning tropical islands and luxuriant nature makes Sabah the ideal destination for eco-adventures. The state’s most famous icon is the majestic Mount Kinabalu, reputed to be one of the highest in Southeast Asia.

- SARAWAK

Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia, occupying the southwestern ridge of Borneo. Its verdant jungles are strewn with massive natural formations, the world’s largest cave chambers as well as endemic flora and fauna.

- LABUAN

Situated at the north of Brunei Bay and facing the South China Sea is the island of Labuan, an international business and financial centre. It is also Malaysia’s only deep water anchorage.