Malaysia

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country occupying parts of the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo. It is known for its beaches, rainforests and mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultural influences. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is home to colonial buildings, busy shopping districts such as Bukit Bintang and skyscrapers such as the iconic 451m-tall Petronas Twin Towers. Peninsular Malaysia's west coast is home to Malacca, a former colonial port known as a center of Chinese-Malay Peranakan culture, and to Langkawi island, famous for beach resorts. Penang Island's capital, George Town, is full of temples and street-food stalls. Peninsular Malaysia's east coast is known for beach resorts, diving and snorkeling at Tioman, Redang and the Perhentian islands. Malaysian Borneo is covered largely in tropical rainforest with diverse wildlife (including orangutans), and offers many beaches, scuba diving off Sipadan Island and the city of Kota Kinabalu, gateway to Mount Kinabalu. Malaysia is a multi-cultural and majority muslim country. Malaysians are very welcoming to tourists and visitors. Remember to dress modestly particularly in conservative areas and places of worship by avoiding sleeveless tops and short skirts.

Capital: Kuala Lumpur, Dialing code: +60, Currency: Malaysian ringgit, Population: 29.72 million (2013), When to Visit: Peak travel: Dec-Jan & Jun-Aug, Climate: Hot & humid; monsoons in the east Nov-Feb