Monday, November 29, 2021

Malaysia

Malaysia Flag

Why visit Malaysia?

Ideal for adventure tours, bazaars, beaches, birdwatching, bicycling, cave, coral reefs, culture, ecotourism, fishing, golf, hiking, indigenous tribal, remote rain forests, sailing, vibrant old ports, wildlife, and windsurfing.






Capital City, Kuala Lumpur. Photo Credit: Pixabay





At a Glance
  • Souvenirs to Buy: Neetle nut sets, brassware, carvings, gold brocade, kites, ornamental kris, pewter, silver brocade, silverware, songket fabrics, woven batik, and wooden masks.
  • Local Cuisine to Try: Akok (sweet dessert). Apam johol (sweet rice cake). Asam Pedas (meat stew). Durians (fruit). Gulai (curry stew). Ikan Bakar (fish fish). Ikan Goreng (fried fish). Keropok Lekor (fish fritter). Kerutuk Daging (traditional dish). Kuzi Ayam (curry dish). Mee Bandung Muar (noodle dish). Murtabak (stuffed pancake. Nasi Dagang (rice dish). Nasi Lemak (leaf wrapped rice). Pek Nga (breakfast bread). Puding Diraja (dessert pudding). Rendang (beef dish). Roti Canai (flatbread). Roti John (breakfast sandwich). Satay (skewered meat). Sup Kambing (soup). Just to mention a few!
  • Local Drink to Try: Air Bandung (cold pink milk). Air Janda Pulang (traditional). Arak Putik (white liquor). Barley Juice. Nutmeg Juice. Teh Tarik (tea). Tiger Beer. Water Chestnut Juice.



Tea Plantation, Cameron Highlands (Pahang, Malaysia) Photo Credit: FonthipWard/Pixabay





Fun Facts
  • Gunung Mulu National Park (Sarawak Chamber) has the largest cave system in the world.
  • Home to the largest parasitic flower, Rafflesia in the world.
  • Bowling is an extremely popular sport.
  • Temenggor Lake (Terengganu) is the largest manmade lake in Southeast Asia.
  • Has 118 airports.
  • Considered one of the world's largest exporters of communication products, electrical devices, IT, and semiconductor devices.
  • Mount Kinabalu is the tallest mountain.
  • Popular sports played include badminton, bowls, field hockey, hockey, horse riding,  martial arts, squash, sailing, skateboarding, and tennis.
  • A narrow causeway and a bridge links to Singapore. 
  • Leatherbacks and Olive Ridleys are known to nest annually on Terengganu "Land of Turtles" beaches.
  • Taman Negara is one of oldest tropical rainforests in the world.
  • One of the world's largest producers of palm oil.
  • Along the ancient spice route culture and cuisine is influenced in Chinese, Javanese, Indian, Malay, Sumatran, and Thai.
  • State of Kelantan is popular for fying giant Wau kites and playing Gasing, a game of spinning tops.



Batu Caves Sri Murugan Perumal Kovil, Selangor, Malaysia. Photo Credit: Pixabay




Special Holidays/Occasions
  • Annual Events: (January) International Surfing Competition, Le Tour De Langkawi, MyBalloonFiesta, Royal Langkawi International Regatta, Thaipusam Festival, (February) Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival, (March) Tanjung Tuan, (April) Malaysia Water Festival, Petronas Malaysia F1 Grand Prix, Regatta Lepa Semporna, (May) Miri International Jazz Festival, Tadau Ka'amatan Harvest Festival, (June) Melaka River Festival, Sarawak Gawai Festival, (July) Malaysia Mega Sale, Rainforest World Music Festival, (August) Bazaar Ramadan, Mooncake Festival & Hungry Ghost Festival, (December) Fabulous Food 1Malaysia, and The Dragon Boat Festival.
  • Holidays: Muhammad's Birthday, Hari Merdeka, Chinese New Year, Wesak Day, Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Hari Raya PuasaHari Raya Qurban, Deepavali, Christmas, Labour Day, Awal Muharram, and Malaysia Day.



Kellie's Castle, (Batu Gajah, Kinta District) Perak, Malaysia. Photo Credit: Esther Choi/Pixabay




Good to Know
  • Permission to enter and remain is solely at the decision of and discretion of the Malaysian Immigration Department.
  • Travelers should have a high tolerance for heat and humidity.
  • Does not recognize or permit dual nationality.
  • Predominantly an Islamic country, majority practicing Muslims.
  • Eastern states of Sabah and Sarawak (Island of Borneo) have special entry requirements. 
  • Alcohol is strictly controlled.
  • Carry your passport with Malaysian entry stamp with you at all times.
  • English is often fluent in Kuala Lumpur.
  • Smallest stated, Perlis remains of the old-world charm.
  • A multi-cultural and ethnic country.
  • Coastal areas of eastern Saba have land and water curfews.
  • Windsurfing is popular on Stulang Laut Beach.
  • Surfing is best November - March along the East Coast (Cherating).
  • Top ranked beaches are Juara Beach (Tioman Island), Tanjung Rhu (Langkawi), and Terengganu (Perhentian Kecil Island).
  • The east coast area boasts in beachfront fishing towns and villages.
  • Sarawak offers unspoiled countryside.
  • Death penalty is used for serious crimes such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, murder, and terrorism. 
  • Homosexuality is illegal with up to 20 years in prison and/or whipping.
  • Monsoon Season is October - February.
  • Air quality fluctuates by seasons.
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is subject to incarnation.
  • Kuantan (Pahang state) off the east coast offers some of the nation’s most popular beaches (Cherating).
  • Fishing is best in Aur, Pemanggil, and Tioman.
  • Central Kuala Lumpur is known to have violent crimes against passengers from Taxi drivers.
  • Dry Season is July - October prone to wildfires.
  • It's deemed illegal to distribute religious literature of another faith to Malaysian Muslims. 
  • Counterfeit medication is commonly practiced so avoid pharmaceutical purchases.
  • Avoid tap water consumption.
  • Human trafficking and sex trafficking are known problems.
  • Sipadan Island ranks one of the top dive sites in the world.
  • Prevalent disease: Dengue, Chikungunya, Leptospirosis, Malaria, and Zika.
  • Sharia Law forbids Muslims from drinking alcohol. 
  • Online scams target Americans for bank overpayments, contracts with promises of large commissions,  gold purchases, inheritance notices, job offers, lucrative sales, money transfers, romance, and work permits.
  • Closely monitor your credit card transactions due to high fraud risks.
  • International Driving Permits (IDP) is used in conjunction with a valid U.S. Drivers License.
  • Healthcare and treatment is below our U.S. standards.
  • ATMs use six-digit PIN's which causes issues with four-digit PIN's.
  • Labuan Island, Langkawi, Tioman, and Pangkor are duty-free shopping.



Perhentian Islands (Besut District) Terengganu, Malaysia. Photo Credit: Manusama/Pixabay




This international destination requires:
  • A valid passport with six months of validity and one blank page for entry stamp.
  • Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
  • Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.



Wat Uttamaram (Buddhist Temple), Pasir Mas District, Malaysia. Photo Credit: Wonmee/Pixabay


  • Best Time to Visit: December - February
  • Coldest Month: December
  • Hottest Month: May
  • Peak Season: June - September


(Malacca River) Malacca City, Malaysia, Photo Credit: Sharonang/Pixabay





Your Must-See & Do
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley, Gunung Mulu National Park, Kinabalu Park, Melaka and George Town Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca.  

 

LEGOLAND Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia. Photo Credit: FonthipWard/Pixabay




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                                                 All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

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