Malaysia is located in the southeast of the Asian continent; a region often referred as Southeast Asia.
It consists of West Malaysia and East Malaysia, the latter of which is located on the island of Borneo in the South China Sea. West Malaysia refers to Peninsula Malaysia which consists of 11 states while East Malaysia refers to Sabah and Sarawak.
To the south of Peninsula Malaysia and across the Straits of Johor is Singapore. The island of Sumatra, Indonesia which lies west of Peninsula Malaysia is separated by the Straits of Malacca. Thailand, in the north, shares a land border with Peninsula Malaysia. Other neighbouring countries are Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philippines and China.
Situated in the midst of the Asia-Pacific region, Malaysia enjoys a strategic location and a year-round tropical climate. It's known for its beaches and million-year-old rainforests.
With 13 states, three Federal Territories and a population that currently stands at 30 million, Malaysia combines the best of Asia and is well known for its diverse cultural landscape, which includes three of Asia's oldest civilizations - Malay, Chinese and Indian - and the unique ethnic communities of Sabah & Sarawak. Its sprawling capital, Kuala Lumpur, is home to colonial buildings, busy shopping districts such as Bukit Bintang, and skyscrapers including the iconic 451m-tall Petronas Twin Towers.
Whatever your definition of a perfect holiday is, Malaysia has everything it takes to make your visit a memorable one. With pristine beaches and breath-taking islands, a rich tapestry of cultures and history, World Heritage sites and well-preserved 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, Malaysia will leave you wanting for more.
Must-See Spots
The island of Langkawi might be one of the best places in the world to lounge on a beach. However, not many know that to really enjoy this little paradise, you will want to get out of the water. Visitors should take a mangrove tour, visit some of the 99 islets surrounding the island or go diving among spectacular coral reefs.
Known as Malaysia's administrative capital, Putrajaya is also nicknamed the country's 'Intelligent Garden City'. Possessing a refreshingly different urban landscape, the city is a clever combination of nature and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Driving around Purtajaya is a feast for the eyes as it is filled with eye-catching architecture.
Legoland Malaysia is the first-of-its-kind in Asia. This interactive and fully LEGO-themed water park offers more than 20 unique slides, and over 70 LEGO models among its attractions. Perfect for families with children from ages 2 to 12, it's the ultimate family adventure.
Mountain scalers, be sure to mark Mount Kinabalu off your bucket list. As the highest mountain in the Malay Archipelago, the mountain is a prominent attraction to climbers from all over the world.
This 130-million-year-old rainforest is one of the world's oldest rainforests. It is home to Gunung Tahan, the highest mountain in Peninsula Malaysia, as well as the world's longest canopy walkway.
Kampung Kuantan and Kampung Bukit Belimbing in Kuala Selangor are two of the few places in the world where one can watch a symphony of lights performed by colonies of fireflies at night, lighting up both sides of the river.