
Fast Facts
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| Country |
| The Federation of Malaysia comprises Peninsular Malaysia (or "West Malaysia") and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo, namely "East Malaysia". |
| Geographical Location |
| Located between 2 and 7 degrees north of the Equator, Peninsular Malaysia is separated from the states of Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea. To the north of Peninsular Malaysia is Thailand while its southern neighbour is Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak are bounded by Indonesia while Sarawak also shares a border with Brunei. |
| Capital |
| Kuala Lumpur (KL) |
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| Language |
| Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the national language but English is widely spoken. Malaysians also speak various languages and dialects. |
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| Religion |
| Islam is the official religion but all other religions are freely practiced. |
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| Government |
| A parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislative system, the Head of Country is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Head of Government is the Prime Minister. |
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| Climate |
| Malaysia has a tropical climate and the weather is warm all year round. Temperatures range from 21℃to 32℃ and the annual rainfall varies from 2000 mm to 2500 mm. |
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| History and Culture |
Apart from local Malays and the native groups, immigrants from China, India, Indonesia and other parts of the world have all contributed to the multi-racial composition of its population. Its interesting cultural diversity can be largely attributed to the country’s long and ongoing interaction with the outside world and colonial rule by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. The evolution of the country into a cultural melting pot is evident in the unique blend of religions, socio-cultural activities, traditions, languages and food.
The country achieved independence on August 31, 1957 as the Federation of Malaya and subsequently with the entry of Sabah and Sarawak in 1963, Malaysia was formed. |
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| Currency |
| The unit of currency is the Malaysian Ringgit, which is indicated as RM. Foreign currencies can be converted at banks and money exchange outlets. |
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| Banking Hours |
| Most states: |
| Mon-Fri: |
9:30 am - 4:00 pm |
| Sat: |
9:30 am -11:30 am | Closed on the first and the third Saturday of each month, Sundays and Public Holidays.
| Kedah, Kelantan & Terrengganu: |
| Sat-Wed: |
9:30 am - 4:00 pm |
| Thur: |
9:30 am -11:30 am | Closed on Fridays and Public holidays. |
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| Post Offices |
| Most states: |
| Mon-Fri: |
8:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Sat: |
8:00 am -1:00 pm | Closed on the first and the third Saturday of each month, Sundays and Public Holidays.
| Kedah, Kelantan & Terrengganu: |
| Sat-Wed: |
8:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Thur: |
8:00 am -1:00 pm | Closed on Fridays and Public holidays. |
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| Time |
| GMT(+8). There is no time difference between Malaysia and Hong Kong. |
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| Electricity |
| Voltage: 220-240 volts. Three-leg plug is mostly used. |
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| Getting There |
| The main gateway to Malaysia is through the new Kuala Lumpur International Airport at Sepang, which is located approximately 50 kilometres south of Kuala Lumpur. Other major international airports that serve as entry points are located in Penang, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Langkawi. | |
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Sightseeing Point - ASEAN Sculpture Garden
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ASEAN Sculpture Garden
This beautiful landscaped garden is located just below the National Monument and has a collection of prize-winning sculptures by artists from the ASEAN region. |
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Sightseeing Point - Bird Park
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Bird Park
Located in the serene and scenic Lake Gardens, the K.L. Bird Park is the world''s largest covered bird park housing more than 3,000 birds. With its 150 species of birds worldwide, it is a must-see for birds and nature-lovers to experience nature in the heart of the city with birds perching and winging freely. |
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Sightseeing Point - Butterfly Park
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Butterfly Park
The Butterfly Park is within walking distance of the Orchid Garden and Bird Park. This colourful attraction features 6,000 butterflies from about 120 species. |
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Sightseeing Point - Central Market
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Central Market
Spend a morning wandering through what was once a busy "wet market" The building was renovated in 1980's and was turned into an arts and cultural centre. It has become the place for local artists to demonstrate their skills and display their work. There are many shops and stalls which sell bric-a-brac, antiques, souvenirs, handicrafts and Asian artifacts. An open air stage serves as the regular venue for traditional and contemporary dance as well as musical concerts. |
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Sightseeing Point - Chinatown
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Chinatown
Jalan Petaling, also known as the Chinatown of Kuala Lumpur, is the liveliest and busiest street in the city. During the day, the shops that line both sides if the street are filled with people buying clothes, foods and other daily consumables. At night, Jalan Petaling is transformed into a pedestrian mall and vehicles are prohibited from entering the street. One can literally find almost anything in this bustling night market. The range of goods that are sold here is so comprehensive that one will survey be amazed. |
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Sightseeing Point - Crafts Cultural Complex (Kompleks Budaya Kraf)
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Crafts Cultural Complex (Kompleks Budaya Kraf)
Kompleks Budaya Kraf (Crafts Cultural Complex) was established to promote and preserve the rich heritage of Malaysia's arts and crafts. With in this premier handicraft complex are commercial bazaars, a food court, the Craft Museum and the unique Artist Colony. |
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Sightseeing Point - Deer Park
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Deer Park
It occupies a hill slope leading down into a valley where tame deer roam freely, including the tiny kancil. Visitors are allowed to mingle with these friendly and adorable creatures. |
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Sightseeing Point - Istana Negara
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Istana Negara
The Istana Negara is the official residence of His Majesty, the Yang di Pertuan Agong, The King of Malaysia. It is located on a hillock at Jalan Istana, right outside the city center. The extensive grounds is enhanced by immaculate lawns and colourful gardens. The palace is also the venue for official functions and ceremonies. Visitors can witness the changing of the guard daily, yet is not allowed to enter the palace. |
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Sightseeing Point - Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
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Kuala Lumpur Railway Station
Built in 1910, the station is yet another heritage building that reflects the influence of Moorish architecture. It was extensively renovated in 1986 to provide air-conditioned comfort and modern facilities for rail passengers. |
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Sightseeing Point - Kuala Lumpur Tower ( Menara Kuala Lumpur)
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Kuala Lumpur Tower ( Menara Kuala Lumpur)
Officially opened in August 1996, this imposing 421m concrete tower is reputed to be the highest in Asia and the fourth highest in the world. Visitors can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Federal Territory and the Klang Valley from the dizzying height of its observation deck or station for telecommunications networks, radio and television. |
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Sightseeing Point - Masjid Jamek
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Masjid Jamek
Situated at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak Rivers, the mosque forms a startling contrast against the modern buildings behind it. It was built in 1909, making it the oldest mosque in the city. It features graceful arches and domes, reminiscent of the Moorish era. |
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Sightseeing Point - Merdeka Square
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Merdeka Square
Facing the Sultan Abdul Samad Building is Dataran Merdeka ot Merdeka Square, an immaculately-turfed 8.2 hectare area of historical interest. A 100 metre-high flagpole marks the spot where the Malayan Flag was hoisted on August 31, 1957 signifying the independence of the country from British rule. At the opposite end of the square is an inviting spot where visitors can relax amid soothing rushing waters of fountains, elegant colonnades and colourful beds of zinnias and marigolds. Beneath the square is Plaza Putra, an underground food, leisure and entertainment complex. |
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Sightseeing Point - National Monument
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National Monument
Designed by the famous sculptor, Felix de Weldon, this 15.54 m high bronze monument was constructed in 1966 to honour the country’s fallen heroes during the Communist in surgency. It is one of the largest freestanding sculptures in the world. |
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Sightseeing Point - National Mosque
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National Mosque
The National Mosque was built along modern lines with elements of contemporary Islamic art, calligraphy and ornamentation. Its most striking feature is the multiple-fold umbrella-like roof and a 245-feet minaret which symbolizes the aspirations of an 18 pointed star which represents the 13 states and the five pillars of Islam. Forty-eight smaller domes cover the courtyard. The mosque can accommodate 8,000 people. |
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Sightseeing Point - National Museum
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National Museum
Located at the fringe of Taman Taisk Perdana (The KL Lake Garden), this palatial building was designed along the lines of classical Malay architecture and is the principle museum in the country. Its imposing entrance opens into an impressive collection of exhibits on local history, culture and customs , art and handicraft, weapons and currencies. There are also exhibits on economic activities like rubber planting and tin-mining and some samples of Malaysia’s flora and fauna. Outdoor static displays include old locomotives, vintage cars and replicas of ancient Malay Palaces. |
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Sightseeing Point - Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens
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Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens
Located in Taman Tasik Perdana, the Orchid Garden has over 800 species of exotic Malaysian orchids including some rare ones. Orchid plants are also on sale. Close by is the Hibiscus Garden with more than 500 varieties of these papery blooms in a riot of shades and colours. |
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Sightseeing Point - Petronas Twin Towers
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Petronas Twin Towers
Kuala Lumpur’s most photographed building, designed by British architect A.C. Norman, was built between 1894 and 1897 and was formerly the Secretariat building for the British administration. It is beautiful blend of Victorian and Moorish architecture and is now the venue of the Supreme Court and the High Court. |
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Sightseeing Point - Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Infokraf
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Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Infokraf
Kuala Lumpur’s most photographed building, designed by British architect A.C. Norman, was built between 1894 and 1897 and was formerly the Secretariat building for the British administration. It is beautiful blend of Victorian and Moorish architecture and is now the venue of the Supreme Court and the High Court. |
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