Do you know what is the best kept secret of Asia ? It's Malaysia, the tropical paradise which is strategically located at the junction of the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. Malaysia is a premier tourist destination where you can let your hair down and unwind, alone or with company.

Malaysia was formed in 1963 through a merging of the former British colonies of Malaya and Singapore, including the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak on the northern coast of Borneo. Malaysia has fervently embraced modern technology. It boasts two of the world's tallest skyscrapers and a huge new "cyber" center for computer businesses.

But it also has some of the world's most remote jungle (in Sabah and Sarawak), one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant old ports (Georgetown) and an atmospheric colonial hill station (the Cameron Highlands). Even in Kuala Lumpur, the capital, which bristles with ambitious new building projects, you can still find exotic markets and plenty of local color.

Geography of Malaysia
Malaysia is primarily divided into two distinct parts: Peninsular Malaysia and the East Malaysian provinces of Sabah and Sarawak. The two regions are 650km apart, separated by the South China Sea. Malaysia shares borders with Thailand and Singapore while the Sabah and Sarawak border Kalimantan (a part of Indonesian). The west coast of Malaysia faces the Andaman Sea.

Malaysian topography consist of 40 percent land mass and the rest 60 percent has rainforest. The entire West coast is fertile where as on the Eastern coast only a narrow land strip is fertile. Most of the Malaysia is covered by forest, with a mountain range running the length of the peninsula. Extensive forests provide ebony, sandalwood, teak, and other woods. Mt Kinabalu (4101m/13,450ft) in Sabah is one of the highest peaks in South-East Asia.

Climate of Malaysia
Malaysia is hot and humid all the year. Temperatures generally shuttles between 20-30°C; humidity is usually 90 per cent. The region is marked with heavy monsoon climate. The wettest season on the west coast of the peninsula is between September and December; on the east coast and in Sabah and Sarawak it's between October and February.

Malaysia present a vibrant mosaic of culture with Malays, Chinese and Indians living side by side. The Malays are the largest community.

Malay
The Malays, long linked to the land as Bumiputra, or Sons or Princes of the Soil, generally prefer the sound of a cock crowing in the morning and crickets at night to noisy traffic horns and congested sidewalks.

Chinese
Chinese population makes up for 35 percent of the country's total population. They control major industries such a rubber and import and export companies. Most of the Chinese are Taoist Buddhist, and their presence can be felt with the splendidly colorful temples displaying their curled and embellished roofs and walls in town and city.

Indian
Indians make up less than 10 percent of the population of Malaysia today, but their culture is pervasive in towns and cities. With few exceptions they all come from South India, and approximately 80 percent are Tamilians and Hindus. There are small numbers of Sikhs, Malayees, Telugus and Parsis. The majority of the Indian population is concentrated in the states of Selangor, Perak and Penang.

Others
Ibans, Kadazans and other races constitute a small portion of the population. In Sabah, the largest group comprises the Dusun or Kadazan tribes, follwed by the Muruts, the Bajau (Muslims and famous cowboys and seafarers of Sabah ), the Rungus, and Bisaya, Suluk, Lundayehand Kedayan in smaller number.

Best Time to visit
Malaysia is hot and humid all year so you're going to have sunshine and sweat pretty much whenever you visit. It is, however, best to avoid the November to January rainy season on Peninsula Malaysia's east coast if you want to enjoy the beaches. The time to see turtles on the east coast is between May and September.

Attractions of Malaysia

There are many sites and interesting locations in Malaysia. Basically an insular country, it has a seemingly unending coastline and pristine beaches. There are also numerous scenic islands in Malaysia's territorial waters. From the large and developed island of Penang to small rock outcrops jutting out from the sea, the country, with its rich marine flora and fauna, has earned a reputation of being a divers' paradise. For land-based adventurers, there are cascading waterfalls and cool evergreen forest and mountains with fascinating panoramic views.

Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia
From time immemorial, man's ingenuity and ambition have spurred the construction of stunning structures that have left their indelible marks forever on our planet. The list is spectacularly impressive, from ancient to modern times. Petronas Twin Towers soars up to a height of 451.9 metres from street level making it long standing glitter to Malaysia.

This architectural marvel was designed by the world-renowned architects Cesar-Pelli & Associates, selected through an international competition in 1991.

Sultan Abu Baker Mosque, Malaysia
A famed landmark, this century-old mosque is said to be one of the most beautiful in Malaysia. It was completed in 1900, a few years after the death of the Sultan it is named after. It look eight years to build and can accommodate 2,000 worshippers. It is located on spacious grounds overlooking the Straits of Johor and Singapore. Locals put up stalls selling souvenirs and handicrafts.

Sri Mahamariaman Temple, Malaysia
Built in 18 7 3, this is one of the most ornate and elaborate Hindu temples in the country. The detailed decorative scheme for the temple incorporates intricate carvings, gold embellishments, hand-painted motifs and exquisite tiles from Italy and Spain. It also houses a giant chariot that is used to transport a deity annually during the Hindu festival of Thaipusam.

Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Malaysia
The Sultan Abdul Samad building was constructed at the end of the last century and the site was chosen because of its central position. A.C. Norman, a British architect who worked for the Public Works Department in Kuala Lumpur, in designing the existing building took into consideration some of the features of buildings in several Islamic countries. The predominantly Moorish appearance of the building suitably reflects the cultural background of Malaysia

Istana Negara Instana Negara, Malaysia
he official residence of the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (The King), located on a hillock at Jalan Istana. The palace is surrounded by green lawns, ponds and trees. On ceremonial occasions, the palace and its grounds are gaily lit-up

Penang Hill, Malaysia
The hills of Penang--Western Hill, Tiger Hill, Strawberry Hill, and others--have long been popular refuges from the heat of the low-lying city. As the funicular railway proceeds along its half-hour climb of the hill, a broad panoramic view of Georgetown slowly unfolds. The view from Flagstaff Hill, at the top of the line, is a lovely way to watch night descend over the island

The Grand Palace and Royal Abu Bakar Museum, Malaysia
The beautiful palace was commissioned by Sultan Abu Bakar, who laid the foundation stone in 1864. One of the oldest buildings in Johor, it has a cosmopolitan architecture with clear Anglo-Malay influence. Today the palace assumes an additional role as the Royal Abu Bakar Museum, displaying treasures of the royal collection.

Underwater World Langkawi, Malaysia
The Underwater World Langkawi, a marine showcase featuring both fresh and salt water fish and other forms of marine life, is a must-see attraction. Located at Pantai Cenang, a popular beach on the island, this aquarium features more than 5,000 types of marine life, exhibited in more than 100 tanks of different sizes. The highlight is a giant tank housing large marine species such as sharks, stingrays, groupers and green turtles, with a 15-metre tunnel for visitors to walk through and enjoy a spectacular view of the exhibits.

Kuah
Kuah, the main town, is located on the southeastern side of Pulau Langkawi. It is the take off point for the neighboring islands by ferry. The name "Kuah" is a Malay word meaning "gravy" and involves an old legend of two battling giants who overturned a gigantic pot of curry at the spot where the town now stands. It's a thriving centre of modern hotels and shopping-cum-business complexes, but without the over-crowding and bustle of modern cities. The best thing about Kuah is that you can go for duty free shopping.

Makam Mahsuri
Makam Mahsuri Tomb lies in a village about 12 kilometres from Kuah. This shrine was built in honor of a fair maiden who lived on Pulau Langkawi more than two hundreds years ago. Accused unjustly of adultery, she was executed with a special kris. According to legend, she bled white blood and in her dying breath, she laid a curse on the island that it would henceforth not , prosper for seven generations.

Fact or fiction, the seven generations have come to an end and Langkawi today enjoys the prosperity of accelerated development and ever increasing tourist arrivals.

Malaysia is indeed a nation truly blessed with a wealth of cultural heritage and captivating environmental beauty. It is also a gastronomic haven and a definite shopper's paradise. Remarkably diverse, it is one of Southeast Asia's most energetic and prosperous nations.

Once in Malaysia, shopping is a must. Be amazed by the variety of goods available for you to choose from ranging from sophisticated, high technology equipment to avant-garde couture displayed and sold in spacious and comfortable shopping malls throughout the nation to the unique knick knacks sold in the jam-packed back-lanes.

Special Bonanza : Duty - Free Shopping
An added bonus is duty-free shopping which is available at major entry points and gateway cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Padang Besar, Bukit Kayu Hitam. Adding to the lure is Pulau Langkawi and Labuan which have been granted duty-free status. "Pasar malam" or night market (bazaar style) offers a different kind of shopping experience. As soon as the sun goes down, traders roll out their mats, set up their tables and display their wares. You have to negotiate and bargain the price. You will find anything from Malaysian food to traditional herbal medicine here.

Bukit Bintang
Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Bintang is as shiny as its name implies ("Bintang" is Malay word for "star"). With rows of shopping centers along with its new western-style Bintang Walk, Bukit Bintang renews its long-time excitement to become one of the most happening places in the city. The place becomes very lively especially at nights and on weekends.

Chinatown
Chinatown is a heaven for bargain hunters. The lively Jalan Hang Lekir is filled with stalls, hawkers and traders offering from authentic Chinese clogs to not-so-authentic "Designer watches" right down to Christian Dior perfume. The latest trends are readily available at a fraction of the original price. This heart of Chinatown is home to a wealth of old-style shops and stalls.

Shops here offer a variety of textiles, clothes, shoes, and handbags at bargain prices. The area is also known for its jewelry items beautifully crafted in gold and set with priceless gemstones. Nepalese traders offer exotic ethnic jewelry , wall hangings, ornaments, curios, and teapots from India and Myanmar.

Jalan Masjid India
One of the oldest parts of the city, Jalan Masjid India is the original shopping haven that dated back over a century ago. Its name is derived from a mosque built in 1870 for the Indian Muslim population settling there at the times when tin-mining was booming.

Also known as 'Little India', this shopping bazaar is only a hundred metres away from Masjid Jamek and parallel to Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. The area actually starts from the cluster of Malay shops known as Wisma Yakin in which you can find some of the best tailors in town. Restaurants and hawkers selling Malay and Indian food are also available along the street to satisfy your thirst and hunger.