GEOGRAPHY: Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia, administratively divided into two regions: West Malaysia, located on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, and East Malaysia, located in the northern part of the island of Borneo. Western Malaysia borders Thailand in the north, Singapore in the south, the Malacca Strait in the west, and the South China Sea in the east. East Malaysia borders Indonesia to the south and west and Brunei to the north. In the north it is washed by the South China Sea, in the south – by the Sulawesi Sea.
NATURE OF MALAYSIA
The arrays of evergreen tropical rainforests growing in Malaysia are one of the largest on the planet. But Malaysia is not only a unique nature. Located in Southeast Asia, the state is developing at a very fast pace, firmly holding the first place in the world in the production of electronic circuits and household air conditioners, palm oil and natural rubber. Malaysia is a country of many religions, where residents respect both “their own” and “foreign” gods.
CLIMATE. The climate of Malaysia is equatorial, hot and humid.
The average annual air temperature ranges from +25 to +28 degrees. In coastal areas during the day it is +30 +36 degrees.
In the mountains, the climate is more moderate, the temperatures are lower, the night temperature is noticeably lower than the daytime one.
Heavy, but short-term rains fall throughout the year. The rainy season in the eastern part of the country in the states of Sabah and Sarawak usually lasts from October to February. On the west coast of the country (the islands of Langkawi, Penang, Pangkor), the rainy season lasts from April to May and from October to December, but the showers there are short-lived, so the holiday season lasts all year round.
The best time to visit West Malaysia is the period from late November to early March, and Eastern May-September.
VISA. Russian citizens entering Malaysia for a period not exceeding 30 days are issued a visa when crossing the border. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of entry.
The government of Malaysia is unique. Malaysia is the only country in the world that is a federal constitutional elective monarchy. Malaysia is made up of 13 states and three federal territories. Every five years, nine monarchs choose a king and viceroy from among themselves, usually for reasons of seniority or length of reign. The king and the sultans perform mainly representative functions, but all amendments to the constitution are subject to their approval. The main administrative functions are performed by the Parliament and the Prime Minister.
POPULATION. Malaysia has more than 22 million people and more than 60 different ethnic groups, the most numerous of which are Malays, Chinese and Indians. Along with Islam (the official religion), Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism are freely practiced.
CURRENCY. In monetary circulation – Malaysian ringgits, 1 ringgit is equal to 100 cents. Major credit cards are accepted for payment in major banks, hotels, shops.
HOW TO
GET THERE Convenient Singapore Airlines flights via Singapore, also available with Thai Airways and Qatar Airways connecting in Bangkok and Doha respectively. The duration of the flight, depending on the option chosen, is from 12.5 to 20 hours, including connections. To the island resorts of Langkawi and Borneo, the most convenient flight option is Singapore Airlines with one connection in Singapore, which allows you to combine 2 countries in one trip.
TIME
5 hours ahead of Moscow time.
LANGUAGE
Bahasa Malaysia – Malaysian. English is ubiquitous.
MOBILE COMMUNICATION
Owners of mobile phones operating in the GSM-900/1800 standard can use them in Malaysia. It is very profitable to purchase SIM cards from a local operator for a mobile phone.
CAPITAL
Kuala Lumpur. The city is located in the southwest of the Malay Peninsula in a low-mountain valley at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers. Kuala Lumpur is literally overflowing with a wide variety of attractions: the beautiful ancient Jamek Mosque, the rich and informative National Museum, the Masjid Negara Mosque, the majestic royal palace, the parliament building, the unique Hindu temple in the limestone caves of Batu Caves, the Lake Garden, the bird park and the Orchid Garden and the zoo, Chinatown (Chinatown), Pasar Malam Saturday night market, museum and art gallery. The buildings of the modern period also attract attention: the television tower (421 m), the Petronas Twin Towers or the twin towers (452 m, 88 floors). Sepang Stadium is located near Kuala Lumpur, where the Formula 1 race track takes place.
SAFETY
Malaysia is one of the safest countries for tourists in Southeast Asia. The tap water here is drinkable, but it is better to drink boiled or bottled water. Crime in the country is low, but in crowded places, tourists should look after their belongings. There are no private beaches in Malaysia, so topless sunbathing is not worth it. Shorts, short T-shirts and skirts should not be worn when visiting mosques or Malay villages. You can’t take food with your left hand, and to pass something to a local resident with it means to offend him greatly. As in Thailand, in Malaysia you should not pat anyone on the head, even small children.
WHAT TO BRING FROM MALAYSIA
Traditional Malaysian souvenirs are pewter, batik, and kites. Batik (hand-painted silk and cotton fabrics) and products made from it (sarongs and shirts) are sold in many tourist centers. Tin products can also be found in souvenir shops. In addition to various household utensils, caskets, kris are sold in stores – crooked Malay knives. When buying them, you should remember that at airports the police may require them to be deposited with pilots for the duration of the flight.
Figurines of local spirits and hunting pipes with arrows are sold in Borneo. Colorful kites are considered a traditional souvenir. Miniature snakes are sold in stores, however, you can buy a real big one.
Malaysia is a religious country. This obliges tourists going on an excursion to dress not very brightly and cover their shoulders.
Reminder for tourists flying to Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR AIRPORT (KLIA)
Upon arrival in Malaysia, you find yourself in one of the most modern, beautiful and spacious airports in the world. It won the title of World’s Best Airport in the category of 15-25 million passengers per year in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Tourists who got into it are immediately surprised by its enormous size and extraordinary space, skillfully decorated with gardens and modern decorations.
In order not to get lost in this magnificent structure, you need to follow the baggage claim sign, as in every airport in the world.
At KLIA airport, planes are “parked” in the satellite terminal, from which automatic trains without drivers called “Aero train” go to the main terminal. The pointer will take you to the air train, consisting of 2 wagons, similar to subway cars. After 2 minutes of travel, you will find yourself in the main terminal, and again continue on your way following the baggage claim sign:
Then, you get to the passport control desks, you need to go to the desks with the “Foreign Passport” sign. Malaysia is a visa-free country, a stamp is put in the passport where it will be indicated that your stay is limited to 30 days, airport tax is not charged. Next, you will follow, again following the sign, and get your luggage.
If you wish, you can order a service – FAST TRACK upon arrival at a cost of 65 USD per person and VIP LOUNGE for a connection between flights at a cost of 80 USD per person guide or driver, or escort to the domestic departures hall if tourists have a connection for the next flight.
Transfer Information:
Return transfer from your hotel in Kuala Lumpur to KLIA Airport takes place 4 hours prior to flight departure
Tourists waiting time for transfer at Kuala Lumpur Airport is 1 hour, please do not linger in DUTY FREE shops.
A surcharge of 50% of the transfer cost is charged between 22.00 pm and 08.00 am
