1.1 Physical Geography

 1.1.1 The Land
Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia and covers an area of 329,750 sq km. It is the only country that occupies territory on both the mainland and insular regions of Southeast Asia. The region of Malaysia on the mainland is commonly referred to as either Peninsular Malaysia or West Malaysia. It occupies the southern half of the Malay Peninsula and accounts for 40% of the country's land mass. It is bordered by Thailand on the north and Singapore on the south, the Strait of Malacca on the west and the South China Sea on the east. The insular region is commonly referred to as East Malaysia. It occupies the northwestern part of the island of Borneo. (Kalimantan (Indonesian) Borneo occupies the southeast portion of Borneo.) Approximately 400 miles (650 km) of the South China Sea separates East Malaysia from Peninsular Malaysia.
Peninsular Malaysia is largely mountainous with half of the total area more than 500 feet (150 meters) above sea level. There are several mountain ranges that run north-south with elevations rising to more than 7,000 feet (2,000 m). Heavily populated coastal lowlands (fertile plain) run along the west side and narrow, swampy, and densely forested lowlands run along the east side. The Pahang River is the principal river flowing through Peninsular Malaysia
In East Malaysia the coastal plains rise to a hill and valley region and then rise to a mountainous core with elevations between 4,000 and 7,000 feet (1,200 and 2,000 m). The highest point in the country, Mount Kinabalu (13,455 feet [4,101 m]), is located in the extreme northeast portion of this mountainous core. The two principal rivers in East Malaysia are the Rajang and the Kinabatangan. The Rajang is located in the state of Sarawak and the Kinabatangan is located in Sabah.
Approximately two-thirds of Malaysia is forest with the majority of it being tropical rainforest. Vegetation includes bamboo, camphor, ebony, sandalwood, teak, and mangrove forests among the over 8,000 species of flowing plants which include 2000 tree species, 800 different kinds of orchids and 200 types of palm trees. Wildlife in Malaysia includes elephant, tiger, leopard, wild ox, sun (honey) bear, wild pig, orangutan, gibbon, and some rhinoceros. East Malaysia is known for having one of the largest and most varied bird populations in the world.

1.1.2 Climate
Malaysia is hot and humid year round with a temperature 20° - 30° C, (68° - 86° F), and a humidity level of 90%. Since the temperature fluctuates little throughout the year, travel in Malaysia is a pleasure year round.
The rain forests and other tropical vegetation thrive in the hot and humid climate and are fed by the wet seasons. There are two distinct wet seasons for this country. The West Coast of Malaysia will experience slightly more rain through the months of September to December. The East Coast of Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak experience significantly more rain through the months of October to February. When the rain comes, it typically falls in short hard bursts briefly interrupting the strong sunshine.

1.2 Political Geography

 1.2.1 Government and Administration
Malaysia is a federation of states governed by a constitutional monarchy with a two-house legislature consisting of a Senate (Dewan Negara) and a House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat). The head of state is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Supreme Head of the Federation) and is selected by and from nine hereditary sultans, or rulers. Executive power is exercised by the prime minister, who is the leader of the majority party or coalition in the house of representatives and is appointed by the head of state. He governs with the assistance of an appointed ministerial cabinet.
The Federal Court (formerly the Supreme Court) is the highest court. Below the Federal Court are the two High Courts, one serving West Malaysia and the other serving East Malaysia. Each High Court has a chief judge and several other judges. The chief judges from the high court each serve on the Federal Court with the federal court chief justice and seven other judges. Lower courts include the Sessions Courts and the Magistrates' Courts.
On the local level, Malaysia is divided into the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur (West Malaysia), Federal Territory of Labuan (East Malaysia) and 13 states: Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Pinang, Selangor and Terengganu in West Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia. Each of the 13 states has a titular ruler. Each state has its own written constitution and a unicameral legislative assembly empowered to legislate on matters not reserved for the federal parliament.
The federal government is responsible for foreign affairs, defense, internal security, justice (except where Islamic and native law prevail), federal citizenship, finance, commerce, industry, communications, and transportation. The state governments deal with immigration, civil service, and customs matters.
    

1.2.2 Demographics

2.1 Culture

Malaysia is home to a diverse culture that has been marked by many external and internal influences throughout its history. The cultures of the original Malays, the Chinese and the Indians have had a lasting influence on the country. In addition, there has also been a large array of indigenous tribes in Malaysia. Even with their maintained traditions and structures, the different cultures have blended together to create a unique Malaysian heritage.
The original Malay are Malaysia's largest ethnic group and account for over half of the population. Almost all of them are Muslims. Their cultural center is usually around villages. The Chinese form more than one-third of the population and are generally regarded as Malaysia's businessmen. Most of the Chinese in Malaysia are Tao Buddhist. About 10 percent of the Malaysian population in Indian. Although the Indians have been visiting Malaysia for over 2,000 years, they really only began to settle in Malaysia during the 19th century. Many of the Indians have worked as rubber tappers while others have built the infrastructure or worked as administrators and small businessmen. The Indian culture in Malaysia is visible throughout with its exquisite Hindu temples, cuisine, and colorful garments. The tribal peoples make up about 5 percent of the total population. They represent the majority in both Sarawak and Sabah. They are the oldest inhabitants of Malaysia and prefer to be categorized by their individual tribes. They all generally share a strong spiritual tie to the rain forest.
Due to the maintaining of the traditions and community structures of the different cultures in Malaysia, it is possible to travel through several different locations within the country and feel as if you've traveled through different nations or you can visit a single city such as Kuala Lumpur and find a little bit of everything.

Cultural activities that can be found include music, dance, theater, crafts, cuisine and games and pastimes. Music and dance have become almost inseparable, as it has evolved into a complex art form. The wayang julit a shadow puppet play is the best known Malaysian theater event. It draws its inspiration fro the Ramayana, the Hindi epic, comprised of a potpourri of immortal tales. The more popular crafts in Malaysia include batik the art of dying fabric, kite making, pewter making, knife making, weaving and wood carving. Malaysia produces what many people consider to be the most delicious cuisine in the world with fresh tropical fruits and succulent seafood as featured ingredients. Much of Malayisa's leisure time is occupied by elaborate competitions such as kite flying. Some such competitions bring people from around the world to Malaysia.

2.2 Holidays

Weekly holidays vary from region to region. In Johor, Perlis, Selangor, Melaka, Penang, Perak, Pahang and Negeri Sembilan, there is a half-day holiday on Saturday and a full-day holiday on Sunday. In the states of , Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan a traditional half-day holiday is observed on Thursday and full-day holiday on Friday; Saturday and Sunday are treated as weekdays.
Note: If a holiday falls on a weekend or Friday, the following day becomes a holiday.

2.3 History

Human habitation in Malaysia is dated as far back as 40,000 years ago in northern Sarawak and habitation 6,000 to 8,000 years ago in Malaya with the evidence of a Neolithic culture having been established by 2500 to 1500 BC. It appears that during the 1st millennium BC waves of people migrated into the region from China and Tibet. Then during the 1st millennium AD about 30 small Indianized states rose and fell in Malaya under the influence of Indian traders and priests that were traveling the maritime routes and bringing concepts of religion, government, and the arts. The early states left a living legacy that has influenced the political ideas, social structures, rituals, language, arts and cultural practices of Malay Muslims.
The late classical period saw the rise of the great port of Malacca and the introduction and spread of Islam. During the 1400s the Indianized king converted to Islam, becoming a "sultan" and was able to attract Muslim merchants. Malacca soon became Southeast Asia's major trading port of the Indian Ocean trading network and served as the main center for the propagation of Islam.

By the beginning of the 16th century, Malacca's fame had reached Europe. In 1511 a Portuguese fleet conquered Malacca. This fleet raised the taxes and had an intolerance for Islam; thus causing Malacca's decline. The Dutch then seized Malacca in 1641 but revival of the trade and glory that Malacca once had was unobtainable. Following the Malacca years, many sultanates continued to be created throughout the Malay world. They were usually situated at the mouth of a major river and sought to control trade to and from the semi-nomadic peoples of the interior.

During the 1600s through the 1800s, dynamic sultanates flourished and immigrants from Java, Celebes and Sumatra showed a tendency to merge with the existing Malay community, which accelerated with the rise of Malay nationalism. Customs from all the different peoples can still be found in many of the regional variations of Malay culture.
By 1867, the British Colonial Office had gained direct control as they had acquired Penang in 1786 and then acquired Malacca from the Dutch in 1824 and governed the three major ports of the Straits of Malacca. By the early 1900s, Britain had achieved colonial control over nine sultanates with the promise of not interfering in matters of religion, customs and the symbolic political role of the sultans.

During World War II, the occupation of Malaya and Borneo by Japan generated tremendous changes disrupting Malaya's and Borneo's economies as well as exacerbating communal tensions as the Malays and Chinese reacted differently to Japanese control. Most people welcomed the Japanese defeat in 1945.
In 1946 the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) was created as a vehicle for Malay nationalism and political assertiveness in response to an upsurge of Malay political feeling against a British proposal to form a single Malayan Union. The British then negotiated with the UMNO, which resulted in the creation of the Federation of Malay in 1948. The territories were now unified but still had special guarantees of Malay rights including the position of the sultans. The Federation of Malaya achieved its' independence on August 31, 1957. Singapore remained outside the federation as a British crown colony.
In 1961 Malayan and British officials proposed that a federated Malaysia be created. The proposal was a way of the British terminating what had become a burdensome colonial rule over Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah. The Federation of Malaysia was formed including Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah on September 16, 1963. Later, in 1965, Singapore peacefully opted out of the federation to become an independent city-state.

Since 1963, Malaysia has maintained a quasi-democratic parliamentary political system that includes regular elections and moderate political diversity. Government and business leaders have managed to develop a prosperous yet diversified economy. Malaysia's literacy rates have risen dramatically with the large and expanding urban middle class and its' people have become increasingly multiethnic. Malaysia has achieved considerable success at creating national unity and sociopolitical stability out of many divisions.
In the last two decades, Malaysia has undergone tremendous growth and prosperity, and has arguably made significant progress in race relations. Many attribute the country's success to the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohammed, who has led the country since 1981.

2.4 Economy

Malaysia has a predominantly market economy and has the third-highest gross national product per capita in Southeast Asia. Agruculture accounts for approximately 20% of the gross domestic product and employs about 25% of the workforce. Its production of rice meets nearly all of its domestic demand. Malaysia's main cash crop is rubber providing 25% of the world's production of rubber.

Malaysia's mineral industries are dominated by the production and export of petroleum and tin. Copper and bauxite are also mined and exported.
Manufacturing industries account for more than 25% of the gross domestic product and employs about 20% of the workforce. Manufactured items include rubber goods, cement, iron products, steel products and radio and television sets.

3.1 Johor

Johor has a wide range of attractions, including the metropolitan atmosphere of Johor Bahru, the forests of Endau-Rompin Park, the village of Desaru and the remote and beautiful islands in the South China Sea.

Johor Bahru is a vibrant and exciting commercial city, offering sporting events, a nightlife, shopping, and many fine restaurants. The city contains a number of cultural and historical attractions including the Sultan Abu Bakar mosque, the Dataran Bandaraya, the State Secretariat Building, and most notably the Royal Abu Bakar Museum in the Grand Palace. Johor Bahru is linked to Singapore via its 1,056-meter causeway, a dramatic road, rail, and pedestrian link across the Straits of Johor.

Muar is a picturesque town along the westcoast. Also known as Bandar Maharani, Muar is in many ways a smaller version of Malacca. Muar is particularly renowned for its outstanding cuisine, with many restaurants as well as food stalls serving irresistible local delicacies.

Mersing is a quiet fishing town, primarily known as the departure point for Pulau Tioman. The shoot location for the film version of the musical "South Pacific", Tioman is an island of beauty with dual volcanic peaks, soft white sands, palms and a profusion of tropical wildfowers. The island is accessible by ferry from Mersing or by flight from Kuala Lumpur on Berjaya Air.

Several nature trails, lovely waterfalls, and modern facilities for camping and picnicking have made Mount Ophir one of Johor's most popular attractions for hikers and birdwatchers.

The Royal Abu Bakar Museum occupies the Istana Besar, or Grand Palace, built by Sultan Abu Bakar in 1866. It is said to be one of the finest museums in the world in terms of its ambience and its display of cultural treasures. In addition to an extensive art collection, the museum displays the ceremonial regalia, personal memorabilia, furniture and cultural artifacts accumulated by the Royal Family over the course of its reign.

4.1 Passport/Travel Documents

Visitors to Malaysia must be in possession of valid passport/travel documents with a minimum validity of six months beyond the period of intended stay. In the case of a national passport not recognized by the Malaysian Government, the holder must be in possession of a document in lieu of passport obtainable at the nearest Malaysian Mission abroad. The national passport must also ensure his re-entry into the country of his citizenship.

• Every visitor to Malaysia has to fill in a Disembarkation Card (IMM. 26). The card has to be handed over to the Immigration Officer on arrival together with the national passport or other internationally recognized travel document endorsed for travel into Malaysia. A passport/travel document is also necessary for travel between Sabah and Sarawak.
  
  
• Visitor passes issued for entry into Peninsular Malaysia are not valid for entry into Sarawak. Fresh visit passes must be obtained on arrival at the point of entry in Sarawak. However, subject to conditions stipulated, visit passes issued by the Immigration Authorities in Sabah and Sarawak are valid for any part of Malaysia.

4.2 Visa Requirements

 

• Commonwealth Citizens (except Bangladesh/India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), British Protected Persons or Citizens of the Republic of Ireland and Citizens of Switzerland, Netherlands, San Marino and Liechtenstein do not need a visa to enter Malaysia.
  
  
• Citizens of Albania, Austria, Algeria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Republic of Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, Italy, United States of America, Bahrin, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, North Yemen, Oman, Saudi Arabia,Qatar United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Tunisia do not require a visa for a Social and Business visit not exceeding three months.
  
  
• Nationals of ASEAN Countries do not require a visa for a Social and Business visit not exceeding one month.
  
  
• Citizens of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, South Yemen do not require visa for a Social and Business visit not exceeding 14 days.
  
  
• Citizens of Bulgaria, Romania and Russia do not require a visa for a Social and Business visit not exceeding one week.
  
  
• Nationals of the Republic of China, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cuba, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, North Korea, Nepal, Myanmar, Taiwan, Vietnam and all Certificate of Identity (CI) holders must obtain a visa before entering Malaysia.
  
• Citizens of nations other than those stated above (except Serbia Montenegro and Israel) are allowed to enter Malaysia for a Social and Business visit not exceeding one month without having a Visa.
  
  
• A visitor intending to visit any part of Malaysia is required to be in possession of only one visa to travel direct from one part of the nation to another.

Visas are issued by Malaysian Diplomatic Missions abroad or British Consulates which act for Malaysia in countries where no diplomatic representation of Malaysia is established. All visitors to Malaysia should inquire at the nearest Malaysian Diplomatic Mission for the latest entry procedures and requirements.

4.3 Vaccinations/General Health Information

Vaccinations: Vaccinations are not required to enter Malaysia unless you are coming from a "yellow" infected area. However, always check with your doctor as to if any vaccinations are needed when planning to travel internationally.
Medical Care: The U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur can provide a list of doctors and hospitals upon request. Medical facilities and services are adequate in the larger cities, where Western-trained, English-speaking doctors can easily be found. Doctors and hospitals often prefer immediate cash payment for health services although major credit cards are acceptable. Medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental overseas medical insurance, including coverage for medical evacuation, may prove useful. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide payment of medical services outside the United States.
Water: It is generally safe to drink water straight from the tap. Bottled mineral water, however, is easily available in shops and supermarkets.

4.4 General Information

What to wear: It is ideal to have light clothing to wear year round. In the evenings, a light wrap may be advised. It is also advisable for ladies to wear long sleeves and loose pants or long skirts when entering mosques and temples.
Time: GMT/UTC plus eight hours
Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean time (GMT) and 16 hours ahead of United States Pacific Standard Time.
Electricity: 220-240V, 50 Hz
Weights & Measures: Metric
Tourism: 6.5 million visitors in 1993 (320,000 visited East Malaysia)
Bank Hours: In most States   Mon-Fri: 9:30am-4.00pm  Sat & Sun: Closed
Kelantan and Terengganu:
Sun-Wed: 9:30am-4.00pm
Thur : 9:30am-11.30am
Fri & Sat: Closed

Tipping: Tipping is usually not necessary, unless service is excellent. Most hotels and large restaurants add a 10% service charge automatically. This is in addition to the 5% government tax. (indicated by a ++ sign on menus and rate cards)
Restaurants: 10% service charge added automatically. Additional tipping is unnecessary, unless service is excellent.
Porters: Suggested tipping for porters is M$1 per bag. Any tip smaller than 50 sen would be considered an insult.
Hotel maids: A service charge is automatically added. Unless acknowledging excellent service, additional tipping is not necessary.
Taxis: Most taxis are fitted with meters. Taxi rates are currently RM 2 for the first 2km and 10 sen for every 200 meters thereon. A surcharge of 50% is levied between midnight and 6.00am.

4.5 Transportation

• AIR: Kuala Lumpur has many international carriers that fly into the city, including Malaysia Airlines. There are five regional airports and numerous smaller airports located in Peninsular and East Malaysia.
  
  
• RAIL: The rail network is well developed in Peninsular Malaysia, but Sarawak has no railway, and Sabah has only a short line for freight and passenger traffic.

Trains are a great alternative to crowded buses and service all major areas of Peninsular Malaysia. Trains provide a wonderful opportunity to meet the very friendly Malaysia people, gaze out the window, read a book, and enjoy this romantic form of travel. The trains are no luxurious, but they are clean and efficient and the staff is very friendly.

One of the most spectacular ways for you to travel by train in Malaysia is to go on board the Eastern & Orient Express. Friendly and courteous service is the hallmark of a journey on the Eastern & Oriental Express, from the moment passengers are welcomed aboard. A quarter of a mile in length, the air-conditioned gleaming green and cream carriages evoke the great age of luxury train travel and are a world of opulence and fine craftsmanship.

Time aboard the train is full of diversions. In the Dining Cars, the very best of European and Asian cuisines are combined to create a mouth-watering effect.
The Bar Car, with its resident pianist and variety of local entertainment, provides a special opportunity to meet fellow travelers. In the Saloon Car the Boutique sells a range of exclusive Collection Eastern & Oriental Express merchandise. There is also a Reading Room with a varied library. The most popular place on board however, is unquestionably the open decked Observation Car, which provides an unbeatable opportunity to enjoy the ever-changing scenery.

• ROADS: About two-thirds of Malaysia's roads are paved. Peninsular Malaysia has several highways, but Sabah and Sarawak have poor-quality roads.
• BUSES: Buses on Peninsula Malaysia are fast, frequent, and fairly comfortable for short distances. The deluxe busses are air-conditioned and have hostesses who serve complimentary beverages.
• TAXIES:The taxies in Malaysia are not only the very best in all of Southeast Asia, they are the least expensive. The Mercedes taxies can be quite comfortable for long trips.
• TRISHAWS: These are basically bicycles with a carriage in the rear.
• CARS:Malaysia is the only country in Southeast Asia where North Americans can drive with ease, comfort, and security-as long as they can cope with the Malaysian drivers and the throngs of motorbike drivers, who have little driving sense. There is an extensive network of approximately 18,000 miles of roads and highways.

4.6 Currency Exchange

MYR (Ringgit Malaysia) and sen (cents). View currency exchange. Foreign currencies can be converted at banks and money changers.

4.7 Telephone Codes

Malaysia Country Code 60

When calling a telephone number from within the same city, delete the area code from the number. When calling from within another city in Malaysia, use the entire area code. When calling from another country, delete the first digit (0) from the area code.

4.8 Emergency Phone Numbers

Police: 999
Tourist Police:
     Johor Bahru: Tel (07) 232-222
     Kuala Lumpur: Tel (03) 241-5522 or (03) 243-5522
     Melaka: Tel (06) 222-222
Fire and Ambulance: 999

4.9 Local Customs

When visiting Malaysia, the visitor should observe local customs and practices. Some common courtesies and customs are as follow:
Tourists:

• Handshakes usually suffice for men and women, although some Muslim ladies may simply nod her head and smile to acknowledge an introduction with a gentleman. A handshake is reciprocated only if the lady offers her hand first. A handshake with both hands but without the grasp is the traditional greeting of “salam”. The man offers both hands and touches his friend’s outstretched hands lightly, and brings his hands to his chest. This is to say “ I greet you from my heart” and should be returned by the visitor.
• When visiting a friend’s home it is polite to call beforehand and shoes are to be removed. Removal of shoes also applies for entering a mosque or and Indian temple.
• Eating is always done with the right hand. The same is true for giving and receiving objects. Pointing at people, places, or objects with the right forefinger is not used. The preferred use is the thumb of the right hand folded under with the four fingers.
• Toasting is not a common practice because Malaysia has a large Muslim population, which does not drink.

Business:

• Meetings are often held during lunch or dinner. Your contact will meet you at your hotel or at his or her office. Malaysians tend to be late however, they expect others to be on time for appointments.
• Malaysians are usually called by their given names preceded by Mr., Mrs., or Miss. The Chinese use their family names preceded by Mr., Mrs., or Miss.
• Business cards are always exchanged. Both hands are used when giving or receiving cards. Then study the card before placing in your pocket.
• A suit and tie, for men, is acceptable attire. Long sleeved batik shirts are always suitable. A blouse and skirt or a suit are best for women.
• Due to the different religions and cultures, giving gifts can be somewhat complicated. Never give liquor to a Muslim (alcohol is forbidden in the Muslim religion). Never give a clock, watch, knife, or white flowers to a Chinese person (all of these are associated with death in Chinese culture). A pen or object with a company logo is usually the safest gift.

4.10 Useful Phrases