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Fascinating Malaysia beckons all:
The seasoned traveller as well as the uninitiated seeking to discover for the first time, its much publicized charms. "Selamat Datang! " means 'welcome' in Bahasa Melayu, the national language. This greeting that's written on the faces, expressed in the gestures and exhibited in the unrestrained friendliness of its people, their heartwarming charm and the genuine hospitality of the country.

This is merely a prologue to its more alluring attractions. Malaysia is steeped in interesting cultural traditions - the elaborate festivities, the sartorial splendours, unique arts and crafts, dance forms, food and architecture. Beyond this captivating facade of her multiracial make-up, Malaysia is also endowed with an abundance of other assets that have attracted an increasing number of tourists to its shores.

Be ready to step back millions of years in time or usher yourself into her heightening modernity. Shutterbugs and nature freaks can seek refuge in its natural paradise of lush tropical greenery, wooded mountain ridges, cascading rapids and icy cold waterfalls. The primeval rainforests, untouched for about 130 million years, are home to numerous species of birds and wildlife.

The flora is rich. And it really is a mesmerizing sight taking in the views of virgin forests and their somnolent canopies stretching seamlessly to misty tops of fabled mountains. The setting is perfect for bird watching, trekking, white-water rafting, cave exploration, mountain climbing and camping.

Lovers of the sun, sea and underwater adventure will find their dream holiday in Malaysia fulfilled. Both the western and eastern shores of Peninsular Malaysia as well as Sabah and Sarawak offer endless stretches of beaches. Of Malaysia's one thousand and seven islands, 38 of them have been declared as marine parks. The islands and the surrounding seas are ideal for diving, snorkeling, swimming, yachting, wind-surfing, boating, game fishing and underwater photography.

Malaysia presents an exotic blend of the old and new. In the cities, the signs of modernity and technological progress is evident in the intelligent skyscrapers, high speed urban transportation, advanced telecommunication systems and information technology revolution. Yet, a short drive away from the cities brings one to see the country at its rustic best.

Visualise scattered wooden houses with smoke seeping out and engulfing the air with a whiff of the lazy fragrance of wood-fire and the aroma of local home cooking. The lush carpets of padi fields, local children reeling or scooping up fish for the day from the canals, the rolling plains of rubber estates and the pleasant green plantations of oil palm are all simply breathtaking.

When it comes to accommodation visitors are spoilt for choice, as there is a wide range of hotels, chalets, resorts and home-stay facilities catering to various tastes and budgets. In the cities, Malaysia's rich array of local, oriental, as well as western and continental foods is available throughout the day. Entertainment and recreational activities such as golfing are easily available. Or immerse yourself in a shopping adventure. Malaysia's relatively low cost of living and the wide array of choices for shopping have made it a shoppers' haven and value for money destination.

Let your dream holiday come true in Fascinating Malaysia.

Seasons to Visit: Tropical climate with warm weather all year round. 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. Temperatures range from 21°C to 32°C. Annual rainfall varies from 2000 mm to 2500 mm.

Entry Requirement: Commonwealth citizens and most European nationals do not need visas for visits of less than three months. Other nationalities may kindly check with the local consulate or with us.

Dress: The traditional wear of Malay women and men in Malaysia is a colourful skirt called a sarong or a kain. The sarong is a long strip of cloth wrapped around the body, while a kain is similar, except it has its ends sewn together. The man usually wears a shirt with a sarong wrapped around his waist.

The woman wears a long-sleeved blouse with a sarong or a kain. The man also wears a special cap for religious purposes and the woman wears a shawl over her shoulders or on her head. They cover their heads so as not to show their hair.

Food / Restaurants: Malaysia excels in its variety of restaurants and food. Nearly all food outlets are safe to eat at. Most restaurants, except Chinese, are 'halal', i.e do not serve pork. Alcohol, especially wine, can be expensive and add significantly to the price of a meal.

Shopping: Items such as films, batteries, torch lights, raincoats, slippers, etc. are available in all towns. Indigenous handicrafts and textiles, pottery, antiques, etc. are good bargains.

Transportation: Malaysia has five international airports. Airport taxes are included in the price of the airline ticket. The country has an extensive network of trunk roads and air routes. Air travel is relatively cheap and easy with frequent departures to all major cities in Peninsular and East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak). There are frequent bus and coach departures for travel between cities by road. Taxis are generally honest and do not expect to be tipped.

Health risks: No vaccinations required, unless coming form Africa or South America (Yellow Fever). Most Tropical diseases eradicated, anti-malaria treatment not indispensable, malaria cases very rare in Borneo (most occur in logging camps and very remote areas).

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