Geographical position and Climate of Malaysia
Malaysia is situated in Southeast Asia, divided into two regions by the South China Sea. Peninsular Malaysia (or West Malaysia) is located on the Malay Peninsula and shares a border with Thailand to the north, and is connected to Singapore via a causeway and a bridge to the south. East Malaysia, comprising the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo, shares borders with Brunei and Indonesia.
Country has a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by high humidity and temperatures that typically range from 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C). The climate is heavily influenced by the monsoon seasons:
- The Southwest Monsoon (from May to September)
- The Northeast Monsoon (from November to March)
Brief history of Malaysia
Malaysia’s history is a tapestry of various indigenous tribes, sultanates, and foreign influences. The region was a bustling trading hub as early as the 1st century AD, with influence from Indian and Chinese civilizations. The Malacca Sultanate, established in the 15th century, played a crucial role in the spread of Islam throughout the Malay Archipelago.
European colonialism began in the 16th century with the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch, and eventually the British, who colonized parts of Malaysia in the 18th century. The British established the Straits Settlements and later, the Federated and Unfederated Malay States.
During World War II, Malaysia was occupied by Japan, but post-war, it returned to British control until the push for independence gained momentum. The Federation of Malaya, formed in 1948, achieved independence on August 31, 1957. In 1963, country was formed through the union of the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak. However, Singapore left the federation to become an independent country in 1965.
Since independence, the country has seen significant economic growth and development, transitioning from a producer of raw materials to a multi-sector economy. It’s known for its diverse culture, which continues to shape its national identity.
Religion
Malaysia is a multi-religious society, and the constitution guarantees freedom of religion while making Islam the state religion. The main religions practiced in Malaysia are: Islam, Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism.
Language
The official language of the country is Malay, also known as Bahasa Melayu. It is used in administration, education, and commerce and is spoken by the majority of the population. The Malay language has a standardised version known as Bahasa Malaysia, which is taught in schools and used for official purposes.
Places to visit
- Kuala Lumpur
- George Town
- Malacca
- Kuching
- Kota Kinabalu
- Taman Negara
- Gunung Mulu National Park
- Kinabalu Park
- Bako National Park
- Penang National Park
Before you visit Malaysia
Travel to Malaysia
Country is well-connected and accessible through various modes of transportation. Here are the common ways to get to Malaysia:
By Air
- International Airports: The primary gateway to Malaysia is through Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), which is one of Southeast Asia’s major aviation hubs. Other international airports include Penang International Airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, and Kuching International Airport.
- Airlines: Numerous airlines operate flights to Malaysia from around the world, including Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier.
With car or bus
- From Singapore: Travelers can enter Peninsular Malaysia by road or rail via the causeway and the Second Link bridge from Singapore.
- From Thailand: There are several border crossings by road and rail between Malaysia and Thailand, with the most popular being at Bukit Kayu Hitam (Kedah) and Padang Besar (Perlis).
By Sea
- Ferries: Regular ferry services connect various parts of Malaysia with neighboring countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore. Popular routes include ferries from Sumatra (Indonesia) to Penang and from Singapore to Johor.
By Rail
- International Trains: There are train services that run from Singapore and Thailand into Malaysia. It offers a scenic route into the country.
When planning your trip to Malaysia, it’s advisable to check the latest travel advisories and visa requirements for your specific country of origin.
Visas for Malaysia
Country offers various types of visas and entry requirements depending on the purpose of visit, duration of stay, and nationality of the traveler. Here are some general guidelines:
Visa-Free Entry
- Many nationalities can enter Malaysia without a visa for short visits ranging from 15 to 90 days, depending on the country’s agreement with Malaysia.
Tourist Visa
- Visitors who are not eligible for visa-free entry or who wish to stay longer than the visa-free period may need to apply for a tourist visa before arrival.
eVisa
- Malaysia offers an eVisa option for tourists from certain countries, which can be applied for online and is typically valid for a single-entry visit of up to 30 days.
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
- A VOA may be available for citizens of certain countries arriving from Indonesia, Singapore, or Thailand with a valid visa from those countries and a confirmed return ticket. The VOA is usually valid for up to 7 days.
Long-Term Visas
- For those looking to stay longer, such as for work, study, or residency, there are specific visas like employment passes, student visas, and the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program.
It’s important to check the latest visa information from official sources or consult the nearest Malaysian embassy or consulate as visa policies can change and may vary based on individual circumstances. Additionally, ensure that your passport has at least six months’ validity from the date of entry into Malaysia.
Best time to visit Malaysia
The best time to visit the country generally depends on the region you plan to visit due to its equatorial climate and the differing monsoon seasons affecting the country. Here are some guidelines:
Peninsular Malaysia
- West Coast: The west coast destinations like Penang, Langkawi, and Kuala Lumpur are best visited between December and April. When rainfall is minimal and the weather is sunny and dry.
- East Coast: For the east coast areas including Terengganu, Tioman Island, and the Perhentian Islands, the ideal time is from March to September to avoid the Northeast Monsoon season, which can bring heavy rains and rough seas.
East Malaysia (Borneo)
- Sabah: You can visit Sabah throughout the year as it has less severe monsoons, but the driest months are from March to October, perfect for climbing Mount Kinabalu or visiting national parks.
- Sarawak: Sarawak is also a year-round destination. However, the driest period is from June to August, making it suitable for exploring national parks and caves.
General Tips
- Avoid visiting during the monsoon seasons if you’re interested in outdoor activities and island visits.
- If you’re looking to experience Malaysia’s cultural events and festivals, plan your visit around celebrations like Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, or the Malaysia Day festivities in September.
Remember that even during the dry season, brief tropical showers are common in the afternoons. It’s always good to be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear.