Malaysia

In many ways, Malaysia has everything associated with Asia. Diverse religions and cultures. Ancient traditions and high technology that all go hand in hand. Chaotic cities and a magnificent nature with rich wildlife. Malaysia consists mainly of two parts. East Malaysia - the Malay Peninsula with borders to Thailand in the north and Singapore in the south. West Malaysia - the northern part of Borneo. Bordered by Indonesia in the south and Brunei, almost in the centre on the north coast. With an exceptionally friendly and hospitable population that can best be described as a true multi-ethnic patchwork of Malays, ethnic Malays, Chinese, Indians, Thais and crosses between them all - including Westerners, Malaysia is unique. Few other countries in Asia have so many different peoples and cultures united under one flag. As an old English colony, English is the second major language in Malaysia. As a tourist, you're not handicapped if you don't speak Malay - Bahasa Melayu. It's a language that's easy to learn - but hard to memorise. The capital city of Kuala Lumpur, or just K.L. among Malaysians, is hard to miss. With a few million inhabitants, it's Malaysia's absolute metropolis - and among the richest cities in the world. It is a melting pot where the inner soul of Malaysia is gathered. The city is home to some of the world's tallest buildings, the Petronas Towers - the city's landmark. Southeast Asia's largest mosque and some of Asia's largest shopping centres. As a curiosity, Kuala Lumpur even has the world's tallest flagpole. The city is also full of strange contrasts. Here you'll find expensive luxury hotels and equally expensive luxury shops, lying side by side with Chinatown's cheap counterfeit goods. Right in the centre - and with the Petronas Towers as a neighbour - is an old quarter with houses built entirely of wood. A village and oasis in the middle of the city. This is Kampung Baru, where the original Malaysia is best experienced. It is also home to some of the city's best Malay restaurants. Other major cities - but all significantly smaller than KL - include Johor Baru, Melaka, Georgtown, Alor Setar (pronounced Alo'star), Ipor, Kuantan, Kota Baru, Kuala Terengganu. All on the Malay Peninsula, as well as Kuching and Kota Kinabalu on the Borneo part. Over two-thirds of the country is covered by impenetrable and in many places unexplored subtropical rainforest. Especially on Borneo, the jungle is dense. Here you will also find the many longhouses, ancient headhunters and cannibals. The last man was supposedly eaten 60-70 years ago. The great orangutan also lives here. And Malaysia's highest mountain, Gunung Kinabalu at almost 4100 metres, which can be climbed without special equipment. There are kilometres of almost deserted sandy beaches, especially on the east coast of the Malay Peninsula and on the many small islands. Underwater, some of the world's most beautiful coral reefs can be experienced along with the sea turtles. And Pulau Sipadan, off the east coast of Borneo, is on many divers' top 5 list of the world's best dive sites. So there are plenty of options for city breaks, jungle treks, diving holidays and beach holidays - or perhaps a combination of all. You can also choose the many small fishing villages by the water or head up to the small hill stations in the cool mountains.