Malaysia - An Overview

Malaysia is one of the most pleasant and friendly countries to visit in South-East Asia. A buoyant and wealthy country, its inhabitants are a fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures and customs.

Full Country Name: Federation of Malaysia
Population: 22 million
Capital city: Kuala Lumpur (pop 1.2 million)
People: 50% Malay, 33% Chinese, 9% Indian, plus indigenous tribes such as Orang Asli and Iban
Language: Bahasa Malaysia, English, Chinese dialects, Tamil, indigenous dialects
Religion: 52% Muslim, 17% Buddhist, 12% Taoist, 8% Christian, 8% Hindu, 2% tribal
Health risks: Dengue fever, hepatitis, malaria, rabies
Currency: Malaysian ringgit (dollar)

WHEN TO GO

Except in the highlands, Malaysia's climate is hot and humid year round. Average daily temperatures vary from about 20° to 30°C (about 70° to 90°F). Average annual rainfall for the peninsula is about 2,500 mm (about 100 inches). The exposed northern slopes of Sarawak and Sabah receive as much as 5,080 mm (200 inches) of rain per year.

However it is 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.

FESTIVITIES

Depending on the time of year you visit Malaysia there are always festivals that take place.

The major Islamic events are connected with Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. The major Malaysian festival is "Hari Raya Puasa", which marks the end of Ramadan with three days of joyful celebrations. "Hari Raya Haji" marks the successful completion of the haji (pilgrimage to Mecca) with a two-day feast of cakes and sweets.

"Chinese New Year", in January or February, is welcomed in with dances, parades and much good cheer. The festival of "Thaipusam" in late January is one of the most dramatic Hindu festivals (now banned in India) during which devotees honour Lord Subramaniam with acts of amazing masochism.

ACCOMMODATION/EXPENSES

If you're travelling on a budget, you can get by in Peninsular Malaysia on about US$20-25 a day. This involves staying in cheaper Chinese hotels, eating in local restaurants or street stalls and travelling mainly by bus. If you're travelling with a partner, your accommodation expenses will be significantly reduced.

If you want to stay in comfortable hotels with private bathrooms, eat out at mid-range restaurants and catch taxis to get about locally, expect to spend around US$65 a day.

Malaysian banks are efficient and typically charge around US$2-3 for foreign exchange transactions.

Moneychangers do not charge a commission but their rates vary, so make sure you know the current rate before approaching one. For cash, you'll generally get a better rate at a moneychanger than a bank. Moneychangers are also generally quicker to deal with.

All major credit cards are accepted at upmarket hotels, shops and restaurants. If you have a credit card with a personal identification number (PIN) attached, you can obtain cash advances from ATMs. Banks in Malaysia are linking to international banking networks, which allow you to withdraw money from overseas savings accounts through ATMs.

PLANT & ANIMAL LIFE

Malaysia has abundant plant life in its coastal mangrove forests; in lowland tropical forests; and, at elevations over 1,200 m (3,900 ft), in mossy or montane oak forests.

Like other tropical forests, Malaysia's forests include an enormous variety of animal life. Large mammals include Asian elephants; tigers; sun bears; tapirs; several species of deer; and rhinoceroses, which are endangered. Malaysia's primates include the endangered orangutans and three species of protected gibbons. Other animals include numerous birds (about 650 species of birds exist in Peninsular Malaysia alone); more than 100 species of snakes, including king cobras and pythons; and many amphibians, including crocodiles and 80 species of lizards. Malaysia is renowned for its huge insect population, including many species of butterflies and moths. Some insects, including mosquitoes, hornets, red ants, scorpions, and certain spiders, can be harmful to people.

Malaysia is home to some of the world's most important tropical wildlife habitats, including rich rain forests and at least ten distinct types of wetlands. Malaysia has 2,199 plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth.

HEALTH RISKS

Food and waterborne diseases are the number one cause of illness in travellers. Travellers' diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, which are found throughout the region and can contaminate food or water. Infections may cause diarrhea and vomiting (E. coli, Salmonella, cholera, and parasites), fever (typhoid fever and toxoplasmosis), or liver damage (hepatitis). Make sure your food and drinking water are safe.

Dengue, filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, and plague are diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region. Protecting yourself against insect bites will help to prevent these diseases.

It is recommended that you see your doctor for the appropriate vaccination shots before embarking on your Malaysian trip.

HEALTH TIPS:

Wash hands often with soap and water.

Drink only bottled or boiled water, or carbonated (bubbly) drinks in cans or bottles.

Eat only thoroughly cooked food or fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself.

To prevent fungal and parasitic infections, keep feet clean and dry, and do not go barefoot.

Do not swim in fresh water (except in well-chlorinated swimming pools) in certain areas of Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, and Thailand to avoid infection with schistosomiasis.


- Annemarie Failla