Events calendar
Important Dates to Remember...
Feb - Chinese New Year
Apr - Malaysian Grand Prix
May - Wesak Day
Jun - Fifth Moon Festival; The King's Birthday
Aug - National Day
Oct - Hari Raya Aidifitri (Muslim New Year Celebrations)
Nov - Diwali - Hindu Festival of Light
Additional info
Beaches
After you've sampled the fast-moving thrills of Kuala Lumpur, you can head for the white sand beaches of Malaysia's beautiful island resorts, off the peninsula's west coast. Known as lauts, the country's tropical islands have a laid-back vibe. They range from the tranquil, such as Pangkor and Langkawi, to the slightly more lively, such as Penang. There are lovely beaches to be found in Borneo, too.
Delicious Food
All those diverse cultures make for a fantastic array of cuisines. Food is inexpensive, with succulent seafood and fresh tropical fruits being some of the greatest pleasures. The chillies and curries of India and Thailand form the basis of spicy preparations, often suffused with fresh coconut milk. The famous satays are great, and you can dine well everywhere, from roadside stalls to upmarket restaurants.
Shopping
Our pounds go a long way in Malaysia, so you may want to bring along an extra suitcase for all the bargains you buy. Exploring the outdoor markets is an adventure in itself, so practice your haggling skills and dive in. You'll find everything from quality electronics to traditional blowguns to indigenous arts and crafts. There are plenty of air-conditioned shopping complexes in Kuala Lumpur.
Wildlife
The best-known animals you'll come across in Malaysia are the orang-utans of Borneo. At the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah, you can meet these lovely creatures - you'll get gooey-eyed when you see the cute babies. In the country's nature reserves, such as Sabah's rainforests, you'll also see cheeky proboscis monkeys, chattering gibbons and wonderfully exotic birds such as hornbills.
Adventure
The national park of Bako in Sarawak has jungle trekking and is home to the rare proboscis monkeys. In Sabah you can snorkel, dive and maybe get the chance to see green turtles in the marine park. An excursion from Kota Kinabalu in Borneo will take you to Poring Hot Springs where you can stroll the canopy walkway and then trek through Mount Kinabalu National Park.
Culture
Part of Malaysia's attraction is its diverse and thriving mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures. Wander around historic British colonial buildings in Georgetown, Penang; gawp at the soaring skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur. Meet tribal people who still live in wooden longhouses in Borneo - up to half a mile in length and accommodating up to 100 families.