Cameron Highlands
The Cameron Highlands are the largest and most genteel of the hill resorts in Malaysia. It's located in Pahang's north western corner, at an altitude of 1,829 meters. The drive time from Kuala Lumpur is about three and a half hours. Driving up to Cameron Highlands is a pleasure in itself, as many interesting stops along the way can be made.
Kuala Lumpur
Over the last 10 years KL has been transformed into a modern thriving metropolis with spectacular buildings like the Petronas Towers (the tallest in the world) and extensive shopping. Unlike many Asian cities, KL still has many beautiful old buildings from a bygone era, green areas and friendly charm.
Penang
Penang's sprawling main centre, Georgetown, boasts impressive colonial architecture, temples, lively Chinese culture, great shopping and even better food. Steeped in history, with an appealing old fashioned character that's fast disappearing, it attracts most of the island's tourists.
Bornea
Borneo is famous for its wildlife and jungles, in particular Orang Utans, its diverse colourful cultures, marine life, national parks, as well as Sabah's famous Mount Kinabalu.
Langkawi
Langkawi comprises a group of 99 tropical islands lying off the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, about 30 kilometres from Kuala Perlis and 51 kilometres from Kuala Kedah. The main island is popularly known as Pulau Langkawi. The islands are richly blessed with a heritage of fabulous myths and legends : of ogres and gigantic birds, warriors and fairy princesses, battles and romance. As a natural paradise, the islands are perhaps unmatched anywhere else in Southeast Asia.
Tioman
Tioman boasts some of the most fabulous beaches in the world. The waters are filled with coral and marine life of every hue and shade. You can walk in near virgin jungle, climb picturesque mountains, wade in glassy streams, and talk to friendly natives (though not many of them). And you can spend your sunsets walking on the white sand beaches.
Pangkor
Largely inhabited by fisher folk who live in fishing settlements scattered along the coast, Pangkor in stark contrast to Malaysia's fast paced progress remains a haven for those seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here, visitors can bask in the sun on her golden beaches and catch sights of fishing boats rocking gently on calm blue waters.
Lake Gardens
These 92ha (227ac) of manicured gardens lie west of Merdeka Sq and were once home to the ranking British official. There's plenty to keep you amused, including a butterfly park, planetarium, insect museum, walk in aviary, orchid garden and hibiscus garden. You can also hire boats on Tasik Perdana (Premier Lake).
Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Ctr
One of only four orang utan sanctuaries in the world, Sepilok is among Sabah's top tourist attractions so much so that the atmosphere can be a bit like a circus or a zoo. Nonetheless, a visit to Sepilok can be a memorable experience. The orang utans are impressive, young orang utans particularly so, all ginger fur and intelligent eyes.
Stadthuys
The most imposing relic of the Dutch period in Melaka is the massive red town hall and governors' residence, built between 1641 and 1660 and believed to be the oldest Dutch building in the East. It displays all the typical features of Dutch colonial architecture. Today the Stadthuys houses the musty but informative History and Ethnography Museum.
Taman Negara National Park
Taman Negara is billed, perhaps wrongly, as a wildlife park. Certainly this magnificent wilderness area is a haven for endangered species such as elephants, tigers, leopards and rhinos, but numbers are low and sightings of anything more exotic than snakes, lizards, monkeys, small deer, and perhaps tapir, are rare.
The birdlife is prolific, however, and chances are you'll see more insects than you've ever seen in your life. Traditionally, the park was only accessible by river. These days there's a road, but the boat trip is still recommended for the full Taman Negara experience.
Petronas Towers
Petronas Towers, twin skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, that are the world's tallest twin towers. Standing 1,483 ft (452 m) high, they were designed by the Argentinean-American architect Cesar Pelli.
Time Zone
Malaysia time zone is 8 hours ahead of GMT (+8 GMT).
Population
Malays who make up about 57% of the population are the predominant group with Chinese, Indians and other ethnic groups making up the rest.
Transport
Malaysian Airline System (MAS) and Air Asia are the main domestic airlines, servicing both the peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak. Peninsular Malaysia has a fast, economical and widespread bus system, and this is generally the best way to get around. Peninsular Malaysia has a comfortable and sensibly priced railway system, but there are basically only two lines: one linking Singapore to Thailand via KL and Butterworth, and the other branching off this at Gemas and heading northeast to Kota Bharu.
Currency and credit cards
The unit of currency is Malaysian Ringgit indicated as RM. USD1 is roughly equivalent to RM3.70. Foreign currency can be converted at banks and money changers.
Dress Code
Malaysia is a mix of many religions but predominantly Muslim, so dress fairly modestly. Beachwear should be restricted to the beach and topless sunbathing is never acceptable. Away from the beach, clothes should not be too short and the shoulders should be covered. When visiting government offices be sure to dress smartly, as casual dress will be taken as an affront.
Safety and security
Malaysia is largely a safe place but it pays to be alert. In case of any unforeseen circumstance, you can turn to Malaysian Tourist Police Unit for help.