Malaysia is one of the popular tourist destinations that many people know for its beautiful beaches. Of course, the wonders of this country are not limited to its shores, and other natural attractions, such as green and vast forests next to towering skyscrapers and famous restaurants, have attracted the attention of many tourists to this Asian country. Join us to explain everything you need to know about this colorful country.
Malaysia is on which continent?
This lush country is located in Southeast Asia and just north of the equator. Malaysia consists of 2 separate regions:
- Peninsular and West Malaysia, which are in the Malay Peninsula;
- East Malaysia, which is located on the island of Borneo.
The capital of Malaysia, the city of Kuala Lumpur, is located in the western part of the peninsula and approximately 40 kilometers from the coast of the South China Sea. This Asian country shares a common border with Thailand in the north and borders Indonesia and Singapore in the south. East Malaysia consists of 2 large states, Sarawak and Sabah, and the South China Sea separates it from the Malay Peninsula.
| area | Population in 2022 | Language | official religion | currency | The value of the Malaysian currency | type of government |
| 330,411 square kilometers | 33 million people | Malay | Islam | ringgit | Each US dollar is equal to 4,404 ringgit. | Federal constitution with two legislatures |
What is the weather like in Malaysia?
Both parts of this Asian country are located near the equator and have the same climate. High temperature and humidity, heavy rainfall, and monsoons are characteristic features of Malaysia’s environment. However, the atmosphere of this country is not so tropical. The central mountains of the Malay Peninsula and the island of Borneo, along with the coastal plains, have made the country’s climate better than the tropics. Peninsular and East Island Malaysia are neither in the tropical storm belt, but their coasts are occasionally subject to storms and heavy rains.
Geography of Malaysia
Malaysia is a country with rainforests and evergreens. These forests cover more than two-fifths of the peninsula and about two-thirds of Sarawak and Sabah. More than 2,000 species of plants grow in these forests, of which Rafflesia is the most famous. This giant and smelly flower, which is nearly 1 meter in diameter, is considered the largest flower in the world.
Currently, many of Malaysia’s rainforests have been lost. Deforestation for commercial purposes, severe storms, and change of use by indigenous people to grow agricultural products are the reasons for the destruction of these forests. In Malaysia’s remaining forests, wild animals, such as elephants, tigers, rhinos, and deer, live.
flag of Malaysia
The flag of this country consists of 14 horizontal stripes in red and white colors representing its 14 states. There is a 14-pointed star next to a yellow crescent in the upper corner of the flag. The yellow color in this flag is a sign of royalty, and the red, white, and blue colors symbolize the close relationship between this country and the Commonwealth of Nations. The crescent and star in the Malaysian flag also remind the Muslim majority of this country.
Malaysian people
Most of the people of Malaysia live in the Malay Peninsula and have a lot of ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and religious diversity. The old inhabitants and natives of this country are called “Bhumiputra.” Immigrants, including Chinese, Indians, Sri Lankans, and Pakistanis, are called “non-bumiputra.”
About three-fifths of the population of Malaysia are Muslims. Buddhist and Christian followers are visible among the immigrants.
Sports in Malaysia
Sports in this country are a mixture of local and western games. In the mid-19th century, English settlers introduced football, cricket, athletics, and rugby to the peninsula. These immigrants built several clubs and organized competitions. The Malaysian league was held for the first time in 1921, and since then, the country’s most important football matches have been held in this league.
Malaysian economy
In the past, Malaysia’s economy was based on agriculture, forestry, and fishing. Still, from 1970 to the beginning of the 21st century, the country’s GDP depended on these sources from one-third to less than one-tenth. For this reason, this country has been exporting raw materials such as rubber and tin since 1970. This issue has caused the economy of this country to become one of the strongest, most diverse, and most advanced economies in Southeast Asia. In addition to raw materials, Malaysia exports significant amounts of oil and natural gas. In addition, Malaysia is one of the world’s largest exporters of hardwood and palm oil. Malaysian nuts are one of the most popular products of this country in the world, with a spicy and lovely taste.
This country has been able to attract foreign investors, especially Japanese and Taiwanese, with the help of a cheap and educated labor force, developed infrastructure, political stability, and low-value currency.
How is Malaysia governed?
Malaysia is a federal state governed by a constitutional monarchy. The kingdom of this country, which is currently in the hands of Abdullah Pahang, is more ceremonial. The parliament of this country consists of the Senate and Houses of Representatives, which began their work on September 11, 1959.
The House of Representatives has 222 elected members, and each member represents one parliamentary district. These representatives enter the parliament through general elections held every five years in Malaysia. The parties with the most elected members can form a federal government to run the country.
The Malaysian army has been responsible for security in this country since 1963. The armed forces consist of the Navy and the Air Force and serve as the Royal Forces.
In 2019, Malaysia became more known worldwide due to the extensive electoral changes. This year, a law was passed in this country, and the voting age was changed from 21 to 18. With this action, 5.8 million people will be added to the number of voters in the next elections of this country in 2023.
Residence in Malaysia
Usually, the first question that is asked to travel to this country and stay in it is, does Malaysia require a visa? To answer this question, you must first determine your intention to travel to this country. Based on this, the types of Malaysian tickets are:
- Tourism: If you are going to this country as an Iranian tourist for a 14-day trip, you do not need to get a visa in advance. This visa will be issued to you upon arrival at the Malaysian airport.
- Social: To receive this visa, valid for 2 to 6 months, one of the Iranians living in Malaysia must send you a commercial or non-commercial invitation.
- Education: This visa is issued for studying in this country’s universities and is valid for up to 1 year. If your study period lasts, you can extend it.
- Work: This one or 2-year visa is issued if you establish a company in Malaysia or work in a company based in this country.
- Residence: To get a 5-year residence visa, you must invest 40,000 dollars in essential parts of this country.
Tourist Attractions
Malaysia is a multicultural country with a lot to say about tourism. Kuala Lumpur is an international city with fantastic shopping malls and beautiful skyscrapers. The historical monuments of this country are also a relic of the colonial era.
A little bit away from the capital of Malaysia, you will reach islands, mountains, stunning caves, countless temples, and dense forests. This country is one of the world’s most important diving centers; its coral and sandy beaches have a unique atmosphere.
1. Malaysia Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur
Petronas Twin Towers are among the tallest skyscrapers in the world. The height of these towers reaches 452 meters, that is, somewhere between the clouds. These towers have 88 floors and 76 elevators. A double sky bridge connects these skyscrapers, made of concrete, steel, and glass, on the 41st and 42nd floors.
2. Batu Caves in Selangor
Batu Caves are less than 1 hour away from Kuala Lumpur. This complex includes three main caves and several smaller caves, most of which contain 100-year-old statues and shrines of Hindu gods.
The main cave of Batu, known as the cathedral, is located at the top of a large colorful staircase. You must climb its 272 steps to reach where the statues and altars are located. At the bottom of these stairs, the golden statue of Murugan, with a height of 43 meters, welcomes visitors.
3. Mount Kinabalu in Sabah Island
Kinabalu is the highest mountain in this country, with a height of more than 4 thousand meters. The mountain is part of Kinabalu Park, one of Malaysia’s oldest national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Due to its unique ecosystem and meadows and bushes, Kinbalo Mountain evokes the scenery of the Alps. Kinabalu is the habitat of plant and animal species, including endangered orangutans.
4. Perhentian Islands
This group of small islands used to be a place for traders and is now part of a marine park in Southeast Malaysia. Traffic in these tourist islands is done by small motor boats. In Perhentian Islands, comfort and accommodation facilities are provided for tourists. Diving, kayaking, and participating in turtle conservation programs are popular tourist activities on these islands.
5. Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak
This park, whose name shines on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is famous for its karst limestone peaks and impressive caves. Rainforests cover most of this park. The existence of these forests has made many of the caves of Gunung Mulu undiscovered. The most significant passage and the largest underground room in the world are located in the caves of this national park.
Other attractions
Malaysia, this tourism hub of Southeast Asia, has other surprises. The most important attractions of Malaysia that make many tourists travel to it every year are:
- Sipadan Island in the state of Sabah;
- Penang Hill is the most beautiful hill in Malaysia on the island of the same name;
- Sepiluk Orangutan Rehabilitation Center in Sandakan;
- Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, in George Town, Penang State;
- Cable car (Sky Cab) in Langkawi Island;
- Baku National Park in Borneo;
- Cameron Highlands in Pahang state.
you say
Malaysia is a colorful country with many natural and historical attractions. Rain forests, sandy and coral beaches, and amazing caves have made this country one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, especially for Iranians. Have you ever traveled to this green country? If you have experienced this exciting trip, tell us about what you have seen and heard.
