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Malaysia's tropical rainforests are home to several endangered species, including Malayan tigers such as this one.

OFFICIAL NAME: Malaysia

FORM OF GOVERNMENT: Federal constitutional monarchy

CAPITAL: Kuala Lumpur

POPULATION: 32,400,000

OFFICIAL LANGUAGES: Malay

MONEY: Ringgit

AREA: 127,355 square miles (329,847 square kilometers)

MAJOR MOUNTAIN RANGES: Main, Crocker, Bintang, Hose, Iran

MAJOR RIVERS: Rajang, Sugut, Pahang, Klang

The country of Malaysia is two separate areas of land known as Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. The two regions are separated by the South China Sea by about 400 miles. Combined, they'd be roughly the size of the state of New Mexico.

Peninsular Malaysia is on the tip of the Malay Peninsula, a long, thin landmass that snakes south from the country of Thailand toward the South China Sea. East Malaysia stretches across northern Borneo, an island Malaysia shares with the country of Indonesia.

Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, is located on the west side of Peninsular Malaysia, closer to the Indonesian island of Sumatra than to East Malaysia. East Malaysia is home to Mount Kinabalu, the country's highest point, which has an elevation of 13,455 feet (4,101 meters).

Malaysia shares borders with the Thailand to the north and Indonesia and the island of Singapore to the south. Singapore is separated from Malaysia by a bridge.

Malaysia is blanketed by tropical rainforests. Large rivers, fed by nearly 10 feet of rain (about three meters) a year, flow from the country's highlands and empty into warm tropical seas. Combined, these three ecosystems-forest, river, and marine -make Malaysia one of the world's 17 mega-diverse countries. (A mega-diverse country is one that's home to a majority of Earth's species and has a high number of endemic species, or species found only in one location on the planet.)

Malaysia's tropical rainforests are also home to several endangered species, including Sumatran rhinoceroses, pygmy elephants, and Bornean orangutans in East Malaysia. Malayan tigers and Indochinese leopards prowl the Malay Peninsula. In the South China Sea, several sea turtle species-including the olive ridley, hawksbill, green, and leatherback sea turtles -swim in the warm waters.

Malaysia has several vast nature reserves and national parks throughout the country. Taman Negara National Park, established in 1939, is the country's oldest national park. Located on the Malay Peninsula, Taman Negara protects one of the world's oldest rainforests, estimated to be more than 130 million years old-and was once home to dinosaurs.
Malayan tiger photograph by Mark Newman, FLPA / Minden Pictures

GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMY

Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy that consists of 13 states and three federal territories, which include the capital city region of Kuala Lumpur, the administrative capital of Putrajaya, and the island of Labuan off the coast of East Malaysia.

Malaysia's monarch is a ceremonial head of state referred to as Yang di-Pertuan Agong, or "paramount ruler." The federal government, which governs all of Malaysia, includes a Senate (the Dewan Negara), a House of Representatives (the Dewan Rakyat), and a prime minister appointed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Before the late 20th century, rubber and tin exports drove Malaysia's economy. Natural resources still remain an important part of the economy-especially rubber and palm oil- but the country also has a strong manufacturing industry, as well as growing financial and banking services.

Little is known about Malaysia's prehistory, or the period of time before the invention of writing. The first known Malay kingdoms appeared around the year A.D. 200, when Indian traders introduced the South Asian concepts of religion, government, and art to Malay natives. These kingdoms remained relatively small, however, because the Malaysian terrain couldn't support widespread agriculture. Instead, Malays were known for their ocean navigation and shipping skills.

The modern Malay culture began to develop during the 15th century, when Islam arrived to the country. During this time, the port of Melaka grew to become one of the world's great port cities. When the Portuguese sailed into Melaka in the 16th century, they became the first Europeans to arrive in Malaysia.

In 1786, Great Britain bought Malaysia's Penang island in an attempt to increase trade with China. Over the next century, British influence in Malaysia grew, and by 1915, Great Britain had acquired several additional Malaysian states.

During World War II, Malaysia was occupied by the Japanese from 1941 to 1945. The end of the war brought a desire for independence throughout the country, with Malays wanting to create a Bangsa Melayu, or Malay nation. British officials promised independence to the nation and began working with Malay leaders to create an independent Malaysia. On August 31, 1957, the independent Federation of Malaya was formed, with Tunku Abdul Rahman as its first prime minister.

Malaysia was recognized as a country in 1963; at the time, it included Singapore. Singapore separated from Malaysia in 1965.

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This Southeast Asian country consists of two regions separated by the South China Sea.

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Hopscotch is a fun and challenging game that can help children develop their balance, coordination, and agility.

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Hopscotch is a fun and challenging game that can help children develop their balance, coordination, and agility.

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It is also a great way for children to socialize and make friends.

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"Bolehland" is a colloquial term for Malaysia that is often used to describe the country's laid-back attitude and its people's ability to "make it happen".

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"Bolehland" is a colloquial term for Malaysia that is often used to describe the country's laid-back attitude and its people's ability to "make it happen".

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"The Boleh Land" is thought to have originated in the 1980s, and it is often used in a positive way to describe Malaysia's resilience and its people's ingenuity.

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Malaysia is a multi-racial country, with Malays, Chinese, Indians, and other ethnic groups making up its population.

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Malaysia is a multi-racial country, with Malays, Chinese, Indians, and other ethnic groups making up its population.

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Malaysia is a popular tourist destination, with many beaches, rainforests, and historical sites.

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Kolam is a beautiful and intricate art form that is often created in front of homes and temples during festivals and special occasions. 

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Kolam is a beautiful and intricate art form that is often created in front of homes and temples during festivals and special occasions. 

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A way to welcome the divine and bring good luck into the home.

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Dynamic cities, fabulous food, beautiful beaches, idyllic islands and national parks with wildlife-packed rainforests – all of this can be found in Malaysia.

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Dynamic cities, fabulous food, beautiful beaches, idyllic islands and national parks with wildlife-packed rainforests – all of this can be found in Malaysia.

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Explore Malaysia holidays and discover the best time and places to visit.

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Malaysia has inherited a vast array of cuisines from its melting pot of cultures.

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Malaysia has inherited a vast array of cuisines from its melting pot of cultures.

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The first thing you should know about Malaysians is they are passionate about food. Malaysia has inherited a vast array of cuisines from its melting pot of cultures. So a list of Malaysian food to try is bound to be unlike any other. It's a bit like New York. Some dishes might not have originated from Malaysia, but they have found a home there. Did you know you can now travel with Culture Trip? Book now and join one of our premium small-group tours to discover the world like never before.

Main dishes

Nasi lemak, literally 'fat rice', is comprised of coconut rice, prawn sambal, fried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber slices, and ayam rendang. There might be variations with regards to the accompaniments, but the rice, cucumber, and peanuts are pretty much staple.

This famous Malaysian rice dish is distinct for its blue rice, which is served with fried chicken, egg, and fried keropok.

Beef rendang

This beef dish was brought to international renown when Gordon Ramsay came to Malaysia to learn how to make it. The tenderness of the meat and the high flavour of its sauce come from slow-cooking it over the course of several days.

Assam laksa

Rice noodles served in sour tamarind broth peppered with mackerel and vegetable garnishing. It prompts a heat in the back of your mouth thanks to the spicy paste.

Curry laksa

This is laksa for those who prefer their soups creamy. It's the same heat, but the broth is thickened with coconut milk.

A filling, hearty dish of rice fried with carrots, peas, and some meat. The more indulgent versions of the dish can include egg, small anchovies, and really just about anything.

Hainanese chicken rice

Braised, silky chicken served on a bed of rice that has been cooked with chicken broth to deliver the ultimate chicken flavour.

Banana leaf rice

Eating banana leaf rice is definitely an experience. Per the name, this dish is served on a broad banana leaf. In the middle sits a bed of white rice, topped with crispy pappadom, surrounded by an assortment of vegetables.

There are few pleasures as fatty at bak kut teh, a pork rib stew with a salty broth, perfect for dipping savoury yau char kwai in. It comes in a large pot, so order to share with bowls of rice as accompaniment.

Fish head curry

Exactly what it says on the tin; it's Indian curry made with fish head; specifically the head of a red snapper. The extra adventurous should savour the fish eye. It's said to be the best part.

Soupy lou shu fan

Sometimes described as 'mouse tail noodles', the name is not as off-putting as it seems. It describes the shape of the rice noodles, not the taste. Lou shu fan are great fun to eat because they're slippery from the peppery broth. It's a nice, clean meal; great for those who are partial to fewer spices in their food.

A mixed-rice dish ostensibly from India, briyani has found a loving home in Malaysia because a good Malaysian will never turn down a meal that combines rice, spices, and meat. Lamb briyani remains a firm favourite. Once again, be wary of the spice level.

This light flatbread is a staple in the street-side mamak of Malaysia. A serving of roti canai is accompanied by three dipping sauces of varying levels of spiciness. Those who are not fond of chilli are advised to try this roti with an inoffensive bean dahl.

As indicated by its name, this roti is tissue-thin and comes in the shape of a teepee as tall as your arm. As fun to eat as it is delicious, the trick is to tear it off bit by bit from the top down, without compromising its structural integrity. It usually comes with a thick sugar undercoating, but can be ordered sans sugar for those who prefer a savoury treat.

Maggi goreng

This dish of fried noodles is the closest edible embodiment of crack. Available at mamak stalls, feel free to order it kurang pedas ('less spicy') because these vendors don't joke with maggi goreng, and with telur mata ('eggs sunny side up').

Kaya is jam made from coconut milk with the consistency of soft butter. When not used as a bread spread, it's jammed into a bun and steamed to perfection for breakfast.

Pisang goreng

It's deep-fried banana. Simple as that. Golden, crunchy, with the creamy sweetness of a banana in the middle. The pisang goreng has ruined many a dinner and many more diets.

At first glance, satay appears to be nothing beyond slightly charred, skewered meat. But good satay is juicy and flavourful, especially when it has been fanned lovingly over a charcoal grill. Served with cubes of rice and peanut drip, satay is delicious with or without them, and is available in chicken, lamb, and beef. It's so good the Malaysia Airlines has it as a staple on their flights.

A dessert that looks like a mountain of colourful shaved ice because that is exactly what it is. The colour comes from the sugar syrup, usually bright pink or blur to add a bit of pizzazz. At the bottom of the mountain are jelly, corn and red bean to help balance out the sweetness of the syrup and give the dessert a bit of a bite.

A dessert much like ice-kacang with the difference that instead of shaved ice, there is an abundance of coconut milk mixed with palm sugar syrup, topped with green rice jelly and other condiments. A creamy alternative to the ais kacang for those with sensitive teeth.

Anything with gula melaka

Gula melaka ('Malaccan sugar') is the Malaysian term for thick palm sugar syrup. It has a toffee-like consistency and is present in many Malaysian desserts (see ice kacang, cendol) but nowadays, can be found in contemporary desserts across Malaysia as well. Whether it be gula melaka cream cake or gula melaka creme caramel, these desserts are well worth a try for its particular brand of sweetness.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful - and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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Discover the top dishes to try that represent the flavours of Malaysia from main dishes to desserts.

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Saya Anak Malaysia 2020 (Bahasa Malaysia Version) - MALAYSIA DAY SONG