The current version of Malaysia was born in the second half of the 20th century. The present population of the country had their ancestors enter the region in numerous waves during the prehistorical and historical eras.

The early regional history of Malaysia involved the dominance of Buddhism and Hinduism from China and India, with the peak occurring between the 7th and 13th centuries during the Srivijaya civilization. The initial appearance of Islam took place in the 10th century, but its presence was more strongly felt from the 15th century.

In 1946, the establishment of the Malayan Union took place, which then became the Federation of Malaya in 1948. The formation of the Federation of Malaysia occurred in September 1963, with the expulsion of Singapore from the federation taking place in August 1965.

• Currency – Malaysian Ringgit
• Capital City – Kuala Lumpur
• National Animal – The Malayan tiger
• Languages – Malay, Mandarin, Tamil

• Carry light clothing as Malaysia has a hot, tropical climate.
• Don’t engage in public displays of affection while roaming around the smaller towns.
• Malaysia is a modern country, but there are certain areas that still follow a conservative style of clothing.
• Make sure to cover yourself up well while visiting places of worship.
• Public transportation is cheap and easily available in Malaysia, including trains, buses, and taxis.
• Learn local phrases like apa khabar (how are you), tolong (please), berapa (how much), etc.
• The two regions, Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo, are quite different from one another.
• Drug consumption and trafficking is a serious offence in Malaysia. You could even get the death penalty for drug trafficking.
• There is no tipping in Malaysia. If you want to give tips to someone for their service, ask them before doing so.

• Famous Tourist Attractions – Petronas Twin Towers, Penang Hill, Langkawi Sky Bridge, Batu Caves
• Things To Do – Hiking, trekking, paragliding, wakeboarding, scuba diving
• Famous Food – Roti canai, nasi lemak, char kway teow, curry mee
• Places To Visit – Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Sabah
• Souvenirs To Buy – Batik, pewter products, Sabah pearls

The diverse culture of Malaysia is one of the most endearing things to witness about the country. In addition to the colonial influences visible in Malaysia, there is a strong presence of various Asian cultures, and this is due to the fact that the population of the country includes Malays, Indians, and Chinese.

The Orang Asli tribe, who are the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia, make up about 13% of Malaysia’s population. The festivities and events celebrated in the country throughout the year are a proof of the cultural diversity of Malaysia, celebrating the presence of numerous religions and ethnicities.

Known to be a tropical country, the warm climate of Malaysia entails that you can enjoy the sun shining over the dazzling blue waters of the many beaches the country is home to. Some of the most pristine beachy locations in Malaysia include Langkawi, Penang, Sabah, Mataking Island, and Perhentian Islands.

Yet another advantage of having so many beaches around is that it offers tourists the chance to engage in adventurous watersports, such as snorkeling and scuba diving. Not only are these beachy venues on par with the luxurious beaches around the world, but they are also less populated, thereby providing you with a calm ambience to enjoy your time by the soothing waters.

Are you one of those travellers who plan their holidays around food? If that’s the case, then you’re literally in for a treat since Malaysia is a paradise for foodies. In fact, every corner and region of Malaysia has a unique gastronomical experience to present to travelers worldwide.

Since the country houses numerous ethnicities, the evidence of the cultural diversity is clearly seen in the cuisines of Malaysia as well. From local and continental food to Indian and Chinese food items, you will never run out of dishes to take your pick from while having your meals in Malaysia. If you enjoy various spices and tangy flavors, then Malaysia’s cuisines are things you won’t forget for a long time.

Malaysia remains to have some of the most interesting and bizarre wildlife you will ever come across. Some of these animals you might be able to spot during your trip include the Malayan tapir, binturong, and Sunda pangolin. Tourists can head to the Taman Negara National Park to lay eyes on elephants, leopard cats, water buffalos, tigers, and Malayan tapirs.

The architecture of Malaysia will leave you spellbound as you go from one tourist destination to another. Job seeking immigrants and traders have been inhabiting Malaysia since the 1800s, and the resulting amalgamation of cultures is vivid in the architecture of numerous towns in the country.

You will find many historical town buildings in the states of Malacca and Penang, several of which have received the honor of being declared as UNESCO World Heritage Sites so that they can remain protected for future generations to come. Right from the Saloma Bridge and Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion in Penang, there is much to witness with regard to Malaysia’s architecture.

Budget is among the first things anyone considers while planning a trip, and if you’re on the hunt for a budget-friendly destination that will also provide you with a plethora of activities to enjoy, then do add Malaysia to your list.

One can find economical flights to Malaysia, especially if you’re travelling from India, and there is a variety of options in terms of accommodation as well, ranging from luxury resorts to budget hotels. The entrance fee to most of the tourist attractions is quite affordable and the public transport in Malaysia is designed in a manner such that the commuting and transportation costs are pretty reasonable.

Two-thirds of Malaysia’s land area is covered by rainforests, and these rainforests are home to an abundance of flora and fauna. It’s due to the presence of lush greenery and striking wilderness that wildlife enthusiasts have been attracted to Malaysia for a long time.

Malaysia’s rainforests also serve as a perfect spot for camping, trekking, and boating. The rainforests surrounding the region of Langkawi contain many luxury resorts that tourists can book for themselves to get an ideal mixture of luxury and nature.

Are you an expert bargain hunter? Or maybe you’re someone who looks for luxury brands on trips? Perhaps you love to bring back a suitcase of souvenirs for your loved ones every time you go on a vacation; regardless of the type of shopper you are, Malaysia is bound to win you over for being a haven for shopaholics.

While on the one hand, there are modern malls and boutiques, on the other hand, there are street stalls and local markets selling unique and eye-catching souvenirs. Choose the areas you want to explore and make your shopping decisions accordingly.

Malaysia has a tropical monsoon climate, and the winter season is considered to be the best time to visit the country. With the weather remaining hot and humid most of the time, Malaysia experiences rainfall every now and then.

Since the seasons from one side of the peninsula to the other vary, the debate regarding the best time to visit Malaysia can be ongoing, based on your preference. Let’s get into the details of what every season is like in Malaysia.

Lasting from March to May, the spring season in Malaysia has the presence of slight winds with the temperature remaining between 23 to 33 degrees Celsius. This is a great time to visit the beaches in the country with the calm breeze touching your face.

Sabhan culture’s celebration and Easter are among the festivals to look forward to during this time. The West Coast usually experiences heavy rainfall in the springtime. Diving and snorkeling are popular activities to indulge in late in May.

With the temperature remaining between 23 to 32 degrees Celsius, the summer months in Malaysia are from June to August. June and July remain dry during this season, experiencing very little rainfall. This is the ideal time to enjoy water sports activities in Malaysia.

Although rainfall is not expected much during the summer season, it’s best to carry an umbrella with you as the weather can be unpredictable. The Gawai Dayak festival is celebrated in Malaysia during this time.

Starting from September and ending in November, the temperature during the autumn season in Malaysia remains between 23 to 32 degrees Celsius. While the fall does remain hot, much like the seasons preceding it, there is also an increase in the chances of tourists experiencing more rainfall at this time.

The western region of Malaysia begins to experience showers in September and the eastern part witnesses it from October. Deepavali and International Music Day are celebrated during the autumn season.

The winter season is when Malaysia witnesses the presence of plenty of tourists. This is also when the country celebrates numerous festivals, such as Christmas, New Year and Hari Raya. Due to the northeast monsoon, various parts of the country experience severe rainfall. The west coast, though, barely feels the effects of rain at this time.

For those of you who want to enjoy a luxurious and relaxing vacation and walk around a beach, this is the perfect season to plan your holiday.

Malaysia has a wide variety of tourist attractions for travelers to explore, along with a myriad of adventurous activities to give you the perfect kind of adrenaline rush. With our Malaysia tour packages, you can experience them all.

The Petronas Twin Towers are the pride of Malaysia and among the most popular tourist destinations not just in the country, but all over the world. Standing 88 floors tall, the construction of this iconic landmark was completed in 1996.

Symbolizing courage and the advancement of the country, the two towers are connected by a double-decker Skybridge placed between the 41st and 42nd floor. Hailed as the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers, they are colloquially known as the KLCC Twin Towers.

Who knew that a tropical country like Malaysia could have a forested and hilly area like Penang Hill, right? Made up of a group of peaks located close to the middle of Penang Island, it is situated within the suburb of Air Itam.

Also known as Bukit Bendera, the name of one of the peaks is Strawberry Hill, which is a reference to the home owned by the founder of the Penang colony, Francis Light.

If you wish to move away from the buzzing city life of Malaysia for a while, then head out to Cameron Highlands, which is a district located in the state of Pahang.

Covering an area of 712.18 square kilometers, these highlands are known for their tea estates, wildlife, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, farmlands, forests, orchards, and calming weather. The mountain plateau was named after William Cameron, who was a geologist and a British explorer.

Famed to be the highest mountain in Malaysia and Borneo, Mount Kinabalu is also the world’s 20th most prominent mountain. Standing 4,095 meters tall, it stays protected as Kinabalu Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Situated on the island of Borneo in Sabah, the surroundings of the mountain contain rich flora and fauna, including 326 species of birds, about 6,000 species of plants, and over 100 identified mammalian species.

Langkawi Sky Bridge is a prominent structure which offers tourists spellbinding views of the Langkawi archipelago. The construction of this cable stayed bridge was completed in 2005, with the bridge deck perched 660 meters above sea level.

Travelers can reach the Langkawi Sky Bridge by hailing the Langkawi Cable Car to the Top Station first, from where they will be taken to the bridge on the SkyGlide, which is an inclined lift.

The Batu Caves are a significant religious site, frequented by Hindus and South Indians in plenty each year. The mogote consists of an array of caves and cave temples situated in the Gombak district of Malaysia.

Dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Batu Caves form the prime point of celebration of the Thaipusam, which is a Tamil Hindu festival celebrated in Malaysia. The limestone which helped in the creation of the Batu Caves is rumored to be about 400 million years old. History tells us that certain of the cave entrances were utilized as shelters by the indigenous Temuan tribe of Orang Asli.

Let your kids lay their eyes on the wildlife of Malaysia through the Taman Negara National Park situated in Peninsular Malaysia. Originally established as the King George V National Park, it was later renamed Taman Negara, the meaning of which is ‘national park’ in Malay.

Known to be one of the oldest deciduous rainforests in the world, it is said to be over 130 million years old. You can go jungle trekking in the area, indulge in birdwatching, or take in the beauty of the tropical rainforest.

Wakeboarding has been a popular adventure sport for quite some time now, and thanks to the many beaches in Malaysia, adventure enthusiasts can surely partake in this activity. It’s a mixture of surfing, snowboarding, and skateboarding. Fortunately, most of the beaches in Malaysia are suitable to engage in this activity, and it can be done throughout the year.

When we think of ziplining, we usually imagine trees, but this activity takes a whole new and exciting form in Malaysia, because you get to zipline from one island to another in this country. Sounds intriguing, does it not? Observe the mesmerizing scenery and clear blue waters as you zipline between Gaya Island and Sapi Island situated at Sabah’s Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

Have you always wanted to try skydiving but have been apprehensive about it? Well, then Malaysia would be the perfect place to have this experience for the very first time. Skydive Langkawi is where tourists can try out this activity, with each jump lasting for about 45 minutes, including a 20 minute flight over Langkawi Island, a parachute ride towards Tanjung Rhu Beach lasting for six minutes, and a freefall jump for 30 seconds.

White water rafting is among the many activities to try during your holiday with our Malaysia tour packages. The rivers spread across Malaysia have varying levels of challenges that rafters face during this activity, and hence you can choose the location accordingly, based on whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rafter.

Explore the depth and beauty of the underwater world with scuba diving in Malaysia. There are various places across the country where you can try this out and experience the rich biodiversity, including Sibuan Island, Lang Tengah Island, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Mataking Island, Kapalai Island, Perhentian Island, and Sipadan Island.

Offering the thrill of floating over the blue waters of Malaysia, paragliding is an accessible adventure sport to try out for people of all ages. Ranau near Sabah and Selangor near Kuala Lumpur ae some of the best spots to try out paragliding, and tourists can take their pick from the multiple packages available.

If you want to be enveloped by the mountains, then you should try out hiking and trekking in Malaysia. The places that present the opportunity for these activities include the five peaks at Bukit Tabur, Cameron Highlands, and Mount Kinabalu.

No trip is complete without a bit of retail therapy, right? And what better place to satiate your shopaholic tendencies than Malaysia, which is basically a dreamland for shopping connoisseurs. Right from shopping malls and local markets to unique boutiques, there are plenty of items to explore and get for yourself and your loved ones when you book your trip using our Malaysia tour packages. Let us tell you about the products and souvenirs you should definitely look into during your holiday.

Batik is not only an element present in the attires of Malaysia, but it’s also a symbol of pride in the country. The government of Malaysia endorses Malaysian batik to be embraced as the national dress among the local population.

Such fabric is created using beeswax and the natural colors of plants. With intricate patterns and vivid colors, these batik items serve as wonderful gifts, allowing you to pick from shawls, scarves, bags, hair accessories, and more.

With Malaysia being one of the major producers of tin in the world, it doesn’t come as a surprise that pewter products are among the most popular items to shop for in the country.

Pewter is a mixture of tin, antimony, copper, bismuth, and sometimes silver, with the percentage of tin in the products being the highest. Some of the pewter products to buy for yourself include coffee mugs, wall hangings, decorative items, pen stands, and vases.

Do you have an affinity for sweets? If so, then you must get some dodol for yourself while you’re in Malaysia. These are soft, sticky, and unique toffees which have a dark hue and are available in various flavors. The two most popular flavors of dodol you will find are pandang and durian. While durian is a fruit native to Southeast Asia, pandang is a leaf which has a soft and distinct smell.

If you like wearing pearls, then you’re in for a treat, because the Sabah pearls found in Malaysia are some of most exquisite pearls you will ever come across. Found off the shore of Sabah, these pearls have a lovely light pink hue and are found at the most affordable rate in Malaysia. You can either buy these pearls as loose pieces or get your hands on them as earrings, rings, bracelets, or necklaces.

Songket is a Malaysian handwoven fabric created by women hailing from the Malay Peninsula and Sarawak. It was Malaysia’s trade relations with India and China during the 12th century which led to the creation of songket.

The fabric looks sophisticated and rich owing to the presence of interwoven silk and gold threads on clothing of various colors. You can buy these fabric pieces and use them to make kurtis, saris, salwar suits, and even tablecloths and curtains.

Since we mentioned durian earlier, let us tell you that Malaysia has its own range of durian flavored products, ranging from cakes and sweets to candies and chocolates. There are also ruby chocolates, which is a Malaysian specialty and has a lovely rosy color without the presence of any artificial food coloring. Launched in 2017, these ruby chocolates have a taste which is a mixture of tangy and sweet, reminding one of citrus based fruits.

Cucuk sanggul is a traditional Malaysian hairpin which is either made of gold or silver or even found as being decorated with precious stones. It’s a cultural heritage of the country and is a hair accessory donned by women for special occasions such as weddings. The reason this particular accessory is unique is because the broader end of the hairpin has the face of a mythological being, making it even more attractive.

Local art pieces and handicraft items are some of the most coveted souvenirs tourists buy for themselves from Malaysia. These include coasters, mats, showpieces, and also fashion products such as hats, purses, and bags created from mengkuang, rattan, pandan leaves, coconut, bamboo, and so on.

Art lovers might want to check out the paintings that represent the aura of the tropical vibe. There are also handicraft items made from bamboo that are created by Malaysia’s local tribes that can be found at the country’s local markets.

The different ethnicities and races present in the country of Malaysia also contribute to the diversity of the cuisines found in the country, as a result of which there are numerous spices you will discover in the foods of Malaysia. If you’re looking to amplify the taste of the dishes you whip up in your kitchen, you can take back some of these spices with you, such as paprika, turmeric, curry powder, and saffron.

Malaysians have a very unique roasting method they apply while making coffee, which includes margarine. It’s this technique which makes their coffee so famous and loved.

If coffee is a beverage you can’t go without, you should definitely get some Malaysian coffee for yourself which will help you make a cup of creamy and rich coffee. There are numerous brands to choose from in Malaysia, such as OldTown, Ah Huat, and Aik Cheong.

The Petaling Street Market in Kuala Lumpur is a paradise for those who enjoy bargaining. Catch one of their daily flea markets filled with stalls selling watches, handbags, clothes, souvenirs, and more.

The Central Market is located in a unique building in Kuala Lumpur and has slowly evolved into a cultural hub for locals and tourists alike. This historical spot is where you will find traditional Malaysian products, batik items, and handicrafts.

Suria KLCC is a 6 story shopping complex located in the Petronas Twin Towers. The premier shopping mall is home to luxury boutiques as well as high-end brands, such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Marc Jacobs.

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur or Pavilion KL is an extremely popular shopping mall, offering a fabulous experience to tourists. Home to more than 700 retail outlets and restaurants, this award-winning spot consists of seven floors and has both affordable and international brands.

The Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur is made up of 48 floors, consisting of an indoor amusement park, a shopping complex, a condominium, and a hotel. The items to shop from at the Berjaya Times Square include footwear, clothes, cosmetics, and jewelry.

The Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall is among the biggest and most affordable shopping destinations in all of Malaysia. Housing more than 100 retail brands, you can shop for perfumes, handicrafts, souvenirs, and clothes from this mall.

• If you’re looking to buy electronics, it’s best to purchase them from malls or stores that are reputed and more established.
• Langkawi is the best place to buy expensive items as you will find designer items at more affordable rates at the duty free malls.
• Be sure to bargain at the local, smaller stores. Browse around numerous places to find the item you’re searching for at the best price.
• Stay wary of hawkers and touts who often try to make a profit off tourists.
• Before you go to a street market, ensure to carry some change in the local currency.

If there is one thing that all the people of Malaysia will agree on, it’s about their love for food. Of the numerous elements you will get to try out and enjoy in the country through our Malaysia tour packages, it’s the food that you absolutely must indulge in.

The food in Malaysia is as diverse as the cultures and traditions present in the country, and the cuisine has Indian, Chinese, and Malay influences. When it comes to the Indian influences in Malaysian cuisine, most of it is due to the people who migrated to the country from the state of Tamil Nadu.

Malaysia shares quite a bit of similarities with Indonesia in terms of food, and the history of the foods found in Malaysia are often as interesting as the taste of the dishes itself. Here are some of the food items that you should definitely try having while you’re in Malaysia:

Roti canai is a light and crispy flatbread which has an Indian origin and is also popular in numerous Southeast Asian countries. It is created using flour, water, and butter, and some people also make use of condensed milk in their recipe.

The entire mixture is flattened, folded, oiled, and then fried in a skillet that is heavily oiled, resulting in the bread having a fluffy interior and a crispy exterior. This is often consumed with dipping sauces or curries.

Nasi lemak is considered to be the unofficial national dish of Malaysia. It is created using coconut milk, rice, and pandan leaves, and is traditionally served with anchovies, boiled eggs, peanuts, cucumbers, and sambal, which is a spicy, chili based paste.

The dish usually makes an appearance as a part of breakfasts in Malaysia, but it’s also eaten through the rest of the day and is a common sight at the roadside stalls and hawker centers around the country.

Char kway teow is a Chinese stir-fried noodle dish which is quite famous in Malaysia, with ‘char’ meaning ‘stir-fried’ and ‘kway teow’ referring to the flat rice noodles utilized to make the dish.

In order to make char kway teow, the noodles are first stir-fried over high flame in pork fat. The ingredients added are many and eclectic, such as prawns, light and dark soy sauce, chili, bean sprouts, fishcake, Chinese chives, blood cockles, and belacan, which is a paste made using fermented dried shrimp.

Curry mee, which is also known as curry laksa, is a spicy noodle soup, which is quite common in Malaysia and Singapore. This particular fusion concoction has Chinese, Indian, and Southeast Asian culinary influences.

The coconut milk and curry form the foundation of this creamy dish, giving it a sweet and spicy mix. The sauce which one gets to taste in curry mee is thinner than the one found in regular curry but is accompanied by a rich and strong flavor. Thin rice noodles are usually used to make this dish, which are generally cut up into smaller pieces so that it’s easier to consume them.

Assam or asam laksa is the kind of laksa that makes use of a souring agent such as tamarind or gelugur in place of coconut milk. While curry laksa is creamy and rich, asam laksa is spicy and tangy. In addition to the souring agent, it also contains shredded mackerel and vegetables such as onions, cucumber, red chilli, and torch ginger, along with laksa leaves, mint leaves, and pineapple. It’s usually served with rice noodles and topped with otak udang, which is a prawn paste.

Eating on banana leaves is quite a common practice in the southern part of India, and that’s exactly the experience you will get to have if you consume banana leaf rice in Malaysia. There are numerous items you will find on this banana leaf, including rice, pickles, multiple curries, rasam (a sour and spiced soup), and papadam (thin and crispy wafers).

Having originated in Indonesia, Satay is a dish which is highly popular in Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries. Satay basically means meat that is skewered and grilled over charcoal, and usually includes meat such as chicken, pork, beef, mutton, and goat, but satay is also found in the form of seafood, tofu, vegetables, and fish balls. This is served along with satay sauce, which is prepared with chili, tamarind, palm sugar, and roasted peanuts.

Sambal is a chili paste which is often found in the food of Malaysia, and sambal udang refers to a chili paste with prawns. In addition to the prawns simmering in the chili paste, the element that elevates the taste of this dish for seafood lovers is the presence of additional prawn paste. The tamarind juice added to the recipe lends it a tangy taste.

Murtabak made its entry into Malaysia due to Indian Muslim traders who hailed from the state of Tamil Nadu, which is why this dish is particularly a favorite among the country’s local Muslim community. It’s a pan-fried bread that is filled with meat and almost resembles a pancake. The meat filling in the dish is usually that of mutton, chicken, or egg. Murtabak is served with a chili dipping sauce, and there is also a vegetarian version of the dish which is made up of a potato filling.

If there is one Malaysian dish that will genuinely get you curious with its appearance, it’s nasi kerabu, which is a rice dish with a twist, and the twist is that the rice is blue in color. The blue color of the rice is derived from the butterfly pea flower. Salad is a topping found on nasi kerabu and the dish is commonly served with a side of fried chicken, dried fish, solok lada (stuffed chili peppers), and salted egg.

Bak kut the is a pork rib dish which has a Hokkien and Teochew origin and is popular in both Malaysia and Singapore. Made up of numerous pork cuts that are cooked in a delicious broth and seasoned with fennel, garlic, cinnamon, and star anise, the name of the dish translates to ‘meat bone tea’, with the ‘tea’ bit referring to the oolong Chinese tea that’s usually served with this particular dish.

For those of you with a sweet tooth, apam balik is the one dish you absolutely have to taste during your vacation in Malaysia. It’s a dense pancake whose packaging resembles that of an omelette. This dish can be either thin and crispy or soft and thick. While the traditional fillings of apam balik include butter, sugar, and peanuts, the modern versions of it could contain raisins, chocolate chips, corn, or condensed milk.

Pisang goreng is a beloved snack in Malaysia, consisting of banana fritters, which often have different versions in different countries around the world that grow bananas. The bananas are deep fried, which helps caramelise the natural sugars present in them, making them even sweeter than they originally were. The dish is also popular in Brunei, Singapore, and Indonesia. The perfectly fried banana fritters are golden, with the interior being moist and sweet and the exterior crispy.

• While Malay and English are the most commonly spoken languages in Malaysia, the migrant population of Malaysia has caused the popularity of other languages, including Tamil and Mandarin Chinese.
• The musical scene in Malaysia is as diverse as its culture and includes genres such as tribal music, folk music, and slow ballads.
• Malaysia’s indigenous tribes are proficient in the art forms of woodwork, embroidery, weaving, and smithing.
• Islam is the national religion of Malaysia, and the country also has other religions, including Hinduism, Christianity, and Buddhism