Malaysian history
Modern Malaysia completed only 60 years of life in 2017, having ceased to be a colony of Great Britain on August 31, 1957, although it would take another six years to reach its current form.
Even with the end of colonialism, English culture is still present in Malaysia today. It is no coincidence that the vast majority of the population speaks English fluently. Its governmental system also resembles that of Westminster, after almost two centuries of colonialism. The Malaysian national administration is largely based on the British structure: a constitutional monarchy with power vested in parliament.
The main difference from the British monarchy is that in Malaysia the single system is rotating. Nine hereditary ethnic rulers from each Malaysian state take turns in power every five years.
The king in Malaysia, the head of the state, is called Yang di-pertuan Agong , which literally means “one who has been made lord”.
The secession of Singapore
Malaysia was created in September 1963 with Tunku Abdul Rahman as prime minister, but both inside and outside the new, enlarged federation immediately went into serious trouble.
Internally, Singapore, according to Malaya’s population and more than three-quarters Chinese in composition, threatened to upset the communal balance on which Malayan politics and government, until then depended. Singapore S leaders became involved in the politics of the Malay Peninsula, namely in 1964 federal elections.
The following year, he organized the Malaysian Solidarity Convention, and questioned the “special position” of the Malaysian community, advocating a ‘Malaysia Malaysia’ policy. Consequently Tunku Abdul Rahman demanded that Singapore leave the federation, which he did in August 1965.
External threats
Externally, the formation of Malaysia led President Sukarno of Indonesia to announce in 1964 a policy of ‘confrontation’, which tried (unsuccessfully) to overthrow the new state by military means. In 1966, after the overthrow of Sukarno, the guerrillas were ended by negotiation.
As of 1966, the 11 states on the Malay Peninsula were known as Western Malaysia, and Sabah and Sarawak as Eastern Malaysia. The Philippines contested the sovereignty of eastern Malaysia in 1968 through its claim on Sabah.
Continuous tensions within the federation
Since the withdrawal from Singapore and the end of the confrontation, Malaysian history has been dominated by the attempt to build a nation-state. This faces two major problems. The most serious of these is the difficulty in uniting the country with three main ethnic communities, Malay, Chinese and Indian, where the differences in culture and language are further exacerbated by those of socioeconomic status. Of the three communities the Malays have dominated the country’s political life, while the Chinese and Indians maintain the preponderance of economic power.
Second, the danger has always existed that Sarawak and Sabah – separated as from the rest of Malaysia by 650 mi from the km / 400 South China Sea – may separate from the federation. In 1972 it was decided – mainly as an attempt to minimize the differences and undoubtedly suggested by the obvious analogy with the East and West Pakistan (the first having just parted ways like Bangladesh) – that West Malaysia should be renamed the peninsula of Malaysia and the east from Malaysia simply Sarawak and Sabah.
Racial and state of emergency disorders
Tunku Abdul Rahman’s multiracial style of government was successful until serious and widespread anti-Chinese riots broke out in May 1969. These riots, followed by a drop in support for the Malaysian National United Organization (UMNO) in the federal election and were indicative of resentment Chinese economic success of the Chinese business community.
The state of emergency was declared national, and for the next 21 months, the country was governed by a National Operations Council, which established the joint civil-military regime. During this period, the government amended the 1948 Sedition Act, effectively limiting the debate on common issues. Towards the end of 1970, Tun Abdul Ruzak, deputy prime minister and head of the National Operations Council, took over as prime minister of Tunku Abdul Rahman.
Restoring democracy
After the restoration of the parliamentary regime in February 1971 Abdul Ruzak, in an effort to expand consensus policy in Malaysia, expanded his Alliance Coalition to a National Front 10 parties, including the previous opposition parties in its ranks.
He won a resounding victory in the 1974 general election, winning 135 of the 154 seats in Parliament. In 1976, power passed quickly and smoothly to Datuk Hussein Onn, who became Malaysia’s third Prime Minister after Abdul Razak’s sudden death.
Pro-Malaysian policy
The most significant result of the events of May 1969 was an attempt, announced in the five-year plan (1971-1975), to restructure Malaysian society. The goal was to increase the percentage of ethnic Malay owned companies from 4% to 30% in 1990, and to extend the use of pro-Malay (Bumiputra) affirmative action quota systems for university access and company employment. Economic expansion, it was hoped, would be great to facilitate this redistributive process and at the same time offer the opportunity to eliminate poverty among all Malaysians.
The Malaysian program created breakthrough, however, considerable Chinese and Indian discontent. This in turn contributed to the resurgence of a communist guerrilla movement on a scale at least equivalent to that at the end of the 1948-1960 emergency.
Relations with the Chinese community deteriorated further at the end of the decade, as a result of the federal government’s refusal to welcome Vietnamese refugees. There was also a revival of fundamentalist Islam among Malays in the west and north.
International relations in the 1970s
Malaysia’s external relations underwent a significant change in the 1970s. During the 1960s Malaysia became involved in regional alliances of a strongly pro-Western, anti-communist character, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). However, after 1970 Malaysia gradually changed its policy towards less rigorous alignment.
In 1974, after two years of negotiations, Malaysia established diplomatic relations with China, although the problem of 220,000 stateless persons residing permanently in Chinese Malaysia remained unsolved. In terms of security, Malaysia, together with other ASEAN members, has become increasingly dependent on established friendships with the USA and China. Close economic ties were developed with Japan and encouraged joint ventures.
Since the 1970s, relations with other communist powers and Islamic nations have also improved.
Developments in the 1980s
Dr Mahathir bin Mohamed became UMNO’s new leader and prime minister in 1981 and adopted a more strictly Islamic and Malaysian strategy than his predecessors. He also launched an ambitious industrialization program, seeking to emulate Japan.
He was re-elected in 1982 and 1986, but met with opposition from his Malaysian Chinese Association coalition partners. There were also between Christians and Muslims in conflict Sabah, and slower economic growth as a result of the fall in the world can, rubber and palm oil prices.
In 1987, following the worsening Malaysian-Chinese relations, Mahathir ordered the arrest of more than 100 opposition activists, including the Democratic Action Party (DAP) leader Lim Kit Siang, and a tightening of press censorship. These moves precipitated a split at UMNO, with ex-prime minister and ex-Rahman trade and industry minister Razaleigh Hamzah leaving to form a new multiracial party grouping, Semangat ’46. In 1988 a reconstituted UMNO Baru (Nova UMNO) was created by Mahathir.
The prime minister also announced a relaxation of economic policy that favored 1971 ethnic Malays – ownership of Malaysian capital having reached only 18% in 1987 – as part of a more consensual “Malaysian unity” program.
Developments in the 1990s
In the 1990 general election, the coalition of Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamed’s decision captured 127 of the 180 seats in the National Assembly.
Semangat ’46 lost five of his 12 seats. However, Islamic (PAS) and its Chinese allies (DAP) party interviewed well locally. The pro-Malaysian economic policy expired in December 1990 and was replaced by a new program, the “new development policy”, which was less discriminatory against non-Malaysians and aimed to achieve an eight-fold increase (7% over year) in national income for the year 2020. GDP growth in the 1980s averaged 8% per year.
Mahathir bin Mohamed was re-elected president of UMNO Baru in 1993. During 1994, he temporarily suspended all new commercial contracts with the United Kingdom following allegations in the British press of an aid-by-arms agreement between the two countries in 1988.
In the 1995 election in general, UMNO Baru increased his majority, ensuring his greatest victory since independence in 1957. In May 1996 the eight-year gap within UMNO was cured when Razaleigh Hamzah led his ’46 Semangat party back into the fold. UMNO.
Environmental problems
In the summer of 1997 smoke from forest fires in vast Sumatra and Borneo severely affected Malaysia, causing health risks, transportation problems, and industrial difficulties. In Sarawak a state of emergency was imposed in September.
The fog was believed to have contributed to the collision at the end of September of two cargo ships in the Malacca Strait, resulting in the death of 29 crew. The problem continued until 1998, causing (in February) $ 300 million in damage to tourism, industry and health.
Economic crisis
After a decade of spectacular growth, Malaysia has entered a severe recession, with the economy shrinking by 5% in the first half of 1998.
In February 1998, to mitigate the impact of the regional economic crisis, it was announced that the racial laws that Bumiputra favored Malaysian companies would be relaxed. In March, in response to the Asian financial crisis, it was announced that 17,000 from Malaysia ‘s 1 million foreign workers (mostly illegal immigrants from Indonesia) would be immediately repatriated and that a 200,000 would still go after August 1998.
In June 1998 Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamed brought back into the closet, as an economic overlord, a close ally, Daim Zainuddin.
This reduced the influence of Anwar Ibrahim, the deputy prime minister and finance minister, an economic conservative with leadership ambitions. Currency controls were introduced.
Anwar Ibrahim scandal
In August 1998, Anwar Ibrahim was dismissed amid accusations about his personal life and alleged corruption. He led the anti-government protests in Kuala Lumpur and was arrested in September 1998. In November 1998 Zainur Zakaria, defense lawyer Anwar Ibrahim, was jailed for three months for contempt of court after complaining about a high-level conspiracy against his client, but was later tolerated pending an appeal.
In December, with the trial of her husband continuing, Anwar Ibrahim’s wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, formed a new opposition group, the Movement for Social Justice. In early January 1999, Malaysia’s Chief of Police, Abdul Rahim Noor, resigned saying that he took full responsibility for damages suffered by the former first deputy minister.
Ibrahim, who was in court facing sex and corruption charges, then turned the tide on his accusers by issuing an injunction against the police who arrested him. Noor was later – in April 1999 – indicted on charges of assaulting Ibrahim.
However, Ibrahim went on trial for the second time in June 1999, accused of sodomy. This caused widespread opposition riots in September, and 13 opposition politicians were arrested. In August 2000, Ibrahim was sentenced to nine years in prison in eight, having been found guilty of sodomy, although he always insisted that he was the victim of a conspiracy made by Mahathir bin Mohamed.
The sentence was given, in addition to his six-year sentence for corruption, which he received in April 1999. Human rights groups and many foreign governments have expressed indignation at the sentence.
Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in November 1999 called for general elections in a sudden announcement that Asia Leader’s long-serving pit is against a growing move towards political reform. Although the newly united opposition Alternative Front, which was first led by a Muslim, Fadzil Noor, doubled the number of seats and gained control of two state assemblies, the Mahathir bin Mohamed National Front coalition decision retained power. However, an electoral monitoring group suggested that there was interference with ballot papers.
The formation of Malaysia
Malaysia was formed in 1963 from a number of former British colonies: the Federation of Malaysia (comprising 11 states), which achieved independence in 1957; Singapore, which had been self-governing since 1959, and two territories in northwestern Borneo, Sarawak and Sabah (then known as North Borneo), which in 1960 were well advanced on the road to independence.
The newly elected Singapore government was in favor of the merger with Malaysia, and in 1961 Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysian Prime Minister, took the initiative and suggested that a plan should be drawn up by which Singapore, North Borneo, Brunei (another British territory in Borneo that had achieved autonomy), and Sarawak would be to approach with Malaya in the political and economic cooperation.
The proposal was generally well received. Commercial benefits would accrue from the creation of a large economic unit, and resources could be pooled. There would also be political advantages. For Malaya, merger with Singapore with its large Chinese population would be offset by indigenous populations in most states in Borneo.
For Singapore it was a means of ending colonial status, and for Sarawak, Brunei, E North Borneo would be to advance the independence date. There was also the advantage that the existing central government in Kuala Lumpur was already federal in structure.
Britain was also in favor of the proposal. In 1962, a joint Malaysian and British commission under Mr Cobbold concluded, after testing public opinion, that most people in Sarawak and North Borneo were in favor of the federation, and a referendum in Singapore showed that a considerable majority for the Fusion.
Brunei
In Brunei, however, political power passed in the September 1962 elections to the People’s Party, which argued that before the move to Malaysia, the three Borneo territories under the Sultan of Brunei must be unified as constitutional ruler. A revolt within the party tried to bring about this state by force, but it was quickly suppressed.
However Brunei finally decided to remain outside the federation, possibly because, with its small population and great wealth in the form of oil it was not willing to share its prosperity. In addition, the Sultan of Brunei state within the proposed federation has been called into question, and this issue carries considerable political weight against the union.
Malaysia Geography
Located in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is divided into two non-contiguous halves. In the Malay Peninsula, also known as Western Malaysia, in the southern part of the country, it has beaches and the largest metropolitan portion, including the national capital Kuala Lumpur. Borneo, a huge island in the Malay Archipelago, is home to its former rainforest, with unbelievable biodiversity. The Island is shared with Indonesia and Brunei – Malaysia occupies 26% of the territory, divided between the states of Sabah and Saraw.
The Malay Peninsula and the Island of Borneo are separated by the South China Sea.
And when we say that Borneo is big, it’s not an exaggeration. It is the third largest island in the world, behind Greenland and New Guinea. The Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak are larger than Ireland and almost the size of the Czech Republic.
Singapore was a state of Malaysia between 1963 and 1965, being separated on August 9 after two years of disagreements over economics, politics and racial issues. From that day, Singapore became a city-state. It is connected to Malaysia by a street and a bridge.
Malaysia is a member of the Commonwealth (or Commonwealth of Nations), which represents the political marriage of territories that have already been under British rule. Also included are countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Bahamas, Barbados, among others, including three that were not colonized by Great Britain: Namibia, Mozambique and Rwanda.
Malaysian natural beauty
The third highest mountain in Asia is in rural Sabah. Mount Kinabalu is 4,095 meters long and remains little explored to this day. Those who venture to the top have two possible routes, due to the inaccessibility of the mountain, but do not need much climbing skills – just a guide and a license registered at Sabah Parks for MR $ 50.
Mount Kinabalu is also considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which describes it as “the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea”, thanks to its wide variety of habitats, from the rich plain and forest hills tropical to the subalpine forest and vegetation at the highest points.
If you want to continue your adventure through Malaysia’s lush nature, consider visiting the 295 kilometers of caves explored in Borneo’s Gunung Mulu National Park , which also caught the attention of UNESCO. If you have a choice, be sure to visit the Sarawak Cave, in the northern tip of the state, the largest cave in the world.
13. In addition to the mountains and caves, two more sites in the country are considered Unesco World Heritage Sites: the historic cities of Meleza (Malacca) and George Town (Penang), in the Strait of Malacca, and the archaeological sites of Lenggong Valley.
14. Malaysia has more than 4,440 kilometers of coastline, thanks to its one quarter on the island of Borneo and its long peninsula. The number is greater than Cuba, Thailand, Sweden and Colombia. Despite having several famous beaches, the main coastal tourist spot is usually the islands of Penang, on the west coast of the peninsula, and Langkawi, far to the north (you can even see Thailand from the tip of the beaches more to the note).
Malaysian population
Malaysia has a population of approximately 31 million people, but only half of that number is Malaysian. There are many Chinese and Indian citizens in the country, as well as indigenous tribes, mainly in Borneo. Two of them are the Bidayuh and Iban peoples, both in Sarawak, who speak their own languages and live according to ingrained traditions.
The outcome of a diverse population is a multi-ethnic and multicultural country, and this aspect plays an important role in Malaysian politics. The country’s official religion is Islam, but Malaysia defends freedom of religion. In fact, 20% of the population is Buddhist, 9% is Christian and 6% is Hindu.
The largest mosque in Malaysia (and the second largest in Asia) is the Sultan’s Mosque in Shah Alam.
The vast majority of Malaysians – 80% – live on the Peninsula, which represents only 40% of the national territory.
Malaysia, Kingdom of Intolerance
In the ancient forests of the Earth a floating nation has germinated. From the Borneo jungle to the skyscrapers of Kaula, Malaysia penetrates the five senses with the aroma of the old colonies, the taste of spices, the oriental feel, the sounds of the forest and the colors of two seas.
Anyone who knows this country, says without fear that “only Malaysia has everything”. And that no one is able to deny that truth. Malaysia has picturesque fishing villages, mountains that hold ancient traditions, abundant and impenetrable tropical forests and miles of pristine beaches of fine white sand.
All of this, in the cradle that is the center of an ancient culture, born from the meeting of different races. Probably the treasury of Malaysia is its inhabitants, men from corners as far away as China or India. Without forgetting the presence of English, Dutch, and Portuguese colonizers.
That past, laden with immigration, is permanently present in the richness of its traditions, in its art, in the colorful and diverse festivals, in gastronomy, human relations, in short, a solid kingdom where tolerance allows a kaleidoscope of customs difficult to find in other regions.
Malaysia is a soft smile, a delicate lesson, the ideal place to learn something about living together. Those who visit it must return to their place of origin, loaded with a philosophy of life, based on respect for difference, a fact that enables the growth and flourishing of wealth in any nation.
To discover Malaysia, we will make a tour of its 13 states, departing from Johor, the southernmost state. We will proceed following the clockwise course (Malacca, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor where the capital Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Kedah, Penang, Perlis, Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang are located), to finish the journey through the states of Sarawak and Sabah, located on the island of Borneo.
Johor
Johor is the only state in Malaysia that has a coast both east and west. The capital is Johor Bharu, located at the southern entrance to the Malaysian Peninsula and connected by a motorway with Singapore.
Among its greatest attractions, the Istana Gardens Rajá Museum deserves special mention, a palace built in 1866 by Sultan Abu Bakar and which constitutes one of the oldest buildings in the city, surrounded by magnificent gardens.
Abu Bakar Mosque is one of the most striking in Malaysia. Its construction was completed in 1900, a few years before the sultan’s death, after eight years of intensive work. It has a capacity to congregate more than 2,000 faithful. Be sure to visit the current residence of the Sultan of Johor, known by the name of Istana Bukit Serene. It is a beautiful palace completed in 1933.
Nature lovers should visit the Kota Tinggi Waterfalls, located 35 miles north of Johor Bahru. The waterfall has a height of 32 meters and is well known both by the Malayans and by foreigners who flee the suffocating tropical heat, in search of its fresh waters. For those who love the sun and beaches, nothing better than a visit to the islands of Pulau Rawa, 16 kilometers off the coast of Mersing.
Malacca (Melaka)
Malacca is the capital of this state. Without a doubt, it is one of the few Malay cities that concentrate, to a large extent, the history of this country. Over time he saw the rise and fall of the great empires that were striving to win a place in the region.
This important port, until the 19th century, was governed by the Malayo Sultanate, by Portuguese, Dutch and British, leaving behind an evident wealth that can be seen in its buildings, and in its narrow streets and in the rich miscegenation of the population.
The visit can start at the Cheng Hoong Teg Temple, located in Chinatown, in the center of a fascinating neighborhood full of temples, cafes and old shops. The temple whose name means “green cloud” is one of the oldest Chinese prayer places in all of Malaysia. Founded in 1645, it highlights the ceiling adorned with porcelain pieces and colored crystals that represent various figures from Chinese mythology.
Bukit China (Chinese Mountain), is the place that was given by the Sultan to accommodate Princess Hung Li Puh’s entourage before contracting marriage. It is currently the largest Chinese cemetery outside that country.
Its 26 hectares contain approximately 12,000 tombs. At the foot of the slope is the Sultan’s Well, nowadays converted into a fountain to ask for good wishes and fortune. In the city you can also admire A Porta de Santiago, the last and only remnant of the famous Portuguese fort “A Famosa”, built in the 16th century.
In other times, the fortification occupied the entire hill, including a castle, two palaces and five churches. The Dutch restored the fort, but the British demolished it in 1807 when they occupied Dutch territory during the Napoleonic wars.
At the foot of the hill are the ruins of the Church of São Paulo, built by the Portuguese around 1512, in the same place where a small chapel was raised. Here are the remains of St. Francis Xavier, the first parish priest of the church, along with other tombs with Latin, Dutch and Portuguese epigraphs. The kitchen was used as a cemetery in 1753.
In Dutch Square, you can find Dutch buildings from past centuries. The Stadhuis is the oldest Dutch building that remains in the whole of the East, built between 1641 and 1660. It is easily recognizable by its salmon color and today houses the Historical Museum of Malacca.
Praça Portuguesa or Medan Portugis is located in Ujong Pasir (or Portuguese neighborhood), 3 kilometers from the city center. Here, different folkloric dances are represented for tourists, various cultural activities are held, not forgetting the celebrations of Portuguese festivals.
Be sure to visit the Baba Nyonya Heritage, a private museum that contains numerous ancient pieces from China, the Merdeka Museum, where the history of independence is shown and the Kampung Ulu Mosque, the oldest in Malaysia.
Malacca has several beaches, among which Klebang and Tanjung stand out. On the other hand, there are numerous state recreational centers along the coasts, such as Tanjung Bidara, 35 kilometers from the capital.
It is one of the best places to rest, sunbathe and bathe. For those looking to meet pleasant traditional villages, it is best to go to Pantai Kundur and for those who want some tropical island, Pulau Besar, it is the place to be, in addition to being a place full of mysticism.
Negeri Sembilan
Literally, the name of State means “Nine Districts”. Seremban, the capital, 64 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur, has numerous tourist sites. The Gardens of the Lake stand out, with two charming lakes surrounded by a green, in which its inhabitants consume their leisure time. In the early hours of the morning it is possible to see numerous people practicing tai chi, amid a leafy nature. Nearby is Rumah Minangkabau, a typical Malay mansion, built without the need for any nails.
Another of the most visited places is the State Museum or Istana Ampang Tinggi, an old royal residence built in 1861 in another city. In 1953, it was dismantled and transported to its current location. It has excellent collections of weapon pieces of bronze and silver.
We recommend a visit to Taman Seni Budaya, a cultural complex that comprises three historic buildings that house interesting collections of handicrafts, porcelain, batiks, engraved wood pieces, antiques, weapons, musical instruments and jewelry. Finally the Seri Menanti Royal Museum, a former Minangkabu-style royal residence that stands out for its impressive wooden columns, with low relief works.
16 kilometers from the state capital is the Ulu Bendul waterfall, within the recreational area of the same name. It is a paradise for the camp and the weekend place for the inhabitants of the capital. As for the beach, the most famous is Port Dickson for its crystal clear waters, for its bungalows and for its annual festival called Pesta Port Dickson.
Selangor
It is the state that hosts the federal capital, Kuala Lumpur. It is distinguished for being the industrial heartland of Malaysia and for being the state with the highest population density.
Shah Alam, the capital, is just 25 kilometers from the federal capital. To visit the tourist sites it is necessary to travel by car or better by taxi.
The colossal aluminum dome, in the middle of 4 minarets of the Sultan Sala Huddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque, dominates the entire city. It is the largest in all of Southeast Asia. The urban development of the city follows a futuristic plan of urbanism, reason for which great avenues and green zones were constructed, in addition to housing numerous government agencies.
Port Klang, which is just 15 kilometers from Kuala Selagor, in the center of an immense mouth, is Malaysia’s first port. From here, boats leave from Pulau Ketam Island and Pulau Tengah, excellent places for fishing.
Another of the places of tourist interest in this state, are the Batú Caves, a Hindu sanctuary 13 kilometers north of Kuala Lumpur.
You must climb 272 steps before reaching the cool interior of the cave, where the Hindu religious festival of Thaipusam takes place. On the other hand, we recommend to approach the spectacular waterfalls of Kanching, Sungai Kerling and Sungai Gabai, but if what you are looking for is a place to rest, there is a natural sanctuary just an hour from Shah Alam.
This is the Temple Park, close to the Serendah and Kanching forest reserves. This place is known for its lush waterfalls, its transparent waterways and for being home to a rich variety of butterflies and birds. If you like animals, we recommend visiting the Zoo and Aquarium of Negara, where you can admire more than 200 species of animals, including birds, reptiles, camels, elephants.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur, the federal capital of Malaysia, is a city that has developed considerably. In the past it was a small settlement and today it is a cosmopolitan city with more than one million inhabitants. Despite the urban expansion that it underwent, the modern skyscrapers rise between old structures of such diverse and disparate styles as Mongolian, Islamic, Tudor and Minangkabau.
Among its main buildings is the Sultan Abdul Samad, built between 1894 and 1897, which with its clock on the 41-meter tower is one of the most photographed buildings in the city. In order to visit Parliament, local authorities demand that visitors be well dressed, as a sign of respect. Inside is the House of Representatives, the Senate, the Banquet Hall, several office for committees and a library.
Designed and built in the 20th century, the modern Train Station, which came to replace the old one from 1885, has an elegant Islamic style, with its arcades and minarets, it is easily recognizable. The National Mosque, or Masjid Negara, is distinguished by its geometric structures and its large 73-meter-high minaret, which rises from the center of a swimming pool. To get to it, you need to take off your shoes, not forgetting that women should go soberly dressed.
For its part, the Masjid Jame Mosque stands out exactly at the birthplace of the city, between the Klang and Gombak rivers, surrounded by coconut trees among which stand out its minarets. In the evenings it looks spectacular, especially from the Market on Benteng Street.
We also highlight the National Monument, located in Jardim do Lago, a large bronze sculpture designed and built in 1966 in honor of national heroes, by the same artist who held the Memorial in Washington, the Gardens of the Lake give life to one of the most popular and appreciated by the inhabitants of the city. It is the place of rest and refuge, when the heat oppresses. From here, excellent panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur are obtained.
The Chinese quarter or Chinatown, formed by Jalan Petaling, Jalan Sultan and Jalan Bandar will discover a show of light and color. In its streets it is possible to buy all kinds of goods, from Chinese medicines, varied fruits, flowers to pies.
At midnight, the street of Jalan Petaling is cut off from traffic to become a pedestrian street that becomes a fabulous bazaar or Pasar Malam. Little India, where the Indian community is concentrated, is found in Jalan Masjid India and while arriving at its streets it is as if, in a fantastic way, it traveled through that country.
The Central Market, Dataran Merdeka, the heart of the city, the National Museum, with collections that show the past. in the country, the Karyaneka Center or the Malaysian tourism information complex are other tourist attractions in the bustling capital.
Perak
Perak, known as the “Estado da Prata” or “Terra da Graça”, owes its name to the abundance of this precious metal that is explored in large quantities. The capital, Ipoh, is located on the north-south highway route and was the former residence of the millionaires who made their fortunes with the exploitation of rubber.
It is the second city in Malaysia and was founded more than 125 years ago, at the highest point of the Kinta River. The city is divided into two parts, the old area being the most interesting. Most colonial buildings are concentrated here, mostly English-style, such as the City Hall or the São Miguel school. On the other hand, it highlights the Train Station, of Muslim style and reminiscent of that of Kuala Lumpur, the Geological Museum, with a collection of more than 600 minerals, fossils and precious stones.
Be sure to visit the Temple of the Caves, to admire the wonderful stone carving work of different Buddhas. In the surroundings are beautiful Mandarin-style temples, among small lakes and numerous bonsai.
Towards the north of Ipoh, you will find Kuala Kangsar, place of residence of the sultan of Perak, where the Ubudiah Mosque stands out, with a golden and impressive dome, the Royal Palace called Istana Iskandarah, built on top of a hill over the river Perak, a fine Malayan style building for the exclusive use of the monarchy and the Royal Perak Museum, which displays one of Malaysia’s oldest weapon collections.
Taiping is the oldest capital in the state of Perak. Its gardens are well known, as is the collection of weapons, ornaments, utensils and archaeological species that are displayed in the oldest museum in the country. It also highlights the state prison, also the oldest, the Chinese Seng Tong temple and the central station.
Lumut, located 86 kilometers from Ipoh, is the starting point for excursions to Pangkor Island. In previous times it was an important fishing port and today it is the base of the Royal Navy of Malaysia. Pangkor Island is 30 minutes from the coast, making it one of the special places to rest in Perak State.
Walking through its streets you can see the atmosphere of a small fishing village. Besides being able to enjoy good food based on seafood and fish, its beaches, such as Pasir Bogak, Pantai Puteri or Telum Dalam, are a delight.
Kedah
The state of Kedah, known as the “Malaysian Rice Basin”, thanks to the abundance of this grain, reserves from beautiful white beaches to spectacular waterfalls, not to mention the island of Langkawi, popular for its world-class hotels, shops tax free and endless stretches of sand and busy seas for surfing.
Its capital, Alor Setar, has among its attractions the State Museum, housed in a beautiful Malayo-Thai style building, the Pkan Rabu bazaar, the Zahir Mosque, with a black dome, the Balai Besar Palace, a construction of 19th century wood and which is the best example of Malayo-Thai architecture and the refuge of the high hills of Gunnung Jerai, where excellent views of the entire valley are obtained. In addition, Pantai Mederka is distinguished, 60 kilometers from the capital. For its white sands and the small town of Kota Kuala Kedah, one of the departure points of the ferris that go to the islands.
Langkawi Island, in fact comprises a group of more than 90 small islands and a former pirate haven, is one of the most tourist-explored places in Malaysia, due to the inexorable beauty of its surroundings. Kuah is the main town on the island and the point of arrival for boats.
It has numerous tax-free shops, an adequate selection of articles and is an excellent place to travel to other islands. In the surroundings is Telaga Tujuh, an impressive waterfall that throws from a height of 91 meters and falls over seven pools and Patai Rhu, a precious beach with coral pits.
On the other hand, the islands of Pulau Dayang, Pulau Singa Besar, Pulau Rebak Besar and Pulau Payar are distinguished
Penang (Pulau Pinang)
The island of Penang is the oldest British settlement on the Malaysian peninsula, before Singapore and Malacca. In 1786, Captain Francis Light took this almost uninhabited island of 285 square kilometers that is only ten kilometers from the peninsula, ascends it by the Penang bridge, the third longest bridge in the world.
The island’s capital is a city of Georgetown, which has its heart in Komtar, a complex of buildings, as if it were another city, where you can go shopping, go to the cinema, eat or just walk.
Other points of interest are the Kapitan Kling Mosque, circular in shape, with a golden dome and which despite its futuristic design, was built by Muslim Muslims at the beginning of the 19th century, the Kuan Yin Teng Temple, an important Taoist center and the the oldest on the island, Wat Chayamankalaram, of Thai style and which houses an inclined Buddha, the third largest in the world, the Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu enclosure with a precious sculpture adorned with gold, silver and diamonds and the Fort Cornwalls, the first British settlement.
One cannot forget to visit the Temple of the Serpents, located in Bayan Lepa, very close to the Penang International Airport and where the Waglers Pit Vispers snakes glide among the objects that rest on the altar and the Church of São Jorge.
We advise you to take the funicular that slowly ascends to the top of the summit, from where you get excellent views of the island and then take a stroll through the botanical gardens, one of the most beautiful in the country. As a curiosity and if you like insects visit the Butterfly Breeder, with more than 100 different species.
Perlis
Perlis, the smallest state in all of Malaysia. It lies to the northwest of the peninsula and borders Thailand to the north and the state of Kedah to the south. Agriculture is the backbone of its economy, particularly rice and sugar cane.
We highlight the towns of Kangar, the state capital, a small town that is distinguished by its Mosque and its rural environment, Arau, royal residence, with an impressive mosque and a Royal Palace, Padang Besar, a small town bordering Thailand and a favorite spot for fur, clothing and food traders, Kuala Perlis, at the mouth of the Perlis River, is one of the exit doors towards Langkawi Island and the Snake Breeding Ground, where you can appreciate good varieties of poisonous snakes or do not.
Kelantan
The northernmost state on the east coast. It is a land of innumerable traditions, where Malaysian culture takes on a very special hue. It is home to giant pedestrians, comets and the wayang kulit, the shadow theater that can captivate any viewer.
The capital is Kota Bharu, which thanks to its isolation for a long time, preserves unique traditions in Malaysia. We highlight the Central Market, a place of great activity where the majority of merchants are women who trade with all kinds of articles, from traditional batik to gifts made of bamboo, passing through a large selection of foods.
The market opens every day, and is surrounded by small stands where you can have some refreshments. We advise you to visit the Kelantan Museum with excellent paintings, ceramics and musical instruments, the Istana Balai Besar, the Sultan’s palace, recently restored and with a beautiful 1900’s royal barge, Independence Square or Padang Merdeka.
In Kampung Laut, ten kilometers from Kota Bharu, you will find the oldest mosque in Malaysia, built entirely from wood without using any nails. It was currently on the banks of the Kelantan River, but for fear of flooding, it was dismantled and moved to its current location. Another temple to visit is the Wat Phothivian Buddhist temple in Kampung Jambu, 15 kilometers north of the capital. It is a Thai town of approximately 200 inhabitants whose main attraction is a Buddha 40 meters long by eleven in height.
The state is also known for its magnificent beaches like Pantai Cinta Berahi, north of Kota Bharu (whose name means “beach of passionate love”), Pantai Dasar Sabak (13 kilometers from the capital), a beach surrounded by palm trees where in December from 1941 Japanese troops landed before occupying Malaysia and Singapore, Pantai Dalam Rhu, the “whispering breeze” beach, next to a small fishing village called Semarak (50 kilometers east of Kota Bharu) and Pantai Irama, the “ da melodia ”, 25 kilometers south of the capital, one of the most beautiful on the coast.
Terengganu
This is another of the states that have coasts in the east. Its coastline is bathed in blue waters, dotted with brilliant white sands, picturesque lagoons and fishing villages. Its capital, Kuala Terengganu, is known for its workers in batiks, songkets, basketwork and bronze objects. It stands out the Mazaih Palace, the Central Market, of great color and the Istana Tengku Long, an interesting complex that houses the city museum and interesting buildings of the old Malaysia of the sultans.
56 kilometers south of the capital is Rantau Abang, one of the best places to watch turtles spawn. In the past, the inhabitants collected most of the eggs for their consumption, however, nowadays the authorities collect them to avoid breeding sites, so that the chicks can be born and reach the sea freely. Here you can visit Lake Kenyir, which covers an area of 40,000 hectares and supplies electricity to most of Malaysia. One can only ascend to it through Kuala Berang.
The islands of Pulau Kapas, half an hour by boat, are famous for their corals and for one of the best places to practice diving. Pulau Permentian, 20 kilometers from Kuala Besut, is a fantastic tropical island with clear and clean waters, also famous for its corals and abundant marine fauna. It is an ideal place for rest, swimming, fishing and diving. And Pulau Rendang is the largest island off the coast of Terengganu, at an hour and a half by boat from the coast.
Pahang
Pahang is the largest state on the entire peninsula. In its territories are wide expanses of tropical forests, which form a gigantic National Park of Taman Negara, home to thousands of species of fauna and flora. It is in addition, one of the oldest humid forests in the world. Fishing and crafts are the most important activities in Pahang villages.
The capital is Kuantan, which stands out for its handicrafts, especially the wood carving works and for its delicious beach Teluk Chempedak, provided by hotels, restaurants and night centers. To the north is Cherating, home to Club Mediterranée and Balok Beach, for surfing enthusiasts. Heading south, Pekan, on the royal coast. The Sultan’s Palace and the State Museum stand out.
From here you can travel to Lago Cini. As for the islands, the State has the island of Pulau Tioman, considered as one of the most beautiful islands on the planet. It was discovered by Arab traders more than 2000 years ago and since then, it has been a haven for those seeking beauty, without forgetting its freshwater springs. It has a golf course.
Sarawak
The largest state in Malaysia and is found in the territories of Borneo Island. In ancient times it was a province of the sultanate of Brunei, but, as its name implies, it was donated to James Brooke, as payment for calming the rebellions that followed in those territories. For the visitor it is surprising, in addition to the diversity of ethnic groups that inhabit Sarawak, the spectacular and vast areas of tropical forests, which remain almost intact.
Kuching, its capital, which means cat in Malay, was the center of the White Rajah dynasty. It benefited from the influence of the Brooke family, which was the artifice to declare more parks than in the rest of the Asian areas. Visit Fort Margherita, built in 1879 to defend the city, recently restored. It houses the Police Museum, which has interesting objects related to opium, illegal games and some relics. It is worth seeing the temple of Tua Pek Kong, the oldest in the city (1876), whose construction marked the firm settlement of the Chinese community in Sarawak, formed at that time by a small nucleus of immigrants that James Brooke had brought with him in 1839.
The Niah Caves, one of the most extensive in the world, form the heart of Niah National Park, halfway between Bintulu and Miri.
The cave is the source of a famous Chinese delicacy: bird’s nest soup. A plethora of tiny brethren build their nests in this place and every night they offer a great spectacle when entering the cave, at the same time as bats leave.
37 km north of Kuching is Bako National Park, which covers 27 square kilometers of woodland, white bays and charming hills. The park is very rich in flora and fauna, being the natural habitat for carnivorous plants and animals such as the monkey, wild bristle and deer. Santubong beach, 32 kilometers north of the fishing town of the same name, is an ideal place for diving and windsurfing.
In Gunung Mulu National Park, you will find the best examples of Borneo’s endemic fauna, the highest peak and impressive caves like Sarawak Chamber or Cova de Águas Claras. We recommend a Safari along the River Rejand, which takes place at night. You navigate the river in typical boats until you reach one of the iban communities, to admire their dances and their typical “extensive houses”, built in wood.
Or, the Skrang River Safari, a trip very similar to the previous one. If you like to know the typical customs, you should go to the Sarawak Cultural Village, a spectacular museum where you can see up close the varied manifestations of the cultures and customs of the ethnic groups in the region.
Remember that Sarawak is one of the richest wildlife spots in this part of Asia. It is the home of the fallow deer, wild boar, bear, gibón, lizard, snakes and orangutan, all of them protected together with 550 other species of birds.
Sabah
Known as the “Land Under the Wind” because it is located under the typhoon zone, Sabah appears as a mountainous territory with thick humid tropical jungles. It is located in the far north of Borneo and very close to the Philippines.
Kota Kinabalu, the capital, is the eastern entrance to Malaysia, with direct connections to Borneo, Hong Kong, the Philippines, South Korea, Jakarta and Taiwan. In other times the city was known as Api Api (fire fire), due to the custom that pirates had to set it on fire. For its part, Kota Belud, is a small town located 77 kilometers from the capital, popular for its tamu or market, which takes place every Sunday and which also includes buffalo rodeos.
Nearby, Kinabalu National Park, which houses the highest mountain in all of Malaysia, Kinabalu (4.101 m). The area is a favorite place for climbers and orchids, birds and butterflies, thanks to its abundant flora and fauna. From the top, beautiful views are obtained, including the north coast.
Kudat at the tip of a small peninsula, is a village of the Kadazan, a race whose women are especially beautiful with long black hair. It is a city that lives off rice and stands out for its festival, where tapai rice wine is consumed.
The ancient capital of Sabah, Sandakan, is an important port for the export of various and numerous products, from wood and palm oil, to bird nests for the well-known Chinese delicacy.
From here you can travel to the Gomantong Caves, where eggs are collected from the nests, considered a culinary delight. Be sure to approach the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, which is approximately 24 kilometers from Sandakan.
It is the only place in the world where you can see, from a platform located in the middle of the forest, how they eat. It is a support center for orangutans, where it is rehabilitated to later return them to their natural environment. It is advisable to visit it in the morning.
Finally, for those who want to dive, it is necessary to travel to Sipadan Island, in front of the village of Semporna, where there is a rich marine fauna.
Malaysian Culture
The Petronas Towers, in Kuala Lumpur, were considered the tallest building in the world between 1998 and 2004, with 451.9 meters each. After that, they lost the throne to Taipei 101 in Taiwan and Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Even so, the visit to the towers is still an essential sightseeing tour in the Malaysian capital, mainly to walk through Skybridge, which connects one building to another 170 meters from the ground, and to observe the whole city.
The famous luxury shoe designers Jimmy Choo was born in Penang, Malaysia. He received the Order of the British Empire from Queen Elizabeth II in 2003.
Malaysia’s official currency is called ringgit , a dated term that means “irregular” in Malay, referring to the serrated edges of the Spanish silver dollar used widely in the 16th and 17th centuries. Currently, a Malaysian ringgit (MYR) is equivalent to R $ 1.05.
Penang (also called George Town) is considered the gastronomic capital of Malaysia. Here, you can sample traditional Peranakan cuisine, sometimes also called Nyonya, a mixture of Malaysian, Chinese and Indonesian ingredients, introduced to the country by the first immigrants who settled in Penang. The result is spicy, aromatic and plant-based dishes using coconut milk, fish and red meat, Thai ginger, tamarind juice, ginger sprouts, jicama and more.
Nasi lemak, rice prepared in coconut milk, with boiled eggs, vegetables and meat seasoned with curry, is one of the most famous dishes in the country.
In addition to English and more than 110 indigenous languages, many people speak a Chinese language in Malaysia, especially Cantonese. There are also a lot of locals fluent in Tamil and Thai. However, the mandatory languages of instruction in the country’s schools are Malay and English.
The contrast of Kuala Lumpur
The Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, is a territory marked by the contrast between its religious temples and modern buildings . As a place with a great mix of cultures, the city ended up becoming a point of reference for diversity ! If you are prepared to see skyscrapers along with temples and mosques on the same street, this is the place to be!
2 – Best street food in the world
If you love to travel and eat the most different meals that exist around the world, you will love to visit Malaysia! Precisely because of its diversity, street food leaves nothing to be desired in its gastronomic scene !
The most popular dish in the region is nasi lemak , a combination of rice cooked with coconut milk and served with fried anchovies . It is because of it that Malaysian street cuisine became known as one of the best street foods in the world! Impossible not to try!
Designed for tourists
As it received many tourists throughout the year, Malaysia ended up thinking of a perfect infrastructure to receive travelers, who come from all sides of the planet ! There are ways to get around the region and, on top of that, the country is considered one of the safest and most peaceful in the world!
See the capital from above
Considered the postcard of Kuala Lumpur, the two Petronas towers are among the tallest buildings in the world . The buildings are approximately 452 meters high and the view across the bridge that joins them is really incredible, there is no way to stop visiting!
Government
Malaysia is a federation of 13 states: Johore, Kedah, Kelantan, Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Penang, Perak, Perlis, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, and Trengganu, in addition to the capital, Kuala Lumpur, And the island of Labuan, Which are separate federal territories. Each state has its own constitution, head of state, and elected assembly, led by a chief minister and cabinet, and legislates on matters outside the sphere of the federal parliament.
Under the 1957 Constitution, a monarch is elected for five-year terms by, and among the hereditary rulers of Johore, Kedah, Kelantan, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor, and Trengganu. Powers of the supreme ruler are similar to those of the British monarch, including criteria in the appointment of a prime minister and in the granting of a dissolution of parliament. Generally, the monarch acts on the council of the prime minister and cabinet, which holds effective power.
A two-chamber federal legislature or parliament consists of a 70-member senior or senate house, the Negara Dewan, with 40 members appointed by the head of state, four from the two federal territories, and two members elected by each of the 13 assemblies states for six-year terms, and a house of representatives, Rakyat Dewan, whose 192 members are elected for five-year terms from single-member constituencies by universal suffrage.
The Senate can only delay accounts that have already been approved by the dominant house of representatives, whose majority in the party or coalition provides the prime minister, who governs with a selected parliamentary cabinet.
Randomness about Malaysia
At the bottom of the Malacca Strait, in Malaysia, is the largest unrecovered treasure in the world. In December 1511, the Portuguese ship Flor do Mar carried by the hitherto richest treasure collected by the Portuguese navy was returning home when it sank. It is rumored that, today, modern pirates patrol the Strait.
The two national symbols of Malaysia are the Malaysian tiger and the hibiscus flower.
The economy in Malaysia is based mainly on the rubber and palm oil industries and also on the production of oil and natural gas. In recent years, the science and tourism sectors are also standing out.
Malaysia is the only country with territories on the continent of Southeast Asia and islands stretching between Asia and Oceania.
Pomelo is one of the indigenous fruits found in Malaysia. It is the largest citrus fruit in the world, reaching one to three kilograms. The most stinky fruit in the world is also born in the country: the durian, which produces a spiny fruit similar to jackfruit and an odor so bad but so bad that it is even banned in hotels and public places in some parts of Asia.
Kuala Lumpur has already broken a record of 200 rainy days in a year. However, the city of Kuching in Sarawak remains victorious: 253 days of rain in a year.