MALAYSIA
The Tropical Paradise Facts & Figures of the Country
Introduction

Malaysia is a tropical paradise situated 7 degrees north of the Equator in the heart of Southeast Asia. It comprises Peninsular Malaysia and the two states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Together they cover a total area of 329,758 sq. km . The climate is warm and humid throughout the year with cooler temperatures in the hill resorts. Temperatures range from 21C to 32C. Average annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm - 2,500mm and humidity is high all year round. Malaysia is a multi-racial country with a population approximately 19.9 million. This consists of the main racial groups of Malays, Chinese and Indians and a very diverse group of indigenous people in Sabah and Sarawak. Bahasa Melayu is the national language but English is widely spoken. Islam is the official religion but Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity and other religions are practised freely.

Malaysia is a land of fascinating sights and attractions. Rich in colour and contrasts, her multi-faceted charm provides intriguing images that leave visitors to the country in awe. The natural warmth of Malaysians is legendary; wherever one goes, the friendliness and hospitality of the people would prove to be a very special experience. Malaysia is paradise. Its sun-drenched beaches, enchanting islands, diverse flora and fauna, forest retreats and magnificient mountains are among the best in the region. Many visitors have discovered Malaysia's other attractions; a shopping haven, an incentive destination, an adventure land and much more. Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of the U.S.Pacific Standard Time.





Government

Malaysia comprises 13 states and two federal territories Kuala Lumpur and Labuan (an island off the coast of Sabah). Nine of the states have a hereditary ruler respectively, from which the Supreme Head of State, the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong (King) is elected every five years. The government is based on parliamentary democracy. The Prime Minister heads the Cabinet of Ministers.









Economy

Manufacturing forms the largest single component of Malaysia's economy. Malaysia is one of the world's largest producers of rubber, tin, palm oil, timber, pepper and petroleum. Tourism, too, is emerging as a major revenue earner.

Background

Because of its strategic position between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, Malaysia has long been the meeting place for traders and travellers from West and East. Hence its history is one of continual interaction with foreign powers and influences.

The first few years of Malaysia were taken up by a serious challenge to its survival, mainly from Indonesia whose policy of confrontation took the form of armed attacks on the Peninsula and across the land frontiers of Sabah and Sarawak. Confrontation was finally brought to an end by an agreement signed in Bangkok in 1966, while the Philippines gave its formal recognition to Malaysia the same year. In the meantime, however, (i.e. in 1965) Singapore ceased to be a member of the Malaysian federation and became an independent state.

Malaysia is made up by 13 states. Which is Johor, Melaka, Pahang, Penang, Perak, Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Perlis and Selangor. Kuala Lumpur is the federal government.








Malaysia's Hot Spots
This time we will be introducing to you one of the hot spots of Malaysia which is still a virgin to Malaysian for fishing. The name of the place is Lake Temenggor. Lake Temenggor , situated in the northern part of Peninsula Malaysia, right at the border of Thailand, in the state of Perak. This is a man made lake with the size of 103.6 hectare. Getting there is fairly simple. It is about 300 km from Kuala Lumpur which will take about 4.5 hours by car. First, you have to get yourself to Ipoh and then head towards Kuala Kangsar which you will divert to Grik. Grik is a small town about 35 km to the entrance of the lake. The entrance is located on the northern East-West highway.

On our way to the camp side on Lake Temenggor. Lake Temenggor is the home of some of the biggest Toman (Snakehead Murrel) in the world. It is literally a graveyard of dead trees and a region of unsolved mysteries. The local believes that hugh Toman (Snakehead Murrel), estimated at 3 metres long and over 200 kg in weight arein these water. This majestic lake has an abundance of various fish species, including a healthy population of smaller Toman, Sebarau and Giant Catfish.

Malaysia has much to offer the traveller. Visit Kuala Lumpur, the "Garden City of Lights" and shop till you drop at its many modern shopping complexes or colourful bazaars at Chinatown and Central Market.

Malacca is the oldest town in Malaysia. Visit Jonkers Street for antiques; watch cultural performances at Portugese Square; or visit Stadthuys; the oldest Dutch building in the East.

For food lovers, a trip to Penang is a must! There are many stalls selling local delicacies. You can reach Penang via the Penang Bridge. While there, visit the Snake Temple or take the funicular train up Penang Hill for a panoramic view of the island.

Langkawi boasts of beautiful beaches and interesting legends. There is the Mahsuri's Tomb which has a tragic tale behind it, the Beach of Black Sand, The Lake of the Pregnant Maiden and more.

Nature lovers will love Sabah, a mountainous place with lush tropical rainforests. Visit Mount Kinabalu (4,101 metres), located at Kinabalu National Park, is popular with climbers, orchid lovers, bird and butterfly watchers . Near the National Park headquarters is Poring Hot Spring, a refreshing refuge to visitors.
Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, is a riverine town with beautifully landscaped parks and gardens, historic buildings, colourful markets and an intersting waterfront.

Terengganu also has many natural delights. Visitors can witness giant leatherback turtles lay their eggs at Rantau Abang between May to September each year. Those who love the sea, sun and sand can visit Tanjung Jara whose resort is designed after an old Malay palace. Other enchanting beaches can be found at Pulau Tioman and Pulau Sibu on the South China Sea, and Cherating in Pahang.

Discover adventure unlimited at Taman Negara in Pahang. One of the world's oldest tropical rainforest, Taman Negara is the embodiment of nature's conservation at its best.
For a rejuvenating experience, take to the hills! Stay at one of Fraser's Hill's bungalows or hotels and wake up every morning to fresh, cool air.
At Cameron Highlands, visit the many fruit and vegetable farms. Visitors who want both the relaxing surroundings of a hill resort and the excitement of city life will like Genting Highlands. This is the only place in Malaysia where gambling is legal. There is also an amusement park for a day of fun rides and more.












Favorite Links
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MALAYSIAN FISHERMEN
Profiles of my Malaysian Fishing Friends

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FISHING IN SEYCHELLES
The wonderful World of Seychelles

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