Malaysia comprises the southern Malay Peninsula and northern region of Borneo. The The Malay Peninsula is adorned with historically significant cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Malacca, and Ipoh, while Borneo preserves pristine natural landscapes. As a culturally diverse country, Malaysia offers a wide array of cuisine, from local Malay, Chinese, and Indian dishes to the distinctive "Nyonya" food culture, which exemplify the fusion of Chinese and Malay influences.
The Malacca Strait has long served as a crucial trade route between China and India. After the Portuguese occupied Malacca in 1511 (later handed over to the Dutch in 1641), the British established their own trading posts in Penang and Singapore. The Sultanates of the Malay Peninsula subsequently became British Protectorates, which later declared independence as the Federation of Malaya in 1957 and was later joined by Singapore (expelled in 1965), Sabah, and Sarawak, shaping the modern Malaysia we know today.
Top Destinations in Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the largest city of Malaysia, offering the most international flight connections. Established in 1857, this city thrived initially as a tin mining hub and later became the capital of the then-established Federation of Malaya in 1896. Kuala Lumpur boasts iconic landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower and numerous historic buildings. With its diverse multicultural heritage, the city also offers an abundance of culinary delights.
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Penang
Penang, located in the northeast of the Malay Peninsula, was the first British outpost in the region. Founded in 1786, it served as a major trading port. The capital city of George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the largest cluster of pre-war historic buildings in Malaysia. It is also home to the highest proportion of the Chinese population in Malaysia.
Malacca
Malacca is a historically significant town that is worth visiting. It served as the capital of the Malacca Sultanate (1400-1511) and flourished as a medieval port city. Over the years, it was successively occupied by the Portuguese (1511), Dutch (1641), and British (1824). With nearly 400 years of colonial rule, Malacca possesses a unique character and history that distinguishes it from other regions in Malaysia, leading to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Sabah
Sabah is a Malaysian state located in northern Borneo. Its capital, Kota Kinabalu, serves as the gateway for most visitors to Borneo. Sabah is renowned for its unspoiled natural landscapes, including stunning beaches and Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia. One of its distinctive attractions is the opportunity to observe the natural habitat of Borneo's orangutans, which makes it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.
Malaysia Guides by Region
Kuala Lumpur • Penang • Malacca • Sabah