TRAVEL TO EXOTIC COUNTRIES

MALAYSIA

GENERAL INFORMATION

Malaysia (Malaysia) - a state in South-East Asia, which consists of two parts, separated by the South China Sea.  West Malaysia (the traditional name - Malay) is the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, bordered by Thailand to the north, in the south of Singapore, and Indonesia to the Malacca Strait.  East Malaysia (the traditional name - Sabah and Sarawak) occupies the northern part of the island of Borneo (Malay name - Borneo) shares borders with Brunei in the north and Indonesia to the south.

Area - 329.8 sq km Capital - Kuala Lumpur in West Malaysia.

Malaysia is a federal constitutional elective monarchy, consisting of 13 states (states) and three federal territories.

Nine states are monarchies, seven of them - sultanates led by sultans. Each ruler is also the religious head of his staff.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Malaysia is Malay. Also common English, Chinese (various dialects), Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Punjabi and Thai. English in schools is a must. Police and government officials speak English freely.

Some schools are taught Portuguese and Arabic. The population of the Malay Peninsula in the languages ​​of Mon-Khmer group, and Kalimantan (Borneo) - the Austronesian languages​​.

TIME

Time in Malaysia ahead of Moscow 4 hours. From winter to summer is not translated.

CLIMATE

The tourist season in Malaysia all year round.

Climate Malaysia - equatorial monsoon. Average daily and annual temperature amplitudes are small: 25C to 28C. The annual average temperature - 26C. In low-lying areas downstream temperature can rise to 36 ° C. In the mountains, the climate is cool, high altitudes - moderate, cool. Humidity is high throughout the year, on average, 75-80%, and in the rainy season 90%.

There are two seasons - dry and wet (rainy season). On the east coast of the rainy season occurs from November to February. On the west - in April, May and October. In the rainy season precipitation brief (maximum of 2-3 hours a day), the rest of the sun is shining and very warm.

For more information about the weather and the seasons in some resorts can read the sections on the respective resorts

CUISINE

A mixture of different cultures contributed to the Malaysia born absolutely amazing culinary direction, combining features of the local Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisines. Malay and Indian cuisine - lots of different spices and hot spices. China, in comparison with them, - is neutral. Local food has absorbed some of the nuances and European dishes as well. In addition, each state has its own culinary traditions and characteristics, practiced different ways of cooking and food ingredients.

The basis of the Malaysian food is rice ("violence"). Is prepared from a completely fresh, and serves as a side dish, main dish emphasize taste. Rice cooked in broth, steamed, fried with vegetables, stewed with coconut milk, to interfere with fruit desserts. Very popular as rice chips, rice noodles, cakes made from rice flour.

Besides rice in Malaysian cuisine widely used vegetables, bamboo shoots, soy, coconut milk and fruit. The traditional dish is a salad "gado-gado", prepared from vegetables, flavored with peanut sauce, coconut milk and chili. Another famous salad - "rodzhak", which includes pineapples and cucumbers, dressed with peanut sauce. As a side dish also use pickled vegetables - "RACA".

As in many countries in Southeast Asia, Malaysia is consumed little meat. Meat dishes are usually served only to the holiday table

For lovers of seafood in Malaysia paradise. The abundance of crabs, clams, oysters, squid, shrimp, lobster and sea cucumber are sure to impress even the most discerning palates. The most popular dishes with seafood, "ikan bilis" - anchovy, "Nasi Kandar" - fish curry, salad with cuttlefish, fried scallops, shark fin soup and all sorts of varieties of fried, smoked and dried fish and other sea creatures.

In Malaysia, a lot of strange exotic fruits, many of which are completely incomprehensible to a European taste and appearance. The largest of the citrus - "broom" like a huge orange, his Malays give to each other as a symbol of wealth. Rambutan - bristly red fruit the size of a kiwi fruit, the pulp of which is a delicious translucent slices. In Malaysia, too, grows durian - big, football-sized, very healthy fruit, decorated with spikes, called the "fruit of paradise with a taste and smell of hell." In addition, in Malaysia, you can eat and more common for our taste fruits: pineapple, papaya, mango, guava.

SHOPS

Shopping in Malaysia - a nation-wide craze. As the inhabitants of the country they like to shop in Malaysia, there are a huge number of large shopping centers, shops, boutiques, markets and small tents.

As in Malaysia, some goods are exempt from taxes, shopping in the country gained against the already low prices further appeal. Free trade zones are available on the island of Labuan and Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur and Penang, at international airports and business centers. Among the non-taxable items include watches, photographic equipment, pens, cosmetics and perfumes, electronic goods (mobile phones, computers), tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. Most shopping centers accept all major types of credit cards payment systems.

Malaysia produces a wide range of objects of crafts from elegant silver, bronze and pewter items to pottery, rugs and woven products. Very good in Malaysian batik: silk and cotton fabrics dyed in the most life-affirming color. As for clothing, in Malaysia you can buy not only the traditional costume of the local residents, but also the latest collections of fashion designers, high-quality shoes, exclusive optics.

SOUVENIRS

Souvenirs and local exotics (edibles and fruits) best buy at roadside stalls, markets and night bazaars "Pasar Malam". Despite the incredibly low prices, bargaining is appropriate and even expected. The purchase process is usually accompanied by smiles and jokes welcoming sellers pay cash accepted.

HOTELS

Every guest will find Malaysia a place to live, based on the financial capacity and personal preference.

Hotels in Malaysia are located in large and small cities, almost all the resort areas with developed infrastructure. Hotels vary in stardom - from 2 to 5 stars. Malaysian hotels are cheap and offer a comfortable and excellent service. Most hotels offer services that meet generally accepted standards. The hotel complex usually includes several restaurants and bars, cafes, discos, shops, gyms, swimming pools and spas. Most of the resorts are equipped for high-quality recreation on the coast, many golf courses.

Depending on the region, Malaysian hotels have certain characteristics. For example: hospitality base Langkawi and Penang are not too different from each other, except that Penang is almost no hotels bungalow type. In Borneo hotels less, but there prevail "five star" hotels. In terms of cost accommodation in Borneo is much cheaper than in Langkawi and Penang, and at a similar "star" in this case, the difference in the quality of service there.

SAFETY

In terms of safety for tourists in Malaysia rather quiet country. As a rule, most of the tourists are facing theft of handbags, wallets, photo and video equipment. Such petty crimes occur in crowded places: in the shopping areas, the attractions and other popular sites.

Malaysian scammers have also started to actively develop the fraud with credit cards, so it is advisable to pay cards only in reputable institutions (large hotels, restaurants, boutiques). The theft or loss of identity tourists should immediately contact the nearest police station or to the Russian embassy.

Sales in Malaysia occur in August and September.

WHAT  TO SEE

The island of Borneo (Kalimantan)

Borneo - the island, located on the equator, which are located in the north area of ​​2 Malaysian states - Sabah and Sarawak, Island stretches of the South China Sea between the Malay Peninsula and the Philippines, and divided among the three countries - Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.

The island is known for extensive primary forests, majestic mountains with caves and grottoes, great beaches, coral reefs scattered along the coast, the unique flora and fauna, the diversity of peoples inhabiting it.

Lovers of mountain trails and caves will be happy staying in Sabah. In the center of the state rises Mount Kota Kinabalu - the highest peak between the Himalayas and New Guinea. In addition, the jungles of Sabah - the birthplace of orangutans. Here is a unique rehabilitation center for orangutans affected by felling - "Sepilok." Animal lovers will also appreciate the interesting nature reserve - "Turtle Island." Tourists interested in indigenous way of life, we can recommend a trip to the boat by the unique mangroves, in the depths of which the huts on the water live local fishing families.

Capital of the state - Kota Kinabalu - might also be interested visitors to the island. The most beautiful place in the city - the central promenade, shops Pestryaev merchants and authentic cafés. Nearby is the "Filipino market", where they sell a variety of souvenirs. Need to inspect and State Mosque with a gilded dome - a fine example of Islamic architecture, able to accommodate up to five thousand worshipers. Next to the mosque is Signal Hill, offering a panoramic view of the city and the port. Divers will need to go to reserve Tunku Abdul Rahman, spread out on 50 hectares of a 20-minute boat ride. Reserve includes five islands with unique beaches and amazing underwater world.

From Kota Kinabalu by the sea you can go to a neighboring state - Sultanate of Brunei (the rich sultanate on GNP per capita), located between the Malay states of Borneo.

Two Malaysian territory of the island of Borneo - Sarawak sultanate on the north-west of the island. The state has the largest territory of all the states in Malaysia. Local places striking natural beauty: tropical jungle, not burdened by the traces of civilization, unique local tribes inhabited for thousands of years are stored habitual way of life, some of which were discovered only five years ago.

In the vicinity of national parks spread Kuching Gunung Gading (Gunung Gading), Bako (Bako) and Tanjung Date (Tanjung Datu). National Park Gunung Gading - zone save the giant Rafflesia plant whose flowers can reach a weight of 10 kg. To place this giant bloom tourists accompany employees park. The trail passes through the picturesque hillsides covered with jungle, along the rivers and waterfalls. Observe the flowering Rafflesia can be in November, December and January.

The National Park Bako tourists usually admire amazing rocky coast of the South China Sea, decorated with fanciful rock formations. In the park you can see almost all of the plants that are found on the island of Borneo, and rare monkeys Nosach.

Besides national parks around Kuching should look Wildlife Center Matangi, organized to protect orangutans, visit the famous ancient cave (Niah, Mulu), which were found 40,000-year-old remains of early man.

Thus, the state of Sarawak - the perfect place for outdoor activities. Here there is a lesson for all: cavers, ecotourists, trekkers, climbers and divers.

Sipadan

This is one of the islands of Borneo, covered with dense jungle, surrounded by white sandy beaches. This resort - Mecca divers from around the world.

Visibility under water is 18-40 meters. The island is formed by living corals, and has a diameter of 500 m nearest town - Simporn in Sabah, 35 km from the island. Diving in Sipadane hard to compare to other zones for diving.

It is home to over 70 species of coral and 200 species of marine fish. Program for diving Sipadane vast: from the simplest near the sea side, to the night dives, drift downstream, studies of underground caves, etc.

Langkawi

Langkawi - a famous resort island, part of the 104 islands scattered along the northwest coast of Malaysia in the Andaman Sea. The most romantic island Malaysia is near the border with Thailand in the Strait of Malacca to the left of mainland Malaysia. With Malay word "lagnkavi" means "reddish brown eagle." Actually live on the island of eagles feathers brick color. Langkawi - one of the most beautiful islands of the South-East Asia. He was more than 5 million years, its nature has remained almost intact. Langkawi is located around many large and small islands, which create a mouthwatering beautiful seascape.

The main attraction of the island - the purest white sand, with special healing properties: it is able to relieve the suffering of people with rheumatism and osteochondrosis. Langkawi also attracts tourists who prefer a quiet relaxing holiday away from the city.

Redang Island

It is the largest island in the archipelago of the same name Redang having 7 km long and 6 km wide. It is located off the northeast coast of Peninsular Malaysia, 45 kilometers from the city of Kuala Terengganu.

On the island of Redang many hotels, however, divers from all over the world, it does not bother: they shall Redang Marine Park Reserve, created in order to preserve the unique marine ecosystem. At the reserve there are about 500 species of corals, more than a thousand species of invertebrates and 300 species of fish.

Do divers Redang popular dive sites are considered two massive mushroom coral formations, which are among the largest coral structures on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Their age is estimated to be hundreds of years, the diameter of larger "mushroom" - 24.5 meters, smaller - 23.2 meters. Cave coral formations abound diverse marine life.

Snorkellers also love to dive to the two sunken warships - "Prince of-Wells" and "Repulse".

In August and September in the coastal waters of Redang is bespantsirnyh migration of giant tortoises. In addition to them, in these places live turtles hawksbill and green turtles.

Best time to visit Redang from April to September, as the visibility in the water at this point is 30 meters.

Pangkor Island

Pangkor - another well-known resort in Malaysia. The island, which measures 12 km long and 4 km wide, is located off the west coast of peninsular Malaysia, opposite the port of Lumut, in the state of Perak. Between Pangkor and the mainland runs high-speed ferry. During low tide, to the neighboring island of Giam walk.

Of the attractions of the island is worthy Dutch fort built XVII century. Pangkor to many restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to practice active water sports, the island is especially popular among divers. They are advised to be sure to visit Teluk Nepah Park Reserve with a lagoon surrounded by a coral reef. Also a lot of dive sites are located to the south, 27 kilometers from Pangkor, around a group of islands Sembilan. Landscape - large boulders covered with marine sponges. Of marine life - fuzilery, parrotfish, groupers, sea horses, wrasses, groupers, stingrays, reef fish and barracuda.

Wildlife lovers should visit the reserve Pangkor Forest Reserve, where there are monkeys, deer, big-nosed toucans.

Penang Island

Located off the coast of Pulau Penang, yet it is called "Island betelnyh nuts" and lies near the north-western coast of the Malay Peninsula. Its area is 285 square meters. km., connects the island to the mainland by bridge length of 13.5 kilometers, which is the third-longest bridge in the world.

Penang made famous English merchant Francis Light, founded a colony in 1798. Every newcomer to the island had the right to take him as much land as he could clear. Soon jungle retreat, and there was the first town - Georgetown, named after the English Emperor George III. Penang was declared a duty-free port, and among the inhabitants of the city were immigrants from all over the world: Europe, India, China and Burma. The main attractions of Georgetown - built in the early XIX century colonial English and East Asian style, among them the ancient temples and old houses. Tourists are offered to view Fort Cornwallis, the Church of St. George (1818), Chinese palace Khoo Kongsi, a Hindu temple Sri Mariamman. Snake Temple is worth a visit, which actually live snakes, Buddhist temple Kek Lok Si, the temple of the Goddess of Mercy, dedicated to the Chinese goddess of mercy Gaunin. In Dzhrodzhtaune also worth visiting historic Penang Museum with an exhibition of works by local artists.

Today, life in the capital of boils: there are many night entertainment, street restaurants, shops, markets and night bazaars.

The natural attraction of the island - Mount Penang, located south-west of Georgetown. At the top there is an observation deck, which offers a stunning view of the island. There can be reached by cable car.