The Fascinating Facts About Malaysia: #1 Comprehensive Guide

Want to perjalanan or travel to Malaysia? This Southeast Asian country is full of surprises, and we’re going to take a closer look at what makes it so special. From the lively city of Kuala Lumpur to the lush rainforests of Borneo, there’s something for everyone in this fascinating country. So, let’s explore some fascinating facts about Malaysia and some easy Malay words that will make you want to book your next vacation there.

Geography And Location

Malaysia is located on the Malay Peninsula in Southeast Asia and is the only country to straddle the peninsular and the Borneo island. Peninsular Malaysia, also known as West Malaysia, is home to major cities like Kuala Lumpur.

On the other hand, East Malaysia is located on the island of Borneo, known for its lush rainforests and stunning natural attractions like Gunung Mulu National Park and Mount Kinabalu. And did you know that Borneo has the third largest island in the world? Pretty cool, right?

Attractions And Destinations

Malaysia is a diverse country with plenty of attractions and destinations to suit any traveler. From the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur to the lush rainforests of Borneo, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful country. So, let’s get to it and explore some of the top tourist destinations in Malaysia.

Modern Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital and administrative center, is a city that truly has it all. From the famous Petronas towers to the delicious food scene, there’s always something to see and do in this vibrant metropolis.

But not just the modern developments and infrastructure make Kuala Lumpur unique. The city is also steeped in history and culture, with a diverse population of ethnic Malays, Chinese, and Indian communities.

Petronas Twin Towers

One of the most iconic attractions in Kuala Lumpur is the Petronas Twin Towers. These twin skyscrapers are not the tallest twin buildings in the world. They also offer incredible city views from the observation deck on the 86th floor. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a walk on the sky bridge that connects the two towers.

Street Food In George Town

If you’re a foodie, then you won’t want to miss the delicious Malaysian street food in George Town. From nasi lemak (fatty rice) to char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles), there’s something to suit every palate. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a vibrant food scene with plenty of hawker stalls serving delicious local specialties.

Rainforests Of Borneo

For those looking for a more natural experience, the rainforests of Borneo are a must-see destination. East Malaysia, on the island of Borneo, is known for its lush rainforests and stunning natural attractions like Gunung Mulu National Park and Mount Kinabalu.

These national parks are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including endangered species like the Bornean elephant and the Sumatran rhinoceros.

Gunung Mulu National Park

Gunung Mulu National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage Site home to some of the oldest rainforests. Visitors can hike through the park to explore the caves and limestone formations and even take a boat tour to see the incredible wildlife. The park is also home to the Sarawak Chamber, one of the largest cave chambers in the world.

Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu is one of the tallest mountains in Southeast Asia (13,435 ft), located in the Sabah state of East Malaysia. It is a famous destination for hikers and climbers, offering incredible views from the summit. And for those who aren’t climbers, there are plenty of ways to experience the mountain, such as via Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring.

National Language Of Malaysia

In Malaysia, the national language is Malay, also known as Bahasa Melayu or Bahasa Malaysia. It’s spoken by most of the population and is used in government, education, and media. It’s also the official language of the country.

But here’s the thing, one of the best facts about Malaysia is that it’s the melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities. This means that a variety of other languages are spoken throughout the country. Chinese, Tamil, and various indigenous languages are also commonly heard.

And yes, knowing more than one language is undoubtedly an advantage in Malaysia. It can help you communicate with a broader range of people and open up more job and business opportunities. 

Plus, it’s just plain cool to be able to speak multiple languages! If you’re planning on visiting or living in Malaysia, learning Malay can go a long way in making connections and navigating daily life. And hey, who knows, it might even inspire you to learn more languages in the future!

Food And Cuisine

When it comes to food, Malaysia is a true paradise. The country’s diverse cultural groups have all left their mark on the local cuisine, resulting in a mouth-watering array of flavors and dishes. 

One of the favorites is the national dish of Malaysia, Nasi Lemak. It’s a dish made of rice cooked in coconut milk and served with various toppings. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg regarding the delicious food you can find in this country.

Rich Culture And History

You won’t believe how rich in history and culture Malaysia is! Did you know that Malaysia’s history dates back to the Neolithic era, with evidence of human settlements dating back to 40,000 years ago.? Crazy, right? That’s not all; the country’s arts and crafts scene are off the charts, with traditional batik and songket textiles (traditional Malaysian handwoven fabric) being super popular.

And let’s not forget the diverse mix of ethnic groups like Malays, Chinese, and Indians that each brings distinctive customs and traditions. It’s no surprise that the cuisine here is a tasty blend of flavors from around the world!

Transportation And Connectivity

Want to know how to get around in Malaysia? No problem! The country’s got a great road transportation system, with highways and roads connecting all the major cities and towns. The North-South Expressway is the longest in Malaysia, stretching from Thailand to Singapore.

But that’s not all! Malaysia also has an extensive rail network operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB), connecting major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Penang. There are also intercity trains that connect Malaysia with neighboring countries like Singapore and Thailand.

Regarding air travel, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is the central hub for international flights. But other airports like Penang International Airport and Kota Kinabalu International Airport are also major players.

And last but not least, Malaysia’s a well-developed water transportation system, with several major ports and harbors located throughout the country. The Port of Tanjung Pelepas and Port Klang are two of the busiest in the region.

National Anthem And The Malaysian Flag

Malaysia’s national anthem, “Negaraku,” which means “My Country” in English, is a powerful and patriotic song representing the nation’s spirit. It’s the most suitable national anthem from the organized search competition headed by the Minister for Home Affairs. It also symbolizes unity and pride for Malaysians and is often played at national events and ceremonies.

The flag of Malaysia, also known as the Jalur Gemilang, features 14 alternating red and white stripes, representing the 13 states and the federal government. The blue canton in the top left corner features a crescent and a 14-point star, which symbolizes the unity and harmony of the country’s diverse ethnic groups. 

It’s a beautiful flag, isn’t it? It accurately represents the country’s spirit of unity and diversity. It’s hard not to feel a sense of pride when you see it flying high.

Malaysia’s Economy And Government 

It’s no surprise that this Southeast Asian country has a developed economy. The government has implemented various policies to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth, resulting in a GDP per capita ($13,107.88) among the highest in the region.

In terms of government, Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system of government. The country’s unique rotating monarchy system allows for the selection of a new monarch every five years.

Learn More Facts About Malaysia With The Ling App

So, you’ve learned all the fantastic facts about Malaysia. It’s a beautiful and diverse country with a lot to offer. It doesn’t matter if you’re a tourist looking to explore the country’s many attractions or a business person looking to invest in the country’s strong economy. There’s something for everyone in Malaysia!

But one thing’s for sure, if you want to experience and understand the culture truly, you should learn the Malay language. And the best way to do that is with the Ling app, the language learning app with comprehensive resources for language learners. So don’t wait!

Download Ling from the Play Store and App Store and start learning Malay today!