Malaysia - tourist information, weather, seasons, Time, useful information

General information

Petronas Towers Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia on the Malacca Peninsula and the island of Borneo (Kalimantan). The state is usually divided into western Malaysia (on the Malacca peninsula, bordering Thailand, Singapore) and East Malaysia on the island of Borneo (Indonesian name - Kalimantan), bordering with Indonesia and Brunei. In terms of area, the state occupies 329 thousand square kilometers, which is approximately comparable to the area of Thailand (Malaysia is smaller). At the same time, the territory of the country is divided approximately in half between the mainland (Malacca Peninsula) and the island (Borneo island).

Today, Malaysia is far from an underdeveloped third world country (and many still believe so), but a fairly developed and economically successful state, which, moreover, is one of the safest among Southeast Asian countries. Tourism here is developing very dynamically, offering tourists a beach holiday, a lot of historical and cultural attractions, natural beauty and exoticism.

Despite the fact that the main religion of Malaysia is Islam, the rules of behavior here are not as strict and are not punished as severely as in Arab countries. Tourists can feel completely calm here and behave in the same way as at home, as long as the behavior fits into the framework of decency. Perhaps the only restriction, due to state regulation and Islam, that tourists can experience for themselves is the high prices of alcohol and tobacco. But on this account, there is an outlet for guests of the country: for example, on the islands of Langkawi and Tioman, a duty-free trade regime is established and alcohol and cigarettes are very cheap.

Pantai Chenang Beach

Malaysia is traditionally considered quite exotic among Russians, and therefore an expensive tourist destination. But this is actually only true for package tours. Prices for travel services (in particular, hotels), transportation, food inside the country are very low by Russian standards. They are quite comparable to prices in Thailand, Well, maybe a little higher (see more about prices in Malaysia). Cheap transport in Malaysia is generally a separate topic. For example, domestic flights by local low-cost airline AirAsia are comparable to the cost of bus travel. It is the low prices and the development of transport that make Malaysia an excellent place for independent travel, putting it on a par with Thailand. Travel in Malaysia is often combined with a visit to Singapore or Thailand, which are connected by rail through Malaysia.

Separately, it is worth mentioning about parties and night entertainment in Malaysia. Do not expect from the Muslim state an abundance of Discos and night entertainment, as in Thailand. Nevertheless, in popular resorts and in the capital, Life is quite progressive, and you can find such entertainment. You can even find girls.

There are plenty of places to go in Malaysia. Here are just the most popular: islands Langkawi, Penang, Pangkor, Tioman, Perkhentiany, Rava; Cities Kuala Lumpur, Malacca; mountain resort Cameron mountains. A special destination is the island of Borneo, which is an ideal place for ecotourism.

If you are ready for an independent journey, you can find the following useful practical information on the site:

• Malaysia visa, customs
• Currency Of Malaysia
• Safety in Malaysia, health
• Cuisine Of Malaysia
• What to bring from Malaysia
• Overview of resorts in Malaysia

State structure

Malaysia is an elected federal constitutional monarchy consisting of 13 states and three Federal Territories.

Nine states are monarchies, of which seven are sultanates headed by sultans. Each ruler is also the religious head of his state.

The other 4 states are governorships headed by governors.

Every five years, the nine monarchs choose from among themselves the supreme ruler (King), in Malay-Yang di - Pertuan Agong, and his deputy (Viceroy), usually for reasons of seniority or duration of the reign. The supreme ruler and sultans perform mainly representative functions, but all laws and amendments to the Constitution are subject to their approval. The real management functions are performed by the parliament and the Prime Minister.

Economy

Malaysia's economy is based on industry (46 % of GDP) and services (41 %). Agriculture - 13 % of GDP.

Especially high development was achieved by the electronic and electrical industries. Malaysia ranks 1st in the world in the production of electronic chips and household air conditioners, palm oil production. The country has developed automobile production (National Car Brands Proton and Perodua). Malaysia is also the 3rd largest producer of liquefied natural gas in the world. Oil production and textile industry are developed.. Near the capital, Kuala Lumpur, the world's largest multimedia corridor is being built-the so-called Silicon Valley.

Language in Malaysia

The official language in Malaysia is Malay. English, Chinese (various dialects), Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Punjabi and Thai are also spoken. English in schools is compulsory. Police officers and civil servants speak English fluently.

Portuguese and Arabic are taught in some schools. The population of the peninsula Malacca uses the languages of the Mon-Khmer group, and the island of Kalimantan (Borneo) — Austronesian languages.

Religion

Malaysia's official religion is Sunni Islam. It is professed, according to various sources, from 53% to 60%. The Constitution of Malaysia allows free religion, so Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity (10-12%), Hinduism, Sikhism are also common. The forest tribes of Kalimantan, even though formally Muslim or Christian, adhere to traditional beliefs.

In Malaysia, there are no such strict Muslim laws, as, for example, in the countries of the Middle East. Nevertheless, the basic principles of behavior in society and elements of gender segregation( separation by sex), at least in public places, also take place here.

Muslim women usually wear a tudung (hijab or headscarf) on their head, but wearing it is not mandatory, the absence of a tudung on the head is not condemned or punished in any way. There are a number of institutions where wearing a tudung is mandatory.

The Islamic government of the country encourages the spread of Islam, promising good work, various incentives and privileges. Just because of this, some people become Muslims even though they don't believe in God at all. Issues related to divorce and inheritance are decided by Muslims in Sharia courts, and secular courts do not have the right to review their decisions.

Time in Malaysia

Time in Malaysia is ahead of Moscow by +5 hours. Does not translate from winter to summer.

Electricity in Malaysia

In Malaysia, alternating electricity is used 220V, 50Hz. Sockets are universally installed for three-pin plugs. With a certain skill, you can shove a two-pin plug into such an outlet, but it is recommended to have an adapter, as in the photo. Such adapters are widely sold in Malaysia.

If the adapter could not be found, then you can do this: in the upper flat hole of the outlet you need to shove something thin, better not conducting electricity (for example, a shackle from glasses). After that, the usual two-pin plugs with thin pins (not euro) will quietly enter the outlet.

Weather, tourist seasons

The tourist season in Malaysia lasts all year round.

The climate of Malaysia is Equatorial, monsoon. Average daily and annual temperature amplitudes are small: 25C to 28C. The average annual temperature is 26C. In low-lying areas, the lower reaches of rivers, the temperature can rise to 36 °C. In the mountains, the climate is cooler, at high altitude — moderate, cool. Humidity is high all year round, averaging 75-80% and 90% in the rainy season.

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

More detailed information about the weather and seasons at individual resorts can be found in the sections about the respective resorts.

Current weather in Malaysia (Langkawi Island) and forecast for the near future

Useful tips for Malaysia

• Lack of toilet paper. public toilets in Malaysia often do not have toilet paper, but there are corresponding showers. If you are not used to using them, it is better to always have a roll of toilet paper with you.
• Alcohol and cigarettes. prices for alcoholic beverages and cigarettes in Malaysia are quite high due to high duties. But they are sold without duties on the island of Langkawi, which is a special duty-free zone and at the same time the most popular resort.
• Try to use only your right hand. It is better to take or pass things and food with the right hand, since the left hand is used where there is no toilet paper (see above).
• Always carry your passport with you. According to the laws of Malaysia, you must always carry your passport with you and present it to the police for verification. If you do not have a passport, you can be detained and taken to the police station until your identity is established.