Malaysia - 马来西亚

Malaysia(Malay andEnglish: Malaysia; Jawi: مليسيا), is a federal system, parliamentary democracy, electoral monarchy and constitutional monarchy, often referred to asMalaysia. The legal capital isKuala Lumpur, The seat of the federal government is locatedPutrajaya. The population of the country is approximately 32 million.

Malaysia is located inSoutheast Asia, The country covers an area of ​​330,803 square kilometers, divided into two parts, east and west.Thailand, Separated by the Strait of Johor in the south, with the Long Causeway and the Second Passage between Singapore and MalaysiaSingaporeBorders, often called "West Malaysia"; located across the seaBorneonorthernSabah、SarawakTwo states, neighboring southIndonesiaofKalimantan, Often referred to as "East Malaysia", andBruneiThe Kingdom is locatedLabuan, Sabah and Sarawak; there are also three Federal Territories (Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Labuan).

Due to the geographical location of Malaysia close to the equator, the climate of Malaysia belongs to the Asian tropical rainforest climate.

learn

Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia and is a fast-growing developing country in Asia. With Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei andthe PhilippinesFor neighbors. This country of multi-racial culture is mainly composed of Malays, Chinese and Indians. Malaysia is a secular country under the Constitution, but under the leadership of Mahathir, it was officially declared as a Muslim country. Nevertheless, the fact that Malaysia is a multicultural country cannot be changed. The people still enjoy religious freedom (except Muslims, but not Muslims in Sabah), ethnic groups and languages. Religions include: Sunni Islam (state religion), Chinese Buddhism, Thai Buddhism, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Taoism, Confucianism, Sikhism, local Turkish religions.

history

The oldest evidence of human habitation in this area can be traced back to 40,000 years ago. From the first few centuries of AD until the beginning of the 14th century, the people of the Malay Peninsula mainly believed in Indian religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. Between the 7th and 13th centuries, many areas of the Malay Peninsula were ruled by the Three Buddhas. , Whose center isSumatraofPalembang. After the decline of the Three Buddhas,JavaThe Majapahit Empire, which was the center of its rule, had influence over most of Indonesia, the Malay Peninsula and the coastal areas of Borneo. The prince Bairimisura from the Sanfoqi royal family establishedMalaccaThe Sudanese dynasty is generally recognized as the first independent country on the Malay Peninsula. The prince of Perimisula, Nail Iskanda Shah converted to Islam, and Malacca has become one of the busiest trading ports in the world and Southeast Asia. Colonial rule took place in 1511, when the Portuguese fleet captured Malacca and established a colony. By 1641, the Netherlands and Johor captured Malacca, and British forces began to enter the Malay Peninsula in 1785. In 1824, Britain and the Netherlands signed the 1824 Anglo-Dutch Treaty, which finally established Britain's hegemony over Malaya. Sabah is controlled by the British North Borneo Chartered Company. James Brooke obtained Sarawak from the Sultan of Brunei and ruled the country as a "White Raja" or "White King" until 1946, when he handed over the territory to the United Kingdom. On August 31, 1957, Malaya formally became independent from Britain. Malaysia was established on September 16, 1963; the West Malaysia Peninsula (title: "Malayan") gained independence from the British on August 31, 1957, and joined Sabah and Sarawak to form Malaysia a few years later. .

people

Malaysia is made up of many ethnic groups. Malays account for 50.4% of the population, and other indigenous people account for 11%, including Thai, Khmer, Cham, and indigenous people in Sabah and Sarawak. 23.7% of the population are Chinese, and 7.1% of the population are Indians.

climate

Malaysia is close to the equator and has a tropical rainforest climate, hot and rainy all year round.

The alternation of the southwest monsoon and the northeast monsoon affects the coastal areas of Malaysia. The southwest wind blows from April to October, and the northeast wind blows from October to February.

festival

Malaysia is a multicultural country. All races have different traditional cultures and religious beliefs, so they have colorful colors and their own unique customs and festivals.

Malaysia is a Muslim majority country. The most important festival for Malay Muslims is Hari Raya Aidilfitri/Hari Raya Puasa. It is called Ramadan on the ninth month of the Hijri calendar every year. It starts on the first day of the appearance of the new moon and ends with the appearance of the next new moon. We all fast. They will stop eating and drinking after sunrise until sunset. Ramadan is a sacred month. Muslims will chant and pray, asking Allah for forgiveness. After sunset, they usually gather their family, have dinner, and end the day of fast. For daily iftar, there will be Ramadhan Bazaar in various places in Malaysia, selling a variety of traditional Malay delicacies. During the fasting month, some Muslims will pray behind closed doors, close their business for a month, and open the door after fasting, as usual. Every year, Eid al-Fitr is the first day of Syawal in October in the Hijri calendar. Muslims in Malaysia will get up early, put on new clothes, dress solemnly, go to the mosque for prayers and lectures, and after prayers, they will visit their relatives’ homes or bring them home. The door opened, allowing friends and neighbors to come and visit.

In addition, Muslims also celebrate Haji, Islamic New Year (Hijri New Year), and the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.

Malaysian Chinese celebrate Chinese traditional festivals, Lunar New Year, Lantern Festival, Ching Ming Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, Double Ninth Festival, Winter Solstice, etc. Every lunar new year, the city of Malaysia,Penang、Ipoh, Malacca, Kuala Lumpur,Johor, There will be lights and festoons, lion and dragon dances, and the decorations are red. Lao Sang is the unique culture of Nanyang Chinese during the Lunar New Year.

area

West Malaysia-Peninsular Malaysia

East Malaysia

city

• Kuala Lumpur(Kuala Lumpur): The capital of Malaysia, the famous landmark is the Petronas Twin Towers.
• Penang(Pulau Pinang): Oriental Garden-is the state with the highest proportion of Chinese population in Malaysia. CapitalGeorge TownIt is one of the world cultural heritage cities.
• Malacca(Melaka): Malacca is an ancient city with a long history, once ruled by Portugal, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.NyonyaCulture-a century-old Chinese and local cultural mix.
• Johor(Johor Bahru): South Malaysia city, the capital of Johor. Due to historical factors and its backing to Singapore, it has formed a city whose overall cultural and social thinking is very different from that of other parts of the peninsula.
• Kota Kinabalu(Kota Kinabaru): The capital of Sabah and the largest city in North Borneo.
• Kuching(Kuching):SarawakThe capital of the state, also known as the Cat City (Kuching is the same as Kucing, and in Malay is cat).
• Ipoh(Ipoh): The capital of Perak, famous for its white coffee.

Other destinations

• Cameron Highlands(Cameron Highlands): Malaysia’s main tea and vegetable planting area.
• Genting Highlands(Genting Highland): With a cool climate and beautiful scenery, it is also home to the only legal casino in Malaysia.
• Redang Island(Pulau Redang): A paradise for diving lovers.
• Tioman Island(Pulau Tioman): Beautiful island. The largest resort island on the east coast of the peninsula.
• Langkawi(Pulau Langawi): Composed of ninety-nine islands, famous for the legend of Mussoorie, it is also a duty-free island.
• Pangkor Island: A small holiday island with strong local flavor.
• Mount Kinabalu: Located in Sabah, it is the highest peak in Southeast Asia, the only place in Malaysia that can reach below zero, and it is also a mecca for mountain climbing enthusiasts.

arrival

Entry

Most nationalities can enter Malaysia visa-free for 14 to 90 days.

The British Embassy can apply for Malaysian visas for tourists, provided that there is no Malaysian embassy in the locality.

Overstay Will be fined 10 US dollars or 30 ringgits (one day) or the maximum penalty,Caning。

Aviation

Most international flights are inKuala Lumpur International Airport(KLIA) Landing. Malaysia Airlines is Malaysia Airlines (Malaysia Airlines). There are also low-cost airlines Air Asia (Air Asia) and its sister flight Air Asia (Air Asia X).

• Malaysia Airlines: The contact number is 60 3 7846 3000
• Air Asia: The contact number is 60 3 8775 4000

Other major airports in Malaysia are:PenangInternational Airport, Johor Senai International Airport, located in East MalaysiaKota KinabaluAirport andKuchingAirport.

Railroad

From/toThailand:FromBangkokGo directly to MalaysiaNorth SeaManaged by Thai Railway Company. Malaysia Railway Company (Keretapi Tanah Melayu) fromHat YaiBound forAlor SetarAnd Beihai, both trains pass through Padang Besar. This border city faces Thailand in Malaysia, and many Malaysians going to Thailand pass through here. A relatively small number of people will cross the border from Hat Yai to Sungai Korok but there is no train connection. The nearest train is from MalaysiaKota Bharuboarding.

In Malaysia: Malaysia Railway Corporation (KTM) owns a railway network to major cities in Peninsular Malaysia.

From/toSingapore: The terminus of the Malaysian Railway. The train has a comfortable sleeping cabin and express service in the morning. Note: If you buy a ticket from Singapore, you will pay twice as much as the ticket bought at Malaysia Station. The method is that you can choose to get on the train in Johor Bahru or order the ticket online.

East Malaysia: Sabah has the only railway in Borneo. The trains are mainly tourists and expensive.

Sedan

Bus

Malaysian long-distance buses have international services.

• round tripBrunei: Malaysia did not drive directly to Brunei, but inMiriwithLin MengThere are buses going to the border of Brunei, Malaysia, and there are usually buses going to the border from BruneiBandar Seri Begawancity.
• round tripIndonesia:existSarawak, A long-distance bus connecting West Kalimantan, IndonesiaPontianak(Pontianak).
• round tripSingapore: Many buses go to Singapore from major cities in Peninsular Malaysia.
• round tripThailand: There are quite a few buses toHat Yai, Transfer buses from Hat Yai to various locations in Thailand.

Passenger ship

Travel around

aviation

railway

Bus

Language

See:Malay phrasebook

There are many other languages ​​in Malaysia, including speakers of 137 languages.

Languages ​​of Malaysia:Malay(Official language), English (second official language), Chinese dialect (Chinese，Cantonese，Hokkien, Hakka, Hainanese, Chaozhou dialect, Fuzhou dialect); Tamil，Telugu，Malayalam, Indian Punjabi,ThaiAnd other different indigenous languages.

The official language of Malaysia is called Bahasa Malaysia, a standardized Malay language. English is an active second language. Most Malaysians use Malaysian English (Manglish), which is a colloquial form of English with a strong influence of Malay, Chinese dialects and Tamil.

Malay is generally written in Roman or Jawi script. Under normal circumstances, the Roman alphabet is used. The pronunciation of Malay is similar to the Chinese pinyin, so travelers in the past in China can easily read the pinyin and read Malay to ask the passers-by where they are going.

The ancestors of Chinese Malaysians mostly come from the southern coast of China, and most of them speak Chinese and dialects from the southern provinces of China. The more common ones include Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, Teochew, Hakka, Hainanese and Fuzhou dialect. Chinese and Chaozhou dialects are mostly spoken in Southern Malaysia, Cantonese is the main language in China and Malaysia, Hokkien dialect is the main language in Northern Malaysia, and Fuzhou dialect is the main language in Sarawak. However, most local young Chinese now speak "Malaysian Chinese", which includes Chinese, various dialects, Malay, and English. Generally speaking, the Chinese of Malaysian Chinese has a special accent.TamilThe language is mainly spoken by Tamils ​​(South Indians), who make up the majority of Indians in Malaysia.

go sightseeing

Malaysia has many beautifulNational Park. You can participate in different types of expeditions, from small-scale activities around the hotel to going deep into the jungle with you and your guide (as long as you are willing to pay the corresponding fees). The tour group is generally 4 days to 2 weeks or even longer. It is very unlikely to see tigers or elephants in most national parks. To see them, you need to stay a little longer, for example, at least a few weeks. However, the most common animal you encounter in the jungle is definitely leeches. In the rain forest, it is very, very humid, but not particularly hot. This is because the canopies of a large number of trees are intertwined to form a large area of ​​shadow. Ask as many people as possible to compare when choosing the guide that will take you into the jungle. If you like to climb independently, you can go deep into the jungle, but if you don’t like it, you can live in a tourist town with well-equipped facilities. This kind of town may only respond to people who want to live in the jungle. Built according to the requirements.

Activity

Shopping

The unit of currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (Malaysia Ringgit). Usually abbreviated toRMorMYR。RM1Banknotes = 100 centsCoins (sen/cents).

The currency units in Malaysia are:

• Coins: RM0.05 (silver), RM0.10 (silver), RM0.20 (gold or silver), RM0.50 (gold or silver).
• Banknotes: RM1 (blue), RM5 (green), RM10 (red), RM20 (orange), RM50 (blue or blue), RM100 (purple).

There are foreign currency changers in most parts of Malaysia, so there is no need to worry about insufficient money.

Most shops in Malaysia shopping malls can use credit cards to pay. The store supports most credit cards.

Overhead

The cost in Malaysia is generally not too high, and the daily consumption is usually not more than RM100. The cost of Kuala Lumpur, the capital, is usually higher than in other regions.

Shopping

diet

When traveling in Malaysia, of course, you can't miss the local cuisine. Malaysia has the largest variety of cuisines in Asia, with different cultures and cooking methods. Eating outside is a great adventure for the stomach. From the fragrant Malay delicacies, to the hot and spicy Chinese delicaciesIndiaCooking, whatever you choose. In addition, the unique Peranakan or Nyonya food is the essence of the fusion of Chinese and Malay cooking styles.

If you want to experience the people of Malaysia more truly, you can eat in the open-air food stall. Here, tourists can also taste a variety of local delicacies at low prices and good quality. A small restaurant with a large TV screen shows football matches, which indeed attracts many customers to dine. In addition, it is calledKopitiam The coffee shop is also an interesting place to dine. Look at the carts selling various snacks or drinks.

Specific restaurants provideItaly、France、Japan、South Korea,Thailand,Vietnam, Indonesian and Middle Eastern cuisines make Malaysia’s interesting food mix even more icing on the cake. Vegetarian restaurants can be found in major cities across the country, mainly serving Chinese or Indian vegetarian food.

Visitors should be aware that Muslims can only eat halal food without pork (as required by Islamic law), or can only eat in restaurants with a Halal label. Muslims are strictly prohibited from eating pork and alcohol.

Visitors can refer to travel brochures or hotel guides to choose the best places to eat.

Malaysia is rich in different types of tropical fruits. The fruits are divided into seasonal and non-seasonal. The mangosteen meat is white, juicy and sweet. Those who love adventurousness may wish to try durian; the strong smell is why it is called the "King of Fruits".

Malay diet

Malay food is mainly spicy, among which nasi lemak, fragrant satay (chicken, beef and lamb skewers), Malay pastries, bamboo rice and turmeric rice are more famous.

Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak (Nasi Lemak) is traditionally eaten for breakfast. Its condiments usually include small anchovies and eggs. It is sold at roadside stalls in Malaysia starting in the early morning. It is usually sold wrapped in newspapers, hemp paper or banana leaves. In any case, some restaurants serve it on a plate for lunch or dinner, giving it a chance to be considered a delicacy.

Satay

There are satays called Malay satays all over the states of Malaysia. Satays are sold in restaurants, streets and night markets. Although beef satay and chicken satay are usually popular, different parts of Malaysia have developed their own unique satays.

In addition to Muslim Malay halal satays, Malaysian Chinese provide satays made from pork.

According to the local Chinese, this food actually originated from the southern Chinese. At that time, the local Malays did not have the tradition of grilling food, and the Chinese brought the barbecue method.

According to them, Satey smashed three pieces of meat on a wooden branch and used it for barbecue. Because most of the Chinese who came to the south in the early morning were of southern Fujian, they called this food "sah Teh", and it became Malay over time. 'Satey'.

Nyonya diet

Nyonya food has basically been integrated into the food culture of local Chinese and Malays, many times they are not clear on their own.

For example, the local Chinese have a home-cooked dish "Malay Scenery", which is to stir-fry water spinach with spices. This is actually an authentic Nyonya dish (a Chinese dish made by Malays). Many Malay pastries found locally by tourists are actually Nyonya pastries.

Chinese diet

Black Bak Kut Teh "Different from Singapore's White Bak Kut Teh", Curry Laksa, Hainanese Chicken Rice Ball, Hokkien Mee, Penang Laksa, etc.

Indian diet

Nightlife

In Malaysia, there are not many legal bars and nightclubs. Many bars and nightclubs are operated illegally or have expired licenses. Legal bars and nightclubs can usually be found in urban areas.

There are actually not many karaoke bars, bars and nightclubs in Malaysia, but the signboards usually use "Kedai Minuman dan Bistro" as the attributes of the store. It does not directly state that it is a nightclub, bar or nightclub, because they Usually it is to apply for the business license of the restaurant, and then apply for the'liquor license' for the license to buy alcohol.

Malaysia generally has more nightclubs in cities with more Chinese populations, such as Kuala Lumpur,Penang, Johor Bahru, Ipoh, etc.; the East Coast, where Malays (Muslims) make up the majority of the population, generally sell alcohol in almost extinct places.

stay

Hostel

Cheap hostels can be found in almost all areas, so there is no need to worry about finding a place to live. The price usually does not exceed RM100 (one night).

Mid-Range Hotel

3 to 4 star hotels can be found in major cities. The price usually ranges from RM100 to RM300 (one night).

five-star hotel

Five-star hotels can be found in larger cities. The price usually exceeds RM 400 (one night) or more.

Learn

Work

Safety

Emergency number Unified emergency number-999

The crime rate in Malaysia is higher than that of neighboring Singapore. Beware of bandits when entering and exiting Malaysia. Try not to walk in empty alleys (especially women). Try to get back to the hotel before midnight. Johor is a crime black zone, and crime incidents often occur in this area. Beware of pickpockets in crowded places. For example, pickpockets may appear in public transportation. Female tourists need to beware of perverts, it is best to carry a wolf guard.

Crime

healthy

The tap water in Malaysia is clean. It is safe to drink directly, but raw water is not delicious. It is recommended that you drink boiled plain water.

The weather in Malaysia is very hot. It is recommended to wear a hat and sunscreen. Hot weather will lose a lot of water, you need to drink plenty of water to replenish water, and take a shower often.

It often rains in Malaysia. It is recommended to prepare an umbrella or raincoat to avoid the rain. Some hotels also provide umbrellas to guests, but they need to return the umbrellas to the hotel afterwards.

From May to August, it is the season for cooking bacon in neighboring Indonesia. Burning barley will produce a lot of haze, so you need to wear a mask to avoid inhaling the smoke.

manner

Basically, shaking hands is an etiquette acceptable to both men and women. However, some Malay women are more accustomed to welcoming each other with a nod or a smile, and the initiative to shake hands is with Malay women.

Please take off your shoes before entering the Malaysian house. Unless requested by the owner, socks do not have to be taken off. The right hand is usually used to eat, pick up, and shake hands as a sign of courtesy.

Do not use your index finger to point at people or directions or anything, because it is impolite. The correct way is to put the thumb of the right hand and the other four fingers together in the palm of the palm, which is a polite gesture. Before entering any place of prayer, such as mosques and temples, you must first take off your shoes. Some mosques will prepare robes and headscarves for visitors to visit.

If tourists want to take photos in mosques or other religious prayer places, they must obtain permission from the administrator in advance.

Toasting is not a custom of Malaysians, and the Malays in Malaysia do not drink alcohol.

Toasts are generally only available at Chinese wedding banquets, while gifts of wine and cigarettes are rare in Malaysia, even for Chinese.

communication

The internet

Internet services are available in most parts of Malaysia. Internet cafes in Malaysia usually charge between RM1 and RM5 per hour (depending on where you are). Many restaurants and cafes also provide free wireless Internet access to attract more customers.

phone number

Malaysia country code 60。

Land line telephone

The land line telephone number in Malaysia has 7 to 8 digits. Different regions have different area codes. The area code is two or three digits before the phone number. The area codes are:

• 03 -Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Selangor, Pahang (only Genting Highlands).
• 04 -Kedah, Penang, Perlis
• 05 -Perak, Pahang (Cameron Highlands only)
• 06 -Malacca, Johor (only Muar)
• 07 -Johor (except Muar)
• 09 -Kelantan, Pahang (except Genting Highlands)
• 082 -Sarawak (Kuching)
• 083 -Sarawak (Siri Aman and Muzhong)
• 084 -Sarawak (Sari Street, Sibu and West Kapit)
• 085 -Sarawak (Miri and Limbang)
• 086 -Sarawak (Bintulu and Uljak)
• 087 -Sabah (Labuan Island)
• 088 -Sabah (West Coast and Kudat)
• 089 -Sabah (Sandakan and Tawau)

cell phoneThere are four communication companies in Malaysia: Maxis, Digi, Celcom and U Mobile. The front end of the mobile phone number is012，013，014，015，016，017，018，019，010。

Postal serviceThe main postal company in Malaysia is Pos Malaysia. Malaysia also has other international postal companies such as Fedex, DHL and UPS.

Postal fees in Malaysia are cheaper than Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.

When sending a package, remember not to seal the package too tightly. Because the post office staff need to check whether there are suspicious items in the package.

When sending non-urgent letters, just drop the letters into the boxes in the post office or the red mailboxes outdoors, and make sure there are enough stamps. Indicate on the mailboxLain-lainIt is mail sent abroad.

The post office also provides courier services (Pos Laju), but the charges are more expensive.

Opening hours of the post office

Monday to Saturday: 08:00 to 17:00

The post office is closed on Sundays and public holidays. Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Johor are closed on Fridays and public holidays.