MALAYSIA
Malaysia is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit in
southeast Asia. It's buoyant and wealthy, and has moved towards a pluralist
culture based on a vibrant and interesting fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and
indigenous cultures and customs.
Malaysia's love of Western-style industrialisation is abundantly clear in its
big cities. Aside from the gleaming glass towers of the 21st Century, though,
Malaysia boasts some of the most superb beaches, mountains and national parks
in Asia.
PLACES TO SEE
KUALA LUMPUR
Kuala Lumpur is an Asian tiger that roars: in almost 150 years, it has grown
from nothing to a modern, bustling city. Take in its high-flying triumphs from
the viewing deck of the world's tallest building, then dive down to explore its
more traditional culture in the back lanes of Chinatown.
It's a modern Asian city of gleaming skyscrapers, but it retains much of the
local colour that has been wiped out in other Asian boom-cities such as
Singapore. It has plenty of colonial buildings in its centre, a vibrant
Chinatown with street vendors and night markets, and a bustling Little India
GENERAL FACTS - KUALA LUMPUR
Area
Population
Time Zone
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GMT/UTC +8 (Peninsular Malaysia)
Languages
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Malay (official) Known as Bahasa Malaysia
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English (other)
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Tamil (other)
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Chinese (other)
Currency
Electricity
Electric Plug Details
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British-style plug with two flat blades and one flat grounding blade
PENANG
Penang is affectionately known as the Pearl of
the Orient. Its main centre, Georgetown, has impressive colonial architecture,
temples, lively Chinese culture, great shopping and food. But there are many
other attractions, including the north-coast beaches, charming Penang Hill with
its funicular and colonial hill station and amazing Kek Lok Si Temple.
GENERAL FACTS - PENANG
Area
Population
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