Visit Malaysia 2007

Malaysia is divided into two main regions: Peninsular Malaysia, which
lies just south of Thailand, and East Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak that can be found north of Indonesia on the island of Borneo.

These two regions are divided into thirteen states and federal territories. Although East Malaysia occupies the larger portion of Malaysia's total area, it is primarily comprised of undeveloped land and jungles. Approximately 80% of the nation's total populations occupy the main peninsula.

	Time zone Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: GMT+8.00 You may also find it useful to check out the time zone converter from: http://www.timezoneconverter.com/cgi-bin/tzc.tzc

	Currency The Malaysian currency is in M) and Sen. Denominations come in notes: RM100, RM50, RM10, RM5, RM2 and RM1; in coins: 50sen, 20sen, 10sen, 5sen and 1 sen. Currency exchange services are available from all banks, most hotels and local "money changers". Most establishments in the city accept credit cards and travelers' cheques. You may also find it useful to find out currency conversion rates from: http://www.maybank2u.com.my/currency_converter/converter.shtml

	Climate Tropical, hot and humid. Temperatures averages 22°C - 33°C. You may also find it useful to check out the weather forecast from: http://www.kjc.gov.my/english/weather/weather.html

	Culture Malaysian culture is a mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and various indigenous tribes dating back to more than fifteen hundred years ago from a Malay kingdom in Lembah Bujang with traders from China and India. Malays are the largest community. They are Muslims, speak Bahasa and are largely responsible for the political fortunes of the country. Chinese comprise about a third of the population. They are Buddhists and Taoists, speak Hokkein, Hakka and Cantonese, and are dominant in the business community. Indians account for about 10% of the population. They are mainly Hindu Tamils from southern India, they speak Tamil, Malayalam, and some Hindi, and live mainly in the larger towns on the west coast of the peninsula. There is also a sizeable Sikh community. Eurasians and indigenous tribes make up the remaining population. The main indigenous tribe are Iban of Sarawak, Bidayuh are concentrated on Sarawak's Skrang River, Orang Asli live in small scattered groups in Peninsular Malaysia. Traditionally nomadic agriculturalists, many have been absorbed into modern Malaysia.

	Language As a result of the different races gathered in this country, many different languages are spoken. Bahasa Melayu (the Malay language) is the predominant language but English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, Hakka, Tamil and Hindi are also widely spoken. You may also find it useful to check out the language translation tool from: http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/travel_tools/language.cfm

	Important Phone Numbers Please remember the following telephone numbers for emergencies

	What to wear? As Malaysia's climate is sunny almost year round, light and comfortable clothing is ideal. Slightly thicker clothing may be worn in air-conditioned spaces like cinemas and meeting rooms.

	Etiquette To avoid "cultural offenses," here are some tips: - Dress neatly in suitable attire, which covers arms and legs when visiting places of worship. - Handle food with your right hand. - Do not point your foot at someone. - When giving or receiving money gifts to/from a Malaysian, do so with your right hand.