Malaysia History

Malaysia, Truly Asia as the tagline defines the beauty of the country, the country which is said to have started from Sultanate of Malacca in 1400 AD. The Sultanate has emerged as a glorious governing body from the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia to Sumatra. In the first quarter of the 16^th Century the power of Malaysia transferred from the Sultanate of Malacca to the Portuguese, then in the mid- seventeenth-century fell into the hands of the Dutch and in the early 19^th century the country is colonized by the Britishers.  British colonizers ruled the country for the longest compared to others. On 16^th September 1963, When it was established, Malaysia comprises three territories i.e. Territories of Malaya(now Malaysia), the colonies of Sarawak and Sabah, and the island of Singapore. In August 1965, at last, Singapore seceded from Malaysia and they both become the independent nation separately which we are seeing nowadays on the map. Kuala Lumpur became the capital of independent Malaysia. After Independence Malays face the problem of poverty which leads to the formation of the New Economic Policy 1971, In this policy government prepare four fiver year plans which result in Malaysia become the major industrial power in South East Asia. After this, Malaysia never looked back. Malaysia is considered a multi-religious and multi-ethnic country.

Malaysia Geography

Malaysia is situated at the longitude of 101.9758° E and at Latitude of 4.2105° N. Malaysia, a country which is made up of two geographical landmasses i.e. Peninsular Malaysia(West Malaysia) to the west and Malaysia Borneo(East Malaysia) to the east which is separated by South China sea. Peninsular Malaysia shares a border with Thailand to the north and with Singapore to the south, while East Malaysia shares a border with Indonesia. The total area of Malaysia is 3,29,847 sq. km which makes it the 68^th largest country in the world.  Malaysia also shares maritime borders with Vietnam and the Philippines. In total there are thirteen states in Malaysia and three federal territories named Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Labuan, and Federal Territory of Putrajaya. The total coastline of Malaysia is 4675 km with a total land border of 2669 km out of which 507 km shared with Thailand, 1782 km with Indonesia, and 281 km with Brunei Island. Malaysia is the perfect combination of mountains, beaches, rivers, and lakes. The highest point of Malaysia is Mount Kinabalu which stands at the height of 4095 mts. The lowest point is the Indian Ocean which is as low as 0 mts.

Weather & Temperature of Malaysia

Malaysia has a characteristic equatorial climate, with high temperatures and wet months throughout the year, due to its location between 1° and 6°N. At sea level, temperatures range from 21°C to 32°C, whereas temperatures at higher elevations are substantially cooler, ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The annual rainfall ranges from 2,000 to 2,500 millimeters.

The most prevalent aspects of Malaysian weather are high temperatures and humidity. In most parts of the country, average temperatures are about 30°C (86°F), and humidity levels are frequently above 80%.

The country's highlands and mountain ranges are the only places where the hot and humid weather does not exist. In Peninsular Malaysia, for example, places like the Cameron Highlands maintain temperatures in the mid-20s (high 70s°F) throughout the summer and can drop below 15°C (60°F) during the winter. Similarly, temperatures at Borneo's Mount Kinabalu are normally in the mid-tens of degrees Celsius (about 60 degrees Fahrenheit) and can drop below zero at night.

Best time to visit Malaysia

The months of March through October are thought to be ideal for visiting the country. The weather is usually dry and the sky is clear at this time. Furthermore, much of the country receives a minor dip in humidity during these months, making sightseeing and outdoor activities more enjoyable. If you want to visit the islands off Malaysia's west coast, plan your vacation for the first two months of the year. This is the greatest time to visit Langkawi and Penang because there will be no weather-related travel issues.

Malaysia Weather Season Wise

• Spring: 
• Traveling to Malaysia in the spring is often one of the most lovely periods of the year. By March, the northeast monsoon has subsided and East Coast attractions such as Tioman and the Perhentian Islands have dried up. Because the southwest monsoon does not arrive until the end of May, some destinations will be drier than usual. Spring is a relatively peaceful season to go around compared to the hectic summer months, especially before mid-May, when Singaporeans begin their school holidays and flock in droves.
  • Time: From March until May
  • What to Wear: This is the greatest time to wear summer clothing. At this time of year, lightweight, quick-drying, and moisture-wicking travel pants and shirts are ideal for stuffing into your Travel Backpack. Because of the dry weather, you'll want to bring a pair of light hiking or walking shoes with you to make the most of your time outside. Make sure you have a nice travel umbrella as well as plenty of sunscreens.
• Summer: 
•  Summer in Malaysia, like most of Asia, is hot and humid. Surprisingly, unlike elsewhere in Asia, summer in places like Kuala Lumpur and Penang is drier than spring or fall. Summer is one of the most popular tourist seasons, so plan.
  • Time: From June until August
  • What to Wear: To deal with the heat, it is necessary to wear lighter clothing during this period. A travel umbrella is rarely utilized in the ever-changing summer weather. Make sure you have plenty of sunscreen on hand for those hot summer days.
• Autumn: 
•  Autumn heralds the arrival of the rainy season. The rainiest months for west coast resorts like Penang and Langkawi are September and October. The northwest monsoon hits the east coast particularly harder in November. School holidays in adjacent Singapore begin in mid-November, bringing a flood of Singaporeans to Malaysia's resorts and beaches. Despite the rain, daytime average temperatures in most parts of the country are still over 30°C, with nighttime averages in the low 20s.
  • Time: From September to November
  • What to Wear: Because the weather is still hot, you'll want to dress in summer clothes to stay cool. An umbrella and a rain jacket, as always, will be your best friends.
• Winters:  
• The northeast monsoon is in full swing, so winter isn't exactly the greatest time to visit Malaysia. At this time of year, the east coast beaches have their worst weather of the year, with powerful winds wreaking even more havoc than normal. This time of year, west coast places like Penang and Langkawi are a better alternative. With holidays like Christmas, New Year's Day, and Chinese New Year, the months of December and January are extremely busy.
  • Time: From December to February
  • What to Wear: As long as the weather remains stable, the typical fashion suggestions will suffice. If you're planning a vacation to the east coast, you'll want to include a strong travel umbrella and a decent lightweight rain jacket in one of these great day trip backpacks.

Malaysia Weather Month Wise

Malaysia in January: In January, the weather is a bit of a mixed bag. While certain sites, such as Penang, are at their driest and sunniest, the northeast monsoon is wreaking havoc on the east coast. Malaysia, on the other hand, is generally sunny and colder than usual in January. Make sure you plan early for the holidays, especially Chinese New Year.

Malaysia in February: One of the greatest seasons to visit Malaysia is in February. With fewer difficulties and better hotel deals due to sunny days, reduced rainfall across much of the peninsula, and lower tourist numbers, you'll find fewer hassles and better hotel deals. The only exception is Malaysia's east coast, where the rainy season is still in full swing.

Malaysia in March: As the monsoon fades and the islands prepare for their peak season, the month of March ushers in a slew of changes along the east coast. In general, March in Malaysia is hot and humid.

Malaysia in April: The month of April sees an increase in rainfall along the west coast, especially in the latter half, when the rainy season begins. The opposite is true on the east coast, where the dry season is in full swing. Despite a little increase in rainfall, April is a warm month across the country. April showers are often heavy and brief, allowing you to wander for the majority of the day. Overall, April is one of the best months to visit Malaysia because neither the east nor the west is immersed in the rainy season.

• Malaysia in May: With heavy winds and rain coming in, the weather along Malaysia's west coast continues to deteriorate. It's not uncommon to experience more rainy days than bright days in May. The east coast, on the other hand, is at the pinnacle of its tourism boom.
• Malaysia in June: June has a lot to offer in terms of weather. The east coast is still dry, and rainfall on the west coast and in Peninsular Malaysia has decreased significantly. The school holidays, on the other hand, signal the start of the peak tourism season. From now through the end of the summer, you'll want to plan to get the greatest hotel prices.
• Malaysia in July: The east coast of Malaysia is bustling with visitors in July when the dry season is in full swing, while the west coast sees an increase in rainfall. The weather in Malaysia is still hot, with high humidity levels in the western peninsula. In July, tourism is at an all-time high across the country, particularly along the east coast.
• Malaysia in August: The east coast continues to enjoy tremendous travel numbers into August, thanks to better-than-average weather. Western Malaysia suffers from oppressive heat and humidity, as well as frequent rains. Despite the unfavorable weather conditions in parts of the country, tourism continues to thrive. Wherever you travel, make sure to book far ahead of time.
• Malaysia in September: In September, the beautiful weather on the east coast begins to break as the winds speed up in preparation for the monsoon. Heavy rains continue to fall throughout the west coast. September is, predictably, not one of the best months to visit Malaysia.
•  Malaysia in October: On the west coast, you won't get much reprieve from the rain until closer to the end of October. Meanwhile, the east coast's lucky streak comes to an end when the monsoon arrives, bringing strong winds and heavy rain.
•  Malaysia in November: In November, the west coast will finally have a break from the wet season's severe rainfall. With the hot and humid circumstances, there is still the occasional deluge of afternoon rain and thunderstorms, especially in Penang. The east coast is a very different scenario; the islands are practically deserted as they prepare for the monsoon.\
•  Malaysia in December: If you're planning a trip to the west coast in December, you're in luck. Sunny days and drier circumstances than in the autumn months are sure to make you grin. Expect the occasional heavy and short downpour to help relieve the humidity. The terrible northeast monsoon has already rendered the east coast virtually inaccessible until December and beyond at this point.

Plan My Package Recommendations Cities to Visit in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur

The capital and the biggest city of Malaysia was established in the year 1857 and get city status on 01^st February 1972. In Malay Kuala Lumpur means “muddy confluence”. Kuala means a place where two rivers or estuary joins together while Lumpur means “mud”. The city is located in the west-central of west Malaysia.  The estimated population of the Kuala Lumpur metropolitan region is approx. 8 million as of 2020. Kuala Lumpur is known for its cultural, commercial, and transportation center. Kuala Lumpur city has various famous attractions, one of the dominating structures of Kuala Lumpur and the world’s tallest twin tower lies in its modern skyline i.e. Petronas Twin Towers, a 451 mts tall glass and steel-clad skyscraper pair. The two towers are connected with the sky bridge on floors 42 and 43. Apart from this other famous attractions of Kuala Lumpur are Menara Kuala Lumpur is commonly known as KL tower, an observatory deck at 276 mts.  Other famous attractions of Kuala Lumpur are Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Aqauria KLCC, National Mosque of Malaysia, Genting Highlands, Bat Caves, National Palace, Markeda Square- the historic square in the city, etc.

Malacca

Malacca (also known as Melaka in Bahasa Malaysia) is a fantastic city for daily activities or a multi-day vacation. There are several hotels and hostels to choose from, but there are also many homeowners eager to rent out their Malacca homes. Malacca is the birthplace of the once-famous Malacca Sultanate and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Malacca has been a victim of numerous battles and has been colonized by at least three separate western nations. The city boasts several attractive attractions, all of which clearly show the city's rich past. Malacca is easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur by bus, taxi, or rental car. Citizens of the capital frequently travel to Malacca on weekends to get a decent rest and sample the city's delectable cuisine. A huge car park is located directly across from St. Francis Xavier's Church, where you can park your car (protected) for RM10. This is very helpful if you're driving to Malacca. In the city, numerous trishaw drivers will transport you about for a few ringgit. This used to be a pleasant mode of transportation, but it has grown out of hand in recent years. The drivers began installing enormous sound systems on their trishaws, and today they make a lot of noise as they travel through the streets of Malacca.

Langkawi

Langkawi, the jewel of Kedah is situated in the Malacca Strait. Langkawi is a group of 99 islands(plus 5 small islands which are only visible at the time of low tide). Langkawi is surrounded by paddy fields, jungle hills, and a turquoise sea. It is a natural paradise for nature lovers. Langkawi is known for its exotic parks, iconic manmade structures. Langkawi is often a traveler's first introduction to Malaysia because it is not just one of the country's most beautiful islands, but it is also highly accessible. You have fantastic beaches, and the inland scenery is breathtaking. There is more than enough to see and do to keep you busy for at least a week. A longer stay on the beach is also extremely good if you wish to relax. Langkawi is a beautiful tropical island, however, the seas immediately surrounding it are not suitable for scuba diving or snorkeling. You should go to the islands off the east coast of the Malay Peninsula or some of the Thai islands further north for that. There is no true monsoon season in Langkawi, so you can visit any time of year.

Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is a city in the Malaysian state of Sabah, located on the West Coast. Kota Kinabalu is commonly referred to as 'KK' by locals. KK is a wonderfully modern city with hotels and resorts of world standards. KK is also the entry point to Mount Kinabalu, one of Southeast Asia's tallest mountains, as well as the remainder of Sabah. Public transit, like taxis, buses, trains, and e-hailing services, are available to get about and out of KK. Visitors visiting KK can visit adjacent islands and beaches, museums and art galleries, cultural towns, local markets, and historical landmarks. Kota Kinabalu serves as a hub and entry point for anybody interested in exploring Malaysian Borneo's natural wonders. Kota Kinabalu started out as a little fishing community known as Api-Api. When it was under British colonial rule in 1899, it was known as Jesselton. After the beautiful Mount Kinabalu, the town was renamed Kota Kinabalu in 1967. The Atkinson Clock Tower and the Sabah Tourism Board building (originally Jesselton Post Office) are the only remaining historical landmarks, both of which were bombed out after WWII. These historical landmarks, together with the fast-developing city and the massive towering old shady trees that line the edge of Signal Hill, give Kota Kinabalu a distinct look, a compelling blend of old and contemporary. The lively Kota Kinabalu resort waterfront is home to several stylish bars, restaurants, and hotel lines, as well as a marina and golf course. The traditional wet market, fishing boats, and hawker stalls may all be found along the same stretch, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of the inhabitants.

Ipoh

Ipoh is a city steeped in history, with a vibrant food scene and a maze of winding alleyways to discover. There are limestone karsts and lakes nearby, as well as the ruins of Kellie's Castle, Malaysia's only castle, which was erected by a mad Scotsman in the 19th century. After significant alluvial tin resources were discovered in the Kinta Valley in 1876, Ipoh was transformed into one of Malaysia's major towns. Its position as the furthest navigable point on the Kinta River at the time made it an ideal place for the hub of all trading activity, an upstart tiny community bypassing the established towns of Gopeng and Papan. Thousands of giddy prospectors, many of them Chinese immigrants, flocked to the mines to make their fortunes and provide support services to the industry. After Kuala Lumpur (the Straits Settlements of Singapore, Penang, and Malacca were managed independently during the British colonial era), it quickly expanded into Malaya's second commercial and administrative center, displacing Taiping, the state capital. The cave temples of Ipoh are one of the top reasons to visit the city. The cavernous location inside Ipoh's limestone cliffs was appropriate for a temple, according to Chinese Buddhists. Perak Tong, Sam Poh Tong, and Kek Lok Tong are all worth a visit. The bronze statues are encircled by stalactites and stalagmites on the inside, which gives them a mysterious appearance.

How to Reach Malaysia

Malaysia has a well-developed transportation infrastructure that spans 63,445 kilometers, with 1,630 kilometers of expressways. The primary roadway, which spans 800 kilometers, connects Thailand with Singapore. Trains, buses, vehicles, and airplanes are the forms of transport. East Malaysia's transportation system is underdeveloped, but Peninsular Malaysia's transportation system is well-developed and comfortable. The majority of the cities are connected by air, with six international airports. Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is the country's National airline, offering domestic and international flights as well as carrier services. Malaysian transportation is good; even the most isolated places are well connected by one or more modes of transportation. Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, is the key transportation center.

Malaysia by Air

• Malaysia has 62 airports, with 38 of them being paved. Malaysian Airlines is the national carrier, providing international and domestic flight services. Malaysia is best reached by plane, via Malaysia Airlines, which has connections to many international airports. It is a low-cost airline that is ideal for budget travelers. In Malaysia, there are three major airports. Apart from the Senai International Airport and the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, the country's capital, Kuala Lumpur, is where the majority of flights land. Malaysian Airlines is expanding its international network to include destinations such as Australia, Indonesia, and Singapore. The length of your flight will depend on where you are flying from.

Malaysia by Road

• There is no way to get to Malaysia by car if you are traveling from India or anywhere else. However, long-distance buses to Malaysia are available from Brunei, Borneo, Indonesia, and Thailand. If you enjoy scenic road journeys, a road trip to Malaysia is a good option. The bus is the most cost-effective mode of transportation in the city. Air-conditioned buses run between numerous locations both within and beyond the city. There are other non-air-conditioned buses available, which mainly travel in smaller towns. Buses that move between states have set prices, however, buses that run within the city charge based on the distance traveled. In cities, taxis are metered, whereas taxis in smaller towns and interstate cabs have a fixed fare. It is always preferable to complete the transaction before boarding the taxi.

Malaysia by Train

• KTM stands for Keretapi Tanah Melayu, and it is a Malayan railway service that runs between Singapore and Thailand. Both Thailand and Singapore have daily trains connecting them to Malaysia. There is no way to get to Malaysia directly from India. You can fly to Singapore or Thailand and then take the train from there. If you are traveling from Singapore, trains are the most convenient mode of transportation; however, if you are traveling from another location, avoid riding a train. The trek becomes excessively long and exhausting.

Malaysia by Boat

• Malaysia has five ports: Penang,
• Port Klang, Kuantan, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu. Ferry/boat services run around the country, connecting the mainland to the islands and the islands to the mainland. These ferries transport both passengers and vehicles between Penang and Butterworth. The best way to go to the remote settlements is via boat or small river craft. They are the most convenient mode of transportation to Sabah and Sarawak. Malaysia has holiday cruises that connect it to its neighboring countries. Local tour agents operate several maritime travel options that allow you to travel within the country.

Places to Stay in Malaysia

Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia's most affordable locations, with lots of cultural, culinary, and historic attractions to match! Kuala Lumpur has long been a favorite among travelers in the region, with many five-star hotels in the capital costing less than budget lodging in Europe and North America. There is so much more to see and do in the country, with forested highlands, stunning beaches, and vibrant night markets.

Most visitors stick to the city, yet Malaysia is an outstanding country worth visiting for a longer time. Because Malaysia is divided between the Southeast Asian peninsula and the northern part of Borneo, many visitors are overwhelmed by the number of options when picking where to go.

We've put together a list of the eight finest places to stay in Malaysia, along with some background on what makes them so special and where the best lodging can be found.

Kuala Lumpur-Overall Best Place to Stay in Malaysia

Precaution should be exercised in Kuala Lumpur, as in many other large cities in Southeast Asia, but it is one of the region's safest metropolises! The majority of accommodation options are located in the city center, and with affordable rates, this is a fantastic spot to treat yourself to a luxury hotel.

Malacca-Best Place to stay in Malaysia

Malacca is a deceptively vast city, yet the historic center houses the majority of the city's attractions. It has an excellent public transportation system, and if you're feeling more daring, you can rent a bicycle around the city!

Langkawi-Most Malaysia's Romantic Destination

The main island, Pulau Langkawi, is where you'll discover most of the tourist attractions! Because the island is tiny and easy to navigate, where you end up in Langkawi isn't as important in this section of the country.

Kota Kinabalu-Coolest Malaysian Place to Stay

The main urban center of Kota Kinabalu is located along the coast, and this is the location where we recommend all guests choose a place to stay. Because Kota Kinabalu is still relatively new to the tourism sector, most tours and attractions are concentrated in this area.

Johor Bahru

Because it serves as a crossroads between Malaysia and Singapore, finding a hotel in Johor Bahru that is close to the key transportation hubs – the bus, train, and ferry ports – is your best chance. Theme parks can provide excellent lodging options for families.

Miri- Unique Place to Stay in Malaysia

Miri is much smaller than other Malaysian cities, thus practically all lodging alternatives are in the city center! The majority of the attractions, as well as transportation to other places, are located here.

Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands are home to eight separate villages, the largest of which are Ringlet, Tanah Rata, and Brinchang! The remaining villages are smaller and lack a variety of lodging alternatives.

Penang-Malaysia's Food Capital

George Town is the pulsing heart of Penang and home to the best night markets, but Butterworth is also an excellent place to stay in Penang if you want quick access to other parts of Malaysia. The environment is spectacular, but there aren't many attractions in the rural areas of the island.