Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy in Southeast Asia, made up of 13 states and 3 federal territories. The country is divided into two parts: Peninsular Malaysia, which extends south from the Asian mainland, and Malaysian Borneo, which lies on the island of Borneo across the South China Sea. Officially the Federation of Malaysia, it is a destination that rewards travellers who enjoy variety within a single trip.
What to expect
Visitors often remark on the country's multicultural society, where communities with different languages, foods and traditions live side by side. This shows up in everyday life, from markets and street food to festivals and places of worship, and it gives a visit a lively, layered character.
The landscape is equally varied. Malaysia is known for its tropical rainforests, which cover much of the Peninsula and the Bornean states and offer a very different pace from the country's cities. Between forest walks and urban stops, the contrast is part of the appeal.
Cities and nature
- Modern cities provide shopping, dining and the conveniences of a contemporary capital region.
- Rainforests offer quieter days among trees and wildlife, far from the urban centres.
- Two regions, the Peninsula and Borneo, make it possible to combine very different kinds of travel in one visit.
Because the country spans 13 states and 3 federal territories, planning a route is worth the effort. Choosing which regions to focus on will shape how much of the country's range you experience, and how much time you spend moving between them.
