Malaysia - a paradise for lovers of sun, sea and underwater adventures. Endless sandy beaches, the beautiful sun and sea, the sea, the sea of 1007 Malaysian islands, 38 were declared marine reserves.
Geography
 
Malaysia - the South-East Asia. Consists of two distinct parts: Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia provinces of Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo Cevernom. These two parts are at a distance of 650 km from each other and separated by the South China Sea. Peninsular Malaysia shares borders with Thailand and Singapore. Province of Sabah and Sarawak border with Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo, Sarawak and surrounds the tiny state of Brunei. Andaman Sea on the West Coast of the peninsula. The eastern coast of the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak are washed the South China Sea.

To Peninsular Malaysia accounts for 40% of the country. Along the peninsula from north to south, stretching several mountain ranges. On the west coast is a broad fertile plain in the east - a narrow coastal plain. Sabah and Sarawak are covered by dense jungle and river systems are developed. Mount Kinabalu (4101 m) in Saba - one of the highest peak in South East Asia.

Over 60% of the country is a jungle, but the government plans to build a huge hydroelectric dam in Sarawak, and is expected to cutting about 27 600 hectares of forest, which may have negative consequences in the future. Peninsular Malaysia only grows about 8000 species of flowering plants, including 2,000 species of trees, 800 species of fruit trees and 200 species of palm trees. Fauna includes elephants, rhinos, tigers, leopards, tapirs, bears, orangutans and gibbons. In East Malaysia, live the most numerous and diverse population of birds in the world.
Climate
 
In Malaysia, due to the tropical climate, hot and humid throughout the year. The average annual temperature ranges from 26 ° C to 30 ° C, slightly cooler in the highlands. Malaysia attractive for tourists all year round. However, if you are going to visit the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, try to avoid the period from November to January - the rainy season, which, although they have a weak intensity, can still prevent you enjoy the rest on the beach.
Capital

Kuala Lumpur.
Population

Malaysia's population exceeds 22 million people and more than 60 different ethnic groups. The largest of them - the Malays (59%), Chinese (32%) and Indians (9%). In Borneo Dayak tribe lives, it is divided into the peaceful and warlike mountain Dayak Dayak sea. The largest tribe of indigenous people - Iban, lives in Sarawak. They tend to settle in long houses along rivers Redzhang and bars. Bidayu tribe living on the banks of the Skrang in Sarawak. Representatives Orang azli live in small isolated groups. West Malaysia has a population density of about seven times more than East Malaysia.
Language

Official language - Malay, Indonesian belongs to the group of Austronesian languages. Also common English and Chinese dialects - Mandarin, Hakka, Cantonese, Tamil.
Currency

The currency Malaysia - Ringgit, consists of 100 sen. In circulation are coins in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 sen, 1ringgit and notes 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 ringgit. Locals often called Malaysian Ringgit dollar and represent prices $ M. All major credit cards «Visa», «American express» or «Thomas Cook», adopted by a majority of Malaysian banks, supermarkets, hotels, shops and restaurants. If you have a credit card with an attached personal identification number (PIN), you can get cash advance in almost every ATM.

The exchange rate was relatively stable. At more favorable exchange rate of the currency exchange offices and banks in the central cities. Luxury hotels in Arcadia exchange rate of 2-4% lower. You can import and export any amount of currency. It is much easier to take out cash, if they have been declared upon entry. Malaysian banks are usually open from 10:00 to 15:00 from Monday to Friday and 9. 30 to 11. 30 on Saturdays. Money Exchange is open from 11:00 to 22:00.
Time zone

Time in Malaysia ahead of Kiev at 6:00 in winter and 5 - in the summer.
Religion
 
The official religion - Sunni Islam (53%), along with the free practicing Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism (35%) and Christianity (12%). Constitution allowed freedom of religion, so while you can find mosques, Christian, Buddhist and Hindu temples. Despite the differences in religion, culture, traditions and way of life, Malaysians live in harmony with each other and together celebrate national holidays and festivals.
Political Structure

Malaysia - a constitutional monarchy. Is divided into 13 states (9 of them are headed by sultans, 4 - governors) and two federal territories - Kuala Lumpur and Labuan island off the coast of Sabah. Monarch (supreme leader) is elected for 5 years from the hereditary rulers of nine states. Supreme ruler formally has broad powers appoint senior officers of the Federation, is the supreme commander of the armed forces, he owns the right to convene and dissolve parliament, approval of bills, the right of pardon. In fact, it performs its powers only on the advice of the government. Legislature - Parliament consists of a Senate and House of Representatives. Executive authority is the government, led by Prime - Minister appointed by the supreme ruler.
Customs regulations

Import local and foreign currency is unlimited. Export of local currency - to 5 thousand ringgit, foreign - to 5 thousand ringgit equivalent.

May be imported free of duty up to 1 liter. spirits, wine or liquor - up to 1 liter., cigarettes - 200 pcs., or cigars - to 50 pcs., or tobacco - up to 225 gr., cosmetics - worth up to 200 ringgit equivalent, souvenirs - the amount of not more than 200 ringgit. Allowed to import electronics, audio and video up to one name per person. Passengers, temporarily importing goods to Malaysia, duty-free, may be asked to pay for their mortgage and get it back out of the country.

The import of drugs, weapons (knives import permit is required), pornography, goods, coins or banknotes of Israel, clothing, printed with her texts from the Koran, radios (68-87 and 108-174 MHz.) And gold in excess 100 gr. The export of wild birds and animals, plants, seeds, rubber trees, antiques, military uniforms and Gold (over 100 g.). The import and export of drugs offenders unconditionally sentenced to death.
 
Banned export of counterfeit goods and materials. According to the Copyright Act (Malaysian Copyright Act), detection of pirated discs in the personal luggage of travelers, they face a fine of $ 570 to $ 5700 and imprisonment for up to five years.
Transport. Car

In Malaysia, a well-developed system of public transport - buses, taxis and trains. In many cities, there is a regular bus service. This is a quick and cost-effective mode of transport. MARA Express runs between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Many hotels have a free shuttle bus - shuttle to the city center and back. Malayan Railway (Keretapi Tanah Cretaceous) consists of two main lines: one link Singapore with Thailand and goes through all the major cities of Johor - Baru, Kuala Lumpur, Gemas, Segamat, Ipoh and Butterworth. Another line, branching off in Gemase should be in the north-east to Tumpata. In Sabah, there is still a narrow-gauge line through the river gorge from Pegasus Tenoma to Kota Kinabalu. Passengers can choose the cars first class air-conditioned sleeping in cars of the second and third grade.

Taxi services are more expensive than twice the price of buses, but travel by taxi more comfortable. All local taxis have meters. Rickshaws have almost disappeared in the capital, but still are a viable form of local transport in the provincial areas. Water transport plays an important role in Sarawak, where acute shortage of roads. What matters most is a ferry between the island of Penang and Butterworth on the Malay Peninsula. There are also ferries between Langkawi, Kuala Perlis and Penang, between Mersing and Tioman island. The only quick way to get to East Malaysia - Malaysia Airlines use (MAS). Rent a car in Malaysia can only be a number of conditions: age 23 to 60 years, the presence of international rights.

Rent a car in Malaysia can only be a number of conditions: you must be at least 23 years but not more than 60, you must have an international driver's license. If there are none, and there are Ukrainian, will have to take special permission by the Ministry of Road Transport Malaysia. So it's best to use a taxi, which is not too expensive in Malaysia.
 
Car rental includes: - No limit on mileage mileage lease period
- Insurance - civil liability - causing damage to third parties (third party insurance).
- Insurance for the rental car at the rental period (in case of an accident or collision with surrounding objects). The insurance covers the following parts of the car: the body, chassis, windshield, engine suspension.
- Insurance from the rental car theft (theft waiver).
- Redemption from prison (in case of accident police have the right to subject the parties briefly detained. Exemption from seizure possible in bail (ransom) of up to 3000 USD).
- Airport taxes (airport surcharges).
- Local taxes.

Attention! Theoretically in Malaysia movement the left. But only in theory.
Shops

Major shopping complexes in Kuala Lumpur are concentrated in the area bounded by the streets of Jalan Bukit Bintang, Jalan Sultan Ismail, Jalan Ampang and Jalan Tun Razak. In Chinatown (China Town), which has attracted the evening with their noisy markets, as well as "Art Bazaar" you can buy souvenirs, works of professional artists and crafts. Shops are generally open from 9. 30 to 19. 00 hours, supermarkets and large shopping centers - daily from 10. 00 to 22. 00. East Coast (Muslim) Friday is a day off. In the rest of the country the day off - Sunday.

In stores Malaysia you can buy everything from antique value and exclusive expensive clothes to local handicrafts. Low prices on electronic products, mobile phones, clothing, shoes, watches, leather and fancy goods. Popular with tourists in Malaysia are: batik, silverware, gold and silver brocade, kites, pewter, fine copper products. Handmade products of good quality can be purchased at Cat - Baru. Langkawi is duty-free zone, where you can buy electronics and appliances, jewelry.

The cost depends on the method of batik dyeing cloth (hand or machine) and the quality of the paint. Batik, which is famous in Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei - is not only an ancient craft and art, and magic. Its production has always been seen as a form of meditation and exercise, produces perseverance, perseverance, diligence, and patience. A girl can not get married until they manufacture themselves batik for the festive ceremony. Batik cloth covered patients to heal. When purchasing leather lizard (scaly anteater), be aware that the item may be confiscated by Customs at the border.
Link

Post offices in Malaysia are open daily, except Sundays and public holidays from 8.00 to 17.00 (in the states of Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu are closed on Fridays instead of Sunday). Central Post Office in Kuala Lumpur, is open daily from 8.00 to 18.00, on Sundays - 10.00 to 12.45. Most hotels will provide you world-class postage.
 
Telephone service in Malaysia is well developed. From a country cheaper to call from a public payphone or from point telephone company "Telecom".
Electricity

Supply voltage is 220 - 240 volts throughout Malaysia. Adapter socket you can always ask the maid. There is a small caveat: most hotels Malaysia uses a system of turning the electricity in the room by inserting a plastic card key in the hole at the entrance, respectively, when you leave the room, turn off all electrical appliances.
Tip

In Malaysia, usually tipping. In hotels and restaurants do not, because the account is already included 10% service charge. Tea can be given if you are happy with the speed and quality of service.
Health. Water

In most cities and towns there are public hospitals and private clinics. Drugs without a prescription can be bought in pharmacies or shopping centers. List of duty pharmacies posted on the door of every pharmacy. Health standards in Malaysia are among the highest in Asia, and the tourists do not need to worry.

Water is generally safe to drink, but it is better to drink boiled water or a drink from the bottle.

Need to be vaccinated against cholera and smallpox before arriving in the country do not. Recommended pre-vaccination against hepatitis A and B.
Weekends and holidays

January 1 - New Year's Eve.
January 19-20 - Hari Raya-Aidelfitri.
March 28 - Hari Raya Haji.
May-April - Easter.
May 1 - Labour Day.
May 29 - Day of Vesak.
June 5 - King's birthday.
June 26 - Birthday of the Prophet.
August 31 - Merdeka Day or Independence Day.
November 7 - the day of Deepavali.
December 25 - Christmas Day.
Public holiday in some states - Sunday, others - Friday.
Main Attractions
 
Malaysia - an amazing and charming country. High technology and excellent infrastructure combined with a preserved to this day the primary tropical rain forests.

Kuala Lumpur - Clean, bright and beautiful in the evening it becomes even more beautiful, illuminating millions of colored lights, justifying its name "city - garden lights." A great place for shopping. Not far from the city has parks, Batu Caves.

Penang Island - is one of the most popular destinations in the region. It has everything for both active and passive recreation. Beautiful beaches, restaurants and hotels stretched almost the entire coast of the island. The island is also the center of the magnificent parks, temples and museums. From the mainland island connected by a bridge, one of the longest in the southeast Asia. On the island of excursions in the water park Bukit measure, located about 1.5 hours away.

Langkawi - To imagine this island, it is enough to recall advertising "Bounty." Sea, coconut trees, the beach and ... no one around. This is one of the most beautiful islands of Malaysia, famous for its beautiful sandy beaches. On the island there's Crocodile Farm.

Pangkor Island, Louth - A small private island in size, which can be reached from the port of Lumut. Here is one of the most luxurious island resorts Malaysia - Pangkor Laut Resort, is located on the water and villas on the hill.

Pangkor Island - Island resort, which you can get to and from Lumut. Here you can enjoy a holiday on the beach in a secluded bay and visit the fishing village. Accommodations are available in hotels and chalets right on the beach.

Cameron Highlands - Colonial hill resort in Malaysia. The cool climate allows cultivation is famous "Cameron tea", as well as strawberries and flowers acclimated here by the British. Great opportunities for golf, tennis and badminton. Cool fresh mountain air. The magnificent colonial-style hotel.

Redang Island - If you are a scuba diver - you here. Redang - the second largest Malaysian dive resort, after Sipadan, known to the world. Broadway resort in the bay with tall palm trees on a sandy beach, fringed by tropical forests, is also great for families.

Sarawak - the largest state of Malaysia, located in the east of the island of Borneo. Capital - Kuching. Sarawak - is unique in the richness of flora and fauna, white beaches, the world's largest caves, one of which was found by prehistoric man.

Sabah - The highest mountain in the southeast Asia Mount Kinabalu, which is available for the ascent with an average physical education. Reserve orangutans in Sepiloke (near the port of Sandakan). O collects in Sipadan diving around the world.

Lake Tasik-Kenir - Huge picturesque lake surrounded by jungle. Popular among lovers of unspoiled nature and fishermen.

Tioman Island - Island Resort, which is very convenient to get to Singapore.

Perhentinyan Islands - Besides great beaches and wilderness can enjoy sea fishing and scuba diving.

Melaka - this page of Malaysia's colonial past. The architecture of the capital reflects the 6-century history of the city.

National Park Taman Negara, - The oldest forests in the world, the opportunity to observe wild animals and birds.