MALAYSIA
Malaysia is divided into eleven states, among which nine have a sultan as the head of state. Kuala Lumpur, the capital city is administratively a federal territory and is the official place of the king’s residence.
Practical Information
Practical Information
Area: Malaysia has an area of 329.847 square kms. It stretches from north to south on 800 km in its greatest length, and is less than 300 km at its widest point. It is divided into two parts. 1 - The peninsula that forms part of the South East Asia, 2 - north of the island of Borneo
Situation : 136.8 km north of the equator , between latitudes 09 degrees N and 1 1 29 degrees N and longitudes 103 degrees and 104 degrees 38 E 06 E
Climate : Generally hot and humid . The maximum average temperature is 32 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 23 degrees Celsius
Population: 30, 502,000 (2015 estimation)
Malais - 50.1%, Chinois - 22.6%, Indigènes - 11.8%, Indiens - 6.7%, Autres - 8.8%
Languages: The Malay, the Mandarin, Hindi and English are common in the cities. However, it is not commonly practiced in the countryside.
Religion: Islam (63%), Buddhism (25%), Hinduism et le christianism (6 % each)
Currency : The Ringgit. 1 Malaysian Ringgit is about Rs 9.90 approximately
Time difference: + 4 hours Mauritius and Reunion
Clothing: Focus on light cotton clothes that allow you to face the sun as well as the rain. The Malays are very conventional and appreciate the correct outfits and especially for dinner in the evening.
Culture
Events:
1st January: New Year
January – February: Thaipusam, Hindu festival in which are held penitential rites at Batu Caves and Waterfalls Penang. Hari Raya Puasa, feast marking the end of Ramadan Tahun Bahru Cina: Chinese New Year: The Spring Festival
May : Wesak, Buddha's birthday
5th of June: Hari Keputeraan, The king’s Birthday
July: The flower festival in Kuala Lumpur, the Dragon Boat racing of Malacca, Contest of songbirds in Johore Bahru.
31st of August : National Day
August – September: The festival of moon cakes, celebration of the victory against the Mongol lords
September: The anniversary of the poet Muhammad
September – October: The festival of nine gods’ celestial emperors. The celebration of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur
October – November: Deepavali, Hindu festival of lights and the symbol of victory over evil
24 & 25 December: Christmas
Dishes:
The kitchen is very influenced by the Malays, Chinese and some Indians. Here are the most famous dishes in Malaysia:The Satay: Beef kebabs, chicken. Very often served with rice, noodles, vegetables and curries. Spiced and coloured. The kebabs are very appreciated by the locals.
Fish soup, seafood, dim sum (small steamed baskets from southern China)
Dessert: Ice kachang, Chendol Bobo Chacha (grated ice coated syrups) Tropical fruits (Mango, rambutan, papaya, durian), coconut milk
Sightseeing
Places to visit
• The city tour of Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi
• Tour in the tropical forest
• Kuala Lumpur in the evening with dinner and cultural show
• Full day tour with lunch in Malacca
• Full day tour to Genting Highlands
• Fireflies tour with dinner
• Full day tour to Mines
• Homestay & Agro Tourism “Banghuris Sepang "
• Excursion to Lata Kijang by 4 x 4
Our Excursions
OPTIONAL / ON REQUEST:
CITY TOUR
Approximate Duration : 3hrs 30mins
A must for first time visitors to Kuala Lumpur!
They say the best way to get to know a new city is through a tour. This interesting tour will unveil the beauty and charm of the old and new Kuala Lumpur known as the “Garden City of Lights”. See the contrast of the magnificent skyscrapers against buildings of the colonial days. The KL city tour will take you to many of the highlights that this beautiful city has to offer. By the end of the tour, you will probably feel as if you have “seen” the soul of Kuala Lumpur!
Petronas Twin Towers (Photo stop)
Handicraft Centre
Cocoa Boutique
King's Palace (Photo stop)
National Monument
National Museum (Exclude entrance fee)
National Mosque (Photo stop)
Sultan Abdul Samad Building
COUNTRYSIDE & BATU CAVES TOUR
Approximate Duration : 3hrs 30mins
As we drive to the outskirts of the city, we will first cruise along the ‘Ambassador Row’, Istana Sharif Ali and Malay villages. Our first stop, the Royal Selangor Pewter, is the largest and most modern pewter factory in the world, renowned for high quality products and exceptional craftsmanship. During the tour of the factory, you will get a chance to learn the different processes, such as casting, filing, polishing, soldering, hammering and engraving of pewter products. Next, we stop at a Batik Factory to see how batik is being designed and printed. Our last stop will be at the limestone hills of Batu Caves. A flight of 272 steps will lead up to the sacred Hindu temple cave where the shrine of Hindu deity, Lord Murugah lies. Another cave, called the museum cave, is filled with images of deities and murals depicting scenes from the Hindu scriptures.
Approximate Duration : 3hrs 30mins
When the sun goes down, a different set of light lights up the city. This tour takes you to the open air bazaar of Chinatown where it is liveliest in the evening, a Hindu temple and to cap the evening off with a sumptuous Malay dinner accompanied with a cultural show. The Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is the oldest temple in the city. The smell of burning incense, incessant chants of Hindu priests, intricate carved deities and the religious aura combined, will give you a lasting impression of this mystical and unique religion. Take a stroll through this boisterous and festive open air bazaar of Chinatown's night market where watches, cheap textile and bags are sold. The most common scene is locals & foreigners engaging in fun and humorous price bargaining exercises. We end the evening with a sumptuous buffet dinner at a popular restaurant where you can savor a wide array of local dishes and delights, and at the same time, be entertained with cultural performances and dances.
Notes:
• Shorts, sleeveless shirt and slippers are not allowed.
• Drinks are excluded.
HISTORICAL MALACCA
Approximate Duration : 8hrs
Malacca is a UNESCO heritage site, the historic colonial towns is a living testimony to the multi-cultural heritage of traditional Asia and European colonial influences. Here many battles has been fought to gain control of this strategic base located between the Eastern and Western world leading to the monopoly and control of the lucrative East Indies’ spice trade. When the early European settlers departed, they left behind a treasure trove of historical buildings and landmarks synonymous to Malacca today.
Your tour will drive pass the Bukit China or Chinese Hill - the largest Chinese cemetery outside of China. Stop at the foothill to view the Sultan's well before driving through the Portuguese Settlement. Visit the famous gateway, ‘Porta De Santiago’ and the ruins of St. Paul’s Church lined with 17th century Dutch tombstones.
Next on the list is ‘Red Square’ - the salmon pink Dutch administrative buildings which today houses the Malacca Museum and government offices. Visit Christ church before proceeding for lunch. After lunch, we visit the ‘Abode Merciful Clouds’ or the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple – the only temple where you can find 3 major doctrines of local Chinese beliefs of Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Lastly, take a stroll along the famous Jonker Street which also houses rows of antique shops Malaccan’s style.
Approximate Duration : 6hrs
Located at 6,118 feet above sea level, fringed by one of the oldest tropical jungles in the world and amidst the freshness of cool crisp mountain air, lies Malaysia's biggest casino resort, Genting Highland. As you ride in the longest and fastest cable car in Southeast Asia to the top of the mountain, a panoramic view of the highlands and tropical forest opens below and before you. Its world-class casino provides a truly memorable gaming experience. The indoor and outdoor theme Park. boast a total of over 50 rides including the 4D Motion Master, Malaysia’s first 4D cinema experience; Asia’s only skydiving simulation; and the zero-degree winter wonders of Snow World. There are over 80 retail outlets, more than 90 unique dining outlets as well as a luxurious spa for those looking to pamper or be pampered.
Notes:
• Excluding: Tickets for Theme Parks, spa or Shows.
• Persons below 21 years old are not allowed into the casino.
• For casino entrance, dress attire must be t-shirt with collar.
• Activities at theme park is at own leisure and without accompanied guide.
MÉTEO / LOCAL WEATHER: