Category:Malaysia

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Malaysia Region: Southeast Asia File:Flag of Malaysia.png More Information: CS Group Wikipedia Wikitravel HitchWiki

Contents 1 Demographics 2 Visa Requirements 3 Malaysian missions abroad 4 Flags 5 Currency 6 Public Holidays 7 West Malaysia 8 East Malaysia 9 Couchsurfing in Malaysia

Demographics

Malaysia is a nation of multicultural cross overs, comprising 13 states in South East Asia. There are two geographical regions; Peninsular Malaysia (also known as West Malaysia) borders Thailand on the north and Singapore on the south, and Borneo Malaysia (or also known as East Malaysia) shares borders with Indonesia and the Sultanate of Brunei.

A federal constitutional elective monarchy, the head of state is the king of Malaysia, elected every 5 years among 9 heredity Sultans of Malay states (Johor, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Kedah, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, and Perak). The 4 other states, with Governors, do not participate in this selection.

Previously British colonial rule, legislative power lies with federal and state legislature; headed by a Prime Minister, and upper house - senate (or known as Dewan Negara) and lower house - house of representatives (Dewan Rakyat). Malaysia's predominantly Malay, followed by ethnic Chinese, Indians, and various non-Malay groups who are indegenous, mostly in East Malaysia.

Islam is the official religion, followed by Buddhism, Christianity and Hindusm. Bahasa Melayu (which literally means Malay Language) is the official language, though it may not be surprising to find the average Malaysian speaking a minimum of 3 languages and a few dialects in between.

Visa Requirements

Visa Requirements by country :

Immigration Department of Malaysia : www.imi.gov.my/eng/perkhidmatan/im_Visa.asp

Ministry of Foreign Affairs : www.kln.gov.my/?m_id=53

Visa on Arrival : http://www.imi.gov.my/eng/perkhidmatan/im_VisaOnArrival.asp

Malaysian missions abroad

List on embassies/high commisions around the world : www.kln.gov.my/?page=mission

Please call the Malaysian Embassy in your respective countries, if you so wish to confirm the status of visa requirements before making your way here.

Flags

The national flag and meanings behind it's design and a list of state flags can be found here

Currency

Currency in Malaysia is called the Ringgit and is available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, 100. Denominations of coins used (called sen) is 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50.

Public Holidays

Public holidays in Malaysia are classified into three categories : National (or Federal), State and Religious. Below is a list of National holidays which is observed through out the country :

1. 01 January - New Year’s Day
2. 10 January - Awal Muharam 1429 Hijrah
3. 07-08 February - Chinese New Year
4. 23 February - Thaipusam
5. 20 March^ - Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
6. 01 May - Labour Day
7. 19 May - Wesak Day
8. 07 June - Birthday of SPB Yang Di-Pertuan Agong
9. 31 August - National Day
10. 01-02 October^ - Hari Raya Puasa / Eid ul Fitr
11. 28 October^ - Deepavali / Diwali
12. 08 December - Hari Raya Haji / Eid ul Adha
13. 25 December - Christmas Day
14. 29 December - Awal Muharam 1430 Hijrah

^Subject to change

As with many other countries, most Malaysians travel out of cities or the country over the holidays. When planning your visits here (and if you plan to couchsurf) take note of these dates.

West Malaysia

• Johor - Pulau Tioman, Endau-Rompin National Park
• Melaka
• Negeri Sembilan
• Kuala Lumpur
• Selangor
• Perak
• Pahang - Cameron Highlands, Taman Negara (National Park), Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary
• Penang
• Terengganu - Pulau Redang, Pulau Tunggol, Pulau Kapas, Kenyir Lake
• Kelantan - Pulau Perhentian
• Perlis
• Kedah - Pulau Langkawi

East Malaysia

• Sabah - Kota Kinabalu, (Mount) Kinabalu Park, Tawau, Sandakan, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
• Sarawak - Niah National Park, Mulu National Park, Miri, Kuching

Couchsurfing in Malaysia

Malaysia is a country of the new and old, moving towards developed status whilst holding to cultures and traditions of before.

Couchsurfing in Malaysia is fast growing. The CS Malaysia Group aims to make fellow travelers to Malaysia as welcome as possible during their visits here. The conduct of a good surfer/host helps build trust in the local community, so as to encourage more participation locally (therefore more couches to surf) for the ease of fellow travelers in future.

Please read here for general etiquette of being a good host/surfer:

• How to be a good guest
• How to be a good host