Malaysia Guide
Introduction to Malaysia
Though Malaysia doesn't possess the grand ancient ruins of neighbouring Thailand, it does boast a rich cultural heritage that's readily apparent to visitors. Populated by a blend of Malays, Chinese, Indians and indigenous groups, the country rejoices in a huge variety of annual festivals as well as wonderful cuisines, while traditional architecture and crafts still thrive in rural areas. There's astonishing natural beauty to take in, including gorgeous beaches and some of the world's oldest tropical rainforest, much of which is surprisingly accessible. Malaysia's national parks are superb for trekking and wildlife-watching, and sometimes for cave exploration and river rafting too.
Malaysia became an important port of call on the trade route between India and China, the two great markets of the early world, and later formed the linchpins of the Portuguese, Dutch and British empires. Malaysia has only existed in its present form since 1963, when the federation of the eleven Peninsula states was joined by Singapore and the two Bornean territories of Sarawak and Sabah.