Malaysia
A little bit of history...
Malaysia was created in 1963 when Sabah and Sarawak (north Borneo states), and for a brief time Singapore, joined Malaya to form the 13 state federation that exists today. The earliest Malay settlers are believed to have arrived around 10,000 years ago on the Malaya Peninsular from the north. Malaya’s prime maritime position made it an attractive location for traders and colonists alike. While Indian and Chinese traders had long held an attachment to the country, by the early 16th century Portuguese colonists lay claim to the land. In 1641, the Dutch gained control until they were overthrown by the British in1795. Malaya achieved independence by 1954 but not before the country was occupied by the Japanese during WW II and Chinese communists attempted to gain power.
Initially, the formation of Malaysia was marred by external and internal tensions; during the late 1960s conflict between Indonesia and escalating racial tensions, mainly between the Malay and Chinese, threatened the country’s stability. Steps were made to ensure economic and political security when in 1968 Malaysia became a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and in 1971 a new economic policy was devised to give Malays a greater economic foothold. During the 1980s and early 1990s, Malaysia experienced a strong economy and the rapid development of its manufacturing and industry sectors. It continues to have a stable economy despite the Asian economic crisis in 1997 and the effects of the Tsunami in 2004.
Best time to go...
Malaysia enjoys a constant hot and humid climate, averaging at around 30°C, with the highland areas several degrees cooler. The main hindrance to enjoying all that the country has to offer is the monsoon season which pelts the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia, Sabah’s north east region and the west of Sarawak with heavy rains from November to February. During this time, many resorts close and boat services come to a halt. A scattering of thunderstorms can occur on the Peninsula’s west coast during April and May. Weather wise, April through to October are the best times to visit.
The country is at its most populous with an influx of tourists from early December to late January and during the peak summer season which runs from June to August. It’s advisable to book travel and accommodation in advance if visiting during these times.
Getting around...
Flying is the only practical way of crossing the South China Sea to get to the Peninsular from East Malaysia and back. Main domestic carrier Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia fly between the two regions and it tends to be cheaper to fly to East Malaysia from Johor Bahru than from Kuala Lumpur.
Train services are comfortable and efficient, albeit limited. Peninsular Malaysia has two rail lines, one running from Singapore to Thailand via Kuala Lumpur and a line branching out at Gemas and running to the north east of the country; it’s also known as the Jungle Train. There is also a line that runs from Tenom to Kota Kinabalu in East Malaysia.
An extensive system and cheap fares makes bus travel a top choice for long distances. There are a number of bus companies such as Transnasional which run regular services to major towns in air-conditioned comfort. But you can sometimes have too much of a good thing and the air-con can feel like an arctic chill so it’s advisable to travel with a thick jumper or blanket.
With a well developed highway system and the presence of major car rental firms in towns and cities, driving is a feasible option. There are different packages available with some agencies offering unlimited mileage, while some rentals include a driver. Petrol prices are comparatively reasonable and tolls are charged on some roads. Parking spaces in major cities is limited.
For travelling shorter distances, there are regular bus services between the main cities, while 4 wheel drive vehicles are the vehicles of choice in the rural areas of Sabah and Sarawak. There’s an abundance of taxis, which can also be hired for long distances, and most are metered. Bicycle rickshaws are a novel way to get around and appear to be in existence primarily for the tourist trade; you’ll be pressed to find them in Kuala Lumpur, though they can be found in Penang and Malacca. It’s advisable to negotiate a fare before you board.
Useful links
www.lonelyplanet.comLonely Planet are leaders in the travel guide sector and their website is a great source of travel information.
www.fco.gov.uk
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office’s website provides up-to-date political news, travel advice and information on visas.
www.airasia.com
Air Asia.
www.ktmb.com.my
Train operator KTMB.
www.malaysiaairlines.com
Malaysia Airlines.
