Malaysia, located in Southeast Asia, is known for its diverse culture, stunning natural landscapes, and modern cities. Split into Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo, the country offers a mix of bustling urban centers like Kuala Lumpur and breathtaking natural wonders like Mount Kinabalu and the islands of Langkawi.

Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous traditions, makes it a vibrant and fascinating destination for travelers.

Key Facts:

Travel Info

Climate: Tropical; hot and humid year-round, with a rainy monsoon season from November to February.

Capital City: Kuala Lumpur

Main Airport: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

Top Airline: Malaysia Airlines

Major Attraction: Petronas Twin Towers, iconic skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur and the tallest twin towers in the world.

Cultural Info

Local Greeting: “Apa khabar?” (How are you?) or “Selamat datang” (Welcome)

Languages: Malay (official), with English, Chinese, and Tamil widely spoken

Soccer Team: Malaysia National Football Team (“Harimau Malaya”)

Nicknames: “Truly Asia” (from its tourism slogan)

Popular Athlete: Lee Chong Wei (badminton player) and Nicol David (squash player)

Personality: Mahathir Mohamad (former prime minister) and Michelle Yeoh (actress)

Economic Info

GDP/Per Capita: Approx. $12,000 (USD, 2023 estimate)

Top Export: Electronics, palm oil, and petroleum

Population/Rank: Approx. 33 million; ranked 45th globally by population

Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

Top Grub: Nasi Lemak (a fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk, served with sambal, fried anchovies, boiled eggs, and cucumber)

Recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/78938/malaysian-nasi-lemak/

Try this Grub! Char Kway Teow (stir-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, bean sprouts, and soy sauce)

Recipe: https://www.recipetineats.com/char-kway-teow/

Popular Beverage: Teh Tarik (pulled tea) and Milo Dinosaur (chocolate malt drink)

Where to Grub: https://lautnyc.com/ (Laut Maylasian Cusine in NYC, known for its variety in great tasting foods)