Malaysia Overview

The Malay peninsula stretches from north to south for about 800 km and mountains form its backbone and belly, with gentle valleys along its coastlines. The island of Borneo is of similar terrain.
In addition to the mountain ranges the Malay peninsula also has an abundance of limestone outcrops, particularly in the areas of Kuala Lumpur and in the Kampar Valley near Ipoh farther north. Cave ridden, these outcrops play host to fauna and flora that generally, is different to that found in the nearby lowlands.
Year-round rainfall waters the rainforests and turns streams into cascading rivers especially in the monsoon period. Unfortunately due to heavy logging, ‘real jungle’ can only be experienced to it’s fullest in one of the nature reserves within the country, although there are small areas of forest left in some parts. Only 5% of the original 97%, of the entire country’s forestation remains.
Unlike its jungles and inland areas, which can be visited and enjoyed in all weathers, Malaysia experiences two ‘seasons’ for beach related activities. Due to the monsoon, the coasts have opposing ‘high’ seasons. The east coast gets most of its rain from November to February and the west, from March to April. So if planning on snorkelling or other seaside activities choose your coastal hotel or resort according to the season.
The country has a diverse range of both animals and plantlife, some species still undiscovered, making it a popularly visited country by nature enthusiasts. Among the unique species of animals to be found here are the tapir, Malayan sun bear and proboscis monkey.
The tapir is a peculiar creature with a long snout that looks more like a short trunk, starkly contrasting black body and white bottom and curled tail. Its young are brown with white speckles, creating excellent camouflage in the sun-dappled jungle.
The sun bear on the other hand will remind readers of ‘Winnie the Pooh’ stories, as their favourite food is honey and the animals look about as cuddly as the bear in the tales. This doesn’t mean the visitor should try and touch one, as like their fellow Malaysian resident, the tiger, they bite!
The coastal areas of Malaysia are popular destinations for most visitors to the country. Here the diving is excellent and the offshore islands well worth visiting.
genericly the west coast of Peninsula Malaysia is not as spectacular underwater as the east, but this is the more densely resort developed coast, thus has more water related activities on offer.
Pulau Paya and the islands Kacha, Lembu and Segantan to the north of Penang and south of Langkawi are considered to have the best coral reef in the country, lying just off their beaches. A marine park has been established here and a floating observation platform off Pulau Paya has been built with an underwater observation chamber for those not keen on getting in the water.
A country, with many different cultures, religions and peoples, it is rapidly developing into one of the more modern countries in the area. Good roads and friendly people make travelling a pleasure and the accommodation is generally of a high standard. All this adds up to a country well worth visiting no matter how much time you have to spare.