Malaysia

Truly Asia — one country, many cultures, one journey.

About Malaysia

Malaysia sits in Southeast Asia, split between Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia on the island of Borneo. It is a federal constitutional monarchy and a proudly multi-ethnic, multi-faith country where Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indigenous cultures shape cities, festivals and the table. From Kuala Lumpur’s skyline to heritage streets, highland air, rainforest and coral islands, Malaysia rewards slow browsing as much as big-ticket stops. This page is a short primer before you explore each state.

The national flag is Jalur Gemilang (“Stripes of Glory”): 14 stripes for the 13 states and the federal territories, a blue canton, crescent and 14-point star. Red, white, blue and yellow speak to courage, integrity, unity and the monarchy’s royal colour.

A multi-ethnic nation

Malaysia is home to Malay, Chinese, Indian and many Indigenous communities — especially across Sabah and Sarawak — living side by side. Islam is the official religion, while Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and other faiths are practised openly. Festivals such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali and Christmas share the calendar, and everyday life mixes languages, customs and flavours in the same street.

Languages in daily life

Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) is the national language. English is widely used in cities, tourism and business. You will also hear Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, Tamil and many Indigenous languages. On this site you can switch languages anytime — useful when travelling with family or friends who prefer different scripts.

Currency: the Malaysian Ringgit

The currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR / RM). Notes and coins are used nationwide; cards and e-wallets (such as Touch ’n Go and GrabPay) are common in cities. ATMs are easy to find in urban areas. Keep some cash for markets, island boats and smaller towns. Prices are generally friendly for visitors compared with many neighbouring capitals.

Food culture

Malaysia is a food country first. Malay nasi lemak and satay, Chinese noodles and dim sum, Indian banana-leaf meals and teh tarik, plus Nyonya / Peranakan cooking in Penang and Malacca, all sit on the same map. Hawker centres and mamak stalls run late; spice, coconut, grilled seafood and tropical fruit are part of daily travel, not just special occasions.

Landscapes & climate

The peninsula holds city skylines, highland retreats, caves and east-coast beaches. East Malaysia brings Borneo rainforest, Kinabalu and island reefs. The climate is tropical year-round — warm, humid, with afternoon showers. Monsoon patterns differ by coast; check local seasons if you plan diving, islands or highland walks.

Thirteen states, many gateways

Malaysia has 13 states plus federal territories (including Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya). Each state keeps its own character — royal heritage, port cities, farming plains, islands or rainforest. Browse the list below, then open a state page for transport tips and places to visit.

Travel notes

Driving is on the left. Grab is the easiest ride-hailing option in major cities. Intercity ETS trains and coaches link many peninsula towns; flights reach Sabah and Sarawak. Dress modestly at mosques and temples. Tap water is often treated in cities, but bottled water is still the safer everyday choice for visitors. Always verify opening hours and tickets before you go — listings here are for reference.

States & regions

Click a state below to highlight it on the map.

Central Peninsula

Northern

Southern

East Coast

East Malaysia

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