Malaysia
Government: federal constitutional elective monarchy
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Public Holiday: Independence Day on 31 August
Currency: Ringgit
Culture
Geography
Climate
Population
Language
Religion
Currency
Passports and Visas
Prohibited Imports
Transport
Souvenirs
Healthcare
Communication
Culture
Travelers should note that Malaysia is a Muslim country; therefore Islamic customs should be respected.
Avoid calling local Muslim citizens between 1845 and 1945 local time, as this is when evening prayers occur.
In deference of Islamic culture, Western women should dress modestly at all times, keeping their thighs and shoulders concealed.
In
general, most people wear Western-style clothing. However, traditional clothing, or a combination of Western and traditional clothing, is also worn.
When in a home, visitors should use their right hand to eat food when they are using chopsticks or their bare hand, as the left is considered unclean.
Visitors should avoid public displays of affection or anger, including yelling and arguing.
Geography
Malaysia is a federation in Southeast Asia with a total area of 330, 4 square kilometers. The country is separated into two regions — Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo— by the South China Sea. Malaysia borders Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines. The capital city is Kuala Lumpur. The largest islands are Langkawi with capital Kuah and Penang with capital George Town, which located in the northwestern Malaysia.
Climate
The climate in Malaysia is wet and tropical. The main rainy season in the east runs between November and February, while August is the wettest period on the west coast. East Malaysia has heavy rains (November to February) in Sabah and in Sarawak. Average daytime temperatures in Kuala Lumpur are around 27°C year round.
Population
The population stands at over 17.9 million of which 14.6 million live in Peninsular Malaysia and 3.3 million live in Sarawak and Sabah states. Ethnic division: Malay 50.4%, Chinese 23.7%, Indigenous 11%, Indian 7.1%, Other 7.8%
Language
Malay is the official language and is spoken in all areas of the country. The ethnic Chinese also speak several Chinese dialects. On the island of Borneo, numerous indigenous languages are common. English is taught in the schools and is widely spoken.
Religion
Islam is the official religion, although the constitution guarantees freedom of worship. On Peninsular Malaysia, most Malaysians are Muslim, most Chinese are Buddhist, and most Indians are Hindu. In Sabah, percentages are Muslim 38 percent, Christian 17 percent, other (including animist) 45 percent. In Sarawak, percentages are traditional beliefs 35 percent, Buddhist and Confucian 24 percent, Muslim 20 percent, Christian 16 percent, and other 5 percent.
Currency
The Malaysian currency is the Ringgit. Ringgit (MYR; symbol RM) = 100 sen. Notes are in denominations
of RM 100, 50, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 sen. Travelers' checks and all major credit cards are accepted at upscale hotels, shops, and restaurants. Travelers can also obtain cash from ATM cards. Malaysian banks are efficient and typically charge around US$2 for foreign exchange transactions. Moneychangers do not charge a commission but their rates vary, so make sure you know the current rate before approaching anyone.
Passports and Visas
People of CIS are not required a visa and may stay visa-free for up to one month. Passports are required upon entry into Malaysia and must be valid for six months after departure.
The following goods may be imported into Malaysia without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco,1liter of spirits or wine or malt liquor, Cosmetics, perfume, soaps and toothpaste up to the value of RM200, Gifts and souvenirs not exceeding a total value of RM200 (except goods from Langkawi and Labuan, up to a value of RM500),100 matches, a total of RM75 for dutiable food preparations, a maximum three pieces of new wearing apparel, plus one pair of new footwear, one unit of each portable electrical or battery-operated appliance for personal care and hygiene.
Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Public Holiday: Independence Day on 31 August
Currency: Ringgit
Culture
Geography
Climate
Population
Language
Religion
Currency
Passports and Visas
Prohibited Imports
Transport
Souvenirs
Healthcare
Communication
Culture
Travelers should note that Malaysia is a Muslim country; therefore Islamic customs should be respected.
Avoid calling local Muslim citizens between 1845 and 1945 local time, as this is when evening prayers occur.
In deference of Islamic culture, Western women should dress modestly at all times, keeping their thighs and shoulders concealed.
In
general, most people wear Western-style clothing. However, traditional clothing, or a combination of Western and traditional clothing, is also worn. When in a home, visitors should use their right hand to eat food when they are using chopsticks or their bare hand, as the left is considered unclean.
Visitors should avoid public displays of affection or anger, including yelling and arguing.
Geography
Malaysia is a federation in Southeast Asia with a total area of 330, 4 square kilometers. The country is separated into two regions — Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo— by the South China Sea. Malaysia borders Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines. The capital city is Kuala Lumpur. The largest islands are Langkawi with capital Kuah and Penang with capital George Town, which located in the northwestern Malaysia.
Climate
The climate in Malaysia is wet and tropical. The main rainy season in the east runs between November and February, while August is the wettest period on the west coast. East Malaysia has heavy rains (November to February) in Sabah and in Sarawak. Average daytime temperatures in Kuala Lumpur are around 27°C year round.
Population
The population stands at over 17.9 million of which 14.6 million live in Peninsular Malaysia and 3.3 million live in Sarawak and Sabah states. Ethnic division: Malay 50.4%, Chinese 23.7%, Indigenous 11%, Indian 7.1%, Other 7.8%
Language
Malay is the official language and is spoken in all areas of the country. The ethnic Chinese also speak several Chinese dialects. On the island of Borneo, numerous indigenous languages are common. English is taught in the schools and is widely spoken.
Religion
Islam is the official religion, although the constitution guarantees freedom of worship. On Peninsular Malaysia, most Malaysians are Muslim, most Chinese are Buddhist, and most Indians are Hindu. In Sabah, percentages are Muslim 38 percent, Christian 17 percent, other (including animist) 45 percent. In Sarawak, percentages are traditional beliefs 35 percent, Buddhist and Confucian 24 percent, Muslim 20 percent, Christian 16 percent, and other 5 percent.
Currency
The Malaysian currency is the Ringgit. Ringgit (MYR; symbol RM) = 100 sen. Notes are in denominations
of RM 100, 50, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 sen. Travelers' checks and all major credit cards are accepted at upscale hotels, shops, and restaurants. Travelers can also obtain cash from ATM cards. Malaysian banks are efficient and typically charge around US$2 for foreign exchange transactions. Moneychangers do not charge a commission but their rates vary, so make sure you know the current rate before approaching anyone. Passports and Visas
People of CIS are not required a visa and may stay visa-free for up to one month. Passports are required upon entry into Malaysia and must be valid for six months after departure.
The following goods may be imported into Malaysia without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco,1liter of spirits or wine or malt liquor, Cosmetics, perfume, soaps and toothpaste up to the value of RM200, Gifts and souvenirs not exceeding a total value of RM200 (except goods from Langkawi and Labuan, up to a value of RM500),100 matches, a total of RM75 for dutiable food preparations, a maximum three pieces of new wearing apparel, plus one pair of new footwear, one unit of each portable electrical or battery-operated appliance for personal care and hygiene.
Prohibited Imports:
It is prohibited to import any goods from Haiti. Non-prescribed drugs, weapons, any imprint or reproduction
of any currency note or coin and pornographic material are prohibited. Drug-smuggling carries the death penalty.Transport
Comfortable buses run between large cities. Fare is not expensive. To rent a car in Malaysia you need a valid driving license with a photo or an International Driving Permit. The hirer must be above 23 years old. Taxi is more convenient in Malaysia. Taxi fares are based on a metered rate and are available 24 hours a day.
Souvenirs
Batik is the local language which means "to draw in wax". Traditional batik uses silk or cotton cloth as its material. The advancement of technology has enabled fabrics such as voile, chiffon, cheesecloth, georgette and velvet to be used in the design of batik. Pewter is popular in Malaysia. Pewter is made from an alloy composed of tin and other metals of which the molten metal is poured into pre heated steel mould, filed and polished. More complicated item consists of different parts which are
soldered together. Some of the souvenir items made from pewter are mug, name card holder, twin tower, photo frame, cigarette lighter, letter opener and clock. The items that are produced from silver are silver rose bowls, jewellery boxes, bolster ends, the caping, belts, buckles, snuff boxes, and betel nut set. Ceramic and glass craft are also widely produced in Malaysia as souvenir items.Healthcare
Malaysia is the most developed country in the south Asia. Tap water in cities is safe, but otherwise all water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilized. It is required to make next vaccinations: Hepatitis A, B, cholera, smallpox. Health insurance is recommended. Hospitals are found in all the main cities and can deal with all major needs. Private hospitals provide a high standard of medical care. In an emergency, dial 999.
Communication:
Domestic and international telephone service is good.
In an emergency, dial 999.
For directory information, dial 103; for a local operator call, dial 102; for assisted long distance in Malaysia, dial 101; for assisted international calls, dial 108.
Country code: 60
Kuala Lumpur city code: 3
[Tags: Tours to Malaysia]
Туры в Малайзию (Russian version)
