A bubbling, bustling melting pot of races and religions where Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other ethnic groups live together in peace and harmony.
Multiculturalism has not only made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise, it has also made Malaysia home to hundreds of colourful festivals. It's no wonder that we love celebrating and socialising. As a people, Malaysians are very laid back, warm and friendly.
Geographically, Malaysia is as diverse as its culture.Malaysia is divided into 13 states and 3 Federal Territories, separated by the South China Sea with 11 states and 2 federal territories Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya in Peninsular Malaysia and two states and 1 federal territory Labuan in East Malaysia.
One of Malaysia's key attractions is its extreme contrasts. Towering skyscrapers look down upon wooden houses built on stilts, and five-star hotels sit several metres away from ancient reefs.Cool hideaways are found in the highlands that roll down to warm, sandy beaches and rich, humid mangroves.
Destinations
Johor
Kedah
Kelantan
Kuala Lumpur
Labuan
Melaka
Negeri Sembilan
Pahang
Penang
Perak
Perlis
Putrajaya
Sabah
Sarawak
Selangor
Terengganu
Malaysia is fast becoming one of the leading dive destinations of the world with one of the richest marine environments in the Indo-Pacific Basin. The incredible bio-diversity of marine life, coupled with beautiful islands, white sandy beaches and clear warm waters, keeps divers coming back time and time again.
Top dive sites around Malaysia include diverse underwater geography such as sloping reefs, coral blocks, wall dives, deep dives, drift dives and wreck dives. A dip below the warm seas surface guarantees you an astounding experience, with a concentration of vibrant and exotic marine life rarely rivalled anywhere else in the world.
From schooling Hammerhead Sharks, to huge schools of barracudas and various species of turtles, to the bizarre Frogfish and Ghost Pipefish, there is always something fascinating awaiting you. It's no exaggeration to say that almost every time a marine bio-diversity survey is conducted in Malaysias tropical seas, the species list increases.
Dive centres in Malaysia are numerous, well equipped and certified by all the internationally recognised dive agencies like PADI, SSI and SSAC for maintaining their standards of safety and professionalism. Naturally, all scuba diving courses in Malaysian waters are also endorsed by these certifying agencies.
After completing your scuba course, get outfitted with the latest scuba equipment as all international brands are available from dive centres in Malaysia. Almost all the islands in Malaysia cater to divers of all levels of experience - be it easy, shallow drift-diving, to advanced wreck-diving or technical diving.
Located in the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin, the heart of the world's richest marine biodiversity area, Malaysia also offers pristine beaches and professional dive centres for the pleasure and safety of the advanced and novice diver. For a most memorable diving holiday, the time is now, the place is Malaysia.
Malaysia boasts an exciting year-round calendar of world class and unique local events, ensuring visitors have endless opportunities to enjoy nature-based adventures, enriching cultural experiences or fabulous shopping sprees.
Tourist Places:
Datai Bay, Kedah
Dayang Bunting Lake or 'Tasik Dayang Bunting'
The island, which is about 20 kilometres from Kuah town, is modestly populated on one side and virtually unihabited on the other where the lake is situated.
Legend of Tasik Dayang Bunting - The favorite bathing pool of a celestial princess named Mambang Sari was said to be Tasik Dayang Bunting lake of the pregnant maiden. A prince, Mat Teja, fell madly in love with her and tricked her into marrying him.Sadly, their child died from a mysterious illness at the age of seven days. Distraught, the grieving Mambang Sari left the child's body in the lake and returned to her heavenly abode. Today, some believe barren women who bathe in this lake will be endowed with a child. Many have claimed to be successful.
Desaru
Desaru is located 100 kilometres from Johor Bahru, and is a very popular destination for its clean beaches, excellent golf courses and unique attractions.
Although it is better known as a beach and resort area, its other name is the 'Land of Casuarinas'. This is because one can see casuarina trees along the beaches, hence its name.
Its natural forest beauty, with views of the South China Sea definitely makes it an exciting destination, captivating tourists from near and far.
Amongst the attractions at Desaru include Desaru Beach, Fishing Village Museum at Tanjung Balau, Desaru Fruit Farm and the opportunity to see fireflies at Lebam River.