Malaysia is a state in Southeast Asia consisting of two parts separated by the South China Sea: West Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia) occupies the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula and the adjacent islands, borders with Thailand to the north, also has maritime borders with Singapore and Indonesia; and East Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo) is situated in the northern part of the island of Borneo and the adjacent islands, is bordered by Brunei to the north and Indonesia in the south, has maritime borders with Philippines. The total area of the country is about 330 square kilometers; the population is over 30 million people. The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur. The official language is Malaysian.

The national currency is the Malaysian ringgit. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, banks, shopping malls, hotels and so on. D. The most favorable exchange rate is in private exchange offices. Major credit cards are widely accepted.

Malaysia’s terrain consists of coastal plains, changing into hills and mountains. The climate is equatorial with regular monsoons.

Malaysia is one of the most colorful and interesting places in Southeast Asia. It is a country that cherishes tradition of three ancient civilizations: Chinese, Indian and Malay. It is a unique place, where lots of different customs, cuisines and religions peacefully coexist together.

One of the best evidences of this fantastic mix is Melaka, in the past one of the biggest trading ports in Southeast Asia. In this city you will see the traces of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultures.

Bustling atmosphere and modern architecture are awaiting you in Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Penang.

In Malaysia you will see one of the most breathtaking natural attractions – the Gunung Mulu National Park, whose fancy needle-like rocks and the world’s longest cave systems will impress even the most experienced tourists. Another chance to plunge into pristine nature is visiting Taman Negara, one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world; or boating down the Sungai Kinabatangan through virgin jungles, where you can meet proboscis monkeys and orang-utans; or going to the Kinabalu National Park, where you can climb Mount Kinabalu (the highest mountain in Southeast Asia). Those who do not want to do far from civilization can take a trip in the Cameron Highlands, where you can enjoy outdoor recreation, decorated by colorful flower farms, lakes, tea plantations, forests, and charming landscapes.

Do not forget to relax on the serene beaches of the Langkawi Archipelago; to do shopping in Kuala Lumpur; to try unspeakably delicious local food and to buy some of traditional craft-works in order to bring home a small part of this wonderful country.

Airports

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) (KUL), one of the major airports of South East Asia and the main international airport in Malaysia, located 45 kilometers from Kuala Lumpur.

Senai International Airport (JHB) located in Senai, near Johor Bahru.

Penang International Airport (PEN)

Langkawi International Airport (LGK)

Malacca International Airport (MKZ)

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) (BKI) serves Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah

Kuching International Airport (KCH)

Diving in Malaysia

In crystal clear waters of Malaysia, off its numerous beautiful islands you will undoubtedly find a lot of interesting. This country is considered to be one of the world's top dive destinations.

Off Sipadan Island you can take up wall diving and enjoy interesting coral overhangs. The underwater world here is incredibly rich and consists of about 3 thousand species. The most famous dive site here is Barracuda Point, where you can dive with barracudas and sea turtles. The depth is about 15-24m.

In the waters of the nearby Mabul Island you can meet mandarinfish, nudibranchs, Devil scorpionfish, seahorses, ghost pipefish, snake eels, stonefish, mantis shrimps, frogfish, and crocodilefish.

Kapalai Island has about 20 dive sites and is suitable for beginning divers.

21 kilometers from Malaysian peninsula there are the Perhentian Islands, where you will find plenty of fringing reefs, pinnacles, and interesting shipwrecks.

The Redang Archipelago attracts by stunning coral gardens, sea turtles and various tropical fish.

Tioman Island is an ideal place to learn diving. Fancy underwater landscape and deep water make it interesting for experienced divers too.

And do not forget about Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, where you will find lots of wonderful dive sites with abundant marine flora.