Before I introduce my country, Malaysia, allow me to briefly introduce myself. My name is Clarence Chan, the owner of this blog and I am a Malaysian Chinese. My family has been in this country for 8 generations. In fact, I come from a unique group of Chinese called the Baba and Nyonya. The peculiarity about us is that we were the first Chinese who came over to Malaysia centuries ago (see my post on the Introduction to Malaysia).  Over the years, we have developed a special blend of Malay and Chinese culture in our lifestyle but we still hold to many of our Chinese customs. So we are a very unique type of Chinese and yes, I know a LOT about this wonderful land of Malaysia.

My wife Wai Yen and Myself

I am a husband and father. My wife Wai Yen and I have five wonderful children, Matthew, Samantha, Andrew, Philip and Joshua. We live in the state of Sabah, in East Malaysia. Sabah is popularly known as ‘The Land Below the Wind’ because it is located just below the typhoon belt that sweeps across the Philippines to the north.

Malaysia is “Truly Asia”, as they say because it has the very best of what Asia has to offer. If you missed this video in my ‘Introduction to Malaysia’ post, take a look at it here:

Malaysia Vacation

There’s More to Malaysia than Most People Know

Malaysia comprises of thirteen states. Eleven of these states are on the peninsular, south of Thailand and are collectively known as West Malaysia. Two other states are on the island of Borneo, the third largest island in the world (after Greenland and New Guinea) and are known as East Malaysia. East and West Malaysia are separated by the South China Sea and is located just north of the Equator in South-East Asia.

Here are some interesting facts about Malaysia that makes it one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations:

Firstly, its weather is a constant 30 degrees Celcius (about 80 degrees Fahrenheit) all year round. This makes traveling to Malaysia conducive no matter when you choose to visit. February to October is generally the dry season and so the most popular period. November to January is the wet (monsoon) season. But even during the wet season, many parts of Malaysia receive only moderate intermitted rainfall. For example, the west coast of the peninsula, where the capital city Kuala Lumpur is located, is shielded from the full effects of the South-West monsoon rains by the island of Sumatra on its west coast. Thus many people still flock to major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Malacca and Ipoh and its many tourist attractions even during the monsoon period.

Secondly, Malaysia is truly a nation where East meets West. In the major cities like Kuala Lumpur you will be mesmerized by world-class shopping malls, buildings with state-of-the-art architecture and the most modern infrastructure and facilities comparable with any other city in the world. It is home to the world famous Petronas Twin Towers, the third tallest building in the world (as of 2008).

Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

People go to work wearing neckties (and sometimes business suits) while youth and children study in a variety of universities, colleges and schools of international standards. It is a shopping paradise, where you can find high-quality products of global brands and bargain-priced locally made products.

You can find quality products of high standards…

…or local products at reasonable prices

At the same time, Malaysia has not lost its roots in the midst of its rapid progress. Its people hold fast to traditional Eastern values and culture. Filial piety, honouring one another, caring for the elderly, respect for all races and high moral standards are part of the Malaysian way of life. In this respect, you will find many places in Malaysia where the traditional way of life is still maintained. Outside of the major cities, simple village folks ply their trade of fishing, paddy planting, rubber tapping, farming and animal rearing.

Fishermen go fishing in the open sea using fishing boats like this one

Often they sell their traditional handicrafts to tourist to supplement their income.

Handicraft in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Malaysians live in harmony, their children laugh and play in the fields or jungles after school. You will be touched by the genuine sincerity of these Malaysians as you witness their way of life in your visit to Malaysia.

Thirdly, Malaysia has some of the world’s most beautiful and exotic flora and fauna, not to mention some of the most breathtaking landscapes you’ll ever find. The highest peak in South-East Asia is in Sabah, East Malaysia. It’s called Mount Kinabalu. Every year, more than 40,000 people scale its peak. It stands 4096 m high (about 13,350 ft). And the wonderful thing is that Mount Kinabalu’s peak is just below the snow belt making it possible for anyone to reach its summit without specialized training (as long as you’re fit enough). I have personally climbed it and I assure you, it’s an unforgettable experience!

That's me near the Summit of Mount Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia

You will find the world’s largest flower in East Malaysia. It’s called the Rafflesia, named after Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore (that once was part of Malaysia). It can grow to about 1 m in diameter (about 3.3 ft)! The world’s largest network of caves is also found in Malaysia. It’s the Mulu Caves of Sarawak, East Malaysia. Thousands of tourists go there every year.

Stalactite and stalacmite in Mulu and Niah caves, Sarawak Malaysia

Malaysia is an eco-tourist’s paradise and an adventurer’s haven. From endless white sandy beaches to the pure pristine waters of the South China Sea, from some of the world’s oldest rainforests to the rugged peaks of the Crocker Range, Malaysia has it all!

Fourthly, Malaysia is home to a wonderful blend of races, cultures and religions among its 26 million people. The biggest race is the Malays, followed by the Chinese and Indians. But over the years since its independence in 1957, Malaysia has also become home to Europeans, Americans, Mainland Chinese, Myanmarese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Koreans, Indonesians, Filipinos and a host of other races who have been captivated by its unique charm and attraction. The Malaysian government has a very successful immigration program for senior citizens of other countries called ‘Malaysia My Second Home’. Literally thousands of foreigners have migrated to Malaysia for their retirement under this program.

Every race lives with one another in harmony and peace. That’s why Malaysia is called the Rainbow Nation of Asia. Like the colours of a rainbow, its many races combine together in unison to create a beautiful picture of perfect unity. Come and experience Malaysia’s hospitality for yourself shown by its varied races of people. You will feel the same warmth of welcome everywhere, in the airports, the shops, the hotels and motels, on the streets, from the busy shopping malls to the quaint villages, Malaysia’s charm is outstanding.

And lastly, Malaysia has something to offer to everyone. You can come here for business or pleasure. For those who like the bright city lights, exciting nightlife and plenty of entertainment, Malaysia’s top-class shopping malls, cinemas, local and international performances and night-time activities will satisfy your every crave. For the culturally inclined, there are plenty of places of interest where you can catch a glimpse of the kaleidoscope of culture, history and art that is uniquely Malaysia. There are also traditional games like kite flying (those kites are huge!) and top spinning (yup, they’re big, too!).

Watch traditional dances over dinner

If you like sports and the outdoors, you can enjoy land and water sports of all kings - mountain climbing, jungle-treking, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, rock climbing, paintball, futsal and a host of other games.  For the food lovers, you’ll taste all kinds of unique and delicious types of foods from all around the world, from traditional to contemporary foods.

It’s all here in Malaysia!