Traveling Around Malaysia – More About The Different States (And Some Awesome Facts).

Malaysia is made up of various states and depending on your points of interest (and time availability), you can travel around some or all of these. Of course, there is the capital, Kuala Lumpur but there are also several distinct states and islands in Malaysia – indeed, if you’re looking forward to vacation in Malaysia, you’ll be spoiled for choice in terms of what you can discover in the different states. Each state has its own distinctive and the great thing is you can easily travel by car from one state to another because of Malaysia’s excellent system of freeways. And if you wish to fly from Kuala Lumpur to East Malaysia to visit Sabah or Sarawak (the East Malaysian states), it’s only a two or two and a half hour flight (depending on where you go). Here are the states of Malaysia and their uniqueness:

Selangor – The most modern state. Its citizens are on average, the highest per capita income earners in Malaysia. Selangor has many interesting attractions like Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, situated next to the splendid Sunway Pyramid shopping mall. Its most distinctive feature is a giant lion’s head at the front entrance.

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park in Petaling Jaya, Selangor

The awesome Sunway Pyramid shopping mall in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. You can see the lion head in the background

Due to its affluence, it’s no surprise that you will find the capital city Kuala Lumpur in this state (K.L. is a federal territory governed by the central government).

Kuala Lumpur the capital city of Malaysia

In Kuala Lumpur you can enjoy all the finer things in life, ranging from great shopping to exciting night life and superb state-of-the-art facilities. Attractions include the Petronas Twin Towers (the second tallest building in the world as at 2008), the KL Tower, the Sepang F1 race track, Chinatown, Central Market plus a host of modern hotels, shopping malls and entertainment outlets.

Petaling Street, Chinatown Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

The state also has other fascinating places of interest such as the Batu Caves, a series of caves that also houses the most venerated Hindu temple in Malaysia.

Perak – Known as The Silver State. It is a state rich in natural resources notably tin. Malaysia used to be the world’s largest producer of tin before it diversified its economy into what it is today. Perak has some interesting Mangrove Forest Reserves and impressive royal palaces. Perak is also home to Malaysia’s most prestigious college, the Royal Malay College of Kuala Kangsar. As the name implies, this is where many of the members of the royal family educate their children. In fact the Royal Malay College is known as the Eton of the East.. Its capital is the modern city of Ipoh, one of the major cities of Malaysia. Another well-known city is Taiping, a beautiful city known for its waterfalls and other scenic attractions. But the most popular touris destination is Pulau Pangkor (’Pulau’ means ‘Island’ in the Malay language). Pangkor island is a beautiful island paradise in Perak. Although it is not as well-known as Langkawi island in Kedah state, it has its own charm and beauty. For an idyllic and quiet nature getaway, go to Pangkor island.

Penang – One of the most visited states in Malaysia, Penang is known as ‘the Pearl of the Orient’. Penang was one of the most important centers for the British during their colonial rule of Malaysia. Tourism is a major industry here. Penang has many attractions including the Komtar Building, Maxwell Hill, the Snake Temple and many more. One of the most popular tourist attractions is the exciting Penang National Park..

Kedah – Kedah is known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Malaysia’ due to its flat landscape that is conducive for planting paddy. As in most Asian countries, rice is the staple diet. Driving through Kedah, you will see miles and miles of paddy farms and the simple folks who live and grow this important commodity. Kedah is also home to one of the most popular & scenic holiday destinations within Malaysia, Langkawi Island. You will be fascinated by Langkawi’s white sandy beaches and its crystal clear waters. The island also has its own legend about a beautiful princess named Mahsuri. Langkawi hosts two famous and celebrated international events every year. It has its own international bicycle race, the Le Tour De Langkawi. And Langkawi is also home to the Langkawi International Maritime and Aeronautics Exhibition (LIMA) where ships and airplanes of all types and styles are displayed.

Negeri Sembilan – This state that is home to the Cape Rachado Forest Reserve. The unique thing about Negri Sembilan is the architecture of its royal buildings. It has its own distinctive style known as the Minangkabau architecture. The Minangkabau builders were so skilled that they could build an entire building out of wood without using a single nail! Its capital, Seremban is a modern city that is still expanding to cater to the needs of its growing population.

Melaka (or Malacca) – This is the state where it all began. No surprises that Malacca is known as ‘the Historical State of Malaysia’. The earliest settlers to the peninsula arrived in Malacca in the 15th century. Malacca was an important port in the lucrative Spice Trade between China in the East and Europe in the West. It became the center of the first sultanate that ruled the country, the Malaccan Empire that stretched from Malacca in the south all the way to what is south Thailand today in the north. The empire was conquered by the Portugese in 1511, followed by the Dutch in 1641. Finally, the Dutch ceded Malaysia to the British in the 18th century. Malacca is understandably a culturally rich state that today has been modernized but still displays its carefully preserved historical sites for all to see. Its capital, Malacca town offers visitors some wonderful sightseeing of these remnants of history and some equally fabulous shopping.

Johor – The economically rich state of Johor also has something to interest tourists, notably Endau Rompin National Park. Johor is also the center for pineapple growing in Malaysia. Its close proximity to Singapore has boosted its retail businesses and hence Johor’s economy is today one of the strongest among the Malaysian states. The inhabitants of Johor are predominantly Malay so visitors to Johor get to experience and witness the best of Malay culture and lifestyle. Johor also has a nice island holiday destination in Pulau Tioman. Tioman island is not as commercially well-developed as Langkawi so if you’re looking for a serene island holiday close to nature, Tioman is the perfect choice.

Pahang – Pahang is West Malaysia’s largest state. Here you find Taman Negara, Malaysia’s National Forest Reserve and one of the world’s oldest rainforests. Pahang also boasts beautiful beaches such as in Cherating where Club Med is located. Here in Pahang you also find Malaysia’s three premier highland resorts, the Genting Highlands (where Malaysia’s only casino is located plus exciting theme parks), Cameron Highlands (Malaysia’s center for tea plantations) and Fraser’s Hill (another popular holiday resort).

Terengganu – Offers some very good beaches such as Rantau Abang, Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang. These places are famous for their scuba diving and snorkeling. The marine life here is stunning! There are also other interesting nature spots like the turtle sanctuary, where many species of turtles breed. Tourists flock to these beaches during turtle egg-laying season to witness the turtles swim ashore to lay their eggs. Interestingly, each baby turtle will grow up and return to the exact same beach years later to lay their own eggs.

Kelantan – Aside from being a good place to buy traditional Malay handicrafts, this is the place of the astounding Jungle Railway where you can ride through some spectacular scenery.

Sarawak – Known as the Land of the Hornbills, Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia (East and West Malaysia). As its nickname suggests, Sarawak has many species of hornbills, magnificently beautiful birds with large bills and colorful plumage. Sarawak is where you find the world’s largest cave chamber, the Mulu Caves. Sarawak is also Malaysia’s largest producer of oil and natural gas. It offers some wonderful national parks such as the Bakun Park and Gunung Mulu National Park.

Sabah – Known as the Land Below the Wind and home to the popular Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South-East Asia, standing at 4096 m (about 13,350 ft) high.

Mount Kinabalu in Sabah Malaysia

Mount Kinabalu is a popular tourist attraction. Every year, more than 40,000 climbers scale its peak. As long as you’re fit enough, you too can make it to the top. No specialized training or snow equipment are required. Here the world’s toughest mountain race, the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon, is held annually. Competitors race each other up and down the mountian! Sabah is also home to some of the most exquisite flora and fauna you will ever see, such as the Proboscis Monkey, the Rafflesia (the world’s largest flower) and the Orang Utan. Just off its Eastern shore is Sipadan Island, one of the world’s most beautiful scuba diving sites.

Perlis - the smallest and the most northern state in Malaysia. It shares its border with Thailand and thus many Thai people can be found in Perlis. It’s not uncommon to find locals who can speak the Thai language and some Thai people who can speak Malay.

Some Interesting Facts About Malaysia For The Sophisticated Traveller

Want to impress the locals with your knowledge on Malaysia? Check out these interesting facts…

The Largest Cave Chamber In The World – the Mulu and Niah Caves in Gunung Mulu National Park.

Above - The Largest Cave Chamber In The World, Gunung Mulu in Sarawak, East Malaysia

Aug 31st, 1957 – The date Malaysia gained independence from the British, now celebrated as a national holiday.

Rafflesia – found in Sabah, this is the largest flower in the world with a diameter of about 1 m (3 ft) in length. Malaysia also is proudly home to the largest leaf in the world (over 3 m long).

Malaysia has more km of highway than the total circumference of the earth.

Minangkabu – The settlers to the state of Negeri Sembilan, who came to Malaysia sometime in the 15^th century.

Dining Etiquette – In some top end Malay restaurants do not be surprised if the waiter comes with a pot of water – it’s expected for guests to wash their hands before starting their meals.

The Smelliest Fruit In The World – Durians are found in Malaysia, and aside from being an aphrodisiac they also hold the less impressive reputation of smelliest fruit in the world (but the locals love it).

Home Of The Turtle – Several species of turtles were discovered first, and believed to have originated, from Malaysia.

Malaysia is also home to the Monitor Lizard, which can grow to be about 5 feet in length (excluding its tail).

Giant Monitor Lizard

40,000 Years – The age of the oldest human remains to be found in Malaysia.