MALAYSIA
Malaysia is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit in southeast Asia. It's buoyant and wealthy, and has moved towards a pluralist culture based on a vibrant and interesting fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous cultures and customs.
Malaysia is a country of contrasts, bathed in the warm tropical sun, endowed with 3,000 kilometers of coastline, several historic cities, a unique cultural mix, a string of cool hill resorts, the world’s oldest rainforest—and even Southeast Asia’s highest mountain. Add to this a delightful fusion.
Geographically, somewhat oddly, Malaysia comprises two distinct bodies of land, politically joined in 1963 after independence from Britain. The Malayan peninsula is the historic home of the Malay people, today’s heart and the population center of the dynamic modern nation. East Malaysia claims the northern edge of the huge, wild island of Borneo. Ethnically and culturally, Malaysia is a fundamentally Malay country overlaid with Chinese, Indian and British influences, and possessing several indigenous tribal peoples such as the Iban, Penan and Negrito.
Malaysia's love of Western-style industrialization is abundantly clear in its big cities. Aside from the gleaming glass towers of the 21st Century, though, Malaysia boasts some of the most superb beaches, mountains and national parks in Asia.
Penang
Situated on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia,
Penang state comprises Penang Island and a narrow strip of land on
the mainland coast known as Seberang Prai, which includes the town
of Butterworth and the Free Trade Zone.
Architecture is fascinating giving a glimpse of the Island's past. Many colorful Chinese Peranakan and old colonial-style buildings are nestled in amongst the high-rises.
Visitors to Penang cannot fail to notice the interesting multi-cultural society. Georgetown in particular, is a total suffusion of Chinese, Malay and Indian, evidence of which is apparent everywhere, from cuisine to architecture.
Penang offers something for everyone, from the historical buff and nature park enthusiast to those just wanting to relax on a sun-soaked beach.
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