Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

Sarawak's oldest national park, accessible by road and seafaring craft. Popularly known for its abundant varieties and contrast in natural sceneries, habitats, vegetations and also rare wildlife.

Malaysia is situated in the centre part of South East Asia. To the North of Malaysia is Myanmar, Thailand, Kampuchea and Vietnam, to the South, Singapore and Indonesia and to the East is the Philippines. Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of the U.S. Pacific Standard Time.

The land mass of Malaysia is made up of two parts, the Malay Peninsular and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. The total land area is 329,758 sq. kilometres with 231,689 sq. kilometres in Peninsular Malaysia and 98,069 sq. kilometres in Sabah and Sarawak. Malaysia is a multi-racial country with a population of 17.5 million. Malays, Chinese, Indian and the indigenous people of Sabah & Sarawak form the majority of the population.

The earliest known kingdom in Malaysia was the Kingdom of Kedah This kingdom was mentioned in Chinese and Sanskrit records as early as 600 to 700 A.D. Further down the Peninsular Malacca, the seat of the Malacca Sultanate, was a thriving commercial centre as well as a regional power in the 15th Century. the strategic importance of Malacca brought the Portuguese initially in 1509 and Portuguese conquest in 1511. On the heels of the Portuguese came their trading rival, the Dutch. With the help of Johor and Noning Malays, the Dutch attacked and defeated the Portuguese in 1641. Malacca was under Dutch control, until 1824 when the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of the year Malacca was exchanged for Bencoolen, the English held territory on the other side of the straits.

Situated in central South East Asia, slightly north of the equator. Malaysia is made up of two areas, the Malaysia peninsular and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. The total area is 330,434 square kilometres. The best known is peninsular Malaysia which is an area of gentle mountain ranges running from north to south covered in verdant jungle and tea and rubber plantations. This is bordered by tranquil beaches of golden sands. Ruled by the powerful Sultans since the fourteenth century and by a constitutional monarchy since its independence in 1957, Malaysia is a land of 13 states and 2 federal territories, each with its own identity. A population of 15½ million that are a wonderful pot-pourri of different races comprising of three main groups - the Malays (54%), Chinese (35%) and Indians (10%) in peninsular Malaysia and 26 ethnic ones in Sabah and 25 in Sarawak.

Islam is the official religion of the country. The national language is Bhasa Malaysia although due to its Colonial origins, English is widely spoken and understood.

Malaysia is a parliamentary democracy based on universal suffrage. The supreme Head of State is His Majesty, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, a constitutional monarch elected for a term of five years by the Conference of Rulers. The head of Government is the Prime minister.

The national flag of Malaysia has 14 horizontal stripes of equal width representing the equal membership of the 13 states and the Federal Government.

The dark blue canton in the top corner nearest to the flag staff stands for the unity of the people. The crescent is the symbol of Islam and the 13 States and federal Government. Yellow is the royal colour of the Rulers.

Malaysia's national flower is Bunga Raya-the hibiscus. Although there are many varieties of the Bunga Raya, the one selected is red in colour with five petals. this variety is found abundantly in the country.

Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) is the national and official language of the country. English is widely used all over the country especially in business and is a compulsory subject in all schools. Other languages used are Chinese (Mandarin) and Tamil.

Islam is the official religion of the country. But freedom of worship is enjoyed and so it is not common to see mosques, temples and churches sharing a common neighbourhood. Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism and Christianity are among other religions practiced in Malaysia.

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