Malaysia is made up of 13 states. Which is Johor, Melacca,
Pahang, Penang, Perak, Sabah, Sarawak, Terengganu, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Perlis and Selangor. Kuala Lumpur is the capital. It is the largest city and the heart of Malaysian business and culture.
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. Parliament House, (see picture) is the symbol of democracy in Malaysia.
Strategically located between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, Malaysia has long been the meeting place for traders and travellers from west and east. Its history is one of continuous interaction with foreign powers and influences.
HISTORY & PEOPLE of Malaysia Asia
It Since the days of the 15th century Malacca Sultanate, founded by Parameswara, people from other parts of the world have made Malaysia their home. Located in the heart of the main trade route between the East and the West with abundant natural resources, Malaysia has been under the influence of the Chinese, the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British at various times. Now, Malaysia is a bubbling, bustling melting pot of races and religions where Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other ethnic groups live together in peace and harmony. With such a unique heritage, be enchanted by the fascinating architecture, festivals, attire, handicrafts, music, dance, and customs.
CULTURE of Malaysia
In the heart of Asia lies a land of many cultures, wonders and attractions. It?s a bubbling, bustling melting pot of races and religions where Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other ethnic groups live together in peace and harmony. It is also a land of fascinating extremes, where towering skyscrapers look down upon primitive longhouses. Blessed with natural wonders galore, it is perfect for a memorable eco-holiday. With some of the best beaches and diving spots in the world, it is ideal for island getaways. Experience Asia in Malaysia.
ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE Malaysia Asia
An Amazing Architectural Amalgam
A fascinating fusion of tradition and modernity, Malaysia's architecture today is a reflection of Asia's many styles, cultures and religions. These influences include Hindu-Indian, Arab-Muslim, Chinese and European - Portuguese, Dutch and British. Now, the country embraces an independent modern Malaysian vision whilst staying true to its rich culture and heritage.
Malay
Traditional Malay architecture employs relatively sophisticated architectural processes ideally suited to tropical conditions such as wide roof overhangs and high-pitched roofs. Building on stilts allow cross-ventilating breezes beneath the dwelling to cool the house whilst mitigating the effects of the occasional flood.
Chinese
In Malaysia, Chinese architecture is of two broad types: traditional and Baba-Nyonya. Examples of traditional architecture include Chinese temples found throughout the country such as the Cheng Hoon Teng that dates from 1646. Many old houses especially those in Malacca and Penang are of Baba-Nyonya heritage.
Indian
With most of Malaysian Hindus originally from southern India, local Hindu temples exhibit the colourful architecture of that region. The Sikhs, although a small minority, also have their temples of more staid design in many parts of the Country.
Portuguese
The most notable example of Portuguese architecture in Malaysia is the A'Famosa fort in Malacca, which was built by Alfonso d'Albuquerque in 1511. Nearly annihilated by the Dutch only a small part of the fortification on the hill overlooking the Malacca town, old port and the Straits remains.
Dutch
Located in Malacca Town, the Stadhuys with its heavy wooden doors, thick red walls and wrought-iron hinges is the most
FOOD
Malaysia is a country renown for its creative, complex, and lovingly prepared original cuisine. Food is taken very seriously here, from the five-star restaurants right down to the hawker's booths. Sauces tend to be highly developed, often incorporating local fruits and spices, and the seafood dishes are what you'd expect from a country almost entirely surrounded by ocean.
SHOPPING in Malaysia
Handicrafts in Malaysia
Malaysia boasts a delightful variety of traditional handicrafts. Choices range from priceless authentic antiques to exquisite modern hand-made crafts.
As most artisans are Muslims, Malaysian handicraft design is heavily influenced by Islam. The religion prohibits the depiction of the human form in art. Hence, most designs centre around natural elements such as the interlacing of leaves or vines, flowers and animals ? predominantly birds.
Textiles in Malaysia
Colourful and captivating, Malaysia?s traditional textiles are much-sought-after worldwide. Varieties include batik, songket, pua kumbu and tekat. These textiles are made into sarongs, pareos, beachwear, headgears, shoes, beddings, cushions, table covers, bags, d?cor pieces and more.
Jewellery & Costume Accessories
Enticing hand-crafted accessories abound in Malaysia. Choose from leather-crafted goods, Borneo beadwork necklaces, bangles, hats, beaded pouches and more. Finely made gold and silver jewellery adorned with gems such as rings, bracelets and earrings are also seductively mesmerising.
Earthenware
Popular items of traditional design include Perak labu sayong, geluk, belanga, Chinese dragon kiln ceramics and Sarawakian tribal motif pottery. Contemporary items include vases, flower pots, decorative pottery, sculpture and kitchenware.
Wood Crafts
Blessed with an abundance of timber in boundless tropical forests, Malaysia is renowned for an assortment of distinctive wood crafts. Traditionally, whole houses were built from elaborate hand-carved timber. Today, antique Malay-styled engraved panels, keris dagger handles, Chinese containers, unusual Orang Asli spirit sculptures, moulded walking sticks, kitchen utensils and carved scented woods are among the wide range of exotic decorative items for your home.
Metal Crafts
Popular since the early days traditional brass casting and bronze working are still used to make an array of utensils. More recently in the 19th century, with the discovery of tin in Malaysia, pewter has become increasingly popular. Metal craft products include decorative items, vases, small furniture pieces, kettles, cooking utensils, serving trays, bowls, tepak sireh sets, candelabras, incense burners, rose-water instruments, keris blades, wind chimes and lamps.
Hand-woven Crafts
Marvel at the creative hand-woven crafts of Malaysia. Local plant fibres and parts from bamboo, rattan, pandan and mengkuang leaves are coiled, plaited, twined and woven to produce items such as bags, baskets, tikar or mats, hats, tudung saji and sepak raga balls.
Pastime Crafts
Traditional pastime crafts include gasing or spinning tops, wayang kulit or shadow-play puppets and wau or kites. Intricately designed with much skill and patience,
