============================== MALAYSIA ============================== The Federation of Malaysia lies in southeast Asia, and comprises Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. The country is affected by a tropical monsoon climate. Peninsular Malaysia has always had thriving rubber-growing and tin- dredging industries, and now oil palm growing is also important on the east coast. Sabah and Sarawak have grown rich by exploiting their forests. There is also some offshore oil, and around the capital, Kuala Lumpar, new industries such as electronics are expanding. Area (Sq. Km.): 330,868 Population: 17,344,000 Capital: Kuala Lumpur Language: Malay Religion: Moslem Hindu Buddhist Confucian Taoist Local beliefs Government Type: Federal parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarch. Currency: Malaysian ringgit Embassy: 45 Belgrave Square London SW1X 8QT 0171-235-8033 Time: GMT+8 Electricity: 220 volts Credit cards: All major ones accepted More info: Malaysian Tourism Dept., 17, Curzon Street, London W1Y 7FE Tel:0171-499-7388 Health: Precautions are advised against Malaria, Typhoid and Cholera. Water: BOIL ALL WATER. Air Travel: The national airline is Malaysian Airlines System. Approx flying time from London is 15hrs 5 mins. Main airports: Kuala Lumpur Penang Kota Kinabalu Kuching Sea: Main port is Georgetown (Penang) Rail:Through services operate from Bangkok to Butterworth (Penang) Hotels: Malaysia has many excellent hotels of both luxury and economy class. It is necessary to book well in advance, especially at Easter, Midsummer and Xmas. The more basic hotels have little in the way of modern washing facilities but the top range hotels have just about everything. Expect Taxes on charges of about 5% and service of about 10%. CITY TOUR Kuala Lumpur was founded in the 1890's and its architecture is a real mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultures giving the city a really exciting flavour. Worth seeing:- Tasek Perdan Lake Gardens Parliament House National Monument National Museum National Mosque Various temples Central Market Batu caves Templar park Climate: Tropical without extremely high temperatures. Days are very warm while nights are fairly cool. Main rainy season in East Malaysia runs between November and February. «»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«»«» Foreign Office Advice: Normal care and precautions should be taken. For more information ring: Foreign Office Travel Unit 0171-270-4129