To know Malaysia is to love Malaysia, a bubbling, bustling melting pot of races and religions where Malays, Indians, Chinese and many others ethnic groups live together in peace and harmony. Multiculturalism has not only made Malaysia a gastronomically paradise, it has also made Malaysia home to hundreds of colourful festivals. It’s no wonder that we love celebrating and socializing.
As people, Malaysians are very laid back, warm and friendly. Geographically, Malaysia is as diverse as its culture. There are two parts to the country, 11 states in the peninsula of Malaysia and two states on the northern part of Borneo. Cool hideaways are found in the highlands that roll down to warm, sandy beaches and rich, humid mangroves.
One of Malaysia’s key attractions is its extreme contrasts. Towering skyscrapers look down upon wooden houses built on stilts, and five-star hotels sit several meters away from ancient reefs. For the perfect holiday full of surprises, eclectic cultures and natural wonders, the time is now, the place is Malaysia.
Malaysia is like two countries in one, cleaved in half by the South China Sea. The multicultural peninsula boasts Malay, Chinese and Indian influences, while Borneo is full of wild jungle – orang-utans, granite peaks and remote tribes – perfect for lovers of wildlife. Geographically, Malaysia is very diverse with 11 states and 2 federal territories.
The population is 30,274,000, apparently the 41st most populated country in the world.
The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia is a federal representative democratic constitutional monarchy, in which the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is head of state and the Prime Minister of Malaysia is the head of government.
Malaysia has a newly industrialised, open and state-oriented market economy. The state plays a significant, but declining role in guiding economic activity through macroeconomic plans. In 2012, the economy of Malaysia was the third largest economy in South East Asia.
Malaysian Malay is the official language of Malaysia.
Roughly 61.3% of Malaysians practice Islam, 19.8 percent Buddhism, 9.2 percent Christianity, 6.3 percent Hinduism and 1.3 percent traditional Chinese religions.
Malaysian Borneo can be visited year-round, although the drier months between March and October generally offer the best conditions for exploring the rainforest, trekking jungle trails and cruising wildlife-rich rivers. During this period wildlife viewing is often excellent, including opportunities to spot orangutans and other rainforest species. The wettest months typically fall between November and February, when heavier tropical rains and higher humidity are more common.
“Our journey with Pioneer Expeditions to Malaysia offers the chance to explore the rainforests of Borneo and visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where rescued orangutans are cared for and gradually returned to the wild. Along the Kinabatangan River you travel through one of Southeast Asia’s richest wildlife habitats, learning from our local guides about the conservation efforts protecting these remarkable forests and the species that depend on them”
Whatever you want from your trip, our team of experts are ready to help.
These are trips which are perfectly created, organised, and lead specifically for you. If you are considering one of our wildlife, multi-activity adventures, small group trips or family holiday adventures then we would be delighted to design a tailormade itinerary, to meet your interests, travel dates and accommodation requirements. Just get in touch!
Learn MoreWe operate small group holidays for a maximum of 8-12 persons. As well as multi-activity trips we offer trekking trips, kayaking, rafting, wildlife, cycling and photography. These small group trips make ideal holidays for singles and couples, particularly for those wishing to visit Madagascar, the Galapagos islands, explore Borneo or kayak the Komodo Dragon islands, Indonesia.
Learn MoreWe are delighted to offer a number of specialist trips, depending on your interests. We organise a number of specialist holidays such as family adventure holidays that can be designed to meet the requirements for children of certain ages. We also design unique and interesting luxury holidays and honeymoon trips as well trips for celebrating special events and anniversaries.
Learn MoreA valid passport is required by all foreigners traveling to Indonesia. For United States, British and Australian citizens, a visa can be obtained upon arrival in Jakarta and Bali. Passports must have at least 6 months before they expire. INDONESIAN TOURIST VISA is valid for 30 days. Visas are available on arrival. You will need a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds for your stay and an onward airline ticket with confirmed bookings. The fee is currently US$25 (it is advised you have the exact money to prevent delays).
Ringgit (R) = 100 sen. Notes are in denominations of R100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 sen. There are also a large number of commemorative coins in various denominations which are legal tender. U.S. Dollars generally are not widely accepted. At the same time, money changers are common in larger towns and cities – GB Pound are quite easy to change.
You can also use the “Money Exchange Offices” located inside the Shopping Malls as well as on the main roads in all major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Kinabalu. Automatic cash dispensers are found in larger towns and cities. Most machines take all credit cards, as well as Cirrus and Plus cards. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, as are bank debit cards. Please do remember that most banks charge a fee for cash withdrawals whilst abroad. It is recommended that you call your bank a few days prior to travelling to Malaysia and provide them with your dates of entry and exit to the country. Due to a recent change in bank policy, many people have encountered problems trying to withdraw cash from ATMs around the country as they have not informed their bank of their trip. If you want to bring traveller’s cheques, they can be taken in either UK sterling or in US dollars.
For your convenience we have partnered up with a currency exchange company that offer you next day
delivery on any currency orders. Please note not all currencies are available. Order details along with any
terms and conditions can be found at https://ttngtravel.money/pioneerexpeditions
Adequate travel insurance is mandatory for everyone who participates in a Pioneer expedition. Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance is required for all participants. We strongly recommend that you take out baggage loss and accident insurance. Please bring a copy of your insurance policy and contact numbers to give to your expedition leader in case of illness or accident.
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