{"id":2115,"date":"2023-10-22T17:55:10","date_gmt":"2023-10-22T09:55:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitormalaysia.com\/?p=2115"},"modified":"2023-10-23T02:44:08","modified_gmt":"2023-10-22T18:44:08","slug":"malaysia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/visitormalaysia.com\/malaysia\/","title":{"rendered":"Malaysia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The name “Malaysia” is a combination of the word “Malay” and the Latin\/Greek suffix “-sia”. The term “Malay” itself originates from the Sungai Melayu (Melayu River) in Sumatra, where the first known Malay kingdoms were situated. The name Malaysia was adopted in 1963 when the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, North Borneo (now Sabah<\/a>), and Sarawak <\/a>came together to form a federation. However, due to political and ethnic differences, Singapore separated just two years later in 1965. The name signifies the central role of the Malay people in the country, while also representing the unity and diversity of its regions and cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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Geography<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia and is divided into two main regions: Peninsular Malaysia<\/a><\/strong> (or West Malaysia) and East Malaysia<\/a><\/strong> (Borneo Malaysia). Peninsular Malaysia is bordered by Thailand to the north and Singapore to the south, with the Straits of Malacca on its western side and the South China Sea to the east. East Malaysia, comprising the states of Sabah and Sarawak, is located on the island of Borneo and shares borders with Brunei and Indonesia. The country’s terrain ranges from coastal plains to dense rainforests and towering mountain ranges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With its strategic location between the East and West, Malaysia has a rich history influenced by various cultures and empires. Early Malay kingdoms, Chinese traders, Indian influences, and Islamic sultanates have all left their mark. European colonial powers, starting with the Portuguese in the 16th century, followed by the Dutch and then the British, dominated trade and politics for centuries. Malaysia initially formed as a federation in 1963, which included Singapore along with Sabah and Sarawak. However, due to various political and racial tensions, Singapore separated from Malaysia in 1965 to become an independent nation. Malaysia’s multi-ethnic and multi-religious composition is a testament to its diverse historical influences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


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Highlights of Things to Do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n