COUNTRY: The Federation of Malaysia comprises Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo.
GETTING THERE: The main gateway to Malaysia is through the new Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Other major International airports which serve as entry points are Penang, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu and Langkawi. Malaysia Airlines is the national carrier and currently flies to 95 destinations worldwide.
GETTING AROUND: a Malaysia has excellent domestic air links and a well developed and effective public transportation system served by buses, taxis and trains.
GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION: Located 7 degrees north of the Equator, Peninsular Malaysia is separated from the states of Sabah and Sarawak by the South China Sea. In the north of the peninsula is Thailand while its southern neighbor is Singapore.
PEOPLE: Malays, who make up about 57% of the population, are the predominant group, with Chinese, Indians and other ethnic groups making up the rest.
LANGUAGE: Bahasa Melayu (Malcy) is the national language, but English is widely spoken. The ethnic groups also speak various languages and dialects.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Rainy season is April through June and September through December, but diving is available year-round.
CLIMATE: Tropical climate with warm and humid weather alt year-round. Temperatures averaging in the upper 80s°F. Water remains 80°F year-round.
EXCHANGE RATE: One U.S. dollar equals 3.79 Malaysia Ringgit (MYR). U.S. currency accepted at most dive resorts. Credit cards readily accepted.
TIME DIFFERENCE: Malaysia is 12 hours ahead of eastern standard time.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A valid passport is required.

CONTACTS:
Tourism Malaysia Kuala Lumpur
www.tourism.gov.my

Tourism Malaysia West Coast
www.TourismMalaysia.com
800-336-6842

Tourism Malaysia East Coast
www.VisitMalaysia.com
800-558-6787

Sabah Tourism
www.SabahTourism.com
sabah@ po.jaring.my