50 Amazing Facts about Malaysia

Malaysia is a great country and actually a big hub for layovers- we got to be in Malaysia 4 times when we travelled SE Asia for 7.5 months.

Here are 50 fascinating facts about Malaysia that we learned before we even travelled to this amazing country!

1. Diverse Culture: Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures with Malays, Chinese, Indians, and various indigenous groups living together.
2. Multilingual Nation: The official language is Bahasa Malaysia, but English, Mandarin, Tamil, and numerous other languages are widely spoken.
3. Borneo: Malaysia shares the island of Borneo with Indonesia and Brunei, home to unique wildlife like orangutans and pygmy elephants.
4. Twin Towers: The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004 and remain the tallest twin towers globally.
5. Batu Caves: These limestone caves house Hindu temples and are a popular tourist attraction, especially during the Thaipusam festival.
6. Tropical Rainforests: Malaysia’s rainforests are some of the oldest in the world, dating back 130 million years, rich in biodiversity.
7. Cuisine: Malaysian food is a delicious fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Javanese, and Sumatran influences.
8. Cultural Festivals: Malaysia celebrates a variety of festivals, including Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, and Christmas.
9. Monarchy: Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy with a unique rotating kingship among nine Malay state rulers.
10. UNESCO Sites: Malaysia has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including George Town, Melaka, and the Kinabalu Park.
11. Multiracial Harmony: Despite its diversity, Malaysia is known for its peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among different races and religions.
12. Rich History: Malaysia has a rich history influenced by Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic, and colonial Portuguese, Dutch, and British periods.
13. Economic Hub: Kuala Lumpur is a major economic and financial center in Southeast Asia.
14. Public Holidays: Malaysia has one of the highest numbers of public holidays in the world due to its multicultural population.
15. High Biodiversity: Malaysia is one of the 17 megadiverse countries on earth, hosting a variety of flora and fauna.
16. Endangered Species: The country is home to endangered species like the Malayan tiger, Borneo pygmy elephant, and the Sumatran rhinoceros.
17. Tunku Abdul Rahman: He was Malaysia’s first Prime Minister and is known as the “Father of Independence.”
18. Religious Freedom: Malaysia practices religious freedom, with Islam being the official religion but other religions practiced freely.
19. Rafflesia: The world’s largest flower, Rafflesia arnoldii, is found in Malaysian rainforests.
20. Mount Kinabalu: This is the highest peak in Southeast Asia, standing at 4,095 meters (13,435 feet).
21. Islands and Beaches: Malaysia boasts beautiful islands and beaches like Langkawi, Perhentian Islands, and Tioman Island.
22. Malay Language: Bahasa Malaysia uses a Roman alphabet, making it relatively easy to learn for English speakers.
23. Education: Malaysia is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education system and affordable living costs.
24. Street Food: Malaysian street food is renowned worldwide, offering a variety of delicious and affordable dishes.
25. Sarawak Chamber: The world’s largest cave chamber by volume is found in Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak.
26. Diverse Architecture: Malaysia’s architecture ranges from traditional Malay houses to colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers.
27. Transport System: Malaysia has an efficient and affordable public transport system, including the MRT, LRT, and monorail in Kuala Lumpur.
28. Film Industry: Malaysia has a growing film industry, producing both local and international films.
29. Natural Wonders: The Cameron Highlands are known for their tea plantations, cool climate, and beautiful landscapes.
30. Marine Life: The waters around Malaysia are rich in marine life, making it a top destination for diving and snorkeling.
31. Malay Peninsula: The majority of Malaysia’s population lives on the Malay Peninsula.
32. Economic Growth: Malaysia has transformed from an exporter of raw materials to a high-tech, competitive nation.
33. Malaysian Ringgit: The national currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR).
34. Merdeka Square: This historical site in Kuala Lumpur is where Malaysia declared independence in 1957.
35. Automotive Industry: Malaysia has a notable automotive industry, producing brands like Proton and Perodua.
36. Cultural Heritage: The Malaysian government actively promotes the preservation of its cultural heritage through museums and cultural centers.
37. Healthcare: Malaysia offers high-quality and affordable healthcare services, attracting medical tourists from around the world.
38. Technology Hub: Cyberjaya is Malaysia’s Silicon Valley, housing numerous tech companies and startups.
39. Sporting Events: Malaysia hosts major sporting events, including the Malaysian Grand Prix and the Commonwealth Games.
40. Orang Asli: The indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia, known as Orang Asli, have unique cultures and traditions.
41. Forestry: The Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme ensures sustainable forest management.
42. Crafts: Malaysia is famous for its traditional crafts, such as batik, songket, and pewter.
43. Diplomatic Relations: Malaysia maintains good diplomatic relations with countries around the world.
44. Malay Traditional Dance: Malaysia is known for its traditional dances, like the joget, zapin, and bharatanatyam.
45. Wildlife Conservation: Malaysia is actively involved in wildlife conservation efforts to protect its unique fauna.
46. Colonial Influence: The architectural influence of British colonial rule is evident in many historical buildings.
47. Economic Sectors: Malaysia’s economy is diversified into various sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism.
48. Modern Infrastructure: Malaysia boasts modern infrastructure, including world-class airports and highways.
49. Friendly People: Malaysians are known for their hospitality and friendliness towards tourists and visitors.
50. Tourism: Malaysia is a top tourist destination, known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern attractions.

We love learning about each and every destination and sometimes these facts help us understand many many things about local people, culture and customs. Love Malaysia!