An Introduction to the States of Malaysia.

||PERLIS ||KEDAH ||PENANG ||PERAK ||KUALA LUMPUR ||SELANGOR ||NEGERI SEMBILAN ||MALACCA ||JOHORE ||PAHANG ||TERENGGANU ||KELANTAN ||LABUAN ||SABAH ||SARAWAK |||*MENU |||

Perlis, the smallest state in Malaysia lies at the north western tip of the Malay Peninsula: bounded by Thailand in the north and by Kedah to the east south. Its measures approximately 759 sq. km and has a population of 180,610. The state capital is Kangar while Arau, 10 km away is the Royal town.

Although small in size, Perlis is not without its attractions, foremost among which is its serene unspoiled beauty. Perlis, too, abound with rustic rural scenes and rolling green fields of padi.

January to April is generally warm and dry, September and December is wet. The average annual rainfall is between 2,000 ml and 2500 ml (80" to 100") and humidity is high throughout the year. Temperature varies little the year round, ranging from 21c to 32 c.

Kedah spans approximately 9,425 sq. km in the northern part of the Peninsular and together with Perlis, Perak and Kelantan, shares a common border with neighbouring Thailand. It has the distinction of being the 'Rice Bowl of Malaysia - the Kedah-Perlis rice plains produce more than half of the country's home grown rice supply. Alor Setar, the state capital, is the seat of Government and the business centre of the state.

The flat expanse of padi fields against a backdrop of rolling hills provides a picture of utter serenity that lulls the senses. Off its western shores, are clusters of sun-drenched islands that comprise the legendary islands of Langkawi. Kedah also owes its fame to the recent archaeological discoveries at the Bujang Valley, which furnished evidence of the existence of an early civilization dating back to the 6th century AD With its islands, legends, historical relics, hill stations and scenic waterfalls, Kedah offers the visitor a variety of sights, sounds and fun-filled activities - from beach combing to diving, water skiing, picnicking or merely to take in the sights.

Penang (Pulau Pinang) is one of the thirteen states of Malaysia and is situated strategically on the north western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It consists of Penang island a strip of land on the mainland called Province Wellesley or Seberang Prai. The two entities are linked by the Penang Bridge and a 24-hour ferry service.

Pulau Pinang means Island of Betel Nut and the name is derived from the palm commonly found on the island.

From its establishment as the first British trading outpost in the Far East in 1786, Penang is today a bustling metropolitan city with a unique blend of East and West.

It offers all the scenic delights of a tropical island with its luxuriant flora and accompanying fauna - in pleasant contrast to the city landscape. Its capital, Georgetown is a city steepted in history and tradition yet with modern amenities and facilities. Take in the exotic sights and sounds of this colorful and picturesque city. Stroll down the narrow side streets or take a trishaw ride on its tree-lined boulevards. For the souvenir hunter, Georgetown is a shopper's paradise offering a wide array of bargains ranging from batik, imported textiles and silks to silverware, jewelry and antiques. After revealing in the vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere of the city, sample some of the delights from the delicious selection of Penang food.

Perak Darul Ridzuan, the Land of Grace, covers an area of 21,000 square kilometres and has a population of about two million.

The state is divided into nine districts and its major towns include Ipoh, Kuala Kangsar, Taiping, Teluk Intan and Lumut. Kuala Kangsar is the royal town of Perak, while Ipoh is the administrative centre and state capital.

For centuries, Perak was renowned for its rich tin deposits. It is believed that the state derived its name, which means silver in Malay, from the silvery tin ore. The discovery of tin by Long Jaafar brought about an influx of immigrants to Perak. Today, Perak has developed into a harmonious multi-racial society characterized by diversity in language, culture and heritage.

Kuala Lumpur, a city covering 243.6 sq. km. and house to a population of 1.3 million people. Situated on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, just about midway between north and south and approximately 35 kilometres from the coast, it experience rainfall throughout the year, the average being about 220 mm. The days are generally hot and humid but the nights are pleasantly cooler.

Kuala Lumpur, which is also the capital of Malaysia, functions as the centre of Malaysia's political, commercial and social life. It is a city of delightful contrasts - a combination of modern cosmopolitan. Sophistication and lingering old world charm; a juxtaposition of gracious colonial edifices, pre-war shop houses and gleaming copper- domed roofs against a backdrop of towering skyscrapers. Narrow streets of quaint old shop houses open out to wide open tree-lined avenues. The favorable climate accounts for the lush greenery and profusion of tropical blooms in a riot of colors - a truly fitting background for its happy mix of multi-racial populace of Malaysia, Chinese, Indians and other races. The end result is a unique blend of age-old customs and traditions: colorful festivals, gay songs and dances and a rich variety of foods to tempt the palate. Experience the multi-faceted fascinations of Malaysia - right here in Kuala Lumpur.

Selangor. In the 16th century, rich tin deposits were found, attracting the attention of miners, immigrants and colonizers in search of new lands. By the middle of the 18th century, the Bugis had begun to dominate the state, both politically and economically with their large numbers. Their skills as navigators, traders and warriors allowed them to extend their sphere of influence, ultimately establishing the present Sultanate of Selangor.

Fighting between the Bugis, Malay nobility, and Chinese tin miners forced the Sultan to accept the presence of a British Resident in 1878, thus providing the British with a foothold in the state's administration.

The increasing prosperity of Selangor led the British to include Selangor in the Federated Malay States in 1896. In 1948, Selangor joined the Federation of Malaya which eventually gained independence from the British in 1957.

Negeri Sembilan is almost wholly an inland state with only 48km of coastline. It is bound at the north by Selangor, in the east by Pahang, and the south by Johor and Malacca. Having a total area of 6,645 sq. km, this state is mountainous since it is situated at the southern slope of the Main Range.

Malacca is located on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia facing the Straits of Malacca, about 147 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur between the states of Negeri Sembilan and Johor. It covers an area of 658 square kilometres and is divided into three district namely Alor Gajah, Central Malacca and Jasin.

About 580 years ago, an exiled prince from Sumatra, Parameswara, sought refuge in a fishing village and decreed that a city be built where he stood. He named it Malacca from the Malacca tree.

Malacca rose to become a prosperous and powerful nerve centre of trade between the East and the West, and eventually became an empire. Here, gold, silk, tea, opium, tobacco, perfumes and countless other items from nearby countries and from as far away as Europe and South America changed hands.

The fame of this celebrated city spread far and wide and attracted conquerors who coveted monopoly of the spice trade. From 1511, the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English respectively took control of the empire until Malaysia obtained her independence in 1957 and Malacca was handed over to its first local Governor. Each rule left its mark behind and today this charming town is filled with relics too big to be housed by any museum. Every street, every monument tells its own story of conquest and valour, avarice and victory.

Stop awhile in Malacca and listen hard. In the midst of its thriving new town centre, resorts and golf courses, you might just be able to hear the pounding of cannons and war cries at the A Famosa or the babble of foreign tongues raised high in the market place in Malacca - where it all began ..

Johor, the southern gateway, is the third largest state in Peninsular Malaysia. Covering an area of 19,984 sq. km at the southern part of the peninsular, it is bounded by the states of Pahang to the north, Malacca and Negeri Sembilan to the west and the Straits of Johor to the south. A causeway carrying a road and railway line connects the state capital, Johor Bahru, to Singapore; making the state highly accessible from Singapore. Boat services also connect various points along the Johor River to Changi in Singapore

Pahang , mention Pahang and one conjures up visions of lush tropical forests, cool mountain air, endless sandy beaches glistening in the sun, lakes and waterfalls nesting in the arms of mountain crevices plus everything else that spells a resort to nature. Pahang is in fact all these and much more. Located in the East Coast region, Pahang is the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia with a population of nearly one million comprising the three main racial communities of Malaysia - the Malays, Chinese and Indians.

Spanning north to south of the state, forming a natural divider between east and west Pahang is a formidable mountain range where in lies Peninsular Malaysia's highest peak, Gunung Tahan, the inspiration of many a mountaineer in this part of the world. Pahang's climate is characteristic of the tropics - hot and humid all the year round with distinct wet and dry season that coincides with the wet seasons from the South China Sea. Kuantan, the state capital, is not only fast developing as a commercial town but is also a popular seaside resort. Pekan, 45 km. south of Kuantan and situated near the river mouth of Sungai Pahang, is the Royal Town.

Terengganu is one of the Malaysian states which is endowed with a wealth of charming and refreshing natural landscapes. She has beaches, exotic islands, lush virgin tropical jungle, quaint fishing villages, dazzling waterfalls and many, many more. Her miles and miles of white, sandy beaches and crystal clear water stretches throughout its 225 km coastline, extending from Besut in the north to Kemaman in the South. Her islands are among the most picturesque and fascinating in the country. From its myriad of colourful pastimes which include batik printing and songket weaving to the rapturous celebration of its many generations of cultural and traditional heritage, Terengganu is indeed a very blessed state.

Kelantan, which translates as the " Land of Lightning " is a veritable treasure trove of delights - rustic fishing villages, verdant padi fields and languid, palm-fringed beaches. Tucked away in the north-eastern corner of Peninsular Malaysia, the people of Kelantan have managed to keep alive age-old customs and traditions, thus earning the state a reputation as the Cradle of Malay Culture. Here, colourful kites soar upwards defying gravity and giant drums reverberate. Shadow puppets mesmerize audiences and giant tops provide hours of endless fun. Kelantan has a population of 1.4 million; 95% is Malay with Chinese, Indians, Thais and Orang Asli making up the rest. Kelantanese are renowned for their warmth and friendliness. Kelantan Darul Naim is a world of gracious beauty, retaining an old-world charm that few can resist. Come, let her natural attributes work their magic on you!

Labuan , the move towards IOFC status began in 1984 when the Sabah State Government signed over the administration of Labuan to the Federal Government of Malaysia. Recognizing Labuan's strategic location and proximity to major shipping routes and offshore oil and gas fields, the Federal Government launched a long term infrastructure development program to jump-start Labuan's stagnating economy and encourage the influx of both domestic and foreign investment.

Today Labuan is a thriving free port, a tourist destination, a frontline base for undersea oil and gas activities and a leading international offshore financial centre.

Sabah occupies the top portion of the island of Borneo (the third largest island in the world) and covers an area of 74,500 sq. km (29,388 sq. miles) with a coastline of about 1,440 km washed by the South China Sea on the West and the Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea on the East.

Sabah lies between 4 and 8 North of the equator, and its climate is tropical but pleasant. Sunny blues skies typify most days and it is summer all year round. Though depending on the month and locality, rain may cause a little inconvenient, with the annual rainfall varying from 60 to 120 inches. As a general guide the wet season falls between November and February. Fortunately, Sabah does not experience any natural disaster or calamities. In fact it is under the typhoon belt (thus the name "Land Below The Wind") and is free from any climatic disturbance.

Temperatures seldom reach 90F and usually vary during the day during the day from 74 and 88F and are cooler on the mountains

Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia. It covers an area of 124,000 sq. km and has a coastline of some 800 kilometres facing the South China Sea. Lying on the Northwest coast of Borneo, the third largest island in the world, Sarawak shares its boundaries with Kalimantan (Indonesia Borneo) in the south , Brunei and Sabah in the north.

Sarawak is also known as "The land of many rivers'. The rivers provide natural means of transportation and communication. The 590 km long Sungai Rejang is the longest river in the country. The rivers together with the wide spread trunk roads and well connected domestic air links make travelling to interior destinations easily accessible.

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