Traditional shophouses, open-air markets and multistoried shopping malls. Championship golf courses and remote mountain resorts. Malaysia offers all this and so much more, her borders encompassing a dazzling range of natural beauty and manmade wonders. Her greatest resource, however, is her people, a richly diverse, multicultural populace who warmly welcome visitors to this lovely land.

The country of Malaysia encompasses the 11 states and three Federal Territories of Peninsular Malaysia, and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on Malaysian Borneo, across the South China Sea from the mainland. Long an important link on the India–China trade routes, Malaysia today is home to a fascinating blend of cultures: Malay, Chinese, Indian and dozens of ethnic groups from across Asia. The hospitality and warmth with which guests are greeted is uniform, though, whether one is diving off of Pulau Redang or exploring the shops along Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, has been described as a microcosm of modern Malaysia and as such makes an excellent introduction to the country. The city’s comprehensive transportation network and the fact that English is widely spoken here make touring its many attractions easy and enjoyable.

The city boasts a range of sites, events and activities to satisfy any visitor’s interests. The Petronas Twin Towers form the iconic centerpiece for the city’s City Centre complex, housing shopping, convention facilities, 5-star accommodations and the immaculately landscaped KLCC Park. The KL Tower, set in the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve in the heart of the metropolis, provides another stunning platform from which to view the city. Meanwhile, heritage sites include the King’s residence, the KL Railway Station, mosques, temples and traditional commercial buildings from the colonial era.

Art and history buffs can choose from an assortment of museums, galleries and crafts centers to visit; while traditional and contemporary dance, theatrical and musical performances are offered in venues throughout the city. For active entertainment, there are several theme and water parks in addition to a host of sites offering everything from equestrian and jogging trails to children’s playgrounds and wading pools. The KL Lake Gardens encompass butterfly and bird parks and an Orchid and Hibiscus Garden, while more encounters with wildlife may be enjoyed at the Aquaria KLCC and the National Zoo. And for those in search of a round of golf, one needn’t look far. More than 40 golf courses can be found in and around KL, many within exclusive clubs and resorts. Some even offer the unique and enjoyable experience of night golf.

Shopping experiences in KL abound, from up-market shopping at one of her many malls such as Lot 10, Berjaya Times Square and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur to the traditional shophouses and street vendors in Masjid India (“Little India”) or Petaling Street in Chinatown. Seek out traditional Malaysian products such as pewterware, textiles like batik and songket, woodcarvings, pottery and ceramics. And when all that bartering and buying leave you famished, you can be sure that Malaysia’s multicultural cuisine will satisfy any taste or appetite. Seek out Chinese, Indian, or Mamak (of Indian Muslim origin) cuisine; or indulge in traditional Malay dishes such as satay, rendang or nasi lemak. From streetside vendors to star-rated restaurants, your culinary curiosity can be accommodated.

While KL offers a wealth of treasures to enjoy, there is much to explore beyond the city. The Genting Highlands present a host of entertainment outlets, a casino and theme parks; while the more pastoral Cameron Highlands offer relaxation and temperate golf amidst tea plantations, orchards, gardens and farms. And, certainly, one cannot think of visiting Malaysia without sampling her white-sand beaches, warm waters and coral reefs.

Malaysia’s miles of coastline and countless islands provide endless options for passive sunbathing, leisurely snorkeling or scuba diving of every type and skill level. For example, Redang Island, off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, includes dive sites featuring hard and soft corals, abundant marine life and even WWII-era shipwrecks. The Perhentian Islands, located in this region, feature a host of dive resorts which cater to divers of any skill level. Visitors to the islands can also volunteer to aid in research projects on green and hawksbill turtles, which arrive to lay their eggs on the beaches here from April to September. Meanwhile, for those who seek the thrill of wall diving, several islands off the coast off Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, can fulfill that desire.

Aside from its magnificent shores, Borneo offers a landscape as diverse as its multiethnic people. World-class resorts and hotels host guests eager to explore the surrounding rainforests and jungle habitats which support a rich abundance of flora and fauna. Many, like the Borneo Highlands Resort and Exquisite Borneo Villas’ Kudat Riviera resort, are committed to sustainable tourism and environmentally friendly practices.

No doubt all of the elements which make Malaysia an exciting travel destination have contributed to its growing reputation as an excellent meetings, incentive, conferences and exhibitions locale. Also lending to the country’s cachet in this arena are its many state-of-the-art venues, led by the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, located in the stunning Petronas Twin Towers. Offering exhibition halls, a grand ballroom, a banquet hall, auditoriums and numerous meeting rooms and conference facilities, the Centre has received many industry awards and accolades. Nearly two dozen hotels with convention facilities within KL provide additional options for meetings and events of all sizes, while many other resorts throughout the country also offer events facilities. Following the lead of leisure travel in this warm and welcoming country, the future seems bright for business tourism in Malaysia.

For further information on Malaysia, please visit our websites at www.tourismmalaysiany.com and www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my or call 800 558 6787.