Monday, December 23, 2024

Malaysia Diaries

Malaysia is a vibrant, multicultural country located in Southeast Asia. It is known for its rich history, diverse cultures, modern cities, and beautiful natural landscapes. Gained independence from British rule on August 31, 1957, forming the Federation of Malaya, and later expanded to include Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore in 1963. Singapore left in 1965 to become an independent nation.


National Flag of Malayasia - was first raised on 31st August, 1957 at 12:01 AM

Malaysia's Capital: Kuala Lumpur, with the administrative capital in Putrajaya. Malaysia is slightly larger than Norway or New Mexico (USA).It ranks 66th in the world by land area.



Malaysia consists of two main regions:

Peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia): Shares borders with Thailand in the north and is connected to Singapore via a causeway in the south. Includes 11 states and two federal territories (Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya).Features a central mountain range known as the Titiwangsa Range, surrounded by coastal plains.

East Malaysia (Borneo): Shares borders with Indonesia and Brunei and is separated from Peninsular Malaysia by the South China Sea. Located on the northern part of the island of Borneo. Comprises the states of Sabah and Sarawak and the federal territory of Labuan. Characterized by dense rainforests, mountain ranges (including Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak at 4,095 meters), and a rugged coastline.




So we have 13 states and three federal territories.


Light n fountain show

Ancient trade routes brought Hindu and Buddhist influences from India and China.Islam was introduced in the 13th century, becoming the dominant religion.Colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, Malaysia became a key trading hub. Islam is the official religion, but Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and traditional beliefs are also practiced.

The population is a mix of: Malays (the largest ethnic group), Chinese, Indians, Indigenous groups (e.g., Orang Asli, Iban, Kadazan)

Official language is  Malay (Bahasa Malaysia) English is widely spoken, along with Tamil, Mandarin, and other regional languages.

Main festivals  here are  Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid), Chinese New Year, Deepavali (Diwali), Gawai Festival (Sarawak), Kaamatan Festival (Sabah)

It's Infrastructure is a mix of traditional villages (kampongs) and ultramodern urban centers.



A view of The Petronas from 906ft @ KL Tower


Key Landmarks or tourist attractions here are: Petronas Twin Towers (Kuala Lumpur): Iconic skyscrapers and a symbol of modern Malaysia; Malacca: UNESCO World Heritage city with a rich colonial history.
George Town (Penang): Known for its colonial architecture and street food; Mount Kinabalu (Sabah): Popular for trekking. Rainforests: Home to diverse wildlife like orangutans and tigers. Beaches: Langkawi, Tioman Island, and the Perhentian Islands. National Parks: Taman Negara, Gunung Mulu.


@ the base of KL Tower


The KL Tower


Life by the river.... painted on the building.... there are many more buildings painted along the riverside


Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque.... oldest mosque in KL @ the confluence of River Klang & River Gombak


Sùltan Abdul Samad Building.... British Govt. Office in its early years


World's tallest Flag Rising Pole 100m...@ Independence Square, KL, Malaysia


 






Miniatures of some important monuments of the world.... there were so many that all couldn't be captured...





Miniatures of some important monuments of the world.... there were so many that all couldn't be captured...


Smallest Quran with Magnifying Glass


Ivory carved Paduka


Mughal neck piece


Mughal neck piece


A beautiful art work on the ceiling



An ancient marble game - Mancala


Malay Jewelleries




Ancient Musical Instruments of Malaysia


Muzium Negara - The National Museum of Malayasia






Malaysian cuisine is a flavorful fusion influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cooking styles.

Popular dishes are Nasi Lemak: Coconut rice served with sambal, anchovies, and eggs.; Rendang: Spicy meat dish.; Laksa: Spicy noodle soup.; Char Kway Teow: Stir-fried flat noodles.
Roti Canai: Indian-style flatbread.
Beverages:Teh Tarik: Sweet, frothy tea. White Coffee: Originating from Ipoh.



@ base of ''The Petronas''..... beauty indeed






@ base of ''The Petronas''..... beauty indeed


@ Museum Of Illusions, Bukit Bintang, KL











The Kek Lok Si Temple is a Buddhist temple within the city of George Town in the Malaysian state of Penang. Located at Ayer Itam, it is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia
























The Batu Caves, located in Gombak, Selangor, just north of Kuala Lumpur.
The statue of Lord Murugan is a towering 42.7 meters (140 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest statues of Lord Murugan in the world.
It is painted in vibrant gold and stands at the base of the Batu Caves, welcoming visitors.
The Batu Caves is a limestone hill with a series of caves and cave temples, serving as a major Hindu pilgrimage site.
The caves are especially popular during the annual Thaipusam festival, which attracts devotees and tourists from around the world.






Malaysia has beautiful beaches too. One of the famous is Langkawi, including the Pretty Pregnant Maiden Island. There are many water sports activity like snorkelling and swimming. 





Government and Politics System is Constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system.King: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, elected from the nine Malay rulers on a rotational basis. Prime Minister: Head of government.

Malaysia is Celebrated for its coexistence of diverse ethnic groups.. Home to unique species like the Malayan tiger, orangutan, and Rafflesia (world’s largest flower).

Rafflesia, known locally as Bua Phut (wild lotus), is orange/red in appearance. It has no roots or leaves of its own; instead it lives parasitically inside the roots of the liana. It takes nine months to grow from the size of a small button to a giant football (some reach 80cm in diameter). The Rafflesia only blooms for a few days a year, usually during January and February.

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