Malaysia is an assault on the senses-a cultural fusion of colours, flavours and dialects combined with sticky tropical heat. lt boasts superb beaches, mountains and national parks, plus a heady mix of people-Malay, Chinese, lndian, and the diverse indigenous tribes of Sabah and Sarawak in Borneo. Historical influences loom large in the stately colonial architecture of Georgetown (Penang) and Mallaka, and the prosperous nation’s love of progress is proclaimed in its gleaming, futuristic buildings
Malaysia is well on the way to achieving its goal of becoming a fully industrialized nation by 2020; nine state sultans still reign, and they take five-year turns at being yang di-pertuan agong (chief sultan of Malaysia)
Moving from the cities to the more rural, and thus Malay, parts of the country, the laid-back ethos becomes stronger and lslamic culture comes more to the fore, particularly on the east coast of the peninsula. ln Malaysian Borneo you’ll be fascinated by the communal lifestyle of the tribes who still live in jungle longhouses-here, hospitality is a key ingredient of the social framework