ABOUT MALAYSIA

Malaysia is home to centuries of rich cultural history, spanning multiple nationalities and religions, making it one of Asia's premier travel destinations. In the countrysides and rainforests, ancient traditions and wildlife are preserved, while urban Malaysia showcases shopping, culture and cuisine to travelers in thoroughly modern settings, and its world-famous beaches and resorts offer perfect holiday getaways.

The Malaysian Peninsula was home to many Chinese and Indian trading outposts for centuries before Islam was brought to the country by Arabian merchants in the 11th century. The adoption of Islam gave Malaysia a national identity, and the Islamic world joined India and China as Malaysia's foremost cultural and economic partners. After centuries of colonial rule under the Portuguese, Dutch and English, the peninsula's states gained independence in 1957. Subsequent states joining the federation in 1963 and formed the country of Malaysia as it exists today.

Today, Malaysia combines the best of East Asian economic development with centuries of rich cultural history, spanning multiple nationalities and religions. In the countrysides and rainforests, ancient traditions and wildlife are preserved, while urban Malaysia showcases culture and cuisine to newcomers in thoroughly modern settings.

Visit our Experiences pages to learn more about specific regions of the country, as well as everything Malaysia has to offer visitors.