Situated in the heart of Southeast Asia at one of the world's major crossroads, Malaysia has always been pivotal to trade routes from Europe, the Orient, India and China. Its warm tropical climate and abundant natural blessings made it a congenial destination for immigrants as early as 5,000 years ago when the ancestors of the Orang Asli, the indigenous peoples of Peninsular Malaysia, settle here, probably the pioneers of a general movement from China and Tibet. They were followed by the Malays, who brought with them skills in farming and the use of metals. Around the first century BC, strong trading links were established with China and India, and these had a major impact on the culture, language and social customs of the country. Evidence of a Hindu-Buddhist period in the history of Malaysia can today be found in the temple sites of the Bujang Valley and Merbok Estuary in Kedah in the north west of Peninsular Malaysia, near the Thai border. The spread of Islam, introduced by Arab and Indian traders, brought the Hindu-Buddhist era to an end by the 13th century. With the conversion of the Malay-Hindu rulers of the Melaka Sultanate (the Malay kingdom which ruled both side of the Straits of Malaka for over a hundred years),, Islam was established as the religion of the Malays, and had profound effect on Malay society.

Welcome to Malaysia, a tropical paradise endowed with breathtaking natural beauty, exotic cultures and friendly people. Made up of Peninsular Malaysia and the two states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo, it's a destination that offers so much to see, do and experience. Malaysia is easily accessible from the major cities in the region and the rest of the world. The new state-of-the-art KL International Airport (KLIA) at Sepang serves over 40 international airlines and several domestic airlines, while Port Klang, situated about 41 km from Kuala Lumpur, the country's capital, is the main port of call for cruise liners. Malaysia is also accessible by road and rail from Thailand in the north and Singapore in the south. As a visitor to Malaysia, you will have the opportunity to experience and appreciate its rich historic and cultural heritage, exotic culinary delights, shopping splendours, nature-based adventures, and fun-filled activities. The warm and hospitable nature of its people will make your stay in Malaysia both pleasant and enjoyable.

Malaysia is home to many ethnic groups, each co-existing in harmony and helping to enrich the country's cultural lifestyle. Its collective blend of food, traditions, clothing and customs ensure there is much for the visitor to experience here. Local cuisines can range from hot and spicy Indian and exotic Mediterranean to Western and popular Chinese dishes.