Selamat Datang… Welcome to Malaysia
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Endowed with a diversity of cultures, Malaysia offers a ‘truly Asian experience’. Discover a delightful fusion of three of Asia’s oldest civilizations – Malay, Chinese and Indian. A potpourri enriched with the indigenous traditions of the Kadazan, Dusuns, Ibans and other ethnic communities of Sabah and Sarawak.
Experience the country’s alluring wonders – colorful festivals, breathtaking skyscrapers, charming heritage buildings, enchanting islands and beaches as well as a million-year-old rainforest with fascinating flora and fauna. |
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Meet the warm and friendly people and enjoy world-class facilities. Marvel at the bewildering range of shopping delights and tempt your palate with mouth-watering delicacies. Bursting with color, pulsating with life, Malaysia awaits you.
Malaysia is also one of the leading destinations in the region for international meetings and exhibitions. Most of the major hotels and exhibition centres are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to cater for all types of meeting, incentives, conventions and exhibitions. In view of the country’s easy accessibility from most part of the world and modern transportation infrastructure, Malaysia has played host to numerous high-profile forums such as the inaugural Commonwealth Tourism Ministers’ Meeting and the 13th Non-Aligned Movement Summit.
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The country’s main gateway is Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) near the capital.
For more information about Malaysia, please visit http://www.tourism.gov.my/
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Kuala Lumpur - Rich Past, Visionary Future
Established in 1857 at the confluence of Klang and Gombak Rivers, Kuala Lumpur (KL) is one of Asia’s most dynamic cities. The city began as a mining settlement in the late 1800’s with the discovery of tin. Its impressive skyline includes the world’s tallest twin towers, the Moorish styled railway station and numerous mosques, temples and churches.
Rapid infrastructure growth over time has not diminished KL’s garden city image. Beautifully landscaped parks and an abundance of greenery have been retained to provide the city’s green lungs.
The other essential component of KL is the soul of its people who give the city its distinctive and truly Asian character. English is widely spoken and locals are typically obliging when approached by tourists looking for directions. Visitors will enjoy a wonderful time in KL and are advised to respect cultural norms and sensitivities.
Weather
Tropical climate with warm and humid weather all year round. Occasional showers & heavy rain in the afternoons & evenings.
Lows 70°F (21°C), Highs 90°F (32°C).
Languages
Bahasa Melayu is the national language but English is widely spoken. The ethnic groups also speak various languages and dialects including Cantonese, Hokkien, Mandarin, Tamil and Hindi.
Currency Exchange
1.00 USD is approximately 3.50 Malaysian Ringgit.
Hotels and major banks provide currency exchange services but you will get a better rate from a local moneychanger. The rate will also vary from one moneychanger to another.
International Charge and Credit Cards like Visa and MasterCard, as well as local Bank cards are widely accepted in Kuala Lumpur and throughout Malaysia. There are some who will accept American Express and Diners Club cards as well.
The RM comes in denominations of RM1, RM5, RM10, RM50 and RM100. Coins are denoted as sen. These include 1 sen, 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen and 50 sen.
Banks operate between 9:30am-4:00pm Monday-Fridays, and limited hours on Saturdays.
Time
Malaysia is eight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of US Pacific Standard Time.
Food & Beverage
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The local cuisine will tend to be more rice-based and spicy. Western & Japanese cuisines are readily available at most hotels. Global food & beverage chains such as McDonalds and Starbucks are also available. Vegetarian and kosher food is available or can be specially requested. |
Transportation
Buses are the cheapest mode of transport in & around the city. Bus routes are posted at most bus stands.
Taxicabs are easily available and run on metered fare, but this is sometimes ignored. Please agree on the appropriate fare prior to getting on.
Light-rail-transit trains also provide access to city limits & city suburbs.
Shopping
Most retail shops operate from 10:00am-10:00pm.
Shopping areas near the event venue:
- Suria, KLCC Shopping Centre (below Petronas Twin Towers)
- Your hotel concierge at the main entrance of Hotel Nikko can provide you with detailed directions.
Nightlife
Cafes & dance clubs in the city are centered on the Bintang Walk area & Jalan P. Ramlee. Please check with your hotel concierge or the Travel & Tour Agent at the main entrance of Hotel Nikko.
Etiquette
To avoid "cultural offences", here are some tips:
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