If you travelled by air, chances are you would have arrived at Kuala Lu pur's International Airport (KLIA).  Bly land, popular entry routes into Malaysia are via Johor Baharu from Singapore or Bukit Kayu Hitam from Thailand.  Salty nautical types or those sailing in on cruise ships would most probably disembark at Port Klang, Selangor ar at Langkawi Island.

Whether you are on holiday or in transit before heading off for your next destination, di take the time to explore the wealth of attractions and the cultural richness of Malaysia.  Here is a quick guide to help make your visit more enjoyable.

Geography And Climate

Malysia covers 329,758 square kilometres and is divided into two: Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo.  Peninsular Malaysia is the southernmost tip of the Asian landmass, on the west it is flanked by Selat Melaka (Straits of Malacca) and on the east, by the South China Sea.  Sabah and Sarawak in Borneo are covered in dense jungle and some of Malaysia's best preserved natural attractions can be found there.

Apart from the hill stations and highland retreats, Malaysia is usually hot and humid.  Temperatures range from 21 to 33 degrees Celcius and humidity levels average 80% throughout the year.  Between the months of March and April and from October to November, expect heavy rainfall.

What To Wear

It is best to wear something light, especially if you are planning on doing a lot of walking.  Light cotton gear is best.  Sandals and flip-flops are good.  If you are thinking of taking a trek through Malaysia's beautiful nature reserves, a pair of sturdy hiking shoes would help.  On the beach, anything goes, though topless sunbathing is not advisable.  Word of advice on visiting a mosque or other places of worship; it is best to cover up the knees as a sign of respect.

Money

Ringgit (RM) is availablle in RM100, RM50, RM10, RM5 and RM1 denominations.  Sometimes you might be a RM2 note.  Don't worry, issuance of the RM2 note has been discontinued but it's still legal tender.  Coin (known as sen) come in 50 sen, 20 sen, 10 sen, 5 sen and 1 sen denominations.

You can change your currency to Ringgit Malaysia at the numerous banks, licensed foreign exchange outlets and moneychangers.  Do shop around for rates though.  Some of the larger deparrtment stores and hotel accept major foreign currencies; however it is advisable to change to Ringgit Malaysia beforehand as you would get substantially better rates.  Major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard, American Express etc) are also accepted throughout the country.  Travellers cheques can be cashed at most bank and foreign exchange outlets (please remember to present your pasport when doing so).

Shopping

If you are looking for souvenirs to bring home, get ready a big bag.  Shopping is close to a national past time in Malaysia.  Stupendous sales come about before major religious festivals and goods go for a song!  From air-conditioned shopping malls, featuring the latest brands to the street and night markets, there is something for everyone.  Prices in shopping malls are normally fixed, but if you visit a street or night market, do remember to bargain.

Transportation

The west coast of Peninsular Malaysia is serviced by North-South Highway.  Upon entering the highway, you will be issued a ticket.  The cost of the journey will be calculated from point-of-entry to point-of exit.  The North-South  Highway (known locally as PLUS) starts near the southern city of Johor Baharu and ends at Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah on the Thai Border.  The highway is serviced by rest stops; most of the major ones have petrol stations.  Roads leading to the coast are mainly two-lane affairs.  A new tolled highway linking Kuala Lumpur and Kuantan is also now in service.

Interstate and intercity express busses run at regular intertvals throughout the day and night.  In Kuala Lumpur, the main express bus station for the west coast is located at Puduraya.  Busses to the east coast run from Hentian Putra near PWTC.  The biggest express bus operator is Ekspress Transnasional.

Long-distance taxi services also operate in cities and towns out of taxi stands.  You can get a taxi to basically anywhere just as long as you are willing to pay.  You must be willing to share your taxi though.  The way the system works is that most taxis would ply their trade between specific points.  Taxi drivers wait for a full complement of four passangers before moving.  You can also charter the whole taxi but this would mean paying four times the single-person fare.

A rail system is also in place connecting major towns on the west coast of the peninsular.  Keretapi Tanah Melayu provides rail services from Singapore, through the major cities of the west coast and onwards into Thailand.  At Gemas in Johor, the line branches and runs to Wakaf Bharu, Kelantan.

Travelling by air between cities and town in Malaysia is relatively easy.  Travellers have a choice between Malaysia Airlines, a full service carrier and Air Asia, a budget airline.

Within Kuala Lumpur, visitors are spoilt for choice.  Taxi are abundant and bus services reach almost every part of the city and its outlying suburbs.  Within the city centre itself, light rail transit systems will take you to most points in the city.  KL Sentral, the city's sophisticated transport hub, is the meeting point for Kuala Lumpur's and the country'ss rail-based transportations system.

Accommodation

Accommodation wise you are spoilt for choice.  From uber-luxurious 5 star plus resort and hotels to basic budget hostels and dorms, it all depends on how much you are willing to pay.  Expect to pay around RM250 and above per night for a 4 star hotel room inclusive of breakfast.

Budget accommodation prices starts from RM15 per night for something basic.

Food And Drink

Ready yourself for a culinary adventure.  Malaysia's three main cultures, namely the Malays, Chinese and Indians have interacted with each other for centuries.  This has lead to a true fusion style cuisine.  For a taste of the real Malaysia, steel your stomach and try the hawker stalls.  Char Koey Teow (fried broad rice noodles), nasi goreng (fried rice) and roti canai (unleavened pancake) all await you.  Start the day with nasi lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk) or bite into roti canai, then wash it all down with a glass of the teh tarik (aerated milk tea, watch them do this, its something unique to Malaysia).