20 facts you didn’t know about Malaysia

1. The largest undivided leaf in the world, from the plant Alocasia macrorrhiza, was found in Sabah, measuring over 3 meters in width.

(Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/adaduitokla/8724667379)

2. Malaysia features one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests, estimated to be over 130 million years old, predating even the Amazon rainforest.

(Source: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/paid-content-rainforest-adventures-sabah-malaysia)

 

3. The town of Taiping in Perak is home to the first-ever public garden in Malaysia, established in 1880, known as the Taiping Lake Gardens.

 

(Source: https://iflaapr.org/news/taiping-lake-gardens-resilience-over-histories)

 

4. Malaysia has its very own “Atlantis”: a submerged town in Hulu Perak that drowned in the 1980s to create the Temenggor Lake, and is sometimes visible during the dry season.

(Source: https://www.tourismperakmalaysia.com/our-destinations/districts/hulu-perak/)

 

5. The Penang War Museum is located on Batu Maung Hill, in what used to be a British military fortress built in the 1930s and later used by the Japanese during WWII.

(Source: https://www.theislanddrum.com/penang-war-museum/)

 

6. The country is a leading exporter of rare earth metals, crucial in manufacturing a wide range of high-technology products.

 

7. Kuala Lumpur’s Thean Hou Temple is one of the largest Chinese temples in Southeast Asia, featuring a blend of modern architectural techniques and traditional designs.

 

8. The “Blue Tears” phenomenon, a natural occurrence where bioluminescent algae light up the shores, can be witnessed on several Malaysian islands, including the Matsu Islands.

(Source: https://hype.my/2021/226411/7-locations-in-malaysia-where-you-can-find-blue-tears/)

 

9. Ipoh, the capital city of Perak, is known as the Hipster Capital of Malaysia due to its booming contemporary cafe culture and street art scene.

(Source: https://thegeestravel.com/ipoh-street-art-mural-lane-malaysia/)

 

10. Malaysia’s national instrument, the Sapek, originally from the Orang Ulu tribe of Sarawak, is a traditional lute that’s prominently featured in East Malaysian music.

(Source: https://www.facebook.com/SHAPE.SapeForYou)

 

11. The Langkawi Sky Bridge, suspended at 660 meters above sea level, offers a thrilling walkway above the treetops with panoramic views of the surrounding islands.

(Source: https://www.thrillophilia.com/attractions/sky-bridge)

 

12. Borneo’s Camphor trees, found in Malaysia, were once so valuable that they were used as a form of currency in trade with China.

 

13. The Sun Bear, the world’s smallest bear species, can only be found in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia.

(Source: https://malaysianwildlife.org/malayan-sun-bear-helarctos-malayanus/)

 

14. In 1997, Malaysia introduced the world’s first commercial QR code system for document management, paving the way for the technology’s widespread use today.

 

15. The “Firefly Sanctuaries” of Kuala Selangor, where thousands of fireflies synchronize their light emissions in a dazzling display, are among the best-preserved habitats for these insects globally.

(Source: https://www.viator.com/en-GB/tours/Kuala-Lumpur/Kuala-Selangor-Fireflies-Tour/d335-103600P193)

 

16. The Crystal Mosque in Terengganu is made of steel, glass, and crystal, and is illuminated at night to create a stunning visual effect reflecting off the water.

(Source: https://www.wonderfulmalaysia.com/attractions/crystal-mosque-kuala-terengganu.htm)

 

17. Malaysia hosts the “Pesta Kaamatan” or Harvest Festival, celebrated by the Kadazan-Dusun tribe in Sabah with traditional sports, buffalo races, and cultural performances.

(Source: https://loanstreet.com.my/ms/pusat-pembelajaran/pesta-kaamatan-hari-gawai)

 

18. The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah is one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the world, dedicated to the rehabilitation of orphaned orangutans.

(Source: https://www.orangutan-appeal.org.uk/about-us/sepilok-orangutan-rehabilitation-centre?ref=bijoor.me)

 

19. “Pulau Sipadan” is often ranked among the top diving destinations globally for its rich marine biodiversity, including a turtle tomb, an underwater limestone cave with a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that contain many skeletal remains of turtles.

(Source: https://sabahtravelguide.com/eng/our-destination/sipadan-island/)

 

20. The Federal Territory Mosque in Kuala Lumpur can accommodate up to 17,000 worshippers at one time, inspired by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, showcasing the blend of Ottoman and Malay architectural designs.

(Source: https://www.malaysia.travel/explore/federal-territory-mosque)

 

Fascinated by the rich tapestry of history, culture and natural wonders in Malaysia? This is just a glimpse of what this Southeast Asian gem has to offer! From rainforests teeming with life to vibrant festivals and architectural marvels, Malaysia promises an unforgettable travel experience.

 

Visit www.myrehat.com to discover more hidden wonders and start planning your Malaysian adventure today!