The Federation of Malaysia is made up of the Malacca peninsula and of the states Sarawak and Sabah, that are situated in the northern part of Borneo. The territory of Malaysia covers overall 342.000 square kilometres: it is like Italy and Switzerland together. Malaysia, mostly mountainous, is famous for its fabulous jungle, which spreads out for 500 kilometres, and is populated by a big variety of plants and animals; but it is also known for its beautiful valleys and hills that sometimes seem to appear out from nowhere, and particularly for its splendid islands and beaches of the oriental coasts. On the contrary, the northern Borneo is famous for its wild nature of tropical forest, its incontaminated beaches and islands, its moorland where also grow different carnivorous plants and for its natural parks. In this exclusive natural picture, the flora and fauna present real uncommon numbers. The jungle has a 130 million-year history - this is the oldest in the world - and shelters 145.000 kinds of plants. The forests are populated by bamboo, ebony, teak and sandal trees, and by over 200 types of palms! Here it is possible to find the Rafflesia Arnoldi, the biggest flower in the world which can reach even 1,5 m. of diameter. Likewise, unique is its fauna. In this country live more than 200 species of mammals, among which the huge asian elephants, the rhinoceros, the labiate bears, different cats (tigers, panthers, leopards), the bearded pigs, gibbons and macaques. Many deers and predatory birds are also found: from the hawk-eagle to the kite. The Borneo is also homeland of particular monkeys like those with the trunk and different orang-outan. On the beaches, moreover, cyclically land the giant turtles to lay eggs. After it has been for centuries a portuguese, dutch and english colony, Malaysia reached its independence in 1957. It is populated by 20 millions inhabitants, mostly concentrated in the peninsula of Malacca, and its population is made up of different ethnic groups: malay (54%), chinese (27%), indians (10%), and natives (9%). Islam, the official and most followed religion, lives together with the faiths of other religions: Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism and Catholicism. The architectural landscapes are characterized by the coexistence of different styles: the mosques, the hindu and buddhist temples, the chinese districts and the various houses with the colonial style often fitted among very modern villas and skyscrapers.

Kuala Lumpur

It is the young and beautiful capital (in spite of the name which means "muddy watersmeet") of Malaysia. As a matter of fact, when in 1857 it started to develop in the confluence of the two rivers Gombok and Klang, as village managed by the chinese, and village dedicated to the hunt of tin, the zone was a muddy place. Nowadays, nevertheless, with its million and half of inhabitants, it appears as a clean town, provided with parks that soften the presence of various and modern skyscrapers. The historical centre of the town presents interesting witnesses of its colonial past. It is worth to visit: the National Mosque which embodies contemporary designs, with traditional Islamic art, calligraphy and ornamentation. The main dome, in the shape of an 18-pointed star, represents the 13 states of Malaysia and their unification by the Five Pillars of Islam. The Jamek Mosque, situated at the confluence of the two rivers Klang and Gombak, with its wonderful inner gardens. This grand old mosque was designed by British architect Hubbock in 1909, it incorporates many features of moorish architecture. The KL Railway Station, built in 1910, the islamic influences in the design of graceful arches and minarets make this one of the most distinctive railway station in the world. The building underwent extensive renovations and refurbishment in 1986. This was the nerve centre of the malaysian railways that stretches from the north to the south of the country, and eastward to Kelantan before its recent relocation to KL Sentral. A few steps far away we find the Sri Maha Miriamman Temple. Built in 1873 it is one of the oldest and most decorated Hindu temples in the country. The intricately adorned portico deities, decorated with gold and precious stones, depicts stories from Hindu mythology. This is the starting point of the annual Thaipusam festival procession, when the traditional chariot or "ratham" followed by thousands of people begin a 7 to 8-hour walk to Batu Caves. Merdeka Square, on the turf of which, a marble plaque marks the spot when the Union Jack was lowered at midnight on August 30, 1957, and the Malaysian flag hoisted for the first time - marking the birth of a nation. The flagpole is the tallest in the world. The Royal Selangor Club, in elegant tudor style and St. Mary's Cathedral are but two famous landmarks that can be found nearby. The Sultan Abdul Samad Building, built in 1848 by British architects, Norman and Hubback, is an historical landmark famed for its Islamic-inspired architecture. Today, it houses the Courts of Law. The 40-metre high clock tower is a popular gathering point for the New Year and National Day celebrations, parades and revellers. It is also interesting to visit the National Art Museum, which shelters contemporary art masterpieces, and the Central Market, which was once the city's largest fresh produce market. Today, it functions as a popular tourist attraction for arts and crafts, restaurants and cultural performances, similar to London's famed Covent Garden or the Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. Another interesting place from where it is possible to enjoy the view of KL is Menara Tower, the tallest tower in Southeast Asia and currently the fourth tallest structure in the world which stands at an amazing 421 meters at the pinnacle of Bukit Nanas. The tower-head houses a revolving restaurant and an observation platform that gives a bird's-eye view of Kuala Lumpur. The Bukit Nanas Nature Park nearby is also worth a visit. The pride of the nation, the Petronas Twin Towers, are the world tallest free-standing towers. Standing at a dizzying height of 451,9 metres, the towers were designed by renowned architect Cesar Pelli, and sit amidst a 50-hectare landscaped park. The sky bridge that joins the two towers at the 41st floor is open to the public between 10 a.m. and 12.45 p.m. and 3 p.m. and 4.45 p.m. daily, except on Mondays. Tickets are available on a first-come-first-serve basis from the ticket counter, which opens from 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m A total of 1.280 tickets are issued daily, free-of-charge. A walk to the Lake Gardens, the most famous public gardens of the town, is also worth. The town boasts wonderful gardens dedicated to the orchids (3.000 species), to the hibiscus (2.200 varieties), to the butterflies (120 species) to the birds (100 species) and to the deers. Right in the Lake Gardens is located KL Bird Park, a must-see attraction that is just 10-minute drive from the city centre. Visitors can enjoy the colourful spectacle of birds flitting about freely, listen to melodic songs, and just relax in natural, beautifully landscaped surroundings. Stroll through the Walk-In Free Flight Aviary - the largest in the world and home of more than 3.000 birds comprising about 200 local and foreign species. Little far away it is also worth to visit the National Monument, designed by American artist, Felix Weldon and cast in Italy, it commemorates servicemen who sacrificed their lives during the struggle against the communist insurgency in the 1950s. Of course we cannot miss Chinatown and the Art-decò style buildings along Klang river, on Jalan Ampang street. To finish, only 12 kilometres far away from KL are located the Batu Caves that contain a hindu temple complex that comprises three grand caves: the Dark Cave, the Museum Cave and the Temple Cave. The Dark Cave contains brilliant rock formations, while the Museum Cave has pictures and statues that recreate scenes from indian mythology. The energetic can climb 272 steep steps to reach Temple Cave and see the Hindu shrine where devotees gather during the Hindu festival of Thaipusam. This world-renowned event is held annually in January or February.