Top 10 Most Interesting Facts About Malaysia

The Southeast Asian country of Malaysia is known for its scenic landscapes, bustling cities, diverse cultures, and abundant wildlife. Thus, Malaysia is a top tourist destination in Southeast Asia. Like every country in the world, Malaysia has unique wonders that make it special. Here are some of the most interesting facts associated with this beautiful tropical country.

10. Malaysia Is One Of The World's 17 Megadiverse Countries -

Megadiverse countries are those that host an incredible diversity of species and high numbers of endemics. To qualify for this tag, a country must have at least 5,000 species of endemic plants and also have marine ecosystems.17 countries in the world were designated as "megadiverse" in 1998. Malaysia was included among them. The country hosts 20% of the world's animal species. Over 620 bird species, 250 reptilian species, 361 species of mammals, 150 species of frogs, and others are found in Malaysia. The waters around some of the Malaysian islands like the Sipadan island are the most biodiverse in the world.

9. The Southernmost Point Of Mainland Eurasia Is In Malaysia -

A cape named Tanjung Piai in Malaysia's Johor state is the southernmost point of mainland Eurasia. The skyline of Singapore can be seen from this extreme point. Tanjung Piai is a popular tourist destination with seafood restaurants on wooden jetties, stretches of virgin mangrove forests, and a rugged and beautiful coastline. The mangroves of the site host 22 mangrove trees and numerous resident and migratory bird species. It is also a Ramsar site.

8. Singapore Was Part Of Malaysia For Around Two Years -

The Colony of Singapore that existed from 1946 until 1963 was a British Crown colony. On September 16, 1963, Singapore was united with Malaya, North Borneo, and Sarawak to form the independent country of Malaysia. However, political and economic disputes forced Singapore to separate from the union on August 9, 1965, to become the Republic of Singapore.

7. Malaysia Is One Of The World's Most Popular Medical Tourism Destinations -

Medical tourism is a new trend whereby people from the developed nations with expensive healthcare facilities visit countries like Malaysia where the medical aid is available at much cheaper rates and get their treatments done in such countries. In this way, they save a lot of money. The number of foreign patients has steadily grown in Malaysia from 641,000 in 2011 to 921,000 in 2016.

6. Malaysia Has The Longest Bridge In Southeast Asia -

The Penang Second Bridge, officially named the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, is Southeast Asia's longest bridge. It is 24 km long with 16.9 km located above water. The bridge serves as a link between Bandar Cassia in mainland Peninsular Malaysia and Batu Maung on Penang Island. The bridge was officially opened on March 1, 2014.

5. Malaysia Has The Tallest Twin Buildings In The World -

The Petronas Towers of Malaysia are twin skyscrapers located in the capital city of the country, Kuala Lumpur. They were the world's tallest buildings from 1998 to 2004 when they were surpassed by Taipei 101. However, the Petronas Towers continue to hold the title of the tallest twin towers in the world. The total height of these buildings from the ground to the tip is 451.9 m.

4. An Elected Monarch Is Malaysia's Head-of-State -

Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy. It is one of the few countries to have an elected monarch who is called the Yang di-Pertuan Agong or the Supreme Head. The position was created in 1957 when the Federation of Malaya became free of foreign rule. The King of Malaysia is granted extensive powers within the constitution but must take actions based on the advice of the Cabinet who are selected by the monarch from the elected members of the Parliament.

3. Malaysia's Sipadan Island Has Some Of The World's Most Biodiverse Waters -

Malaysia's only oceanic island, Sipadan, is surrounded by waters that are extremely rich in marine flora and fauna. This island is located off the east coast of Sabah in the Celebes Sea. Living corals growing atop an extinct volcanic cone form this island. Over 400 species of fish and hundreds of coral species are found in and around Sipadan. It is regarded as one of the world's top diving destinations. Threatened species of sea turtles mate and nest here. Enormous schools of barracuda and other fish can be seen in the coastal waters of the island. Whale sharks, eagle rays, manta rays, and other notable marine animals can be seen near the island in large numbers. A turtle tomb exists in the underwater limestone cave underneath the island. Here, skeletal remains of numerous turtles that get lost in the labyrinth of chambers and tunnels of the cave and drown can be found. Visits to Sipadan Island are limited by special permits.

2. The Gunung Mulu National Park Of Malaysia Is Host To An Array Of Wonders -

Malaysia's Gunung Mulu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Miri Division of the Sarawak State. The park is known for its caves and limestone features in the surreal settings of a tropical rainforest. It hosts one of the world's biggest underground chambers, the Sarawak Chamber (volume of 12,000,000 cubic meters). The world's largest cave passage, the Deer Cave (120 to 150 m in diameter), is also located here. Southeast Asia's longest cave system, the Clearwater Cave (227.2 km), is also present in this national park.

1. Malaysia's Capital City Is A Global Wonder -

New7Wonders Cities (2011-2014) operated by the New7Wonders Foundation selected seven cities across the world based on internet polls as those that best represent the aspirations and achievements of the global urban population. Over 1200 nominees were submitted and only 7 selected by online voting by people all over the world. The winners were announced in 2014 with Kuala Lumpur being one of the selected seven.