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Geography
Malaysia is situated right in the heart of South East Asia and is
divided into two geographical sections: Peninsular Malaysia and
the East Malaysian provinces of Sabah and Sarawak in North Borneo.
The two parts are separated 650km (403 miles) apart by the South
China Sea. Peninsular Malaysia's neighbors are Thailand and Singapore.
Sabah and Sarawak border Kalimantan (the Indonesian part of Borneo)
and Sarawak surrounds the tiny enclave of Brunei. The Andaman Sea
is on the West Coast of the peninsula. The East Coast of the peninsula,
Sabah and Sarawak all adjoin the South China Sea.
Peninsular Malaysia accounts for 40% of the country's landmass.
There are several mountain ranges running north- south along the
backbone of the peninsula. A wide, fertile plain trails the West
Coast, while a narrow coastal plain runs along the east. Sabah and
Sarawak are covered by dense jungles and have large river networks.
These rivers are still the main means of transportation to the natives
of these two states. Over 60% of the country is still rainforest,
and there are 8000 species of flowering plants (in Peninsular Malaysia
alone) which includes 2000 tree species, 800 different orchids and
200 types of palm, not forgetting a myriad of wildlife animals.
There are also an abundance and variety of bird populations in the
world that can be found in East Malaysia.
Climate
Malaysia is hot and humid all year round. Temperatures are usually
between 20-30°C (68-86°F); humidity is usually 90%. The East Coast
of Peninsular Malaysia has a real rainy season although the country
gets monsoon climate. The wettest season on the West Coast of the
peninsula is between September and December; on the East Coast and
in Sabah and Sarawak, it's between October and February. Rain often
comes in short, strong bursts and generally hides the sun temporarily.
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