About Malaysia - Part 1

Surviving The Equatorial Rainforest of Malaysia - for the Ordinary People.

MALAYSIA - Part 1.

Firstly, Where is Malaysia?

Malaysia, is situated in the South East of Asia. It’s neighboring countries being Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, Philippines and Singapore share almost the same climate and the type of jungle, being the Rainforest.  The climate is Tropical Rainforest Climate, also known as the Equatorial Climate for areas found usually along the Equator. This climate is usually (but not always) found in South East Asia, Central Africa and South America.

Map of Malaysia By WorldAtlas.

Two Malaysia?

Malaysia is divided into two main areas, being the Peninsular and Insular Malaysia. The Peninsular consists of Perlis, Kedah, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (Federal Territory), Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, Johore, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan. Insular consists of Labuan (Federal Territory), Sabah and Sarawak, neighboring Brunei and Kalimantan of Indonesia. The jungles of Borneo are said to be equivalent if not, thicker than the Amazon.

Before we go on, it is best that you know what the Equatorial Rainforest of Malaysia is.

Get To Know the Equatorial Rainforest of Malaysia – A Brief Introduction!

The Equatorial Rainforest as the name implies, is a type of forest that is found in countries that is on the equator. Known to have “no dry season”, it is typically hot, humid and wet throughout the year.  This climate is usually found in South East Asia, Central Africa and South America. 

The Geography!

Both the peninsular and insular are centrally mountainous core with flat flanking coastline. Both are affected by a similar airstream, with high temperature, humidity, heavy rainfall and an almost unidentifiable pattern of the Northeast and Southwest Monsoons.

The Northeast Monsoon is usually November/Dec to March and the Southwest Monsoon is usually May/June to September or early October.

Malaysia's Western Coastline, taken of Penang Island.

How wet is Malaysia?

Both monsoon bring heavy rain, thunderstorms and rough seas. Rain is expected to be from 24 inches to about 100 inches. It rains all year long, with almost no dry and natural season. This results in frequent flooding in certain areas, with streams and rivers plentiful.

Hot and Cold! However, as I write this article, it has not been raining for a few weeks.

Temperature can range from the highlands 46 degrees Fahrenheit to lowlands104.2 degrees Fahrenheit. The Crocker Range in East Malaysia (Insular) and the Korbu Range in West Malaysia (Peninsular) are the two main ridges that makes the ridgeline of Malaysia. Temperatures on these ranges can be very low and hypothermia is possible.  

We have a few high altitude attractions such a Kota Tinggi, Bukit Tinggi, Kampung Janda Baik, Genting Highlands, Fraser’s Hill, Cameron Highlands, Puncak Titiwangsa, Gunung Jerai , Gunung Tahan, Gunung Kinabalu and more.