A country split by the South China Sea and home to an array of cultures, a diverse geography and a futuristic capital city, Malaysia is a unique place of color and multiculturalism, in both its surroundings and its citizens.
Choose to study in Malaysia and you’ll discover that the country’s natural beauty extends way beyond its ancient rainforests, national parks and glorious beaches. In the cities too, there’s plenty to keep all the senses occupied, from colorful and varied markets to the mosques, Buddhist temples and Hindu shrines that are often found side-by-side, and the profusion of annual festivals celebrating both traditional and modern aspects of Malaysian culture. One of the world’s most politically stable countries, Malaysia may be second to Singapore in terms of regional economic clout, but it also offers a much more organic lifestyle than its city-state rival. Although this means the country lacks some of the organization and clear-cut infrastructure of Singapore, it also means that citizens tend to be a little more laidback and perhaps more sociable.
One half of the country, situated on the southern tip of the peninsula below Thailand, is known as Peninsular Malaysia. This is where all of the highest ranked universities in Malaysia can be found, along with the most diverse and vibrant urban areas. The other half, Malaysian Borneo, shares an island with Indonesia and remains the quieter of the two halves, offering solitude, authenticity and jungle life.
Student cities in Malaysia
Although a key attraction of studying in Malaysia is the relatively low cost of fees and living expenses – certainly when compared to countries like the UK and US – Malaysia is much more than just a budget option for international students.
Home to one of Asia’s most exciting cities, Malaysia offers beautiful landscapes and traditional Malay culture juxtaposed with breathtaking modern architecture. Combined with the influences of indigenous groups and the external cultures of India, China and Britain, the region boasts one of the world’s most culturally diverse societies.
For those who want to make their study-abroad experience a real adventure, there’s plenty of scope to explore a diverse variety of landscapes – from orangutan sanctuaries and rainforest to beautiful beaches and islands.
While Malaysia is a very tolerant and open society, it can be rather conservative in regards to dress code. You should be aware of local norms and in order to respect these, you’ll need to stay fairly well covered when out and about, especially outside of the capital.
Kuala Lumpur
A buzzing metropolis boasting the tallest skyscrapers in Southeast Asia, Kuala Lumpur is home to many of the top universities in Malaysia, including Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, the International Islamic University Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi MARA.
The city is a jumble of styles, with the grand 19th century buildings of Merdeka Square, holding the remnants of the British Empire’s cultural influence, now in the shadows of the contemporary high-rise architecture soaring above the city center. The Golden Triangle is Kuala Lumpur’s most famous shopping and entertainment district, boasting malls, museums, high-rise towers and five-star hotels.
Penang
On the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang is home to another of the leading universities in Malaysia, the Universiti Sains Malaysia.
As the East India Company’s first settlement on the Malay Peninsula, Penang, a formerly unpopulated, 28 square-kilometer ‘nut island’, became an important trade port. Although Penang’s power waned along with the collapse of the British Empire, its trading legacy lives on with a diverse population of entrepreneurial settlers of all origins, most notably from China. Today Penang trades in technology, having become Malaysia’s answer to ‘Silicon Valley’. The bustling capital of Georgetown, brim full of both ancient and modern trades, is where most of the thrills are, but the area also offers beachside resorts such as Batu Ferringhi and quiet fishing villages such as Teluk Bahang.
Johor Bahru
Just north of the city state of Singapore, connected via a 1038-meter-long causeway, Johor Bahru, once a shabby border town, is morphing into a hub of global education thanks to the EduCity development plan, all set to join the top local university, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
With the attention and investment the area is receiving, Johor Bahru has very recently become a lively and popular place to explore, to shop and to hang out. The weekends see Singaporeans flock to the area, though few travelling foreigners have yet to see the appeal of the cheaper and more authentic attractions and options in Johor. Change will continue for the next few years with the region set to see a steady influx of international university faculty and students, which will further promote a young and vibrant atmosphere of diversity and promise.
Malaysian Borneo
The western part of the country, attached to the island of Indonesia, comprises more than 50% of Malaysia’s area. Although not home to any ranked institutions, Malaysian Borneo offers diverse scenery perfect for adventurous, outdoorsy students.
Malaysian Borneo is divided into the states of Sarawak and Sabah, with the small enclave of Brunei in between. Both areas are covered by dense jungle, with many large rivers running through them, particularly in Sarawak. Sabah is also home to Malaysia’s highest mountain, Mt Kinabalu, standing at 4,101 meters.