The natural surroundings are beautiful and diverse, with plenty of unspoilt countryside and rainforest, pristine beaches and tropical islands, and cool hill stations and mountain retreats. Wildlife and nature is in abundance, and orang-utans, monkeys and even elephants can be viewed in the wild in parts of the country. There are good communications and transport links throughout the country, and numerous world-class hotels and resorts. For those wishing to venture further afield, Malaysia is ideally situated for exploring the region, and there are direct non-stop flights to every other Asian capital. Overland, Singapore and Thailand are easily reached by road.

Malaysian cuisine is world-renowned for its variety and excellence. Malay, Chinese and Indian food is available everywhere, and food from all over the world can be found in restaurants and hotels in the main urban centres. Some of the best food can be bought very cheaply at roadside stalls and small restaurants and cafes, and hygiene is generally good.

There has been a proliferation of shopping malls throughout the country, especially in Kuala Lumpur, and a very wide range of local and imported goods is available. Many imported items such as cosmetics, cameras and electronic equipment carry no import duty so they are very reasonably priced.