| Indonesia | | | | Sipiso-piso Waterfall, Taman Hutan Raya Bung |
| | | | Hatta, and more. |
| The name Indonesia has its roots in two Greek | | | | |
| words: "Indos" meaning Indian and | | | | Malaysia |
| "Nesos" which means islands. It is | | | | |
| an appropriate description of the archipelago | | | | The Malay Peninsula has thrived from its |
| as there are estimated to be a total of | | | | central position in the maritime trade routes |
| 17,508 islands, of which only about 6,000 are | | | | between China, India and the Middle East. It |
| inhabited, stretching for 5,150 km between | | | | is shown on early map with a label that |
| the Australian and Asian continental. The | | | | translates as "Golden Chersonese"; |
| main islands are Sumatra Kalimantan), | | | | the Straits of Malacca were referred to as |
| Sulawesi Irian Jaya), and last but not least | | | | "Sinus Sabaricus". The two distinct |
| Java. The nation's capital, Jakarta, has a | | | | parts of Malaysia, separated from each other |
| fascinating and significant history | | | | by the South China Sea, share a largely |
| | | | similar landscape in that both West and East |
| Climate-- Indonesia’s climate is | | | | Malaysia feature coastal plains rising to |
| definitely tropical. The main seasons are | | | | often densely forested hills and mountains. |
| summer, winter and monsoon; it is devoid of | | | | Putrajaya is the newly created administrative |
| autumn and spring. | | | | capital whereas the capital city isKuala |
| | | | Lumpur. Georgetown, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, |
| Culture-- Indonesia is rich in art and | | | | Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Alor Sar, Malacca |
| culture which are intertwined with religion | | | | Tow, and Klang are the major cities. |
| and age-old traditions. The basic principles | | | | |
| which guide life include the concepts of | | | | Climate-- It's hot and humid year-round in |
| mutual assistance or "gotong | | | | Malaysia . |
| royong". Religious influences on the | | | | |
| community are varied from island to island. | | | | Culture-- Malaysia is a multi-ethnic, |
| Indonesia is rich with culture with 250 - 300 | | | | multi-cultural and multilingual society, |
| ethnic groups live here. | | | | consisting of 52% Malays and other indigenous |
| | | | tribes. With Malays, Chinese and Indians |
| From graceful court and temple dances to | | | | living side by sideThe music, art, food, |
| charming folk dances and boisterous play, the | | | | dance, architecture and general day to day |
| performing arts of Indonesia offer an | | | | living are influenced by all three to some |
| astounding range of types and styles, shadow | | | | degree, creating some of Asia's most |
| puppeteer is famous. | | | | fascinating sounds, sights and tastes. |
| | | | Malaysian traditional music is heavily |
| Cuisine-- Fish features prominently in the | | | | influenced by Chinese and Islamic forms, it |
| diet as fresh, salted, dried, smoked or a | | | | is based largely around the gendang (drum), |
| paste. Coconut is found everywhere. The | | | | but includes other percussion instruments. |
| staple food traditionally ranges from rice | | | | The country has a strong tradition of dance |
| corn, sago, cassava to sweet potatoes. | | | | and dance dramas, some of Thai, Indian and |
| | | | Portuguese origin. Other artistic forms |
| Hot spots—Indonesia is a mix of | | | | include wayang kulit (shadow puppet theatre), |
| beaches, forests and cities- Amlapura, Bali | | | | silat (a stylised martial art). |
| Barat National Park, Irian Jaya, , Java, , | | | | |
| Jakarta, Baluran National Park, Karimunjawa | | | | Cuisine-- There is a great variety; spicy |
| Islands, Kalimantan (Borneo), Gili Islands, | | | | Malay Food, a seemingly endless variety of |
| Gunung Rinjani (Mount Rinjani), Kuta, , Pulau | | | | Chinese food, exotic cuisine from North and |
| Bunaken, Rantepao, Tanatoraja, , Sumatra, , | | | | South India, as well as Nyonya and Portuguese |
| Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (Great | | | | Food. |
| Bukit Barisan Forest Park), Harau Valley, | | | | |
| Jangga Village, Kerinci-Seblat National Park, | | | | Hot spots-- Malaysia's love of Western-style |
| Lingga Village, Medan, Mentawai Islands, | | | | is abundantly clear in its big cities, Kuala |
| Ngalau Indah Caves, Ngarai Sianok (Sianok | | | | Lumpur, Penang etc. Malaysia boasts some of |
| Canyon), Padang, Pandaan Beach, Pandi Sikat, | | | | the most superb beaches, mountains and |
| Parapat, Samosir Island, Siberut Island, | | | | national parks in Asia. |