| Moving overseas is both an exciting opportunity but | | | | Malaysian souvenirs, arts and handicrafts. |
| also one full of caution. The change that your family will | | | | - Taman Negara is about 3 hour drive from KL and is |
| experience can be difficult, particularly for children who | | | | one of the world's oldest rain forests. There are many |
| are leaving their familiar surroundings. When considering | | | | trails for hiking and seeing many plants and animals. |
| a corporate relocation that involves children, you might | | | | You can also go white water rafting and fishing. |
| also consider removalists that have a broad range of | | | | - Cameron Highlands is where many things are grown |
| services, particularly those that have a well prepared | | | | in Malaysia. This includes vegetables, tea, roses and |
| children's program. This just might overcome some of | | | | strawberries. It is a great place for a weekend trip |
| the natural concerns they may feel. | | | | because it also has parks, waterfalls and shopping. |
| Moving to Malaysia is no exception. Your children will | | | | - Fraser's Hill is another good weekend retreat. Here |
| have many questions such as where is Malaysia, what | | | | you will find jungle walks, waterfalls, horse riding trails |
| will I be able to eat there, do they speak English, will the | | | | and even a roller skating rink. |
| weather hot or cold, will I make friends? Here is a | | | | What am I going to do? |
| quick reference to help you along the way: | | | | The most popular sports are football (soccer), |
| Malaysia - Where is it? | | | | badminton and cricket. Many of the country clubs have |
| Malaysia is in South East Asia and has two parts - | | | | sports facilities. |
| Peninsula Malaysia and East Malaysia. About 22 million | | | | KL junior athletics is for children between 4 and 14 |
| people live in Malaysia, most are Malay, but about | | | | years old while there is a children's cross country |
| one-third are Chinese, Indian and other ethnic | | | | running event called the Hash that usually takes place |
| backgrounds. The capital is Kuala Lumpur or KL. | | | | through rubber plantations. |
| What's the weather like? | | | | Kids Sports offer two activity centres, one in KL, the |
| Malaysia has a tropical climate. This means that it is | | | | other in a suburb called Bangsar. They offer great |
| hot and humid most of the time. However, to cool | | | | entertainment including gymnastics, aerobics, dance, |
| things off it also rains for part of the day, often in the | | | | computer games and many other fun activities. |
| afternoon. November to January are especially rainy | | | | Malaysia has many festivals and holidays because |
| months. Malaysia has two seasons - the rainy season | | | | they have diverse cultures. |
| and the dry season. | | | | - Hari Raya Puasa is enjoyed by Muslims after a |
| Excuse me, what did you say? | | | | month of fasting during Ramadan. It begins by praying |
| The two official languages of Malaysia are Bahasa | | | | in brightly decorated mosques and then families and |
| Melayu and English. With other nationalities living there, | | | | friends visit to celebrate, enjoy each other's company |
| Mandarin, Cantonese and Tamil are also spoken. | | | | and eat lots of great food. |
| Bahasa is based on the Malay language and often the | | | | - Chinese New Year is the most important festival in |
| words are spoken exactly how they look. Many | | | | the Chinese community. Marking the first day of the |
| children learn Bahasa and speak with their Malay | | | | Chinese calendar it begins with a reunion dinner of |
| friends. Your family might also have an amah or live-in | | | | family members. Ang Pow gifts of money in red |
| maid and that will help learn new words and phrases. | | | | packets are offered to children by the elders. Lion and |
| How will I get around? | | | | dragon dances and clanging cymbals are also a big |
| Many of the local people travel in their own cars. You | | | | part of the celebrations. |
| can take a taxi or a bus if you wish. The taxis are | | | | - Deepavali, celebrated by the Hindus symbolising the |
| cheap and air-conditioned - great for the hot and humid | | | | triumph of goodness over evil is also known as the |
| weather. | | | | Festival of Lights. Special clay lamps filled with oil and |
| Making new friends | | | | wicks light up Hindu homes and a visit to the temples is |
| As you get to know kids from other countries you | | | | customary on Deepavali morning. Of course special |
| might try new foods and new games. You will also | | | | Indian foods are always served. |
| learn about their customs and is respectful to honour | | | | What's there to eat? |
| those customs. For example, when you visit your new | | | | You will enjoy many new foods in Malaysia and the |
| Malaysian friends, remember to take your shoes off at | | | | great thing is that it you can any type of food. |
| the door. You should not touch another person's head | | | | Roti Canai is a pancake served with plain curry sauce |
| or hug and kiss in public. | | | | or can be wrapped in meat or vegetables. Satay is a |
| Places to visit | | | | small kebab of chicken, beef or mutton and served |
| You will never be bored and here are some of the | | | | with a rich peanut sauce. Of course, you will find some |
| attractions to be enjoyed: | | | | of your home country food available in Malaysia. Other |
| - Sunway Lagoon is a theme park with a water slide | | | | dishes are chicken curry, rendang, rice with coconut |
| and great fun to splash around | | | | milk and many exotic but tasty fruits. |
| - The Mines Wonderland gives you a break from the | | | | Don't' worry you can still have some of your favourites |
| heat and has an ice-skating rink and a snow-making | | | | like McDonald's, Domino's, Pizza Hut and Kentucky |
| machine | | | | Fried Chicken. |
| - Golden Village Cinemas show overseas films and | | | | Just remember that Muslims and Indians eat with their |
| serve hot popcorn and chocolate dipped ice cream | | | | right hand and Muslims do not eat pork. |
| - Batu Caves are very large caves outside KL that | | | | You are going to a country with many things to see |
| contain Hindu temples. There are lots of steps going all | | | | and do. You will make many new friends, eat new |
| the way up to the temple and lots of monkeys to see. | | | | foods, see new things, learn about new customs and |
| - Central Market is the place to buy all sorts of | | | | perhaps learn a new language. |