Malaysia Nature and Wildlife
Malaysia is home to approximately 210 mammals, 250 reptiles, 150 frog species, 150 snake species as well as at least 80 lizards. Mammals in Malaysia include elephants, rhinoceros (although extremely rare), tigers, leopards, honey bears, forest cattle, gibbons and monkeys as well as orang-utans. Birds include pheasants, sacred hornbills, kingfishers, sunbirds and woodpeckers to name a few. Cobras, vipers and pythons are some of the snakes found in Malaysia, but out of 150 snake species, only 16 are venomous.
In terms of marine life, much of Malaysian waters are part of biodiversity hotspots. The waters around Sipadan Island are considered some of the most diverse in the world. There are around 600 beautiful coral species and around 1200 different kinds of fish. Whale sharks, hammerheads and reef sharks are common as are manta rays. Five species of sea turtles and twenty types of sea snakes call the waters of Malaysia home.
Approximately two-thirds of Malaysia is covered in the forest believed to be around 130 million years old. There are around 14,500 species of flowering plants and trees with 8,000 found on the peninsula alone. It is said that there are approximately 240 different species of trees per hectare. The world’s tallest tropical tree - the tualang - is found in Malaysia as well as the world’s largest flower - the rafflesia which measures up to 1m across.
In order to protect this vast wildlife, 28 National Parks and Conservation Areas have been established in East Malaysia with a further 17 in Peninsular Malaysia. The Department of Wildlife and National Parks carries out monitoring programs that allow the department to plan for the management of threatened and commercial wildlife species. They have established many programs highlighting the conservation and preservation of species like the Sumatran Rhinoceros, the Tapiri, tigers, elephants and orang-utans. The government also aims to educate the public about human and wildlife conflicts that are quite common in Malaysia. An example of such conflicts is when an elephant leaves the forest to feed on crops, plantations and orchards, resulting in very upset farmers. Therefore the government is working on ways to manage wildlife while also preserving the agriculture present in Malaysia.
Malaysia Travel Information
At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to Malaysia.
Learn about the history and culture of Malaysia, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Malaysia's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Malaysia for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Malaysia tours today!
Extend Your Trip
After your Malaysia tour, consider taking the time to visit other destinations. Goway offers exciting China vacation packages, India tours and Thailand vacation packages plus a comprehensive selection of vacation packages in many other Asian countries.
Book your Malaysia tour with Goway!
ASIA by Goway is an exclusive division that specializes in planning and organizing Malaysia tours, vacations and experiences. Choose from a simple city stopover, a romantic island stay, a stay of distinction, an independent travel module, and much more. We want to be your first choice when next you go globetrotting to Malaysia.
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