Malaysia
Penang Island and Georgetown
Langkawi
Portugal captured Malacca in 1511. The Dutch took it in 1641, and Britain eventually gained control in the 19th century. British influence expanded throughout the Malay Peninsula, particularly as rubber, palm oil and tin became major industries. Japan invaded Malaya in December 1941 and occupied the peninsula and Singapore until 1945. The harsh Japanese occupation strengthened Malaysian nationalism and weakened the perception that Britain was an invincible colonial power.
The Federation of Malaya became independent from Britain on August 31, 1957.
Modern Malaysia was formed on September 16, 1963, when Malaya joined with Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore. Singapore left the federation just two years later, in 1965, becoming an independent country.
Malaysia is divided geographically into two very different parts.
Peninsular Malaysia lies between Thailand and Singapore. This is where Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Penang and most of the country's population are located.
East Malaysia occupies the northern part of the island of Borneo and consists of Sabah and Sarawak. It borders Indonesia and Brunei and contains enormous areas of tropical rainforests.
Malaysia has a population of 34.4 million, and its capital is Kuala Lumpur.
Glenna and I have been to Malaysia several times over the last thirty years. However, we only have pictures from our last three visits.