Malaysia – The Untold Tale
Despite the fact that Malaysia is characterized by a rich tapestry of cultures, intertwining histories and un-spoilt natural wonders, there are a great many fascinating facts about the country that, for whatever reason, tend to only emerge intermittently in public discourse.Finding itself among one of the most happening tourist places in Asia, Malaysia has a wonderful array of curiosities to offer the world, including some mind bending facts.
1. Malaysia has 40,934 miles (65,877 km) of highway. This is more than Earth’s circumference of 24,901 miles (40,075 km).
2. The biggest roundabout in the world is located at Putrajaya in Malaysia. It is 2.2 miles (3.5 km) in diameter. The roundabout is located near the Prime Minister’s office and houses three major landmarks: the Istana Melawati: a royal retreat; the Petra Perdana Landmark: a commemorative landmark and time capsule; and the Putrajaya Shangri-La Hotel.
3. The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were the world’s tallest buildings from 1998 till 2004 then a skyscraper boom took place and taller buildings were built in UAE, China, Saudi Arabia, USA, Taiwan and Hong Kong. They are still regarded as the world’s tallest “twin” buildings. The two buildings are joined by a sky bridge at levels 41 and 41, which are 558 feet (170 m) off the ground.
4. The Time in Peninsular Malaysia has been changed a total of 7 times and East Malaysia a total of 6 times, with January 1, 1982 being the latest adjustment made for both Peninsular and East Malaysia. Also, on December 31, 1981 Malaysia declared that people living in West Malaysia would move their clocks ahead by 30 mins to match East Malaysia; the switch was made on January 1, 1982.
5. The largest insect egg in Malaysia comes from the 6-inch (15-cm) Malaysian Stick Insect (Heteopteryx dilitata), which lays eggs that measure 0.5 inch (1.3 cm), making them larger than a peanut.
6. The capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is the top capital city for lightning and ranks fifth in the world with a “lightning flash density” of 48.3, as well as ranking third worldwide for number of thunder storm days per year at 180-260 days.
7. The biggest cockroach infestation is in Gomantong Cave in Sabah has the highest density of cockroaches in the world. The amazing Cave houses roughly a million bats. The cockroaches thrive in the dark and damp environment and feed off bat dropping.
8. The suspended bridge at Mount Kinabalu, is said to be one of if not the highest suspended bridge in the world. The bridge is at 3600 meters above sea level, Via Ferrata on Mount Kinabalu.
9. Something for those pet lovers out there, in fact Malaysia actually has two pet cemeteries, Pet Memorial Services and Pets in Peace Malaysia. For the love of the furry ones in our families, you can give them a proper burial service.
10. Malaysia produces the best quality (lightweight, low sulphur) and the most expensive crude oil in the world. It is called ‘Malaysian Tapis Blend 44°’.