Malaysia - Geography and Climate

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Malaysia's geography and climate are quite similar to those of neighboring Indonesia and Thailand, being countries located near the equator.

GEOGRAPHY

The country is located between latitudes 2 degrees and 7 degrees, i.e. within 150 kilometers (95 miles) north of the Equator.

The state of Pahang, with its capital, Kuantan, is in Peninsular or West Malaysia which is separated from the states of Sabah and Sarawak on the Borneo Island by the South China Sea.

To the north of Peninsular Malaysia is Thailand while its next door southern neighbor is Singapore. Further south and west across the Straits of Malacca are the islands of Indonesia, notably Sumatra.

Sabah and Sarawak are bordered by Indonesia (Kalimantan) while Sarawak also shares a border with the oil-rich nation of Brunei Darussalam.

If you wish to know the time in Malaysia now, and the sunrise and sunset times, visit this website. Here you can also check the time-zones of countries and cities world-wide, and other useful travel information.

CLIMATE

Annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to 2,500 mm. The north-east monsoon season in Peninsular Malaysia starts around November until end January, and affects mostly the eastern states (Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang).

The south-west monsoon season (although not as intense being protected by the island of Sumatra) affects the western states of Peninsular Malaysia. The south-west monsoon starts around May until August, with an inter-monsoon season of intermitten rainfalls.

Visitors from cooler and temperate climates might find the weather rather uncomfortable or sticky. But don’t worry, some tips below to help you along.

TIPS TO KEEP AND FEEL FRESH

* Try to avoid the heat of the day and make sure you drink lots of water to avoid dehydration. Mineral water in a plastic bottle costs less than RM1.00. So carry one to quench your thirst – not that there are no stalls or shops around.

* And the under-rated umbrella – that centuries’ old invention – is still useful (and certainly in fashion!) when you travel under the hot sun and unpredictable rain. Carry one around - it can also double up as a self defence weapon.

There are foldable umbrellas now, and they are more durable and lighter, compared to the heavy made-in-China wooden-handled paper umbrellas my father used to carry in the old days!

* Or you can just wear a hat, a cap, straw-hat or something shady over your head to cover from the sun (and rain).

* Also try to wear loose-fitting shirts and clothes made from natural fibers like cotton, rather than synthetics. Sweat is absorbed and evaporates faster, and the body feels cooler and less sticky.

* But, perhaps the easiest solution to feel comfortable is to take a bath - at least two times a day (morning and evening). This is a simple way to feel fresh and comfortable since water is plentiful in the country.

The Malays take their bath at least twice a day (morning and late evening) and they have been doing this since time immemorial. On really hot days they sometimes take an afternoon bath – usually before their afternoon prayers.

Anyway, climate and weather changes are the planet’s character, and cannot be changed or dictated by mankind.

We should just accept as they are and make the best use of them, like, we use them to start a conversation (like Englishmen do) or crack jokes about them.

As they say, one man’s poison is another’s cake? Or is it, one man’s hell is another man’s paradise? Ah, whatever.

Hey, then, while you're in the country or the delightful state of Pahang, go out and PLAY IN THE RAIN AND SOAK IN THE SUN!! That's what Malaysians like to do. Be merry, the weather's there for your enjoyment!

Never doubt God’s clever gifts to the world.

Well, take care and ENJOY.

And if you do not know where to lodge for the night, visit this web-page on Pahang Hotels and Resorts Directory for the list and contact numbers of lodgings and accommodations in the main towns of Pahang.

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