Thre is no conclusive definition of Malaysia... except to say that there is no one, two, or three Malaysia's, but a heady, exotic mixture that runs the gamut from sheer siphistication to a miraculous naturalness that will always appeal to all manner of travellers, be they explorer, pleasure-seeker or businessman.

It is a country of contradictions - juxtaposing swank restaurant and picturesque hawker stall; of the glittering high-rollers resort perched in a lush ancient rainforest; of a modern, gleaming metropolis and soothing walks along a balmy coastline. These contrasts are part and parcel of the experience of Malaysia, indeed of its charm and appeal.

For the firt-time visitor, however, the modernity may seem overpowering and all there is. Yet, Malaysia has retained its character, traditions and history. This is no sterile modern country, but also filled with so much to do and see for the visitor - or even the Malaysian - at a loose end. A short stroll off the main street of any city or town will reveal unique slices of local life. The main thing is not to try and absorb it all at once, but to let the country and its secrets unravel as you go along. And one of the most effective ways to discover the country is through the leisure activities it offers - modern facilities in a priceless natural setting.

Some of the key questions we will try to answer is what to do, where to go and how to use your precious leisure time effectively, whether it is relaxing by a tranquil beach or looking for excitement on a 4-wheel drive adventure. This is the first comprehensive guide on leisure in Malaysia, and is testimony to the daring and endurance of the country's entrepreneurs in the leisure industry.

This Malaysia Guide section is divided into four sections: Places of Sepcial Interest; One-Stop Leisure; Shopping and Useful Information. While we would like to feature each section at length, it would be impossible to do so here. Thus, we have only focused on a few handful to give the reader a directory of other facilities. It is hoped that you will find something to interest you close by, regardless of which part of the country you are in.

A wealth of history has wrought a state of cultural diversity. Since prehistoric times, this land mass we call Malaysia today has been at different times, trading post, refuge, empire, colony and occupied territory. Nowehere is this more apparent than its people.

The influx, through the ages, of immigrants and traders from China, India, Arabia and the surrounding nations of the Malays Archipelago, and of conquerors from the great sea-faring nations of the West of their time - Portugal, the Netherlands and England - in search of resources and riches, have left an incredible imprint on the country.

Some stayed, Chinese and Indian immigrants chiefly, to form part of the triumvirate that constitutes the majority of Malaysia's multi-ethnic, multi-religious population today. Others left, but remianed in spirit, as we are sometimes reminded by a merry Portugese jig, a dusky red church in the centre of an historic town, and cricket matches on a brilliant green hawn.

Intermarriage has produced a fusion of cultures, of which the Nyonya and Baba are thought to be among the most colourful and exotic. Indigenous comminities are to be found throughout the length and breadth of the country - Dayak, Iban, Kadazan, Bajau, Melanau. A small, but significant, Portugese and Dutch community survives in Melaka. Intermarriage among the Malays, Chinese and Indians is quite common. In short, Malaysia is an amalgam, a melting pot of people and culture, of style and influence, that permeates all aspects of life.

The diversity of the country is maintained in both its old buildings and the elegance of its ultra modern buildings. At the same time, some of these modern erections represent strides in the creation of environmentally-friendly buildings suited to the tropical climate.

The profusion of religions and cultures translate into an enormous variety of ritual celebrations and paraes throughout any given year. Malaysian enjoy an astounding umber of public holidays, both national and state. Each festival brings different food, such as ketupat and rendang for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, yee sang for Chinese New Year, and sweet cakes for Deepavali. Another interesting feature of the main festivals is the Open House, where the home (or venue) is thrown open to family and friends. Visitors are more than welcome to join in and experience the culture up close.

The largest Muslim festival is Hari Raya Adilfitri, following Ramadan, the holy Muslim month of fasting. Other important points in the Islamic calendar which are observed in the country include Hari Raya Aidiladha, which is celebrated by Muslims who have fulfilled their pilgrimage to Mecca, and Prophet Muhammad's birthday. Numerous Quran recitals are held throughout the year across the country.

The Chinese community kicks off its celebrations in exuberant and loud fashion with the Lunar New Year, which is characterised by lion dances, mandarin oranges symbolising wealth and ang pows, money in red packets liberally distributed to children and unmarried family members. During the rest of the year, Chinese Malaysians observe a huge variety of festivals dedicated to an assorement of deties, gods and goddesses, including the birthdays of the Monkey God and Kuan Yin, the goddess of mercy. There is also the Hungry Ghosts festival and the popular mid-autumn mooncake festival, during which children play with lanterns in the shapes of animals and sample mooncakes.

The Indian community has its moment with Deepavali, the Festival of Lights which celebrates Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura. Hindus oil lamps outside their homes to invite the blessings of Lakshami, the goddess of wealth. Then there is the spectacular Thaipusam festival during which thousands of Hindu devotees honour Lord Subramaniam with offerings of milk and carry the kavadi, huge cages of spikes that pierce the skin of the carrier and are adorned with peacock feathers, images of deities and flowers.

Christmas and Easter are widely celebrated. In addition to these traditional Christian holidays are the feast days, including the Feast of St. Anne and Feast of Santa Cruz. The Portugese community in Melaka also celebrates Festa de San Pedro, which is traditionally dedicated to all sea-faring fishermen.

Indigenous comminities have their won colourful celebrations, including Gawai Dayak in Sarawak to mark the conclusion of the rice season, and Papar Tamu Besar in Sabah, which is an annual market festival. Along the coast, sea carnivals and boat races are held at different times of the year, among them the Dragon Boat Festival in Penang and Puja Pantai in Terrengganu.

National Day celebrations on August 31 are also known as Hari Merdeka and the official national celebrations and parades are held in different states each year, marking Malaysia's independence from colonial rule.

No journey, travel nor visit is complete without a sampling of the local cuisine, and indeed no one element makes or breaks a new adventure as does food. Malaysians are adventurous eaters; there is little that is too foreign to sample, and much to embrace. It is not an exaggeration to say that eating is an enjoyable national pastime.

With an all-encompassing passion for eating, Malaysians were quick to embrace the advent of international cuisine. Any visitor craving his native Japanese, Thai, Korean, Italian, French, German or Mexican fare will be able to find these restaurants without much trouble. Fast-food outlets - Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut and McDonald's are in abundance.

For those spectacular economic progress and political might, there are many who would rate Malaysian unity and harmony as its greatest accomplishment. In few nations is such a cohesion found amongst such a variety of people. It is a testament to the success of a precient shift in the early 1970s to a new national ideology aimed at eradicating poverty and restructuring society.

The result of the New Economic Policy is a harmonious "Bangsa Malaysia" or "Malaysian Race". Together with an economic shift, moving from reliance on primary resource products to manufacturing and foreign investment, the nation has evolved into a unique social and cultural community.

Malaysia has much to offer both the visitor and the resident. Apart from the rich culture, there is much to entertain and amuse everyone, regardless of age. Leisure - or the use of leisure time - has become the most defining symbol of an evolving race.