The traditional Malay house, found
throughout Malaysia, is constructed on stilts and without nails,
which allows for easy modification to increase air circulation and
protect from monsoonal rains. These dwellings can also be quite
simply deconstructed and relocated if required. Another
traditional, but very different, Malaysian dwelling is the
longhouse used by the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak. Any
visit to these regions should include a visit to, if not an
overnight stay in, these impressive structures.
Malaysia's colonial past is evident in the large number of
Dutch, Portuguese and British designed buildings dotted around the
country. Many of these are public buildings, such as the National
Art Gallery, St Mary's Cathedral and Central Market, so can be
easily accessed by architecture buffs.
Then there is modern architecture found in KL and other cities,
the crowning glory of which is the instantly recognisable twin
Petronas Towers. Also significant are the many modern mosques, in
particular the stunning National Mosque in KL with its 18-pointed
roof, 73-metre high minaret and room for 15,000 worshippers.