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 can be seen today in the large number
of Dutch, Portuguese and British designed buildings found
throughout the country. Happily, many of these are public
buildings, for example the National Art Gallery, St Mary's
Cathedral and Central Market, so can be easily accessed by
architecture buffs.
There is also the modern Malaysian architecture found in KL and
other cities, the most impressive 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.