Smart Traveller

The Malaysian Grand Prix is the third Grand Prix of the 2010 Formula 1 World Championship season and is due to take place on the weekend of the 2nd to the 4th of April 2010 at the Sepang International Circuit in Sepang. If you’re planning to head off to Sepang to see the race, here is some information about Malaysia and some of the other things that you can see and do while you are there.

Malaysia Overview

The Federation of Malaysia is situated in South-East Asia and is comprised of two main areas: Peninsular Malaysia (or West Malaysia), which lies to the south of Thailand on the Malay Peninisula; and Malaysian Borneo (or East Malaysia), which is located on the island of Borneo and consists of two states, Sabah and Sarawak. The island of Labuan, which lies just off the coast of Borneo, is also part of Eastern Malaysia.

The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur, which is situated in the state of  Selangor, on Peninsular Malaysia’s west coast.

Getting to Malaysia

The easiest way to get to Malaysia is to fly to the country’s main airport, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which is situated about 50km from the centre of the capital. A number of airlines offer flights to Kuala Lumpur from the U.K. and other destinations.

Sepang International Circuit

Sepang International Circuit is situated in the district of Sepang, about 10 minutes’ drive from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. There are parking spaces at the circuit, but these are limited, so the best way to travel is by public transport.

The Sepang International Circuit, which was designed by Hermann Tilke, opened in 1999. The main track, which is used for the F1 Malaysian Grand Prix,  is 5.54km long and features 8 straights and 15 turns.

As well as being the venue for the F1 Malaysian Grand Prix, Sepang International Circuit plays host to a number of other motorsports events.

Malaysia Hotels

If you’re visiting Malaysia for the F1 Grand Prix, you’ll find plenty of hotels to choose from. One of the closest hotels to the Sepang International Circuit is the Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside Hotel, which is about 18km from the circuit. The Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside Hotel has 283 rooms, a fitness centre, a swimming pool, two restaurants, a deli and several bars.

There are also a number of hotels near to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The Pan Pacific Kuala Lumpur Airport Hotel, for example, has 441 rooms and suites, a 24-hour restaurant, a lobby lounge and a bar and grill. Other facilities at the hotel include an outdoor swimming pool, a tennis court, a gymnasium and a business centre.

Other airports close to Kuala Lumpur International Airport are the Concorde Inn KLIA Hotel and Tune Hotels KLIA-LCCT Airport.

Attractions in Malaysia

Malaysia is a beautiful country with many attractions, so if you’re travelling there to see the 2010 Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix, it’s worth extending your stay to that you can see more of what the country has to offer.

The capital, Kuala Lumpur, is packed with attractions and as it’s close to Sepang International Circuit, it’s the perfect place to base yourself. Kuala Lumpur is a real fusion of the traditional and the contemporary, and it’s highlights include everything from historic mosques, such as Masjid Jamek, to modern shopping centres. Landmarks in Kuala Lumpur include the stunning Petronas Twin Towers, the Thean Hou Temple and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

There are many museums and galleries within the city, including the National Museum, the National Art Gallery, the Islamic Arts Museum, the Asian Art Museum and the Performing Arts Costume Gallery. Other attractions worth visiting include the National Planetarium, the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, Aquaria KLCC (the city’s first aquarium) and the National Science Centre.

Essential Information

Malaysia’s official religion is Islam and although many parts of it, such as the city of Kuala Lumpur, are modern and multi-cultural, it’s still important to be careful to dress and behave appropriately in order to avoid offence.

Kuala Lumpur is 8 hours ahead of the U.K. and its currency is the Malaysian ringgit (MYR).

BBC Good Food Magazine and organic dairy brand Yeo Valley Organic, have organised a competition in which you could win a family holiday for four in Malyasia.

The prize includes return flights for four from the UK to Malaysia with AirAsia, seven nights’ luxury half-board accommodation at the Lake Kenyir Resort & Spa, a one day excursion to Lasir Waterfall, Herbal Island and The Sultan Mahmud Hydroelectric Power Plant, and a half-day tour of Kuala Terengganu. The winner will also receive a hamper of Yeo Valley organic dairy products.

You can enter the competition via the BBC Good Food Magazine website and entries must be received by 31 May 2009. The winner must take the holiday by 30 November 2009.