Malaysia is a federation that consists of thirteen states and three federal territories in Southeast Asia with a total landmass of 329,847 square kilometres (127,355 sq mi). The capital city is Kuala Lumpur, while Putrajaya is the seat of the federal government. The population stands at over 27 million. The country is separated into two regions — Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo — by the South China Sea. Malaysia borders Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines. The country is located near the equator and experiences a tropical climate. Malaysia's head of state is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the government is headed by a Prime Minister. The government is closely modeled after the Westminster parliamentary system.

[2009] Refreshing destination in MALAYSIA

• written by John Kuan

Since the turn of the millennium, an increasing number of back-packers, budget travelers, and party-goers have started to recognize Malaysia as a new and refreshing destination within the South East Asian psychedelic trail.

Whether you are looking to restock in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia‚ Äôs metropolitan capital or looking to travel towards the many beautiful islands and magnificent rainforests; Malaysia‚ Äôs rich culture and hospitable charm will welcome you to a true melting pot of Asian tradition and history.

Many travelers take the bus from Hatyai, Thailand into Penang Island, off the west coast of the peninsula before deciding to travel south towards Kuala Lumpur and Singapore or towards the eastern coast of Malaysia.

1970s hippie tourism left a subtle fingerprint that can still be found within small groups who have settled down with the local, rural cultures deep in places like the beachside surfing town of Cherating or ‘Little Bali’, a once popular stopover for hippies and backpackers and still a beautiful place to visit if you are looking to experience colorful east-coast Malaysian culture and cuisine.

If you want to explore ancient nature, Taman Negara is one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests, dating back over 130 million years, and is home to more than 300 species of mammals as well as home to aboriginal tribes that still thrive in this protected national heritage. You can also opt to travel to the jungles of Sarawak in Borneo, East Malaysia, which plays host to the Rainforest Music Festival, an annual international world music festival.

As local Malaysian travelers began to explore the psychedelic experience in neighboring Thailand, a small community of returning backpackers would soon begin injecting new psychedelic thought into an already thriving underground dance music scene which has seen it’s fair share of gigantic commercial raves and world-renowned super-clubs like Zouk KL and Movement.

Today

Today, psychedelic and goa trance are largely represented by The Epic Tribe, a rapidly growing Malaysian collective. Founded in early 2007, the collective has since received a fervent following of artists, musicians, promoters, and thought-leaders stretching across the South East Asian region.

Parties

The collective has since held several mountain parties as well as performing at several regional events in Singapore and in Koh Phangan. Two outdoor events are planned every year depending on monsoon forecasts and location. The Epic Tribe also holds monthly events at artist bar, Palate Palette, in Kuala Lumpur, featuring a regular lineup of local and international acts.

Organisations

Since it’s founding, the tribe has already brought down artists such as Samadhi (Disco Alley Records), Alien Mental (Insomnia / Echo-Vortex Records), DJ 3hm (Osirion Records), Sanuk and Cacofonix (Namaha Records), Morning Star (Purple Hexagon Records), Nstomp (Om Project Singapore), Fantapsy (Shaman Film / Triplag Records).

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