In 1999 the brilliant Sepang International Circuit near Kuala Lumpur, designed by respected racetrack architect Hermann Tilke, hosted its first Grand Prix, with the 500cc race won by Kenny Roberts, Jr on a Suzuki. Since then Sepang has been a consistent fixture on the calendar and the circuit has also been extensively used for MotoGP™ preseason testing over the years.

The Southeast Asian country of Malaysia comprises 13 states and three federal territories stretching across a 330,800km2 landmass in two regions - Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo) - which are separated by the South China Sea.

Peninsular Malaysia borders Thailand, East Malaysia borders Brunei and Indonesia. In this culturally diverse and exotic part of the world, the country is also a maritime neighbour of Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam.

The country is a former British colony and has existed in its present form since 1963, with the population including Malays, Chinese, Indians and further indigenous groups. Malaysia’s rich cultural history means it boasts a wonderful range of cuisines, traditions, architecture and local festivals.

Kuala Lumpur is one of the key cultural, commercial and financial centers of this area of the world. It has a population of around 1.5 million people (7.2 million in the wider metropolitan area), and aspirations to rival Singapore in terms of regional importance.

Widely referred to as simply 'KL', this is an enchanting city to discover as you soak up the intriguingly diverse Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures, and since the former influence of the British Empire on this striking capital. Make time to visit Little India and Chinatown, the old colonial center around Merdeka Square and the area nicknamed the Golden Triangle in the heart of the downtown district.

In the countryside surrounding KL, there is easy access for a rainforest experience amongst the elevated treetop walkway of the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia, whilst a beautiful Hindu shrine can be found at Batu Caves.

An easy two-hour drive south from KL takes you to Melaka, where the origins of Malay culture can be retraced. On the west coast you will find the interesting city of Georgetown - the original British settlement in Malaysia on Penang Island.

Over the South China Sea are the East Malaysian states on the island of Borneo. More great beaches, old colonial settlements, the Iban, Kayan and Kenyah longhouses, the Gunung Mulu National Park and the Kelabit Highlands offer additional tropical adventures.