Photo credit: travelweekly-asia.com

(By Tsem Rinpoche and Sharon Ong)

Right in the heart of Southeast Asia is Malaysia, a tropical paradise whose charms are not only limited to the many postcard perfect beaches, scenic kampungs*, historical sites, and diverse flora and fauna but also extend to the many multiethnic groups living in the country.

There is always something to see, experience or explore all year round in Malaysia. This is a haven for tourists, not just for its sunny weather but also for its many visitor attractions, both in and out of the city. With multiple races living harmoniously in Malaysia, this cultural melting pot also offers exciting gastronomic adventures catering to different dietary preferences, needs and budgets.

Malaysia is home to a unique blend of architectural styles that range from quaint pre-war Peranakan-style houses in the UNESCO World Heritage zones of Melaka and George Town, to the modern Islamic and Moorish architecture of Putrajaya. It is also not uncommon to see different places of worship along a single street due to the religious tolerance practised by Malaysians.

Click on image to enlarge.

So, what makes Malaysia special? Sure, the weather is beautiful, the food is amazing and the places of interest are fascinating. But what makes Malaysia truly special is her people and the Malaysian spirit of muhibbah**.

*’Kampung’ is the Malay word for ‘village’.
**The spirit of muhibbah is essentially the spirit of togetherness and friendship that exists between the many different races, cultures and faiths.

History

Ancient Malaya

Malaya began to take shape in the form of a group of states between the 2^nd and 3^rd centuries, with the northern state of Kedah being the most powerful. Considered an advanced civilisation at the time, Malaya’s trade partner India heavily influenced the Malayan landscape, most significantly in the aspects of Malayan law, the assimilation of many Tamil words into the Malay lingua franca as well as the spread of Hinduism and Buddhism in the region.

The iconic photo of Tuanku Abdul Rahman declaring Malaya’s independence at Merdeka Stadium on 31 August 1957

Srivijaya, a flourishing kingdom in Sumatra dominated much of Malaya between the 7^th and 8^th centuries. Srivijaya’s prosperity depended very much on the Indian and Chinese traders who came to Malaya to trade tea, spices and silk, as Malaya was geographically strategic due to its location between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. By gaining control of this main passage between the two trading giants, the Srivijaya empire became wealthy and very powerful.

However, in the 11^th century, the once powerful Srivijaya started to weaken due to a series of attacks by the Chola Empire based in South India. In the 13^th century, the weakened and fragmented Srivijaya empire caught the attention of the Javanese king, Kertanegara, who then successfully captured Srivijaya, thus ending the glory days of the Srivijaya empire in Malaya.

Malacca Sultanate

Between the 14^th and 15^th centuries, the Malay Archipelago saw power struggles between various empires such as the Singhasari, Java, Palembang and Majapahit. This resulted in Malay princes fleeing their war-torn homeland in Indonesia.

In 1400, a Hindu prince from Sumatra named Parameswara landed on the Malay Peninsula. While resting under a tree, the prince witnessed how a mere mousedeer defended itself and kicked his hunting dog into the river. Taking it as an auspicious omen, Parameswara decided to start his new kingdom there and named the place, Malacca or Melaka, after the tree he was resting under.

Due to Malacca’s strategic location, it soon became a major trading port in the region. During this time, traders from the Middle East also frequented the port of Malacca, bringing not only spices but also their faith, Islam. With the influx of Muslim traders, Buddhism and Hinduism which once dominated the region gave way to Islam. With Parameswara’s conversion to Islam, assuming the name Iskandar Shah, the Malay Sultanate was established.

A replica of Malacca’s Sultan Palace. Just like the original building, this was built without the use of any nails.

Under Malay Sultanate rule, Malacca became an international hub for trade, commerce and also the spread of Islam. Malacca reached the height of its prosperity in the mid-15^th century with strong trade and diplomatic ties with China. During the reign of Sultan Mansur Shah, his envoy to China impressed the Chinese Emperor Yong Le so much that the Emperor decreed that his princess, Hang Li Poh, should marry Sultan Mansur Shah. The princess together with her entourage of 500 ladies-in-waiting arrived in Malacca for the royal wedding. This eventually resulted in intermarriages between these ladies and the local men, giving birth to the sub-ethnic group, Peranakan Cina, also known as Baba and Nyonya.

The Fall of Malacca

Soon, this wealthy and powerful Malay empire caught the interest of European powers. In 1511, Portugal sent an expedition led by Alfonso d’Albuquerque to capture Malacca. The expedition was a success and Malacca fell to the Portuguese. The power struggle for this rich trading port continued and the Dutch captured Malacca in 1641. In 1824, the British conquered Malacca, Penang and Singapore, collectively known as the Straits Settlements.

British Colonization and Japanese Occupation

During British colonial rule, Malaya flourished with the introduction of proper government administration and systems, English medium schools, roads and railway. However during World War II, Japanese troops invaded Malaya and the Japanese Occupation gave rise to tremendous hardship. Many atrocities occurred between 1941 and 1945 which are remembered to this day, but the experience also gave rise to the spirit of nationalism. With the support of local nationalists, the British and Allied Forces recaptured Malaya.

Independence Day and Birth of Malaysia

Although the people of Malaya preferred British rule over the Japanese Occupation, their desire for independence grew. After a series of peaceful negotiations spearheaded by the late Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Malaya gained independence from British colonial rule on 31 August 1957. Tuanku Abdul Rahman later became Malaya’s first Prime Minister.

On 16 September 1963, the Federation of Malaya (comprised of 11 states and 2 British Straits Settlements – Penang and Malacca), Singapore, Sarawak and North Borneo (now known as Sabah) banded to form Malaysia. This is why Malaysia Day is celebrated annually on 16 September, as it is the actual “birthday” of Malaysia.

Approximately two years later, Singapore sought independence from Malaysia and became an independent island republic on 9 August 1965.

Monarchy

Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy and the head of state is the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. This office was established upon Malaya gaining independence from the British colony on 31 August 1957, and the first Malaysian monarch was Yamtuan Besar Abdul Rahman of Negeri Sembilan. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is elected by the Conference of Rulers, which comprises of all nine heads of state, and the election is usually based on the seniority of the Sultan or Head of State. The elected Yang di-Pertuan Agong occupies the position as Malaysia’s Head of State for a five-year term.

The Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong or Deputy Yang di-Pertuan Agong is elected by the same process but he does not automatically assume the position of Yang di-Pertuan Agong should a vacancy arise due to death, illness or the reigning monarch’s inability to perform his duties. In the event of a vacancy, the Timbalan Yang di-Pertuan Agong acts as Head of State until a new ruler is elected.

There are nine states ruled by monarchs — four are governed by Yang Dipertua Negeri or Governor, while the three Federal Territories are under the control of the Federal Government.

The 13 Malaysian States and Their Respective Head of State

• Perlis: Raja
• Kedah: Sultan
• Penang: Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Governor)
• Perak: Sultan
• Selangor: Sultan
• Negeri Sembilan: Yam Tuan Besar
• Melaka: Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Governor)
• Johor: Sultan
• Pahang: Sultan
• Terengganu: Sultan
• Kelantan: Sultan
• Sabah: Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Governor)
• Sarawak: Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Governor)

Click here for more details about the monarchy system in Malaysia.

Currency

Malaysia’s official currency is the Ringgit, abbreviated to RM or MYR. The Ringgit is divided into 100 sen (cents). The denominations for bank notes are RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50, RM100 and RM500, while coin denominations are 1 sen, 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen and 50 sen. These days, the 1 sen coin is not widely used anymore.

Major retail outlets and eateries accept credit cards, charge cards and debit cards. Mastercard, Visa and American Express are most commonly used.

Banks and ATMs are available for general banking needs such as cash withdrawals, foreign currency exchange, deposits, transfers, and so on. Foreign currency exchange services are also available at local moneychangers.

Here are some useful links to the top banks in Malaysia:

• Maybank: maybank.com
• CIMB: cimb.com
• Public Bank Berhad: pbebank.com
• RHB Bank: rhbgroup.com
• Hong Leong Bank: hlb.com.my

Geography

Click on image to enlarge

Covering 329,847 square kilometres with 328,657 square kilometres of land and 1,190 square kilometres of water, Malaysia is the 67^th largest nation in the world. Located on the continent of Asia, Malaysia’s nearest neighbours are Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam.

Malaysia consists of Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia, located on Borneo Island. There are 11 states and two Federal Territories in Peninsular Malaysia while East Malaysia is comprised of two states and one Federal Territory. Peninsula Malaysia is surrounded by the Straits of Melaka in the West and the South China Sea in the East. The Tebrau Straits separate Peninsula Malaysia from Singapore.

Perlis

Administrative capital: Kangar
Total area (km²): 821
Population (as of February 2015): 246,000

Perlis, Malaysia’s smallest state, has retained much of its old-world charm. The pace is generally slower here and it is the perfect place to experience rustic tranquil living amidst natural limestone hills and green paddy fields. Situated closest to Thailand in the north, heavy Thai influence can be seen in its cuisine and local Malay dialect. With Padang Besar and other border towns offering good bargains and with the duty-free shopping at Bukit Kayu Hitam at the Malaysia-Thai border, Perlis is a popular shopping destination for both locals and tourists.

Lush green paddy fields in Perlis

Kedah

Administrative capital: Alor Setar
Total area (km²): 9,500
Population (as of February 2015): 2,071,900

Hailed as the “Rice Bowl of Malaysia” and producing more than 50% of Malaysia’s rice supply, Kedah is famous not only for its lush paddy fields that stretch as far as the eye can see but also for its rich history that can be experienced at the 50 archeological sites around Bujang Valley. Another great reason to visit Kedah is mythical Langkawi, an island getaway with clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, amazing dive spots and duty-free shopping.

Golden paddy fields in Kedah ready for harvest

Penang

Administrative capital: George Town
Total area (km²): 1,048
Population (as of February 2015): 1,663,000

One of the top tourist destinations in Malaysia, Penang has tonnes to offer from its picturesque beaches to its seemingly endless array of amazing street food. Also known as ‘The Pearl of the Orient’, Penang has an eclectic mix of cultural, natural and historical places of interest. One of the best places to explore is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, with not-to-be-missed attractions such as Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (also known as The Blue Mansion), Peranakan Museum, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Khoo Kongsi and various Clan Jetties.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Georgetown is a must-visit

Perak

Administrative capital: Ipoh
Total area (km²): 21,035
Population (as of February 2015): 2,477,700

Surrounded by gorgeous natural limestone hills, Perak is famous not only for its juicy pomelos but also for its white coffee, coffeeshop-style dining and more recently, cafés in refurbished pre-war houses in Ipoh. Thus, it is no surprise that this former tin mining state is a favourite food haven for Malaysians and foreigners alike. Off the coast of Lumut is one of Malaysia’s top island getaways — Pangkor Island — with white sandy beaches, warm turquoise waters and world-class resorts.

The many natural limestone hills all over Perak make this state one of the most scenic in Malaysia

Selangor

Administrative capital: Shah Alam
Total area (km²): 8,104
Population (as of February 2015): 5,874,100

As Malaysia’s most developed state, Selangor offers a wide variety of interesting tourist attractions. For the spiritually inclined, Batu Caves with the world’s tallest Lord Murugan statue is one of the best places to visit. There are also many other stunning places of worship such as Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque), the Thai Buddhist Cetawan Temple, Dong Zen Temple and Sri Shakti Temple.

Batu Caves has the largest Murugan statue in the world

Nature lovers can make a trip to the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park, Templers Park or Bagan Lalang. Sekinchan, with its lush green paddy fields and rustic fishing villages, is a must-visit for photography enthusiasts.

Those travelling with children may wish to visit Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, the Chocolate Museum, iCity or Kidzania while shopaholics and bargain hunters may prefer trawling one of the many shopping malls offering everything from designer goods to bargain basement items. Popular shopping destinations include 1Utama Shopping Mall, The Curve, Sunway Pyramid, Paradigm Mall, Tropicana City Mall and the Starling.

Negeri Sembilan

Administrative capital: Seremban
Total area (km²): 6,686
Population (as of February 2015): 1,098,400

Named after the nine original districts of this state, Negeri Sembilan is unique for its practice of “Adat Pepatih”, a matrilineal system of inheritance and administration introduced by the Minangkabau people. Minangkabau influences can also be seen in the distinctive traditional roofs, resembling a pair of bull’s horns, that are inspired by the women’s traditional headgear. Port Dickson, a peaceful coastal town about 80 kilometres from Kuala Lumpur, is the nearest and most easily accessible beach for some sun, sea and fun.

Negeri Sembilan’s distinct Minangkabau architecture

Melaka

Administrative capital: Malacca City
Total area (km²): 1,664
Population (as of February 2015): 872,900

A mere 1.5-hour drive to the south of Malaysia’s capital city, the former sleepy hollow of Melaka now bustles with a great many things to eat, see, buy and photograph. From the vibrant and colourful Jonker Street to historical sites such as the Portuguese fort ‘A Famosa’, the Dutch-built Christ Church and the oldest temple in South East Asia Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Melaka has so much to offer that it would take more than a weekend to really explore this small but culturally rich state. Famous for its street food and Nyonya cuisine, Melaka is also a food haven for both local and foreign foodies.

Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, the oldest in South East Asia.

Johor

Administrative capital: Johor Bahru
Total area (km²): 19,210
Population (as of February 2015): 3,553,600

Located at the southernmost part of Peninsula Malaysia with Singapore just a causeway away, Johor is a hot weekend destination for Singaporeans as well as those who enjoy vacations at gorgeous beaches off the beaten track such as Desaru, Rawa Island, Sibu Island and Aur Island. Johor is also noted for the rich flora and fauna in its five national parks including Endau-Rompin National Park (the second largest in Malaysia after Taman Negara in Pahang), Tanjung Piai National Park and Pulau Kukup Johor National Park (one of the world’s largest uninhabited mangrove forests).

LEGOLAND Malaysia is another top tourist attraction in Johor, suitable for families with children, Lego fans and all who are young at heart.

Endau-Rompin National Park is perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers

Pahang

Administrative capital: Kuantan
Total area (km²): 36,137
Population (as of February 2015): 1,623,200

Pahang, the largest state in Peninsula Malaysia, is the ideal destination for nature lovers as it is the site of one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Taman Negara (National Park) is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna such as sun bears, long-tailed macaques, tapirs and the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia, measuring over 1 metre in diameter. Pahang also has some of the nicest beaches and island getaways in Malaysia, and is well-known for its turtle sanctuary at Cherating Beach.

With the Titiwangsa Mountain Range passing through Pahang state, cool highlands such as Frasers Hill, Bukit Tinggi, Genting Highlands and Cameron Highlands are a welcome escape from the usual hot and humid Malaysian weather.

The world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia, can be found in Taman Negara, Pahang

Terengganu

Administrative capital: Kuala Terengganu
Total area (km²): 13,035
Population (as of February 2015): 1,153,500

This quiet east coast state has one of the most spectacular mosques in the region, the Crystal Mosque or Masjid Kristal, made of steel, glass and crystal. Another popular attraction in Terengganu is Redang Island, famed for its sunny beaches, marine park and crystal clear waters that are ideal for snorkelling and diving. The island is also an essential sea turtle conservation site.

When visiting Terengganu, don’t miss out on trying the Keropok Lekor, a local snack made of flour and mashed fish, dipped in sweet chilli sauce.

Day or night, Terengganu’s Crystal Mosque is simply breathtaking

Kelantan

Administrative capital: Kota Bharu
Total area (km²): 15,099
Population (as of February 2015): 1,718,200

Situated in northeastern Peninsula Malaysia, Kelantan’s largely rural lifestyle and notable Thai influences (due to its proximity to the Malaysia-Thai border) make it an interesting place to visit. There are a fair number of stunning Siamese wats (temples) scattered all over this predominantly Islamic state. For instance, Wat Photovihan in Tumpat, Kelantan has the longest reclining Buddha in Southeast Asia. The closeness with Thailand is also reflected in the local cuisine through favourites such as the colourful and flavourful nasi dagang and nasi kerabu.

Kelantan is also well-known for traditional handicrafts such as batik, songket, silverware and wau bulan (traditional Malay kites). Traditional cultural performances such as Mak Yong, wayang kulit, menora and dikir barat are also still very much alive here. Visitors should definitely take the opportunity to witness these performances for themselves as many masters of these art forms are retiring and few of the younger generation are interested in preserving this cultural heritage.

When visiting Kelantan, Nasi Kerabu is not to be missed

Sabah

Administrative capital: Kota Kinabalu
Total area (km²): 73,631
Population (as of February 2015): 3,543,500

Located on Borneo Island and popularly known as The Land Below the Wind, this East Malaysian state is well-known for its world class dive sites at Sipadan and Mabul Islands, the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary in Sandakan, abundant marine and natural parks and also Malaysia’s highest mountain, Mount Kinabalu. It is truly a haven for thrill seekers and adventure buffs.

Visitors should immerse themselves in the local culture as Sabah is home to multiple indigenous tribes such as the Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau and Murut. A popular time to visit is in May, when the Pesta Kaamatan or Harvest Festival is celebrated by the Kadazan-Dusuns. Visitors can also enjoy the abundant fresh seafood available here all year round.

Sabah’s Sipadan Island is a world class dive site while neighbouring Mabul is the destination for muck diving enthusiasts

Sarawak

Administrative capital: Kuching
Total area (km²): 124,450
Population (as of February 2015): 2,636,000

Also known as the Land of the Hornbill, Malaysia’s largest state is well-known for its diverse flora and fauna in its many forest reserves, national parks, marine parks and natural caves such as Niah National Park, Bako National Park and Mulu Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sarawak is home to indigenous tribes such as the Iban, Bidayuh, Kelabit, Lun Bawang and many others. Much of their culture is still intact which allows visitors to experience it first hand. One of the best times to visit is during Sarawak’s Harvest Festival, Hari Gawai, held in June every year. Not only will visitors witness age-old traditional rituals but they will also have the opportunity to enjoy cultural dances, traditional poems and special Hari Gawai cuisine.

Feline lovers in particular should not miss visiting the world’s only cat museum in Kuching.

Mulu Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Quick Facts

• Largest state in Malaysia: Sarawak
• Largest state in Peninsula Malaysia: Pahang
• Smallest state in Malaysia: Perlis
• Longest river: Rajang River in Sarawak (563 kilometres)
• Highest mountain: Mount Kinabalu (4,095.2 metres above sea level)
• Longest mountain range: Titiwangsa Range (480 kilometres from north to south)
• Highest mountain range: Cocker Range, Sabah

Climate

Located near the equator, Malaysia is generally hot and humid all year round with regular showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures at sea level average between 21°C to 32°C while at higher altitudes like Genting Highlands and Cameron Highlands, temperatures range between 15°C to 25°C.

The rainy season on the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia is between April and October and is comparatively milder than the East Coast, which experiences a heavier rainy season (also called the Northeast Monsoon season) between the months of November to February, which may cause flooding in lowland areas.

Population

Proud to be Malaysian. (Photo credit: The Malaysian Times)

Before Malacca became a trade hub for Indian and Chinese traders, the Malayan population consisted mainly of Malays and indigenous people such as the Negrito, Senoi and Proto-Malay. When Malacca became an entrepot, more traders arrived and many Indians and Chinese opted to stay on in this rich country. This marked the beginning of Malaysia’s multiracial and multicultural population.

At the time of writing, Malaysia’s population is approximately 32 million, comprising of:

• Malay: 68.6%
• Chinese: 23.4%
• Indian: 7%
• Others: 1%

‘Others’ includes ethnic groups indigenous to East Malaysia. In Sabah, the major indigenous groups are the Kadazan-dusun (which itself has 40 sub-ethnic groups), Bajau and Murut. On the other hand, Sarawak has 40 sub-ethnic groups, each with its own distinctive lifestyle, culture and language. The largest indigenous groups are the Iban, Bidayuh, Orang Ulu and Melanau. The term ‘Dayak’ refers to the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu along with the minor indigenous groups.

Religion

There are four major religions in Malaysia – Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity. These faiths were introduced to the people of this land over the course of history, beginning with the introduction of Buddhism between the 2^nd and 3^rd centuries. During this time, Hinduism was also a major religion and its legacy can be seen today in the Bujang Valley archeological sites.

The introduction of Islam began with the conversion of Malacca’s Hindu founder, Parameswara, to Islam. During the mid-1400s, Islam began to proliferate as Malacca became the most important international trade centre due to its strategic location and many Middle Eastern traders flocked to this region to trade with China. When the Portuguese conquered Malacca, they brought their Christian faith with them. Evidence of this is St. Paul’s Church, a popular tourist spot today.

While Sunni Islam is the official religion of the country, the Malaysian constitution allows Malaysian citizens to practise any faith of their choice. Approximately 60% of Malaysians are Muslims, 19% Buddhists, 9% Christians and 6% Hindus. Other religious practices include Taoism, Confucianism and Sikhism. Indigenous people like the Orang Asli were traditionally animists, believing in spirits in various objects. However, at the turn of the 21^st century, many Orang Aslis embraced monotheistic religions such as Islam and Christianity.

Putra Mosque, Putrajaya

Although there are four Sunni schools of Islam (Hanafi, Hanbali, Shafii and Maliki), the Shafii School is the official school in Malaysia. All Malay Malaysians must be Muslim, governed by Sharia law and forbidden to convert to other religions. Malaysian law also states that those who wish to marry Muslims must convert to Islam.

As an Islamic country, Muslims are strongly encouraged to perform their prayers (solat) according to the Islamic tenets. Thus, it is not unusual to experience traffic congestion on Friday afternoons as many Muslims take some time off work to congregate at various mosques for Sembahyang Jumaat or Friday prayers.

Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur

Buddhism, as it is practised in Malaysia, is mainly of the Theravada and Mahayana schools, with a small percentage of Vajrayana or Tibetan Buddhism. It is not unusual to see many Malaysian Chinese practising a fusion of Taoism, Confucianism and ancestral worship along with Buddhism. Many Malaysian Chinese also worship worldly gods, local and land deities and this can be seen in the many Taoist temples all over Malaysia, each with its own patron deity.

Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple, Penang

Although Hinduism was traditionally practised by the Indian community of Malaysia, these days there are Indians who are Christians. With the diversification of the Malaysian population, there are also some Malaysian Chinese who are of the Hindu faith and it is not unusual to see some Chinese carrying the kavadi at Batu Caves during Thaipusam.

St. Francis Xavier Church, Melaka

Arab Christian traders introduced Christianity to the Malay Peninsula as early as the 7^th century. However, it was the capture of Malacca by the Portuguese that heralded the wide spread of Christianity across the land. Under British rule, missionary schools such as the La Salle schools, Methodist schools and Convent schools not only further strengthened Christianity in Malaysia, but also helped shape the early Malaysian education system.

Presently, the major Christian denominations in Malaysia are the Anglicans, Baptists, Brethren, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians and Roman Catholics.

Other faiths and belief systems in Malaysia include Confucianism, Taoism, Sikhism, Jehovah Witness, Baha’i and animism, which is still practised by the Orang Asli.

Language

Although Malay is the official language of Malaysia, English is widely spoken and commonly used in business dealings as well as for certain official matters. Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien and other Chinese dialects such as Hakka and Teochew are also spoken. Other languages spoken in Malaysia include Tamil, Punjabi, Hindi and indigenous languages such as Kadazan and Iban that are used commonly in East Malaysia.

A distinctively Malaysian “language” is Manglish (or Malaysian English) which is a fusion of Malay, Chinese and Indian dialects with the Queen’s English. For more on Manglish creole, please read on.

Interesting Fact

According to The World FactBook by the Central Intelligence Agency, Malaysia has 134 living languages — 112 indigenous languages and 22 non-indigenous languages.

Manglish: English with Malaysian Flavour

Malaysians can recognise other Malaysians just by the way they speak English, or rather Manglish. With the liberal usage of “lah” that has many different meanings and nuances combined with other words unique to Malaysia, many native English speakers find the Malaysian brand of English fascinating and confusing at the same time.

We have put together some common Manglish phrases that might be helpful for first-time visitors to Malaysia.

Interesting Malaysian Slang

• Handphone: Mobile phone
• Gostan: Originates from ‘go astern’. Usually used for reversing vehicles.
• Outstation: Out of town
• Terror: To describe someone as being awesome
• Yum cha: Hang out with friends (literally means “drink tea” and is probably the result of Malaysia’s “teh tarik culture”
• Walao/Walao eh: Expression of disbelief or surprise
• Ang moh/Gwai lo/Mat Salleh: Caucasian
• Tapau: Takeaway
• Leng zhai: Handsome boy
• Leng lui: Pretty girl
• Bojio: Did not invite (in relations to being invited to an event or gathering)
• Belanja: Treat, usually used in relation to buying someone food or drink
• Potong Stim: To cut short another’s enjoyment or fun, the equivalent of a wet blanket or killjoy.
• Kantoi: Caught red handed
• Mamak: Refers to Indian Muslims
• Cincai: Whatever
• Paiseh: Embarrassed or ashamed of something
• Tackle: To court or woo a crush, to win the affection of the girl or boy
• Action: To describe snobbery or arrogance

Useful Phrases

• Good morning: Selamat pagi
• Good afternoon: Selamat tengahari
• Good evening: Selamat petang
• Good night: Selamat malam
• Welcome (greeting): Selamat datang
• How are you?: Apa khabar?
• I’m fine: Khabar baik
• Thank you: Terima kasih
• You’re welcome: Sama-sama
• Good bye: Selamat jalan
• Where is the toilet?: Di mana tandas?
• Excuse me (to pass someone): Tumpang lalu.

20 Places of Interest to Visit in Malaysia

1. Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur

The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is home to the world’s tallest twin towers, standing 451.9 metres above street level. The iconic twin towers feature an exterior of steel and glass and a traditionally inspired interior. Connecting the two towers is the world’s highest two-storey skybridge which also doubles up as a viewing deck for stunning views of Malaysia’s capital city. There is also a gift shop where you can buy keepsakes of your visit.

Stunning view of the world’s tallest twin towers

How to get there: petronastwintowers.com.my/gettinghere
Tickets and opening hours: petronastwintowers.com.my/tickets
Website: petronastwintowers.com.my

2. Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur

A shopper’s haven and a foodie’s paradise, Petaling Street or “Chee Cheong Kai” as it is also known, is situated right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. In the past, traders would set up their stalls just like in the local night market commonly known as “pasar malam”. After a facelift, there is now a large Oriental-style arch at Petaling Street’s main entrance leading in to a walkway with proper roofs to shield the traders and visitors from nature’s elements.

Petaling Street comes alive at night. (Photo credit: The Star)

There is much to eat, explore and buy here. Foodies will be spoilt for choice with the huge variety of street food, cafes and other eateries while shopaholics can easily get lost in the maze of stalls selling everything from leather goods to footwear, clothes and souvenirs.

Website: kuala-lumpur.ws/klareas/chinatown_petaling.htm

3. Legoland Malaysia, Johor

Legoland Malaysia is the first Legoland in Asia and the first international park in Malaysia with over 70 hands-on rides, slides, shows and attractions for families with children aged between 2 to 12 years. Fun-filled adventure starts at The Beginning and continues through LEGO® Technic, LEGO® Kingdoms, Imagination, Land of Adventure, LEGO® City and MINILAND.

The entrance to Legoland Waterpark, the perfect way to cool off on a hot day

The Legoland Water Park offers splash-tacular water rides, slides and other aquatic fun activities. End the day with a restful stay at Legoland Hotel with its LEGO-themed rooms. There are combo packages on offer when you book your tickets and accommodation online.

How to get there: legoland.com.my/planning-your-visit/how-to-get-here
Opening hours: legoland.com.my/planning-your-visit/park-hours
Tickets: legoland.com.my/book-visit/day-tickets
Website: legoland.com.my

4. Pinang Peranakan Museum, Penang

Dedicated to Penang’s Peranakan heritage, this mansion turned museum houses thousands of Peranakan artefacts and antiques. This well-preserved mansion previously belonged to 19^th century Chinese tycoon, Chung Keng Quee, and showcases Peranakan architecture and traditional interior. Visitors can catch a glimpse of unique Peranakan customs and lifestyle from the displays.

Opening hours and tickets: pinangperanakanmansion.com.my/#Visiting_Hours
Website: pinangperanakanmansion.com.my

A mansion turned museum, the Pinang Peranakan Museum is well-preserved and houses thousands of precious Peranakan artefacts and antiques.

5. Kabili-Sepilok Nature Reserve, Sandakan, Sabah

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is where orphaned, displaced and injured orangutans are rehabilitated until they are ready to be released back into the wild.

Home to the last orangutans, this sanctuary is dedicated to these near-extinct primates. At this nature reserve is Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre where orphaned, displaced and injured orangutans are cared for until they are ready to be released back into the wild.

Visitors to the rehabilitation centre have the opportunity to get up close and personal with these loveable primates, especially during feeding time (10 a.m. and 3 p.m.).

Visitors can also learn more about Malaysia’s rainforests at the Rainforest Discovery Centre while those who love hiking can explore various nature trails such as the Water Hole Trail and Mangrove Forest Trail.

How to get there and tickets: wildlife.sabah.gov.my/?q=en/content/sepilok-orangutan-rehabilitation-centre
Website: sepilok.com

6. Sarawak Cultural Village, Sarawak

Located at the foot of mythical Mount Santubong, this award-winning living museum showcases Sarawak’s rich indigenous heritage and is where visitors get to experience Sarawak’s ethnic diversity all in one place. Here, you will be able to see traditional handicrafts such as Pua Kumbu (Iban textiles), Bidayuh Tambok (basket), Iban Parang (swords), Melanau Terendak (sunhat), Orang Ulu wood carvings and Chinese ceramics.

Traditional Iban warrior dance, ngajat is performed on a regular basis at Sarawak Cultural Village.

Visitors can also visit Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu longhouses, Melanau tall houses, Chinese farmhouses, Malay houses and Penan huts to get a glimpse of Sarawak’s multiethnic lifestyles. There are also cultural performances such as the traditional warrior dance ngajat that should not be missed. This is also the venue for the World Harvest Festival and Rainforest World Music Festival.

Website: scv.com.my

7. Jonker Street, Melaka

Just two hours from Kuala Lumpur, Jonker Street is one of the most popular tourist spots in Malaysia for good reason. From its vibrant and colourful night market every Friday and Saturday where you can eat and shop till you drop to the many pre-war houses turned cafes, there is so much to see, eat, shop and explore.

On Friday and Saturday, Jonker Walk turns the whole street alive and buzzing with traders hawking mouth-watering street food and knick-knacks.

Parallel to the main street is Harmony Street (Jalan Tukang Emas) aptly named as there is a Chinese temple, Hindu temple and Muslim mosque all within a stone’s throw from each other. The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple with its intricately carved woodwork is Malaysia’s oldest temple dating back to 1646. Also on the same street is Masjid Kampung Keling built by Indian Muslim traders in 1748, with influences from Sumatran, Chinese, Hindu, European and local Malay traditions. Beside this mosque is Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple, built in 1781 dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

How to get there: malacca.ws/jonker-street

8. Dutch Square, Melaka

Highly recognisable with its signature red colour, no visit to Malaysia is complete without taking photos at this picturesque historical icon. Formerly the residence of the Dutch governors, The Stadhuys is currently Melaka Museum. Built in 1753 to replace a Portuguese church in ruins, the Christ Church is still used to conduct prayer services and mass. It features the original hand-carved wooden pews which are approximately 200 years old and an altar with an intricate painting of the Last Supper.

Christ Church and The Stadhuys are legacies of Dutch colonists

Also within the Dutch Square is the Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower which looks distinctively Dutch although it was built by a wealthy Straits Chinese family.

How to get there: malacca.ws/attractions/dutch-square-melaka.htm

9. Floating Street Food Market, Kelantan

The first of its kind in Malaysia, the Floating Street Food Market in Kelantan is similar to the ones in Thailand. Located at Pulau Suri in Tumpat, this floating food court offers a wide variety of Kelantanese street food and delicacies such as kerabu nipah (a local salad made with wild palm flowers) and nasi tumpang (rice wrapped in banana leaf with an assortment of dishes).

This unique floating street food market opens on Friday and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., allowing visitors ample time to slowly explore and savour the offerings available and perhaps even have a picnic by the riverbank.

How to get there: malaysia.travel/en/my/places/states-of-malaysia/kelantan/floating-street-food-market

Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/KelantanFloatingMarket.mp4

10. Phra Buddha Bharameedharm Chamruslok Temple (Wat Machimmaran), Kelantan

Located in Tumpat, Kelantan, Phra Buddha Bharameedharm Chamruslok Temple features Malaysia’s largest sitting Buddha at 30 metres high, similar in size to the one on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. The lips of this stunning Buddha are coated in gold.

Phra Buddha Bharameedharm Chamruslok Temple is home to Malaysia’s largest sitting Buddha.

Thai and Chinese-style murals and frescoes decorate the interior of the temple. Situated amidst Mother Nature’s lush tranquil greenery, this temple is conducive for meditation. There is also a turtle sanctuary in the vicinity of this Chinese-Thai temple.

How to get there and opening hours: malaysia-traveller.com/wat-machimmaram.html

11. Sam Poh Tong, Perak

Carved out of a natural limestone hill, this Buddhist temple is a spectacular sight especially when it’s all lit up at night. The award-winning temple is a 2.5-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. The beautifully landscaped gardens and fish pond are a favourite amongst photographers. There is also a pond that serves as a tortoise sanctuary in the vicinity of the temple.

Sam Poh Tong is the largest Buddhist cave temple in Malaysia

Considered the largest cave temple in Malaysia, Sam Poh Tong has various Buddha statues interspersed with natural stalagmites and stalactites, making this one of the most unique Buddhist temples in the country and region. Visitors should be prepared for the 246-step climb up to the open cave but the effort is worthwhile as you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Ipoh city.

How to get there: malaysia.travel/en/places/states-of-malaysia/perak/Sam-Poh-Tong-Temple

12. Merapoh Caves, Pahang

Situated outside Taman Negara and relatively unknown, Merapoh in Pahang has 85 world-class caves ranging from show caves and archeology caves to adventure caves. It is truly a caver’s paradise. Believed to be more than 1,300 million years old, some caves have large chambers, some are filled with unique formations and some have secret crystal clear pools.

Ancient drawings at Gua Seribu Cerita, Merapoh (Photo credit: lailibasir.blogspot.my)

Gua Hari Malaysia has a river that forms cascading waterfalls and pools, ideal for climbing, swimming, tubing and abseiling. Gua Seribu Cerita has many interesting and mysterious cave paintings to be explored. Another unique cave is Gua Tahi Bintang where there are paintings resembling shooting stars, believed to be between 100 to 200 years old.

Website: malaysia.travel/en/my/places/states-of-malaysia/pahang/merapoh-pahang-caving-paradise
How to get there: lailibasir.blogspot.my/2013/10/merapoh-caving_19.html

13. Kechara Forest Retreat, Pahang

Slightly over an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, situated near Bentong’s famous Chamang Waterfalls is Kechara Forest Retreat, home to the world’s largest statue of World Peace Protector Dorje Shugden. Built in the midst of Pahang’s lush green rainforest, this contemporary spiritual centre has a modern prayer hall, unique container accommodation, a tranquil fishpond for meditation and many large outdoor Buddha statues for visitors to say a quick prayer or make candle offerings.

Home to the world’s largest statue of World Peace Protector Dorje Shugden, Kechara Forest Retreat is ideal for retreating from the hustle and bustle of the city to reconnect to nature and oneself.

This retreat centre also offers short term non-religious meditation programmes and wellness workshops to promote physical, spiritual and mental wellbeing.

Website: retreat.kechara.com

14. KL Tower, Kuala Lumpur

Originally constructed as a means to improve the quality of telecommunication and broadcasting transmissions, KL Tower has become one of the most recognisable landmarks in Kuala Lumpur. At 421 metres tall, it is the tallest telecommunications tower in South East Asia. For adventure seekers and adrenaline junkies, KL Tower is known as World Basejump Centre and is home to the largest and longest-running urban BASE (Building, Antenna, Span, Earth).

There is an observation deck 276 metres above ground level where visitors can enjoy views of the whole city. There are also many other attractions such as Blue Coral Aquarium, upside down house, a mini zoo, XD theatre, F1 simulator and gift shops for souvenir shopping.

KL Tower by night

For those looking for a different dining experience, Atmosphere 360, a revolving restaurant 282 metres above ground is a good choice and offers a menu that is prepared using the freshest produce. Besides this revolving restaurant, there are four more eateries in KL Tower.

Tickets: menarakl.com.my/index.php/online-ticketing
How to get there: menarakl.com.my/index.php/visitor-info/location?id=93
Website: menarakl.com.my

15. Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

At 4,095 metres (13,435 ft) above sea level, Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Malaysia and Borneo Island. Considered sacred by the Kadazan-dusun, it is believed that the name of this mountain is derived from the Kadazan words “Aki Nabalu” which means “the revered place of the dead”. Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the natural habitat for 5,000 to 6,000 species of plants, 326 species of birds and more than 100 species of mammals. One can find the largest flower in the world, the Rafflesia, here as well as catch a glimpse of the adorable orangutan.

UNESCO World Heritage site Mount Kinabalu is considered a sacred place by the Kadazan-dusun (Photo credit: G Adventures)

Hailed as the world’s safest and most conquerable peak, Mount Kinabalu is generally an easy climb and the average climber of reasonable fitness takes about two days to climb up and down the mountain. As climbing permits are restricted to 130 per day, it is best to check with Sabah Parks on the availability of permits when planning for the climb. More adventurous climbers can scale the mountain through Mountain Torq Via Ferrata trail.

Website: mountkinabalu.com/mount-kinabalu

16. Sipadan Island, Sabah

Covered in lush rainforest, this tiny 12-hectare island has incredibly diverse marine life, making it one of the top 10 best dive sites in the world. This oceanic island is the only one in Malaysia and was formed by living corals growing over an extinct volcano over thousands of years.

The best time to dive at Sipadan is between April and December. As diving permits are limited to 120 per day, it is best to book your permit via your hotel or tour agency prior to flying in. Divers will be able to enjoy schools of barracuda swimming in a tornado-like formation, graceful manta rays, gentle giant greenback turtles and a host of other interesting sea creatures. As corals grow in abundance here, divers can also enjoy exploring live coral gardens.

How to get there: sipadan.com/Getting-here.php
Website: sipadan.com

Or view the video on the server at:
https://video.tsemtulku.com/videos/SipadanSabah.mp4

17. Crystal Mosque, Terengganu

Built on a man-made island called Pulau Wan Man, Masjid Kristal or Crystal Mosque is believed to be one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. This is also Malaysia’s first intelligent mosque with built-in IT infrastructure and wifi, providing easy access to the electronic Quran.

The Crystal Mosque is simply stunning by night!

Made of steel, glass and crystal which gives the mosque its crystal-like appearance, the architecture features Moorish and Gothic elements. A large crystal chandelier in the main prayer hall is this mosque’s pièce de résistance. By night, the Crystal Mosque is bathed in light of various colours such as yellow, blue, pink and green, making it one of the most “photogenic” mosques in the world.

Mosque etiquette: itc.gov.my/article/etiquettes-of-visiting-a-mosque
How to get there: backpackingmalaysia.com/things-to-do/crystal-mosque-islamic-civilisation-park/kuala-terengganu
Website: itc.gov.my/mosque/masjid-kristal-crystal-mosque

18. Batu Caves, Selangor

Home to the world’s largest Lord Murugan statue standing at 140 feet tall, it is hard not to miss Batu Caves. Golden in colour, the majestic Lord Murugan statue guarding the main entrance has become an icon for not only the Hindus but for all Malaysians as well.

Inside Batu Caves

Visitors must climb 272 steps to reach the top where the largest cave, Cathedral Cave or Temple Cave, is located 100 metres above sea level. This iconic limestone cave is the focal point for Hindus and one of the best times to visit Batu Caves is during Thaipusam, one of the most important dates for the Hindu Tamil community to commemorate the victory of Lord Murugan (also known as Lord Subramaniam) over darkness.

To read more on Thaipusam and how to get to Batu Caves, click here.

Website: malaysia.travel/en/nl/places/states-of-malaysia/selangor/batu-caves

19. Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Melaka

Built in 1645 by Kapitan Lee Wei King to serve as the main place of worship for the Hokkien clan, Cheng Hoon Teng is the oldest functioning temple in Malaysia. This Chinese temple practises the Three Doctrinal Systems of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism.

Malaysia’s oldest temple, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for its outstanding architectural restoration.

Situated close to Harmony Street or Jalan Tukang Emas, Cheng Hoon Teng’s distinctive main entrance is ornately carved with Oriental motifs, flanked by a pair of antique Fu Dogs. The main shrine hall is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin. Across the road is a traditional Chinese opera theatre that forms part of Cheng Hoon Teng’s complex. In 2003, this temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for its outstanding architectural restoration.

20. Taman Negara, Pahang

Taman Negara is the largest national park in Malaysia covering the states of Pahang (2,477 km²), Kelantan (1,043 km²) and Terengganu (853 km²), with a total area of 4,343 km². Known to be the oldest rainforest in the world, Taman Negara is approximately 130 million years old and this ecotourism destination has much to offer, not just in terms of its rich flora and fauna but also various interesting and thrilling outdoor activities.

One of the park’s main attractions is the 530-metre-long canopy walk that is 40 metres off the ground. Initially built for research purposes, the canopy walk eventually became a visitor favourite as it offers stunning panoramic views of the park below.

Visitors to Taman Negara may get the opportunity to see wildlife such as this Clouded Leopard

Taman Negara is one of the best places for jungle trekking and night jungle walks as it is home to 14,000 species of plants, 240 species of trees, 250 species of birds, 200 large animals, and also the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia. There are also many natural limestone caves to be explored such as Gua Kepayang Besar and Gua Kepayang Kecil. Another popular activity is rapid shooting along seven rapids at Sungai Tembeling.

How to get there and tips: wonderfulmalaysia.com/taman-negara-national-park-malaysia.htm
Website: tamannegara.asia/places

20 Things to Do in Malaysia

1. Go on a Jungle Adventure

Up to 70% of Malaysia is covered in tropical rainforest with 11.6% in pristine condition. Home to the world’s oldest rainforest estimated at 130 million years old, Malaysia is a top ecotourism destination that has much to offer nature lovers as well as adventure seekers. Rich in diverse flora and fauna, the Malaysian rainforest is home to endangered animals such as the Asian Elephant, Indochinese Tiger, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Malayan Tapir and Orangutan.

There are four national parks in Peninsula Malaysia with the largest and oldest being Taman Negara, covering the states of Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu. It is a haven for nature lovers and jungle trekkers as it boasts extensive tropical flora as well as wildlife that is largely untouched. The other national parks worth a visit are Endau Rompin, Gunung Ledang and Penang national parks.

Over in Sabah, there are 17 national and state parks. The most notable of these is Kinabalu National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. With Mount Kinabalu being the highest peak in Malaysia, this national park is not only a nature lover’s paradise for its rich biodiversity but is also a popular destination for those who love conquering mountain peaks.

The other national park that has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site is the Mulu Caves National Park in Sarawak with its world famous caverns formed from sandstone, limestone and shale. Some of the main attractions here are the Sarawak Chamber (the world’s largest natural chamber), Deer Cave (the largest cave passage in the world) and Clearwater Cave (the longest cave in South East Asia).

For Malaysia’s Top 10 Hill and Jungle Adventures, click here.

For more information:
malaysia-wildlife-and-nature.com/national-parks-in-malaysia.html

2. Go Island Hopping

Swaying palms trees. Deliciously warm sea breezes. Sparkling azure waters. Picturesque sandy beaches. Amazingly diverse marine life. These are some of the things that you can expect when you go island hopping in Malaysia.

Top on the list is Sipadan Island, hailed by famed marine life researcher, explorer and scientist Jacques Cousteau to be “an untouched piece of art”. This world class diving haven is a firm favourite with the diving community for its 3,000 species of sea creatures and live coral gardens and it is no wonder that Sipadan made it to Rodale’s Scuba Diving Magazine Gold List for “The Top Dive Destination in the World”.

Paradise on earth (Photo credit: Malaysia by hotel.com)

For exclusivity and postcard perfect beaches, Rawa Island fits the bill while those seeking a more luxurious island holiday can go to Langkawi, famed for its stunning internationally-acclaimed spa resorts.

For Malaysia’s Top 10 Island Holidays, click here.

For more information:
edition.cnn.com/travel/article/malaysia-best-islands/index.html

3. Visit Malaysia’s Spiritual Power Places

Malaysia is truly a melting pot of diverse ethnic groups, cultures and religious beliefs. No other place on this planet has such diversity co-existing so harmoniously. Given this country’s colourful history and rich heritage, it is not unusual to see places of worship from different faiths or denominations located just a stone’s throw away from each other.

There is no other place in the world where you will see such diversity co-existing so harmoniously

One such street is in Penang. Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling or Harmony Street is where one can visit the Kuan Yin Goddess of Mercy Temple, Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple, Sri Mahamariamman Temple and Kapitan Keling Mosque just by walking down the street. The other Harmony Street is located in Melaka. Also known as Jalan Tukang Emas, one can take a stroll down the road to visit Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Sri Poyyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Temple, Kampung Kling Mosque and Xiang Lin Si Temple.

For Malaysia’s Top 10 Spiritual Power Places, click here.

4. Go on a Foodie Road Trip

Malaysia has an amazing array of food from the many different ethnic and sub-ethnic groups living here. One of the best ways to truly savour authentic Malaysian food is to explore roadside street food, the neighbourhood coffee shop or pasar malam (night market). The best places to start your foodie road trip are Melaka, Ipoh and Penang where you will be spoilt for choice.

Some of Malaysia’s favourite foods, clockwise from top left: Roti Canai, Pai Tee, Satay and Nasi Lemak.

Must Try Foods

• Melaka: Satay Celup, Chicken Rice Balls, Nyonya Cuisine, Assam Pedas
• Ipoh: Beansprouts with Steamed Chicken, Salt Baked Chicken, Caramel Egg Pudding, Ipoh Hor Fun
• Penang: Assam Laksa, Pasembur, Hokkien Mee (Prawn Mee), Rojak Buah

Need more ideas? Here are 25 of Malaysia’s most-loved foods.

5. Experience Malaysian Festivals

Malaysian are blessed to be able to enjoy many different celebrations, each unique and rich in tradition and culture.

The home of many cultures, one of the best things about Malaysia are the major festivals celebrated by each of the major ethnic groups. During these festivals, Malaysians of all races get together to celebrate and it is at times like these that one can truly experience diversity at its finest. For example, during Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr), it is usual for non-Muslims to visit their Muslim friends to celebrate Hari Raya.

Below are key dates when visitors can experience the rich culture and spirituality each of these festivals has to offer. As most festivals follow a unique calendar, it would be best to check the exact date of the festival each year as they may differ from year to year.

• Thaipusam: Between mid-January to mid-February
• Chinese New Year: Between late January to early February (New Year’s Day in the Chinese lunar calendar)
• Wesak Day: May
• Pesta Ka’amatan: 30^th to 31^st May
• Gawai Dayak: 1^st June
• Hari Raya Aidilfitri: Between July to early September (ninth lunar month of the Islamic calendar)
• Festa San Pedro: End of June
• Hungry Ghost Festival: Between August to September (seventh month of the lunar calendar)
• Deepavali: Between mid-October to early November
• Christmas: 25^th December

To read more about the major festivals in Malaysia, click here.

6. Shop Till You Drop

Malaysia is a shopaholic’s paradise as there are shopping opportunities right from the moment you arrive in Malaysia via Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the local night markets. In big cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor, there are malls with a whole array of stores ranging from branded goods to cute little knick-knacks.

Malaysia is a shopper’s haven

Shopping Malls

• Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur: suriaklcc.com.my/shopping
• Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur: midvalley.com.my
• The Gardens, Kuala Lumpur: thegardensmall.com.my
• Pavilion Kuala Lumpur: pavilion-kl.com
• Sunway Pyramid, Selangor: sunwaypyramid.com
• The Curve, Selangor: thecurve.com.my
• Aman Central, Kedah: amancentral.com.my
• Gurney Plaza, Penang: gurneyplaza.com.my
• Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall, Melaka: dataranpahlawan.com
• Imago KK Times Square, Sabah: imago.my
• The Spring Shopping Mall, Sarawak: thespring.com.my

Premium Outlets

• Johor Premium Outlets, Johor: premiumoutlets.com.my/johor-premium-outlets
• Genting Highlands Premium Outlets, Pahang: premiumoutlets.com.my/genting-highlands-premium-outlets
• Mitsui Outlet Park, KLIA, Sepang: mitsuioutletparkklia.com.my
• Freeport A Famosa Outlet, Melaka: freeportafamosa.com

Duty-free

• Padang Besar, Perlis
• Bukit Kayu Hitam, Perlis
• Langkawi, Kedah
• Labuan, Sabah

For a full list of duty-free shopping: asiancorrespondent.com/2012/08/a-guide-to-tax-free-shopping-in-malaysia/#0PwvtfD5kB2HxSkA.97

For more information: globalblue.com/tax-free-shopping/malaysia/tax-free-shopping-in-malaysia

7. Feed the Homeless

Experience Malaysia in a different way by volunteering at a soup kitchen such as Kechara Soup Kitchen or Pertiwi. At Kechara Soup Kitchen, not only can you volunteer to distribute food to the homeless on the streets but those with a medical background can join the medical team in bringing relief to those who are sick or need medical attention. You can also help distribute groceries to the urban poor under Kechara’s Food Bank programme.

One of the best ways to spend time meaningfully is by feeding the homeless

Like Kechara Soup Kitchen, PERTIWI also has a soup kitchen and medical services. You can also help out in Kasih PERTIWI, a home for HIV+ children.

Kechara Soup Kitchen:
kechara.com/soup-kitchen

PERTIWI:
pertiwi.org.my

8. Explore Meditation

Imagine stress melting away from your body as you reconnect with yourself and Mother Nature when you explore meditation in lush, tranquil and green surroundings, located just slightly over an hour from Kuala Lumpur. The monthly Inner Peace Retreat at Kechara Forest Retreat has a steady fan base and participants of this 3D2N programme return home feeling rejuvenated, refreshed and inspired. Participants are taught basic meditation techniques and the sunrise meditation on top of the misty hills comes highly recommended.

Sunrise meditation comes highly recommended at Kechara Forest Retreat. (Photo credit: Phng Li Kheng)

Just over an hour away from Melaka is Alokarama, Tampin, an eco-holistic centre where meditation retreats are conducted based on Buddhist principles. During this retreat, participants are to observe the Five Precepts, maintain Noble Silence and practice mindfulness at all times.

Kechara Forest Retreat
retreat.kechara.com

Aloka Foundation
alokafoundation.staging.webb.my

9. Try Wreck Diving

Off the coast of Terengganu in the azure waters of Redang Island is one of the world’s best coral gardens with hundreds of live coral species co-existing harmoniously with the many sea creatures such as manta rays and sharks. There are also 31 stunning dive sites here, which include two World War II shipwrecks and a black coral garden.

For more information:

• malaysia.travel/en/experiences/top-25-experiences/25
• dmpm.nre.gov.my

Dive at Redang Island and explore shipwrecks as well as the black coral garden

10. Try Batik Painting

Let your creative juices flow by going for a batik painting workshop. You can also try traditional block stamping, a process that is slightly slower than hand drawn batik but capable of yielding stunning results.

Try your hand at batik painting

Batik Painting Workshop
mybatik.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=109_110

Batik Painting Class
jadibatek.com/index.php/en/batik-class

11. Watch Wayang Kulit

Catch this dying art form of shadow puppetry or wayang kulit and you will be regaled with Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, albeit a localised version. With Javanese origins, wayang kulit is a form of storytelling involving leather puppets accompanied by traditional music.

Where to watch: eksentrika.com/wayang-kulit-at-kl

Wayang Kulit Ramayan by Persatuan Pengiat Seni Budaya Kelantan

12. Learn More About Malaysia’s Rich History

Malaysia has a rich history given its strategic location that made it an important and wealthy port that eventually became much coveted amongst European colonists between the 16^th to 20^th centuries.

Dedicated to the rich history of the Malacca Sultanate, the Melaka Sultanate Museum building is a replica of Sultan Mansur Shah’s palace.

History buffs can spend the day learning about Malaysian history at any of the following museums. Some museums charge entrance fees while others are free of charge.

• National Museum (Muzium Negara): muziumnegara.gov.my
• Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum, Melaka: babanyonyamuseum.com
• Melaka Sultanate Museum, Melaka: perzim.gov.my/ms/portfolio/melaka-sultanate-palace-museum
• More museums: perzim.gov.my/ms/visit-the-museum/museums-network

13. Explore Unique Museums

Not everyone is into Malaysian history. Fortunately, Malaysia has a few museums that are interesting and educational. Below is a list of unique museums:

• Pineapple Museum, Johor: johor.attractionsinmalaysia.com/Pineapple-Museum.php
• Paddy Museum, Kedah: kedah.attractionsinmalaysia.com/Kedah-Paddy-Museum.php
• Islamic Museum, Kelantan: kelantan.attractionsinmalaysia.com/MuseumIslamic.php
• National Textile Museum, Kuala Lumpur: muziumtekstilnegara.gov.my
• Chimney Museum, Labuan: jmm.gov.my/en/museum/chimney-museum
• Penang Toy Museum, Penang: penang.ws/penang-attractions/toy-museum.htm
• Camera Museum, Penang: penang-discovery.com/attraction/the_camera_museum
• Kuching Cat Museum, Sarawak: sarawaktourism.com/attraction/cat-museum

The Kuching Cat Museum in Sarawak is a must-visit for feline lovers.

14. Go on a Heritage Trail Trishaw Tour

Hop on a trishaw and let the local guide take you on an unforgettable tour of Penang’s heritage points of interest. Highlights of the tour include Fort Cornwallis, Little India, Harmony Street and The Blue Mansion.

Trishaw rides are a novelty these days (Photo credit: travelbuddee.com)

There are also similar excursions in Melaka covering places of interest such as Dutch Square, Jonker Street, Harmony Street (Jalan Tukang Emas) and A Formosa.

For more information:

• Penang: marimari.com/tour/malaysia/penang/daytour/heritage-trishaw-trail.html
• Melaka: visit-malaysia.yinteing.com/2011/07/trishaw-or-beca-rides-in-malacca-town

15. Conquer Malaysia’s Highest Peak

Malaysia’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu, is known to be safe and relatively easy to climb. At lower levels, climbers are able to enjoy the rich flora and fauna of Kinabalu National Park en route to the peak.

For more information:
mountkinabalu.com/mount-kinabalu

Stunning views await those who make it to the top

16. Get Acquainted with Malaysian Handicraft

Spend the day browsing through many different types of Malaysian handicraft at Central Market (Pasar Seni). From batik sarongs, songket and pewter to exquisite silver jewellery, there is so much to see and buy here.

Central Market also has handicraft demonstrations and workshops such as DIY batik classes, henna painting and Chinese calligraphy. There are also many eateries to tantalise even the most fussy tastebuds. Every Saturday at 8 p.m., there is a cultural performance at the Outdoor Stage.

From batik sarongs, songket and pewter to exquisite silver jewellery, there is so much to see and buy at Central market, Kuala Lumpur.

Below is a list of useful links for those interested to learn more about Malaysian handicrafts.

• Central Market, Kuala Lumpur: centralmarket.com.my
• Perbadanan Kemajuan Kraftangan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur: kraftangan.gov.my
• Komplek Kraf Kuala Lumpur: kraftangan.gov.my/kompleks-kraf/kompleks-kraf-kuala-lumpur
• Komplek Kraf Langkawi: kraftangan.gov.my/kompleks-kraf/kompleks-kraf-langkawi
• Komplek Kraf Johor: kraftangan.gov.my/kompleks-kraf/kompleks-kraf-johor

17. Experience Night and Flea Markets

Hit the local pasar malam or night market and have your fill of local street food, snacks and desserts. From local Malay fare like satay, keropok lekor and nasi lemak berlauk to assam laksa, char kway teow and the foreign flavours of Korean rice cakes and Nutella crepes, you can savour all these and much more at the many vibrant night markets all over the country. The pasar malam is also a good place to find novelty items for the kitchen and home, souvenirs, fashion accessories, mobile phone accessories, footwear and clothes at reasonable prices. Do practise your bargaining skills as some traders allow reasonable discounts.

Every Saturday night, Malaysia’s longest pasar malam in Setia Alam, Selangor comes to life, imbuing the whole street with a carnival-like atmosphere.

Setia Alam Night Market in Selangor is the longest night market in the country at the time of writing. Every Saturday night, Setia Alam Night Market comes to life, imbuing the whole street with a carnival-like atmosphere. At 2.4 kilometres long, you can spend the whole night eating, shopping and just taking in the sights and sounds of a typical Malaysian night market. As parking spaces are rather limited, do expect to park a fair distance away and walk there.

Jonker Walk, Melaka

• Website: malacca.ws/jonker-street

Batu Ferringhi Night Market, Penang

• Website: gopenang.my/batu-ferringhi-night-market
• How to get there: goo.gl/Aexs78

Taman Connaught Night Market, Kuala Lumpur

• Website: tallypress.com/places-to-go/7-night-markets-in-kuala-lumpur-selangor-you-must-not-miss
• How to get there: goo.gl/jPuJNi

Setia Alam Night Market, Selangor

• Website: pasanglang.com/Setia-Alam-Pasar-Malam–the-longest-pasar-malam-in-Malaysia–food-78
• How to get there: goo.gl/aGkZgs

Ipoh Walk Night Bazaar, Perak

• Website: ipohwalk.com
• How to get there: goo.gl/qL2tAA

Gaya Sunday Market, Sabah:

• Website: sabahguide.com/gaya-street
• How to get there: goo.gl/Q4HmtD

18. Picnic by a Waterfall

There are over 180 waterfalls all over Malaysia and one of the most beautiful is Chamang Waterfalls. Located just 15 minutes drive from Bentong town, this near-pristine waterfall is surrounded by gigantic rainforest trees. The shady forest canopy makes it ideal for picnics with family and friends. There are also many large wading pools suitable for non-swimmers and children.

Nestled in the midst of Pahang’s rainforest is Chamang Waterfalls

If jungle trekking isn’t your cup of tea, this stunning natural waterfall is perfect for you. There are BBQ areas, food stalls, public toilets and bathrooms available here.

For more information:

• waterfallsofmalaysia.com/d.php
• gobentong.com/en/attraction/attraction/chamang-waterfall

19. Enjoy a Healing Dip in the Hot Springs

Hot springs are known for their healing and rejuvenation properties. One of Malaysia’s best kept secrets is the Felda Residence Hot Spring in Sungkai, Perak. Nestled amidst tranquil tropical forests and mountains, Felda Residence Hot Spring has a specially designed free flowing Hot Spring Swimming Pool and Therapeutic Park. The mineral-rich water flowing from the hot spring here is believed to help with ailments such as stiff joints, spinal problems and skin problems.

For more information:
feldatravel.com.my/felda-residence-hot-springs-perak

Felda Residence Hot Spring

20. Volunteer at an Animal Sanctuary

There are many animal sanctuaries all over Malaysia that require volunteers on a regular basis. One of them is the Redang Island Marine Turtle Volunteer Program, the oldest and longest-running marine turtle volunteer program in Malaysia established by the Sea Turtle Research Unit of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (SEATRU in short).

Malaysia has several sea turtle research and conservation initiatives that require volunteers.

SEATRU began as a research initiative on leatherback turtles at Rantau Panjang. However, this has since developed into a multidisciplinary programme to study the sea turtles to enable better conservation efforts to be implemented to help restore the various turtle species to a stable population level.

For more information:

• turtleconservationsociety.org.my/volunteer-programmes
• seatru.umt.edu.my

Food

Malaysia is a food haven with diverse cuisines that reflect its multiethnic population. One of the best things about Malaysia is how food is available at all hours of the day. In fact, the sheer variety of food on offer has become somewhat of a joke that ‘makan‘ (eating) is Malaysia’s national favourite past time!

Street food is generally economical and flavourful, and each dish is a reflection of that particular ethnic group and location. A simple meal in the city from the street food stalls or coffee shops ranges from RM4 to RM15, depending on the type of food and location. Fast food chains offer burgers from RM5 onwards. Eating out at a restaurant starts from RM20 or RM30 per person, again depending on the location and type of food. Generally, Western food costs more than the local food fare. Food and drinks are also generally cheaper in smaller towns.

There are also many fine dining restaurants in the larger cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Eateries such as these cost significantly more, starting from RM50 per person per meal without any alcoholic beverages. There are also many café-style dining options where a main course averages RM15 to RM20.

These are some of the must-try Malaysian favourites whenever you are in the country.

Nasi Lemak

This is a one-plate dish of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and screwpine leaves (daun pandan) served with spicy sambal, crunchy anchovies, roasted peanuts, boiled egg and raw cucumber. The sambal is usually the star of this beloved national dish. For a more substantial meal, nasi lemak can also be served with side dishes such as beef rendang, fried chicken, fried fish, sambal petai and acar (spicy pickles).

Chicken Rice

This is another aromatic dish of rice cooked with ginger, garlic and shallots accompanied with either steamed or roasted chicken. A sweet garlicky chilli sauce is a must for dipping. Ipoh Chicken Rice is served with a side of blanched beansprouts drenched in soy sauce and sesame oil.

Melaka has its own variation of this popular dish where the rice is shaped into balls. The ‘Chicken Rice Ball’ is said to have been invented during the 15^th Century when Chinese traders landed in Melaka, the main port for the Spice Route. To make it easier for the workers to eat, chicken rice was shaped into balls so that they would not need a spoon.

Chicken rice with steamed chicken

Chicken Rice Balls

Roti Canai

This well-loved Indian flat bread is one of the most versatile foods in Malaysia. There are at least 10 different variants of roti canai, usually served with curry (chicken, fish or dhal) or sambal.

Plain Roti Canai with sambal, dhal and fish curry.

The most popular rotis are:

• Roti Kosong: Plain roti canai
• Roti Telur: Roti canai with an egg cooked into the roti
• Roti Bawang: Roti canai with large onions
• Roti Pisang: Roti canai with sliced bananas and sugar
• Roti Telur Bawang: Roti canai with egg and large onions
• Roti Cheese: Roti canai with cheddar or mozzarella cheese
• Roti Tisu: Paper-thin crisp roti canai sprinkled with sugar
• Roti Planta: Roti canai cooked with margarine and sprinkled with sugar
• Roti Sardin: Roti canai with a sardine and onion filling
• Roti Banjir: Roti canai smothered in curry. It is sometimes served with sambal.

Crispy paper-thin Roti Tisu

Satay

Similar to Japanese Yakitori, satay is skewered pieces of meat marinated in spices such as coriander, chilli, shallots, lemongrass and turmeric. These BBQ skewers are eaten with a mildly spicy peanut dip complemented with raw cucumber and onion. Ketupat (rice cake) is also served with satay.

Char Kuay Teow

This is a popular dish of ribbon-like rice noodles fried with garlic, eggs and beansprouts, seasoned with dark and light soy sauce and chilli. Traditionally stir-fried over charcoal, versions of this favourite vary slightly from state to state. Penang Char Kuay Teow is the most famous and is served with large fresh prawns, Chinese sausages, chives, cockles and pork lard.

Traditionally fried over a charcoal stove, this is a favourite street food that is available in spicy and non-spicy versions.

Laksa

Laksa is essentially noodles served in a mildly spicy coconut gravy with condiments that vary from state to state but may include fish, chicken, prawns, omelette strips, onion, cucumber, pickled white radish, beansprouts, mint and coriander leaves. Penang Assam Laksa is the exception to this rule with its sour fish and tamarind-based soup. The type of noodles used also varies, from thin rice vermicelli to fatter rolls of rice noodles.

A must try is the Nyonya Laksa of Melaka garnished with Vietnamese Coriander (Daun Kesum or Laksa Leaf)

Ramly Burger

This iconic local burger is best known for its distinctive flavour and generous toppings of mayonnaise, chilli sauce, Maggi seasoning, cucumber, onion slices and shredded cabbage. Ramly Burger stalls are usually open at night to cater to the supper crowd.

Malaysia’s iconic Ramly Burger

Sambal Petai

Ranging from mild to super spicy, Sambal Petai is made from chillies, shallots, shrimp paste, tamarind juice and the star of the dish — petai or stink bean. Recognisable by its distinctive smell, petai can also be eaten raw while Sambal Petai is usually cooked with prawns or squid.

Petai (stink bean) is one of the most peculiar Malaysian foods

Teh Tarik

Literally translated as “pulled tea”, this milky sweet tea is a favourite beverage amongst Malaysians. What makes it different from other teas is the froth that is produced by the technique used to cool the piping hot tea. The tea maker usually uses two large mugs to “pull the tea” by transferring the hot tea from one mug to the other.

A good Teh Tarik should be creamy and sweet with a nice frothy head

Teh Tarik’s froth is produced by this special “cooling” technique that involves pouring the tea from a height into another mug.

Cendol

This dessert is traditionally made from shaved ice, cendol (a green worm-like jelly made from rice flour and flavoured with the juice of pandan/screwpine leaves), coconut milk and topped with gula melaka (palm sugar) syrup. Modern versions may include other less-traditional toppings such as creamed corn, grass jelly, red beans or even vanilla ice cream.

Perfect for Malaysia’s hot weather.

Durian

Dubbed the “King of Fruits”, the durian is highly recognisable by its distinctive strong aroma that people either love or hate. With over 30 different species, this thorny fruit has a soft creamy texture and a taste that ranges from savoury-sweet to bitterish, depending on the species. Top of the range is the prized Musang King.

The durian’s strong aroma has always been a thorny issue for those who are not fans of this fruit.

Jackfruit

Another Malaysian fruit with a distinctive aroma and flavour, the jackfruit’s flesh is firm and sweet. Called ‘nangka’ in Malay, ripe jackfruit can be eaten on its own or used in desserts. Unripe or ‘green’ jackfruit has a texture very similar to shredded chicken, which makes it an excellent ‘vegan meat’ for savoury dishes.

The jackfruit’s nut-like seed can also be used for preparing Malaysian dishes such as Lemak Biji Nangka, a mildly spicy dish cooked in coconut milk and local spices like lemongrass, turmeric, chilli and shallots.

For more mouthwatering Malaysian foods, click here.

Like the durian, the jackfruit also has a distinctive aroma and is prohibited in many places like hotels, hospitals and airports.

Attire

Located near the equator, Malaysia is generally hot and humid all year round. Thus it is advisable to dress in comfortable clothes that are not overly revealing as Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country. Appropriate attire is especially essential when visiting places of worship such as mosques, temples or churches. For ladies, this means no mini skirts, short shorts or skimpy tank tops while singlets are discouraged for men. When visiting places of worship, it would be a good idea for ladies to cover up with a sarong if one is wearing shorts or mini skirts.

Traditional Malay Attire

A Malay girl in Baju Kurung complete with tudung (head gear)

Baju kurung is the traditional attire for Malay ladies. It is a loose, long-sleeved tunic blouse worn over a long ankle-length skirt. Two popular styles are baju kurung cekak musang that has a standing collar and baju kurung teluk belanga with a round neckline.

Baju Kebarung, a spin-off of the baju kurung but with a more form-fitting top is also popular amongst Malay ladies. These days, many non-Malays also wear the baju kurung especially for official and government functions.

As stipulated in the Quran, adult females are to cover their hair. So it is common to see Muslim ladies wearing various head coverings such as the hijab, tudung, burqa or headscarf. These different styles of head covering are symbols of modesty and privacy in the presence of adult males who are not their immediate family.

Baju Kurung on the left and Baju Kebarung on the right

The traditional Malay attire for men is the baju melayu, which is a loose shirt with long sleeves over matching pants complete with sampin (a sarong wrapped around the hips) and songkok (traditional headgear). The sampin can either be a matching songket (hand-woven silk or cotton fabric intricately pattern with gold or silver threads) or sarong. Like the baju kurung, there are two types of collar for the baju melayu i.e. cekak musang and teluk belanga.

Baju melayu is usually worn with a songkok and sampin. The sampin in this photo is a traditional songket sampin. (Photo credit: 11 Street)

Traditional Chinese Attire

The cheongsam or qipao is the traditional attire for Chinese women in Malaysia

The traditional attire for Chinese women in Malaysia is the form-fitting cheongsam or qipao. It is traditionally made from rich silk or brocade but modern versions are also made from cotton, lace and satin. It is easily recognisable from its signature Mandarin collar and Chinese buttons.

In Malaysia, there are other variations of the cheongsam such as the length of the hem and sleeves, as well as the height and shape of the collar. Many come with slits to make walking easier and more comfortable. Cheongsam is a popular choice for Chinese brides as well as formal functions.

Another traditional attire for Chinese ladies is the samfu. The top is similar to the cheongsam with a Mandarin collar and Chinese buttons but is worn over matching loose pants instead. The samfu is popular amongst young Chinese girls especially during Chinese New Year.

Cotton samfu were the traditional attire for Malaysian Chinese ladies back in the 1950s. (Photo credit: Peggy Loh)

The traditional attire for Chinese men in Malaysia is also called the samfu, with “sam” meaning shirt and “fu” meaning pants. Similar to the female samfu, it has a Mandarin collar and a front opening with Chinese buttons, worn over slacks or loose pants.

The traditional attire for Chinese men in Malaysia is also called samfu

Traditional Indian Attire

The colourful and elegant Indian saree (or sari) is the traditional clothing of choice for Indian ladies. The skirt, usually between 4.5 to 8 metres long, is worn over an inner skirt or petticoat. The entire length of the skirt is wound around the waist with the last portion draped over the shoulder. A form-fitting midriff-bearing blouse is worn with the saree. Colourful sarees are usually worn for formal functions such as weddings as well as for pujas at temples.

Interesting fact: It has been recorded that there are 80 ways to wear the saree!

The saree is usually worn for formal functions such as weddings as well as for pujas (prayers) at temples.

Another traditional Indian outfit is the salwar kameez which is a long tunic top worn over loose pants, with a long matching scarf to complete the outfit. Also known as the “Punjabi suit”, it is not uncommon to see Chinese and Malay ladies wearing the salwar kameez as it is comfortable and presentable.

It is not unusual to see Malay or Chinese ladies donning the salwar kameez in Malaysia

Malaysian Indian men traditionally wear a long shirt that reaches the mid-thigh or knee called the kurta. It is normally worn during formal occasions such as weddings or Deepavali. A kurta typically has a Nehru collar, similar to the Mandarin collar.

The kurta is usually worn during formal occasions such as weddings or Deepavali

Traditional Baba Nyonya Attire

The Baba Nyonya or Straits Chinese have a unique culture that is a fusion of the Chinese and Malay traditions. The Nyonya (females) traditionally wear the baju kebaya which is made from voile-like cloth called kasa rubia, embroidered with pretty flowers, scalloped edges and animals such as goldfish, peacocks, butterflies or even dragons. This figure-hugging top is paired with a sarong, which is traditionally held up by a metal belt called tali pinggang. A set of three kerosang (brooches) is used to fasten and secure the outer sheer blouse.

Baju kebaya complete with kasot manek or beaded slippers. (Photo credit: Celestia Faith Chong)

The baju panjang is a long loose top worn over a sarong and is favoured by older ladies. An ornamented sanggol (tight bun/chignon), kerosang (brooches) and bimpo (handkerchief) complete the outfit. Footwear is usually a pair of handmade embroidered slippers.

Baju panjang complete with handkerchief

The Baba’s traditional costume is the same as the Chinese men’s samfu with a Mandarin collar and a front opening with Chinese buttons, worn with slacks or loose pants.

Traditional Kadazan-dusun Attire

Kadazan-dusun women traditionally wear the sinuangga, which is a form-fitting short blouse and the tapi, a long wrap skirt. Made from black velvet with gold trimmings, this costume is completed with a belt made of coins called himpogot and other gold jewellery such as earrings, bangles, brooches and necklaces. A traditional sinuangga has a double row of gold buttons down the front of the blouse.

Kadazan-dusun men are traditionally attired in the gaung, a long sleeved shirt made from black velvet with gold trimmings and the souva, a matching pair of trousers also made from black velvet. A siga or headgear completes the outfit.

Traditional Kadazan-dusun attire

Traditional Iban Attire

The traditional Iban outfit for ladies is the ngepan which consists of marik empang, a decorative outer garment stitched with beads and worn around the shoulders, and paired with a knee-length skirt called kain kebat, which is a traditional woven skirt or pua kumbu.

An Iban lady dressed in the traditional ngepan

There are a few variations of the traditional Iban ngepan depending on geography but it is generally accessorised with silver headgear called sugu tinggi and silver jewellery such as

• Lampit (silver belt)
• Rawai (silver corset)
• Tumpa pirak/bentuk (silver bangles)
• Gelang kaki/gerunchung (silver anklets)
• Buah pauh (silver purse)
• Selampai (sash)
• Tali ujan/mulung (silver necklace)
• Sementing buchai/sengkiling (coin corset with dangling coins)

The Iban menfolk are traditionally attired in a loincloth originally made from barkcloth, called sirat. The sirat is 10 inches wide and about 10 to 12 feet long with embroidery or weaving at both ends of the cloth. The front of the loincloth hangs down to the knees, very much like an apron. The accompanying top is called kelambi, with or without sleeves. Accessories for Iban men include silver bangles, armbands, anklets and headgear decorated with hornbill feathers.

For more in-depth information on the traditional clothes of Malaysia, click here.

The traditional attire for Iban men consists of the kelambi (vest) and sirat (loincloth). This photo shows an Iban man performing the traditional dance called ngajat

Art in Malaysia

There are many traditional art forms in Malaysia that are still being practised to this day. However, the number of performers has dwindled tremendously in recent years due to a lack of interest from the younger generation. With the influx of foreign cultures via cyberspace, it is no wonder that many Malaysian art forms are in danger of extinction.

Performing Arts

Wayang Kulit

A traditional Javanese art form, wayang kulit is still practised in Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis. This art of storytelling involves hand held puppets intricately crafted from animal skin. These two-dimensional puppets are held between a light source (traditionally an oil lamp) and a white semi-transparent cloth to produce shadows.

Seen here is the Tok Dalang behind the scenes

The puppet master or Tok Dalang narrates while skilfully manipulating the puppets to tell a story, usually a localised version of the Hindu epics Ramayana or Mahabharata. A traditional Gamelan ensemble provides music for the wayang kulit performance that can last several hours.

Dikir Barat

Originally from Java, dikir barat is a traditional musical art form that entails group singing accompanied by hand clapping and other rhythmic body movements, very much like Western choral singing. During the performance, Tok Juara, the person in charge of the group’s training will lead the group in the first segment that has more complex musical arrangements and may involve awok-awok or chorus singing.

Hand clapping and rhythmic body movements provide the tempo and energy for a lively Dikir Barat performance

The creative person or tukang karat usually includes current issues into the routine as well as pantun (Malay poetry), usually clever verses that are humorous or even sarcastic.

Musical accompaniment is optional as the hand clapping and rhythmic body movements provide the tempo and energy for a lively performance. During dikir barat competitions, two competing groups will be on stage at the same time.

Kuda Kepang

Popular in Johor, this traditional dance of Javanese origins depicts a group of horsemen. Dancers mount mock horses made of bamboo, cloth, colourful paint, sequins and beads. Prior to the performance, a bomoh or traditional medicine doctor performs rituals to appease spirits, as the mock horses are believed to harbour spirits.

The Kuda Kepang is performed during the George Town Festival

Traditional instruments such as gongs, angklung and drums form part of the musical ensemble that provides the music accompaniment. The lead dancer, Danyang, uses a whip to direct the other dancers. Commonly performed during special events such as a boy’s rite of passage ceremony (berkhatan or circumcision), kuda kepang dancers, usually between two to eight in number, re-enact historical battles during the performance.

During kuda kepang performances, spirit possession is said to take place. The possessed dancer displays out of the ordinary abilities such as eating glass and when this happens, the performance ends. It is believed that the dancer is possessed for the purpose of delivering prophecies.

Mak Yong

Another art form popular in Kelantan is mak yong, containing elements of opera, dance, drama and comedy. Considered to be the most authentic representation of the Malay performing arts, a typical mak yong cast has 16 performers – a pak yong as lead dancer (who dresses as a king), a queen as second lead, followed by palace girls and jesters. A mak yong orchestra’s main instruments are the spiked lute, drum (gendang) and a pair of gongs. It may also include the flute (serunai), keduk drums, and small cymbals (kesi).

Mak Yong Dewa Muda

This drama-dance pays respects to the spirits as a show of gratitude for a bountiful harvest or to cure villagers of their ailments. Prior to each performance, semah kampong is carried out to pay respects to the spirits with an offering.

Mak yong presents stories dating back to the Srivijaya Empire in the 7^th century, and the times of Kelantan’s legendary queen, Che Siti Wan Kembang whose reign was believed to be between the 14^th and 16^th centuries. Stories are presented in a series of three-hour-long segments, spanning over several nights. This age-old cultural performance also has rituals connected to propitiation and healing.

Textiles

Batik

One of the most recognisable fabrics in the world, batik is the Malay word for drops or dots. It is made using a resist technique where an area of cloth is covered with molten wax, a dye-resistant substance, to prevent colour absorption. The result is a colourful, contrasting design. Commonly used motifs include flowers, leaves and butterflies as Islam forbids the use of motifs with animals and humans. Modern Malaysian batik includes geometric designs as well.

Creation of batik

Besides drawing by hand, batik can also be produced by block printing. This utilises a prefabricated metal block dipped into molten wax and stamped repetitively onto silk or cotton cloth. Highly versatile, batik can be used as formal attire, casual beachwear or as a decorative item.

• Hand drawn batik: penangbatik.com.my/batik_handdrawn.html
• Block printed batik: penangbatik.com.my/batik_blockprint.html

Songket

Songket, a rich and luxurious brocade, has a long-standing and close relationship with the royal Malay court to this day. Traditionally worn by Malay royalty and warriors to denote nobility, songket weaving originated from the Cambodia-Siam region and arrived in Kelantan and Terengganu as early as the 16^th century. Songket weaving still continues to this day as a cottage industry in Kelantan and Terengganu.

The art of Songket weaving

Weavers employ traditional methods to produce this exquisite textile such as the supplementary weft-weaving technique where gold or metallic threads are inserted between silk or cotton weft (latitudinal) threads. The shimmering metallic gold and silver thread makes the floral and geometric motifs stand out against the dark background.

Commonly worn for special occasions such as weddings, Hari Raya and official functions, this “King of Malaysian Textile” is also used as works of art decorating hotels, offices and homes.

Pua Kumbu

Pua Kumbu weaving takes between six months to a year

This handwoven ceremonial cloth is regarded as a sacred object by the Ibans of Sarawak and is used during important events such as births, marriages, funerals and healing rituals. Made from homespun cotton, there are taboos to be observed during the weaving process.

Pua kumbu is coloured with natural dyes made from plants harvested from the rainforest. The motifs are inspired by nature, dreams and the weaver’s own beliefs. Iban womenfolk undertake pua kumbu weaving and the techniques and designs are passed from mother to daughter orally and through hands-on practice.

Tekat

Tekat is the traditional art of embroidery. Also known as bersuji, this art form is closely related to the Malacca Sultanate as tekat was used to decorate not only their royal attire and ceremonial items but also royal furnishings such as cushion covers, bedspreads and fans.

The art of tekat

Tekat involves a special embroidery technique using gold or silver threads on a base of velvet. As a result, the embroidered motif has a shimmering three-dimensional effect. Common motifs for tekat are plants, leaves and flowers due to religious restrictions according to the Quran.

Other Art Forms

Silat

There are over 1000 types of silat in Malaysia

Based on the art of war, silat is one of the deadliest martial arts in the world as it focuses solely on violence, with over 1000 types of silat in Malaysia alone. Silat was traditionally a sport of the royalty as it was a symbol of their superiority. Weapons such as the keris (Malay dagger), axe, spear and sword are commonly used in this Malay martial art.

The standard attire for silat practitioners, both male and female, are:

1. Baju Melayu – A loose round collared shirt worn over long pants.
2. Tengkolok and tanjak – Malay head gear traditionally made from songket.
3. Sampin – Traditionally made from batik and worn around the waist.
4. Bengkung – A cloth belt to secure the sampin.

Silat is also employed in performing arts such as kuda kepang and mak yong, which is evident from the graceful dance moves.

Wau Bulan

Wau bulan is one of Malaysia’s most recognisable national symbols. “Wau” is the Malay word for kite and “bulan” means moon, denoting the shape of the lower half of the kite. The wau bulan is bigger than any other Malaysian kite. A typical wau bulan is 2.5 metres wide and 3.5 metres long. The frame is made from bamboo and the body is decorated with intricate patterns, usually with floral and leaf motifs.

The Wau Bulan is touted to be the world’s most beautiful kite.

When to Visit

As the West and East Coasts of Malaysia experience their rainy seasons at alternate times of the year, visitors to this tropical paradise can enjoy year-round visits to beautiful beaches, outdoor parks, forest reserves, marine parks and other eco-tourism attractions.

With generally good weather all year round, visitors can to visit national parks such as Taman Negara, home to the largest flower in the world, Rafflesia.

Other good times to visit are during major Malaysian festivals, where tourists can experience the sights, sounds and essence of Malaysian culture, tradition and sample delicacies that are unique to each event. Some festivals may be religious or cultural in nature, thus event dates may vary from year to year if they are based on the lunar or Islamic calendar. Please visit the section on major festivals for more information.

Visas

The Malaysian Government issues three (3) types of visas to foreign nationals:


1. Single Entry Visa
This is issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia mainly for a social visit. It is normally valid for a single entry and for a period of three (3) months from the date of issue.


2. Multiple Entry Visa
This is issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia mainly for business or government-to-government matters. It is normally valid for a period of between three (3) months to twelve (12) months from the date of issue.

Citizens of India and the People’s Republic of China who wish to enter Malaysia for the purpose of a Social Visit are eligible to apply for the Multiple Entry Visa. The validity of the Multiple Entry Visa is one (1) year. Each entry is for 30 days only and the extension of stay is not allowed. Conditions for the Multiple Entry Visa are:

• The applicant must show proof of sufficient funds for staying in Malaysia
• The applicant must possess a valid and confirmed return ticket
• Tour groups are not eligible to apply for the Multiple Entry Visa.
• The Multiple Entry Visa costs RM100.00 for Indian Citizens and RM30.00 for citizens of the People’s Republic of China.


3. Transit Visa
This is issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Malaysia on transit to other countries. Foreign nationals on transit without leaving the airport premises and who continue their journey to the next destination with the same flight do not require a transit visa.

Getting To Malaysia

Depending on the originating country, there are four modes of transportation to get to Malaysia – by air, sea, rail and road.

By Air

The garden in Kuala Lumpur International Airport, KLIA 1.

There are eight international airports in Malaysia with Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) being the largest and busiest. These airports act as transit hubs for both international and domestic air travel.

1. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Kuala Lumpur)
2. Penang International Airport (Penang)
3. Langkawi International Airport (Kedah)
4. Melaka International Airport (Melaka)
5. Senai International Airport (Johor)
6. Subang International Airport (Selangor)
7. Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Sabah)
8. Kuching International Airport (Sarawak)

Malaysia’s national carrier Malaysia Airlines and no-frills airline Air Asia provide both domestic and international air travel. Other international airlines that fly to Malaysia include Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Qantas, Air India, Qatar Airways and many others.

Useful websites

• Kuala Lumpur International Airport: klia.com.my
• Malaysia Airlines: malaysiaairlines.com
• Air Asia: airasia.com
• Singapore Airlines: singaporeair.com

By Sea

Malaysia is accessible by sea via these ports:

• Port Klang
• Pangkor Island
• Penang Island
• Langkawi Island
• Melaka
• Kota Kinabalu
• Sandakan

The largest port in Malaysia is Port Klang, which has an international cruise terminal, a regional passenger ferry terminal and a public passenger ferry terminal.

An international cruise ship docking at Boustead Cruise Centre (BCC)

Boustead Cruise Centre (BCC) is the international cruise terminal in Port Klang frequently used by international cruise lines including Cunard Lines, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines and Star Cruises amongst others. The regional passenger ferry terminal at Port Klang, Asa Niaga Harbour City (ANHC) Terminal has high speed passenger ferries plying between Port Klang and the ports of Dumai and Tanjung Balai in Sumatra, Indonesia.

More information on Port Klang: pka.gov.my

By Train

The KTM Intercity train service links all major towns and cities in West Malaysia from Thailand right to Singapore

Trains run between major towns and cities in Peninsula Malaysia, provided by KTM Intercity with most services operating from Kuala Lumpur Sentral. The train service also connects to Thailand and Singapore.

More information on KTM Intercity: ktmb.com.my

By Road

Visitors from Thailand can enter Malaysia via these entry points:

• Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah – By road
• Padang Besar, Perlis – By train and road
• Pengkalan Hulu, Perak – By road
• Bukit Bunga, Kelantan – By road
• Rantau Panjang, Kelantan – By train and road

The Singapore-Johor Causeway that links Malaysia and Singapore

Visitors from Singapore travelling by road can opt for the Johor-Singapore Causeway or the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link (Tuas Second Link). Visitors from Kalimantan in Borneo can travel via road to East Malaysia.

Getting Around Malaysia

By Car

The North-South Expressway connects major cities and towns on the west coast of Peninsula Malaysia. Click on image to enlarge.

Interstate travelling in Peninsula Malaysia is convenient with many highways connecting the major towns and cities. Starting from Bukit Kayu Hitam on the Thai border in the north right to Johor Bahru at the southern tip of Malaysia, the North-South Expressway passes through Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor. Those travelling to the East Coast can use the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway. In East Malaysia, the Pan-Borneo Highway connects Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan, Indonesia, making travel possible by car, taxi or bus. The Kalimantan portion of this highway is called the Trans-Kalimantan Highway.

Adventurous travellers who prefer to experience Malaysia by self-driving can choose from many car rental options. Getting around the cities is also convenient as there are metered taxis and private cars for hire such as Uber and Grab.

Useful Tips:

• Malaysians drive on the left and seat belts are mandatory.
• Malaysian road signs can be somewhat confusing as many road names are in Malay.
• The speed limit is 110 km/hour on the expressway and 90 km/hour on trunk roads.
• Have sufficient cash at hand or preload your Touch n’ Go card (value-stored card issued by toll concessionaires) to ensure you can pay the toll fare.

Useful Links:

• Touch n’ Go: touchngo.com.my
• Lembaga Lebuhraya Malaysia (Malaysian Highway Authority): llm.gov.my
• Car Rental: easyrentcars.com
• Car Rental: airportrentals.com
• Car Rental: drive.my
• Taxi Malaysia Sdn Bhd: ajtaxi.my
• Sunlight Taxi: sunlighttaxi.com
• Airport Limo: airportlimo.my
• Uber: uber.com/en-MY
• Grab: grab.com/my

By Bus

Ticketing counter at Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS)

One of the most affordable methods of interstate travel in Peninsula Malaysia is by express bus. It is also a relaxing way to travel as the major highways and trunk roads pass through many scenic towns and rustic villages.

Those heading south to Melaka, Johor and Singapore should catch their bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) located at Bandar Tasik Selatan. With the closure of Pudu Sentral, northbound buses to places like Cameron Highlands and Penang also depart from TBS at the time of writing.

The biggest public bus transportation operator in Malaysia is Konsortium Transnasional Berhad. Its leading brands, Nice, Plus Liner, Transnational, City Liner and KL City Airport, provide the most extensive coverage throughout Peninsula Malaysia as well as Singapore.

In Sabah, long distance or express buses are an economical way to get around especially to towns such as Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu, Semporna and Keningau. The most important long distance bus terminal is Inanam Bus Terminal. Padang Merdeka Bus Terminal has bus services that go to the west coast and interior of Sabah such as Kundasang, Ranau, Tuaran, Kota Belud, Kudat, Tenom and Tambunan. Those who would like to take a bus to Sipitang, Sarawak (Lawas and Miri) and Brunei can catch a bus from City Park Bus Terminal.

Bus Asia offers daily express bus services to major cities and towns in Brunei and Sarawak such as Kuching, Serian, Sibu, Sarikei, Mukah, Limbang, Bintulu, Miri, Lawas and Pontianak. The Jalan Masjid bus terminal in Kuching provides local bus services within the city. Kuching Sentral Bus Terminal provides intercity bus services to places like Limbang, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri among others.

Useful Links:

• eticketing.my
• catchthatbus.com
• expressbusmalaysia.com
• mysabah.com/wordpress/sabah-buses
• busonlineticket.com/bus/bus-asia-and-biaramas-express

By Train

The ERL – KLIA Express is the fastest way to get to KLIA

Trains run on various routes within Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur, the surrounding suburban areas as well as interstate services. Available train services include:

• KTM Komuter that caters to commuters in Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding suburban areas.
• Rapid KL, a network of buses and trains which is the main public transportation service provider in the Klang Valley. Feeder buses serve the areas surrounding the stations.
• The ERL – KLIA Express is the train service to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). This direct train from Stesen Sentral in the city centre takes a mere 28 minutes and is the fastest way to get to KLIA.
• The ERL – KLIA Transit is a transit train to KLIA with two stops in between – Putrajaya and Salak Tinggi.

Useful Links:

• KTM Komuter: ktmb.com.my
• Rapid KL: myrapid.com.my
• ERL – KLIA Express: kliaekspres.com
• ERL – KLIA Transit: kliaekspres.com
• Stesen Sentral: klsentral.com.my

By Air

Many Malaysian cities and towns are accessible via domestic air travel with Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, FireFly and Malindo Air.

Useful Links:

• Kuala Lumpur International Airport: klia.com.my
• Malaysia Airlines: malaysiaairlines.com
• Air Asia: airasia.com
• Malindo Air: malindoair.com
• Fireflyz: fireflyz.com.my

By Sea

There are no boat or ferry services connecting Peninsula Malaysia with Sabah and Sarawak. However, boats and ferries connect the mainland to offshore islands such as Penang, Langkawi, Pangkor, Redang, Sipadan and Sibu.

Accommodation

Malaysia offers many accommodation choices catering to different budgets and needs. There are many international hotel chains to choose from in the bigger cities including Hilton, Sheraton, Intercontinental and JW Marriot. Prices for budget accommodation and homestays start as low as RM35 per night in smaller towns and RM100 in cities while resort-style hotels cost more, starting from RM1,500 per night.

Below is a list of hotels by category, shortlisted based on travellers’ reviews and popularity. We recommend that you do further research to find one that fits your budget and requirements.

Boutique Hotels

• Chulia Mansion, Penang (chuliamansion.com)
• Gingerflower Boutique Hotel, Melaka (gingerflowerboutiquehotel.com)
• The Ranee Boutique Suites, Sarawak (theranee.com)
• The Danna Langkawi, Kedah (thedanna.com)

Pre-war houses in Melaka have been transformed into unique hotels like the Gingerflower Boutique Hotel

Budget Hotels

• Hotel Sixty3, Sabah (hotelsixty3.com)
• Citin Seacare Hotel Pudu, Kuala Lumpur (citinpudu.com)
• Bayview Beach Resort, Penang (bbr.bayviewhotels.com)
• Geo Hotel, Kuala Lumpur (geohotelkl.com)

Business Hotels

• Seri Pacific Hotel, Kuala Lumpur (seripacifichotel.com)
• Nexus Business Suite Hotel, Selangor (nexusbusinesssuite.com)
• G Hotel Kelawai, Penang (ghotelkelawai.com.my)
• Hatten Hotel, Melaka (hattenhotel.com)

Theme Park Hotels

• Resorts World Genting, Pahang (rwgenting.com)
• Legoland Malaysia Resort, Johor (legoland.com.my)
• Sunway Pyramid Hotel, Selangor (sunwayhotels.com/sunwayresorthotelspa/sunway-pyramid-hotel)
• A Famosa Resort, Melaka (afamosa.com)

Beach Resorts

• Golden Sands Resort, Penang (shangri-la.com/penang/goldensandsresort)
• Casa Del Mar Langkawi, Kedah (casadelmar-langkawi.com)
• Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, Sabah (shangri-la.com/kotakinabalu/tanjungaruresort)
• Tanjong Jara Resort, Terengganu (tanjongjararesort.com)

Eco Resorts

• Sepilok Jungle Resort, Sabah (sepilokjungleresort.com)
• Dusuntara Jungle Retreat, Selangor (dusuntarajungleretreat.com)
• Sekeping Serendah, Selangor (sekeping.com/serendah)
• Belum Eco Resort, Perak (belumecoresort.com.my)

Hill Resorts

• Colmar Tropicale, Pahang (colmartropicale.com.my)
• Cherengin Hills Convention and Spa Resort, Pahang (cherenginhills.com)
• Cameron Highlands Resort, Pahang (cameronhighlandsresort.com)
• The Sticks, Selangor (thesticks.my)

Spa Resorts

• The Chateau Spa & Organic Wellness Resort, Pahang (thechateau.com.my)
• Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa, Selangor (sunwayhotels.com/sunwayresorthotelspa)
• Philea Resort and Spa, Melaka (phileahotel.com.my)
• The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Perak (thebanjaran.com)

The ideal spa resort (Photo credit: Tanjong Jara Resort)

Golf Resorts

• Selesa Hillhomes and Golf Resort, Pahang (selesa.com.my)
• The Saujana, Selangor (shr.my)
• Berjaya Tioman Resort, Pahang (berjayahotel.com/tioman)
• The Datai Golf Hotel, Kedah (elsclubmalaysia.com)

Island Resorts

• The Andaman, Kedah (theandaman.com)
• Pangkor Laut Resort, Perak (pangkorlautresort.com)
• Rawa Island Resort, Johor (rawaislandresort.com)
• Gaya Island Resort, Sabah (gayaislandresort.com)

Serviced Apartments

• Parkroyal Serviced Suites, Kuala Lumpur (parkroyalhotels.com/en/serviced-suites/malaysia/kuala-lumpur.html)
• Fraser Residence, Kuala Lumpur (klcc-kualalumpur.frasershospitality.com)
• Jetty Suites, Melaka (jettysuites.com)
• Citidine DPulze Cyberjaya, Selangor (citadines.com)

A serviced apartment in Kuala Lumpur (Photo credit: Fraser Residence)

Homestays

• Home Away (homeaway.com.my)
• Homestay (homestay.com/malaysia)
• Homestay In Penang (homestayinpenang.com)
• Oriental Heritage House, Kuala Lumpur (airbnb.com/rooms/10762239)

More hotels in Malaysia: malaysia.travel/en/fr/resources/where-to-stay

A typical homestay includes kitchen facilities

Etiquette

As Malaysia is a fairly conservative country, it is recommended that visitors observe basic etiquette and niceties, and learn the local customs as much as possible.

DOs

• Do remove your shoes before entering a Malaysian home or place of worship like a mosque or temple.
• Do use your right hand when receiving a gift or item from someone.
• Do shake hands as a gesture of greeting but men should avoid doing so with a Muslim woman. Likewise, women should avoid shaking hands with Muslim men.
• Do dress decently when visiting places of worship and also government departments. This means no hot pants, mini skirts or skimpy tops.
• Do call prior to visiting a Malaysian home.
• Do seek permission before taking photographs at places of worship.
• Do bring a gift when one is invited to a Malaysian home for a meal. See below for tips on gifting.

DON’Ts

• Don’t kiss or hug excessively in public as public displays of affection are generally frowned upon.
• Don’t sunbathe topless.
• Don’t offer alcohol to Muslims.
• Don’t get involved in drugs as drug trafficking carries the death penalty.

Gifting Tips

Flowers in happy colours are generally a good gift. Photo credit: Kechara Blooms

Gift Giving to Malays

• If invited to someone’s home for dinner, bring the hostess pastries or good quality chocolates.
• Never give alcohol.
• Never give toy dogs or pigs to children.
• Never give anything made of pigskin.
• Avoid white gift wrap as it symbolises death and mourning.
• Avoid yellow gift wrap as it is the colour of royalty.
• If you give food, it must be “halal” (meaning permissible for Muslims).
• Offer gifts with the right hand only or with both hands if the item is large.
• Gifts are generally not opened when received.

Gift Giving to Chinese

• If invited to someone’s home, bring a small gift of sweets, fruit or cakes, saying that it is for the children.
• A gift is traditionally refused before it is accepted to demonstrate that the recipient is not anticipating it or greedy.
• Never give scissors, knives or other cutting utensils as they indicate a desire to sever the relationship.
• Never give clocks or watches as they represent death or the end of something.
• By tradition, flowers are not good gifts as they are generally given to the sick and are used at funerals. However, there has been a shift in attitudes due to western influence; flowers are now widely used at events, ceremonies, dinners and may be a suitable gift for a female recipient on a formal occasion.
• Do not wrap gifts in mourning colours – white, blue or black.
• Wrap gifts in happy colours – red, pink or yellow.
• Elaborate gift-wrapping is imperative.
• Never wrap a gift for a baby or decorate the gift in any way with a stork, as these birds are believed to be harbingers of death.
• It is best to give gifts in even numbers since odd numbers are unlucky. Try to avoid the number 4 which is phonetically similar to the word for death.
• Gifts are generally not opened when received.

Gift Giving to Indians

• When giving flowers, avoid frangipanis as they are used in funeral wreaths.
• Money should be given in odd numbers.
• Offer gifts with the right hand only or with both hands if the item is large.
• Do not wrap gifts in white or black colours.
• Do wrap gifts in red, yellow or green paper (or other bright colours) as these are believed to bring good fortune.
• Do not gift leather products to a Hindu. Hindus consider cows to be sacred and do not consume beef for religious reasons. Some Chinese also follow this tradition.
• Do not give alcohol unless you are certain the recipient drinks.
• Gifts are generally not opened when received.

References:

• http://www.mountkinabalu.com/
• http://thingsasian.com/story/six-regions-malaysia
• https://www.thestar.com.my/travel/malaysia/2012/11/12/festivals-and-celebrations-in-malaysia/
• https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.phpr=column/ctheme&menu_id=L0pheU43NWJwRWVSZklWdzQ4TlhUUT09&bul_id=OWlxdEVoYlJCS0hUZzJyRUcvZEYxZz09
• https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/my.html
• http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/10/22/malaysia.country.profile/index.html
• https://www.hw.ac.uk/documents/HWU_Malaysia_Cultural_awareness_document_190315(1).pdf
• http://www.mountkinabalu.com/
• http://thingsasian.com/story/six-regions-malaysia
• https://www.thestar.com.my/travel/malaysia/2012/11/12/festivals-and-celebrations-in-malaysia/
• https://www.dosm.gov.my/v1/index.php?r=column/ctheme&menu_id=L0pheU43NWJwRWVSZklWdzQ4TlhUUT09&bul_id=OWlxdEVoYlJCS0hUZzJyRUcvZEYxZz09
• https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/my.html
• http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/10/22/malaysia.country.profile/index.html
• http://www.sabrizain.org/malaya/early.htm
• http://www.klsentral.com.my/

For more interesting information:

• 25 Mouthwatering Dishes Of Malaysia
• Top Ten Events and Festivals to Visit in Malaysia
• Top 10 Spiritual Power Places in Malaysia
• Top 10 Island Holidays
• Top 10 Hill and Jungle Adventures in Malaysia
• Celebrating Ullambana: The Original Hungry Ghost Festival
• Deepavali: The Festival of Lights
• Chinese New Year
• Hari Raya Aidilfitri
• Traditional Clothes of Malaysia
• The Dragon Boat Festival: A Fusion of Traditional and Modern Culture
• Wesak Day In Malaysia
• Thaipusam – The Festival of Lord Murugan
• Gawai Dayak – The Celebration of Bountiful Harvest
• Monarchy System in Malaysia

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