Few Things Travelers Should Know About Malaysia

Few Travelers Should Know About Malaysia

Malaysia is a vibrant and dynamic country with tropical jungles, sky-high buildings, exquisite temples, and mouth-watering cuisine that beckons us. It’s noted for both its natural beauty and its cultural diversity, which allows people of many nationalities, languages, and religious views to coexist. But how do you blend in with the natives if you’re visiting this country for the first time?

We’ve gathered a list of every big no-no in Malaysia for you to be aware of. You don’t have to be afraid of making a cultural faux pas whether you’re a tourist planning a post-pandemic trip or an expat with some spare time. Simply follow these simple dos and don’ts for a stress-free trip to Malaysia.

Basic greetings and cultural etiquette in Malaysia

1. Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home

Malaysians are accustomed to removing their shoes before entering a home or apartment. It’s only courteous to follow this local custom if you’re invited to someone else’s home as a guest. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to have footwear that’s easy to slip on and off. You’ll also want to make sure that your socks aren’t too terrible for others to see!

2. Show the proper respect when greeting others

Body language plays an important role in greetings. In Malaysia, you may notice locals bringing their right hand to their breast and bowing slightly. This traditional greeting is called as “salam,” a gesture that means “I greet you from the bottom of my heart.”

If you’re visiting Malaysia for business, knowing the proper etiquette for formal greetings and exchanging gifts is essential. When greeting those who are older than you, nodding your head or bowing gently displays respect for your elders. During social events, handshakes are also a nice approach to meet others. If you’re a man greeting a Malaysian woman, you should wait until she extends her hand to you before initiating a handshake.

3. Don’t touch the top of someone else’s head

We’re not sure what occasion or sudden impulse will lead you to put your hand on someone else’s head out of nowhere – it’s a little inappropriate, to begin with — but just to be clear: Don’t touch somebody on the head in Malaysia.

It doesn’t matter if they’re a child and you want to give them a loving pat on the head. Aside from the fact that doing so to someone you’ve just met is unusual, many Asian cultures regard the head as a holy part of the body. It’s off-limits, and disregarding it may result in offence.

4. Don’t give or receive objects with your left hand

Using your left hand to pass stuff around is a big no-no in Malaysia. If you only have one hand to pick up an object, such as at the dinner table, use your right hand instead of your left. Because the left hand is dirty, this is the case. If you get our drift, it’s for cleansing and bathroom-related activities. Naturally, placing the wrong hand forward will destroy the moment.

You can now deliver or receive a business card with both hands at a meeting to show respect.

5. Never give pork or alcohol as gifts

When it comes to gift-giving, it’s customary to bring a small present when you’re welcomed to someone’s home. In Malaysia, sweets, pastries, and chocolates are safe choices, but always check the contents first. Your present should be halal and permissible for your host to consume, regardless of their religion or lifestyle. As a result, you should not serve alcohol or anything made from pig’s skin.

Gifts that are wrapped are likewise appreciated, but they are rarely opened in front of the giver. More importantly, avoid using white or yellow wrapping paper to wrap your items. Malays and Muslims equate white with death and sadness, while Malaysian aristocracy favors yellow wrapping paper.

You can deliver your gift with both hands to convey your thanks for their hospitality, as we just discussed in our prior point.

Must-know tips for travelling in Malaysia

6. Use a traveller SIM card

You’ll need a steady internet connection to really explore Malaysia, whether you’re admiring the skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur or relaxing in the tropical paradise of Langkawi. True, there are many establishments across the country that provide WiFi. However, once you begin visiting rural places, you may enjoy the high-speed internet and the life-saving option of dialing a local number in an emergency.

Fortunately, getting a SIM card in Malaysia is relatively simple. One can be purchased at the airport or in a variety of convenience stores across the country. Avoid foreign roaming charges if at all possible; we all know your money is better spent elsewhere.

7. Be mindful of your  belongings

While Malaysia is relatively safe for travellers, try not to flaunt your belongings or leave them lying around. Pickpocketing is not extremely rampant in Malaysia, but it does happen sometimes. In any case, it doesn’t hurt to be extra careful as a tourist. Observe your surroundings, keep a watchful eye on your valuables, and you should be fine! 

8. Dress appropriately when visiting places of worship

If you’re visiting mosques during your trip, then you should respect their dress code. Men should wear shirts that will cover their elbows and long trousers that reach their knees. Meanwhile, women should wear loose clothes that will cover their arms, legs, knees, and shoulders; for this, you can opt for a long-sleeved shirt and ankle-length trousers or skirts. Women should also cover their hair with a headscarf, which some mosques provide. 

Before entering a mosque, always remember to remove your footwear first. 

9. Give Malaysian cuisine the respect it deserves

Eating and drinking your way through the country is one of the best things to do in Malaysia — a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences that is shown on every plate, bursting with colours and flavour. Malaysia enjoys a rich gastronomic scene that can take your senses for a whirl, from the fragrant aroma of coconut milk in nasi lemak to the tender meat falling off the bone in rendang. To be picky and choosy with your food is to miss out on all the mouth-watering delicacies that this country has to offer. So, if you hit the Malaysian streets, you better be prepared to eat! 

We hope this basic list of dos and don’ts in Malaysia will prove helpful for your future trips! Keep watching our website for more travel updates on Malaysia coming your way soon. Malaysia

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