Malaysia Local Customs

 
by SLLiew
 
  •   Local Customs
    by SLLiew
  •   Religion
    by Assenczo
  • I am lucky to capture this :D
      I am lucky to capture this :D
    by hamgu77
  • Weaving a tempok
      Weaving a tempok
    by AngMimi
  • Looks like a princess
      Looks like a princess
    by AngMimi
 

Most Viewed Local Customs in Malaysia

26.

Dress   Kuala Lumpur

Dress, Kuala Lumpur

 13 Reviews  I was really nervous about what to wear when I went to KL. Because they are a majority Muslim country I wasn't sure if I would be offending them if I wore shorts or a skirt. I spent the first two days... 

 See All 148 Local Customs in Kuala Lumpur

27.

Food Culture   Penang

Food Culture, Penang

 15 Reviews  Those who travel around Penang, you should try out Penang Local food like Hokkien Mee, Laksa, Char Koay Teoh. This 3 is the top famous local food for penang. One of the restaurant had been operate for... 

 See All 92 Local Customs in Penang

28.

Festivals   Melaka

Festivals, Melaka

 5 Reviews  Merry Christmas from the Portuguese Village, one of the last places on earth where Kristang is still spoken! Malaysia's national Xmas celebration this year (with the King in attendance) is being held... 

 See All 21 Local Customs in Melaka

29.

Currency   Kuala Lumpur

Currency, Kuala Lumpur

 3 Reviews  the Malaysian Ringgit ( RM) is the official currency of the federal states of Malaysia. the malysian currency was named the Malaysian Dollar before 1975 and since then, the Ringgit (which means jagged... 

 See All 148 Local Customs in Kuala Lumpur

30.

chinese religious practices   Penang

chinese religious practices, Penang

 14 Reviews  Traditionally, if a person donate a certain amount of money to the temple, his/her name will be appeared on the wall forever, this is to let later peoples know this, this and this person donated this... 

 See All 92 Local Customs in Penang

31.

Religions   Melaka

Religions, Melaka

 4 Reviews  Shoes must be removed when you enter places of worship such as mosques and temples. In some mosques female visitors are expected to wear scarves. Taking photographs at places of worship is usually... 

 See All 21 Local Customs in Melaka

32.

At The Dinner Table   Kuala Lumpur

At The Dinner Table, Kuala Lumpur

 12 Reviews  again Roti is a flat bread that originated from North India and Pakistan and brought here by Indian Immigrants and is available everywhere. the roti is also an unleavened flat bread unlike the Naan... 

 See All 148 Local Customs in Kuala Lumpur

33.

Traditional costumes   Penang

Traditional costumes, Penang

 10 Reviews  In Malaysia many of the women wear head dresses because a large part of the country is muslim. They have to be worn when out in public. These do not have to be worn by women who are not muslim that... 

 See All 92 Local Customs in Penang

34.

GREETINGS !   Melaka

GREETINGS !, Melaka

 1 Review  Greetings can be a slightly complicated affair. ‘Selamat’ is the greeting word, but you must specify the time. • Selamat pagi = Good Morning • Selamat tengah hari = Good Afternoon (from noon to... 

 See All 21 Local Customs in Melaka

35.

Etiquette   Kuala Lumpur

Etiquette, Kuala Lumpur

 14 Reviews  When you meet a Malaysian, especially a Malay, the right way to shake hand is to offer both your hands and gently grip the other person's hand. He or she would definitely do the same. Of course, the... 

 See All 148 Local Customs in Kuala Lumpur

36.

Taboo for gifts ....   Penang

Taboo for gifts ...., Penang

 2 Reviews  Another world - another culture - another habit... our top-model learned her lesson when changing her clothes in the centre of Georgetown. She got pushed into the van at the moment we all could see... 

 See All 92 Local Customs in Penang

37.

Weather & Climate   Kuala Lumpur

Weather & Climate, Kuala Lumpur

 5 Reviews  It is very hot and sticky in Kuala Lumpur. Luckily the shopping centres and even some of the street vendors have icy cold aircon - the best aircon i have ever experienced. Travelling must still go... 

 See All 148 Local Customs in Kuala Lumpur

38.

Buddhism in Penang   Penang

Buddhism in Penang, Penang

 1 Review  ►Wesak Day (May 25) This is the most important day of the Buddhist Calendar as it marks the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. Buddhist devotees will gather in temples throughout the... 

 See All 92 Local Customs in Penang

39.

Religion   Kuala Lumpur

Religion, Kuala Lumpur

 12 Reviews  Going to the main mosque in a major urban center in Muslim majority nation is bound to be interesting. One suddenly realizes that he is in a constant stream of walking men in one direction; men, men... 

 See All 148 Local Customs in Kuala Lumpur

40.

Chinese business   Penang

Chinese business, Penang

 2 Reviews  When we were children, travelling through Malaysia and Borneo, in all towns, the stores would be owned by the Chinese, usually by the family and we always saw the student, son or daughter sitting in a... 

 See All 92 Local Customs in Penang

41.

National Mosque   Kuala Lumpur

National Mosque, Kuala Lumpur

 6 Reviews  Although there are some pamphlets inside the Mosque, the attendants enforce a policy that the toilets at the main entrance to the Mosque are FOR MALAYSIANS ONLY! The attendants prevented my... 

 See All 148 Local Customs in Kuala Lumpur

42.

Art and performances   Penang

Art and performances, Penang

 1 Review  well the Chinese Opera is only featured mainly during the Hungry Ghost festival or during the birthday of Chinese Gods or Deity....and mainly cater to older folks ...perhaps its because the younger... 

 See All 92 Local Customs in Penang

43.

Festivals   Kuala Lumpur

Festivals, Kuala Lumpur

 6 Reviews  We just happened to be in KL during the Ramadan Celebration. Those that celebrate fast during the day and then at around 7.20pm break the fast for dinner. On our way out of KL heading south to... 

 See All 148 Local Customs in Kuala Lumpur

44.

Language   Kuala Lumpur

Language, Kuala Lumpur

 3 Reviews  This is one of the most facinating experiences during the visit to Malaysia. As Bahasa native speaker (which has similarity with Malay Language), we understand each other when we speak in Malay.... 

 See All 148 Local Customs in Kuala Lumpur

45.

Cultural Mix & Ethnicity   Kuala Lumpur

Cultural Mix & Ethnicity, Kuala Lumpur

 7 Reviews  The drive from the airport to the city at night means a great chance to see all the fairy lights set up along the roads. Roundabouts have them hanging from long poles, they are draped over fences and... 

 See All 148 Local Customs in Kuala Lumpur

46.

Bartering   Kuala Lumpur

Bartering, Kuala Lumpur

 3 Reviews  When at Petaling street on the last day of our visit i felt guilt for batering too low. When you ask to pay 30.00 aust instead of 40.00 aust and they say they will not make any money and will lose... 

 See All 148 Local Customs in Kuala Lumpur

Great Prices, Great Rooms
hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-914-6835
Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices

Sponsored Links

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Respect the culture in Kelantan

by niksh

If you are in Kelantan as a tourist, Please be reminded to wear proper as possible. By proper I mean: do not wear shorts (men and women), sleeveless (or less - for women), no mini skirts (women), tight shirts and/or pants.There is no requirement for a bathing suit to bath in the sea. Sun bathing is not a thing that people would do in Kelantan. Public Display of Affection between men and women should be avoided because it offends the locals.Tipping is not a thing that people do. But if you insist, you may say keep the change.

Tip Photo
Hello

by hemacd

Malaysia is a Muslim county. Therefore in MOST places esp the city centres, it is absolutely premissable to shake a Malay woman's hand (if you're a male). However exercise caution in the rural areas where some of them might just smile. So don't get offended if they don't choose to shake your hand in return.

Minority News from Malaysia

by cochinjew

Here is the latest corporate news on very rich minority Chinese and Indian. As you can see the richest man in Malaysia is Mr. Kuok and the second is an Indian, Mr. Ananda Krishnan . Mr. Krishnan also owns the Petronas Twin Tower, Maxis ( one of the top telecommunication operator in Malaysia) and many key businesses such as gaming.  Astro bids for UK’s Virgin Radio. Satellite TV service provider Astro All Asia Networks plc (ASTRO) has joined the fray to acquire UK’s pop and rock radio station Virgin Radio from British media group SMG plc. According to UK’s Telegraph newspaper on Sunday, T Ananda Krishnan-controlled ASTRO is understood to have made a bid for Virgin Radio, taking on three British rivals for the radio station. The four companies have lodged offers worth between £60 million (RM386 million) and £70 million (RM450 million) for the radio station which is valued at £85...

Tropical Fruit

by ant1606

The equatorial climate greatly favors the growth and abundance of local fruit such as durian, rambutan, jackfruit, langsat and other more known delicious edibles.The pungent durian can be a weird surprise to most unaccustomed palates. This fruit stinks - literally - and in many cities throughout the region it's forbidden to carry it on public means of transportation. Try a quite solid jam made of it in case the fresh product can't be found.

Tip Photo
National Culture Policy

by l_joo

National Culture of Malaysia is defined in the "1971 National Culture Policy".The policy of national culture defines 3 principles as guidelines for 'national culture':1. The National Culture must be based on the indigenous [Malay] culture 2. Suitable elements from the other cultures may be accepted as part of the national culture 3. Islam is an important component in the moulding of the National Culture.

Tip Photo
THE MALAYSIAN FLAG

by DAO

The Malaysian flag uses the United States flag as a model, hence its similarity. The current version was adopted September 16, 1963. The 14 red and white stripes represent the 14 states within the country. The gold star and crescent are symbols of Islam, and the blue field represents the unity of the Malay people.

Tip Photo
Chinese Tomb Clearing

by SLLiew

Around April annually, if you are travelling in Malaysia, you will suddenly see patches of the hills cleared with many Chinese tombs.During "Qing Ming" or "Cheng Beng", many Chinese families will visit their ancestors tombs on site to remember or pray as filial homage and for good fortune for the living descendants.Tombs are on hillside as this is considered as good "fengshui" (Chinese geomancy).

Tip Photo
Preparing for Chinese Lunar New Year

by SLLiew

Feb 18, 2007 is the first day of Chinese New Year - the year of the boar.Spring cleaning starts early in every Malaysian Chinese household and decorations and lanterns are hung.Red is the color of Chinese New Year. Bringing good luck. Many will wear red on the first day of the year. There are a lot of choice ranging of flower blossoms, red lanterns and other red decor for the gate, door, wall and windows. Chinese parents also give red packets called "ang pow" to young children and unmarried adults. So if you receive one, just say "Gong Xi Fa Cai".

Tip Photo
Chinese New Year - Year of the Boar 2007

by SLLiew

Feb 18, 2007 is the first day of the new lunar Chinese year. This year is the Year of the Golden Boar. As you may know there are 12 animals in the Chinese calendars. The first is the Mouse, followed by Cow, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Chicken, Dog and the 12th is the Boar.So get a piggy bank to save for a prosperous new year. Wish your Malaysian Chinese friends, "Happy & Prosperous New Year" or "Gong Xi Fa Cai" (Mandarin), "Gong Hei Fatt Choy" (Cantonese), "Keong Hi Huat Chai" (Hokkien).

Tip Photo
Gazetted National Holidays

by SLLiew

Many foreign investors complained that Malaysia has too many public holidays. Yet these holidays of various ethnic groups and religious celebrations add color and vibrancy to the nation and a delight for visiting tourists too. Each State and Federal Territories have 1 or more additional State holidays.Below are only for nationwide public holidays. Check my tips of respective states for state public holidays.2006 New Year 1 January Monday Hari Raya Qurban*1 January Monday Awal Muharam (Maal Hijrah)20 January SaturdayChinese New Year 18-19 FebruarySunday-Monday (& Tuesday)Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (Maulidur Rasul) 31 March SaturdayLabour Day 1 May Tuesday Wesak Day 1 May Tuesday Birthday of SPB Yang di-Pertuan Agong 2 June Saturday National Day 31 August Friday Hari Raya Puasa *13-14 October Saturday-Sunday Deepavali8 November Thursday Hari Raya Qurban*20 December Thursday Christmas 25...

Tip Photo
Local traditions and culture in Malaysia

Top 3 Hotels in Malaysia

Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur  Kuala Lumpur

 23 Reviews and 1115 Opinions  Had a comfortable night sleep in the hotel. Nice Bathroom and bedsheets. Wide spread of Breakfast.... 

 Hotels in Kuala Lumpur

Eastern And Oriental Hotel  Penang

 16 Reviews and 473 Opinions  Like other reviewers, we didn't actually stay here, we had a drink the bar which overlooks the... 

 Hotels in Penang

Aldy Hotel  Negeri Melaka

 1 Review and 55 Opinions  Aldy Hotel is situated in centre of Melaka Town next to the Police Station and opposite the... 

 Hotels in Negeri Melaka

1,169 Hotels in Malaysia
 
Explore the World
Travel Destinations
Travel Highlights

The Place

Reviews and photos of Malaysia attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Malaysia sightseeing.

Experience Malaysia
Local Customs: Cities in Malaysia
  1. Kuala Lumpur Local Customs
  2. Penang Local Customs
  3. Melaka Local Customs
  4. Pulau Langkawi Local Customs
  5. Johor Bahru Local Customs
  6. Kota Kinabalu Local Customs
  7. Kuching Local Customs
  8. Genting Local Customs
  9. Pulau Tioman Local Customs
  10. Cameron Highlands Local Customs
  11. Ipoh Local Customs
  12. Miri Local Customs
  13. Kuantan Local Customs
  14. Kuala Terengganu Local Customs
  15. Seremban Local Customs
  16. Pulau Redang Local Customs
  17. Pulau Pangkor Local Customs
  18. Sandakan Local Customs
  19. Pulau Perhentian Besar Local Customs
  20. Pulau Perhentian Kecil Local Customs
  21. Taman Negara Local Customs
  22. Cherating Beach Local Customs
  23. Taiping Local Customs
  24. Batu Pahat Local Customs
  25. Petaling Jaya Local Customs
  26. Kukup Local Customs
  27. Bukit Fraser Local Customs
  28. Putrajaya Local Customs
  29. Shah Alam Local Customs
  30. Muar Local Customs
  31. Kuala Selangor Local Customs
  32. Batu Caves Local Customs
  33. Sibu Local Customs
  34. Kota Baharu Local Customs
  35. Taman Negara Kinabalu Local Customs
  36. Bentong Town Local Customs
  37. Sungai Petani Local Customs

More Cities in Malaysia

 

Popular Regions in Malaysia

Wilayah Persekutuan Local Customs  Negeri Johor Local Customs  Negeri Pulau Pinang Local Customs  Negeri Pahang Local Customs  Negeri Perak Local Customs  State of Sabah Local Customs  Negeri Kedah Local Customs  Negeri Terengganu Local Customs  State of Sarawak Local Customs  Negeri Melaka Local Customs  Negeri Sembilan Local Customs  Negeri Selangor Local Customs  Negeri Kelantan Local Customs 

More Regions in Malaysia

Questions and Answers

skyqueen714 profile photo

Q:  Hello, I am traveling to Malaysia for the first time, at the end February beginning of March, this is my first trip there and I... 

cachaseiro profile photo

A: 1: Malaysia is a very developed and safe country to travel for anyone. 2: Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Penang and Camerom highlands are some very nice places. 3: That i... 

Read 3 Replies

postQuestion_button

Click here for best deals for Malaysia

Vacation Package Specialists
Expedia Vacations Save on flight + hotel packages. Click or call now: 1 - 800-713-8214
Plenty of choices
agoda.com Save up to 75%, Don't miss! Live support, Instant confirmation.
Best Web Rates Guaranteed
ChoiceHotels.com Compare Up to 5 Hotels by Amenities Find Great Deals Every Day
Save money, Book now !
Booking.com Excellent choice, Low rates

Sponsored Links