Malaysia Local Customs

 
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  •   Local Customs
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      I am lucky to capture this :D
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Most Viewed Local Customs in Malaysia

126.

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... 

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127.

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... 

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128.

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... 

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129.

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... 

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130.

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... 

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131.

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... 

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132.

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... 

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133.

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... 

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134.

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... 

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135.

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... 

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136.

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... 

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137.

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... 

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138.

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... 

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139.

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... 

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140.

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... 

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141.

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... 

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142.

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... 

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143.

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... 

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144.

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.... 

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145.

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... 

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146.

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... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Local Customs to be Aware Of

by keeweechic

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 allowed but it is polite to ask for permission first.It is also polite remove your shoes before entering a Malaysian home,The right forefinger should not be used when pointing to places, objects or persons. Instead, use the thumb of the right hand with four fingers folded under, which is the preferred method.

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Festivals - 1

by keeweechic

Hari Raya Puasa A special celebration which marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting and abstinence. Hari Raya Puasa formally starts at the detection of the moon on the day before the next month on the Muslim calendar, Syawal. The festival then starts the following day with early morning prayers at the mosque and a visit to the cemetery to pray for deceased souls. Then comes the good part.. the feast. ThaipusamThis festival is usually late Jan or early Feb and is a day of consecration to the Hindu deity. A characteristic of the festival is the carrying of a kavadi which is a frame decorated with coloured papers, tinsels, fresh flowers, and fruits as a form of reparation. In KL an annual pilgrimage to the Batu Caves where the kavadi is carried up the 272 steps to the entrance of the great cave and laid at the feet of the deity. Some have entered a trance, and pierced their...

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Wrap yourself up when visit mosque

by adoc

For girls:1. Wear robe which help hide you from the shoulder to the ankle2. Wear muffle which help hide your ear and neck3. Go bare foot4. Taking photos is allowedFor boys:No need to wear robe unless you are wearing a short pants.

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Males on one side

by muddybok

It's the custom for differential gender in states like Kedah, Kelantan & Terengganu. Parents are especially strict with their daughters until they are married.Ideally, boys and girls are not suppose to opening goes dating until they are of age and parents (especially female side) are approve of the boys. Of course the younger generations are not too use to this, but will respect their old folks by not overdone what they seen in the TV/movies.See also tip on "Females on the other side".

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Att..

by TOURMALINE

Since the majority of the population are muslim you should respect their way of life in which the religon has a very infulential role. Bargain when you buy souvenirs etc in local small shops whatever you intend to buy.

Raja Sehari!

by muddybok

They deserve the best treatment for that day, because local call it “Raja Sehari”. Meaning, he is the “King for the Day”, one day only!!!!!Correction, they entitle up to four times "Raja Sehari" (may be more!!) But at any one time 4 legal wives. The queen only "sehari".Please do not mistaken that every Malaysian will have the privilege of having 4 wives at any one time. Only those who're adopting Islam will be able to exercise this right. For me, I will be entitled for ONE ONLY. So, please don't feel insecure that you are the 3rd, 4th or 5th girl friends of mine if you somehow attracted to me eh! ;-)

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Gotong Royong (Community Living)

by muddybok

It is no joke to prepare for the wedding lunch & dinner without helping hands from these aunties. They are help preparing ingredients for the dishes & some of them will even contribute cooking oils, cooking utensils, and etc.This humble kampong living is very much well kept in rural areas. Most families will selflessly contribute to events such as child birth, wedding, funerals & anything that relate to both joy & sadness.

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Malaysian Road Accidents

by l_joo

Quickly park your vehicle beside the accident spot, feel free to join the crowd to watch people bleeding, suffering, etc and make plentiful comments. Bear in mind there are many eyes looking at you. This is a VERY POPULAR LOCAL CUSTOM !!!

Malaysian Bargain Techniques

by l_joo

Feel free to bargain at anything with or without price tags, ask for 50% discount, tell them you have ten more friends wanted to buy, ask for extra free gifts, use your instinct, whatever possible. No Discount No Buy is Malaysia's most popular local custom. Tourists should spend time study our bargain skills, learn, practice and gain extra knowledge on travels. (Hahaha)

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Dogs and Cats in Malaysia

by l_joo

Whenever saw cats/dogs/monkeys/birds/etc, feel free to bawl “Shhhssshhh!!!” or “Hhhhheeerrrrhhh!!!” or splash water at them, many peoples did that, a popular local custom. Malaysia is a country where copying others is highly welcome. If there’s a stone, hurl stone at them, do it naturally, don’t overact. Sorry tourists, this is a weird culture, please don't copy.

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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

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... 

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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... 

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