Malaysia Tip - Expect the Unexpected

By: Faisal Abdullah
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:42:22
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1. No hot shower

Showers in homes typically don’t have hot water, eventhough you see a tap which can be pulled left or right (for cold and hot). Unless you see a water heater which is usually a rectangular plastic box in the bathroom, don’t count on it. Hotels normally have hot showers though.

2. Toilets are the squat type - no seats

It’s common to see squat type toilets with no seats, even in restaurants, budget hostels or backpackers hotels, and some homes. If you’re not comfortable with it, ask where you can find a seated toilet.

3. Toilets - no toilet paper

Locals (Malays especially) don’t use toilet paper. They use a lot of water, soap and their left hand. Be prepared to not find any toilet paper at all. Again, hotels should have them. Budget accomodation should have them if they’re used to having foreign guests. Ask outfront, or buy your own.

4. Receiving and giving

Always receive and give something (money, business cards, etc) with your right hand (even if you’re left handed). The left hand is reserved for hygiene purposes (see point above).

5. Cigarette butts thrown on floors

Malaysians smoke quite a lot, and throw the cigarette butts quite alot also. Its a normal scene if you see people smoking in open air restaurants, and just throw them on the floor (eventhough ashtrays are provided). Throwing butts on the street is very normal.

6. People might stare

If you’re travelling to more remote areas, for example Kota Bharu, people might stare, especially if you’re caucasian. Don’t worry, they’re probably not talking badly about you. They just don’t see people with white skin that often. They’re not hostile or disgusted, they’re just trying to figure you out and watch your moves. If you’re female, they’re probably just checking you out. If you have tatoos or piercing, they’ll stare at that too. Act normal, or just smile back at them. They will, without doubt either smile back, or embarassingly look somewhere else. Usually, they’ll smile back.

7. No knife and fork.

People either eat with hands, or fork and spoon. The chinese use chopsticks. No knives will by lying around conveniently for you. Eating daily meals with a spoon (using the fork to drag the food to the spoon) is just like westerners eating cereal with a spoon for breakfast.

8. Hugging and kissing

Affection like hugging and kissing in public isn’t a common thing (even for husbands and wives, irrespective of race). If you are introduced to a Malay or Muslim women, wait and see if they extend their hands to shake. If they don’t, a warm smile will suffice. Hope this helps.

Faisal Abdullah was born in Malaysia and is a systems engineer by profession. He loves travelling, culture, cooking and making international friends. Faisal has travelled to countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Holland, France, Germany, Belgium, England, Italy and USA. Faisal regularly updates travel and leisure related blogs at http://www.dormantbrain.com.

Article source: Expert Articles

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