10 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE VISITING MALAYSIA

Besides the beautiful rainforest, amazing architecture, and variety of finger-licking good food, Malaysia welcomes you to its land where different cultures and languages fuse in harmony and which is known for the country of fun festivals.

But there’s always more than that Malaysia has to offer. The people here are warm-hearted, polite, and generous and they leave no reason for a person not to book a flight and overlook this amazing country. But there are certain points to keep in mind as DOS and DONTS to enjoy the fullest. So, here are the 10 things to keep in mind while visiting Malaysia.

ITS MOSTLY RAINING

Didn’t you know it’s a rainforest country? While you wander around enjoying your life, don’t forget to pack up with a rain jacket and umbrella so you enter neat and dry in one of the malls or hotels while it’s raining outside. Malaysia is famous for its rainforest weather which cumulates up to 3000mm rain on average per annum.

INSULT LOCAL FOOD, MAKE LOCAL ENEMIES

Beware, insulting Malaysian food like nasi lemak, or else can welcome locals becoming enemies and you might end up running away from the hotel. Hey! Who’s going to pay for your order? They love their food, they pride in their food and they surely won’t like you ridiculing their appearance, how they taste, etc.

MALAYSIA- PAIR OF LAND SPLIT ISLANDS

Let’s get educated, Malaysia is not completely a tropical country nor flooded only with roads, malls, and business locations. There are two regions within this fantastic country.

One is Peninsular Malaysia, known for Petronas Towers, Menara Kuala Lumpur, National Mosque of Malaysia, and the likes while Malaysian Borneo soothes the soul with its beautiful scenery of Sipadan. Orangutangs ping-ponging across lush trees and so it’s probably a place to make you experience an adventure paradise.

COMPARE MALAYSIA WITH SINGAPORE- NO WAY

Comparing the two countries should definitely be on the NOT-TO-DO list. No matter what’s your opinion of the two but the moment you start comparing these countries, you degrade yourself among the natives.

The reason for their rivalry roots back when Singapore, before 1965, was once a part of Malaysia. But their extreme political and 180 degrees economical differences set them apart. Lucky for Singapore as separation proved beneficial for itself, growing from a small town to a wow developed country. Sadly, Malaysia still suffers from this complexity and strives by every means to pace up with its former half part.

Now having known the core reasons, never compare the two cities as it would act as salt on an open wound to the Malaysian natives.

INTERNET AND WIFI- NOT A PROBLEM

Planning to post status but worrying for connectivity? Not a problem. Stay connected throughout the journey with your family, friends, colleagues, etc. as the Wi-Fi and internet is widely available. Hotels, shopping malls, airports, and cafes all offer you free service. Want to be more personalized, buy a prepaid sim card that offers a wide package range of data bundles for a typical cost of around 20-50 MYR (Malaysian ringgit).

STOP POINTING WITH FOREFINGERS

No doubt pointing with forefingers is supposed inadequate way of communication in manner talks. But the Malays, well, take it exceptionally rude and unpleasant. So they solved the problem by using a thumb or open palm.

Yes, if you want to point something, use the THUMB RULE. Or use an open palm to point in a certain direction and you’ll find them friendly enough to guide you in the right direction.

THIRSTY? BUY AND DRINK BOTTLED WATER ONLY

One biggest threat to your health there can be drinking from tap water. But why on earth, a water-abundant country like Malaysia is unsafe to drink tap water? It’s because heavy metals like mercury, lead, cadmium, etc. are found in it. Drink excessive tap water and brain deformities start to occur later.

SHOP BUT DON’T STOP

Pack less while coming to Malaysia. Surely you’ll feel embarrassed, rejecting the shopkeepers and their well-dressed staff time and time again as they’ll welcome you warm-heartedly. It’s perfectly technical to name Malaysia a shopping paradise as all branded stores, malls, hypermarkets are a stone's throw away. End up emptying your debit/credit card but the sellers won’t stop chasing you with souvenirs, a gift for a friend, or dress-up options for a romantic gathering.

NO MONEY FOR BEGGARS

Often you would see beggars asking for money on sideways, public parks, and elsewhere. But don’t waste your money on them. You can’t participate in eliminating poverty like this. There is a begging syndicate on the loose and helping them unintentionally will fill their pockets with cash.

If you are kind enough and willing to support the lower class, buy them food for which they pretend to ask money for. Authorities are already out there cleaning the begging syndicate but your help to beggars will wash out all their hard work.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT- GREAT ECONOMIC SOURCE OF TRAVELLING

Easy to use, widely available, the public transport can shift you anywhere you like whenever you want. Malaysia offers economic monorails, buses, trains to your traveling needs, and what’s more exciting is all the service is available on few clicks to websites like Red Bus Malaysia and Easy Book, etc.

THE TAKEAWAY

So there you have it, 10 things to keep in mind while visiting Malaysia. So what’s your plan? Visiting Malaysian Borneo or lost in Peninsular Malaysia? Enjoying traditional foods or busy shopping? Malaysia is a great tourist place that not only welcomes great hospitality and tasty food servings but also offers extraordinary relaxing natural sites calming your soul. The tropical country is full of great experiences that definitely