malaysia destination guide
Embed Size (px)
TRANSCRIPT
-
7/24/2019 Malaysia Destination Guide
1/8
LEAGUE GO
VIETNAM T
DESTINATION
TRAVELERS GUIDE
-
7/24/2019 Malaysia Destination Guide
2/8
HISTORYMalaysia has a rich historical
background. Because of its
strategic position between the
Indian Ocean and the South
China Sea, Malaysia has long
been the meeting place for
traders and travelers from West
and East. Hence its history is oneof continual interaction with
foreign powers and influences
Hindu-Buddhist influence was
strong in the centuries before the
coming of Islam. By1400, when
the Malacca Sultanate was at the
height of its power, Islam had
become a major influence. By
1511, however, Malacca hadfallen to the Portuguese.
Meanwhile the Dutch had been
establishing their influence in
Java. By 1641, the Dutch had also
taken over Malacca but they in
turn lost it to the British who had
been slowly consolidating their
hold on the Malay states
following Francis Lights arrival
in Penang in 1786. In 1815
Malacca was in British hands and
in 1819, Stamford Raffles
founded Singapore. Thereafter,
through treaties, relentless
political pressure and diplomacy,
the British slowly extended their
control over all the states of the
Malay Peninsula.
Sarawak, once part of the Sultan
of Bruneis Empire, was ruled by
the British adventurer James
Brooke and his descendants since
1841. In 1888, Sarawak and
North Borneo (Sabah) became
British protectorates. By the
1920s, all the states that
eventually comprised Malaysia
were under British control. The
first stirrings of Malaysian
nationalism were felt in the 193
following the end of World War
II, the momentum of nationalism
picked up again, culminating in
independence for the Federation
of Malaya in 1957. In 1963,
Malaysia was formed, bringing
together the stats of Malaya,Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak.
Singapore, however, left the
federation in 1965.
Today, Malaysia is a strong
member of the six-member
Association of South-East Asia
Nations (ASEAN). The
association, comprising Brunei
Darussalam, Indonesia, MalaysThailand, the Philippines and
Singapore, was formed to
promote regional growth and
cooperation among member
nations.
Malaysia is a melting pot of
various races. Its population of
million people, for all of its
complex ethnic set-up, has been
remarkably peaceful. Mutual
respect for each others culture,
traditions, religious beliefs and
way of life has created a peacefu
social environment, stable
political climate and a strong
economy for the nation.
The government, headed by the
Prime Minister and members of
his cabinet, is an alliance of
parties representing differentracial groups. The Supreme Hea
of State is the Yang Di Pertuan
Agog (King). He is a
constitutional monarch elected
for a term of 5 years by his fello
rulers from the other states.
POPULATIONMalaysia has a population of
approximately 28.3 millionpeople, with the vast majority
of them living in peninsular
Malaysia. The rest live on the
Malaysian portion of the island
of Borneo.
TIMELocal time is GMT +8 hours.
VISASU.S. citizens do not need a visa for
tourist or business travel to
Malaysia for a stay up to 3 months
but a valid U.S. Passport is
required.
INSURANCEMedical insurance is
recommended. Travelers older
than one year coming frominfected areas require a yellow
fever vaccination certificate.
-
7/24/2019 Malaysia Destination Guide
3/8
LANGUAGEBahasa Malaysia is the official language. Chinese dialects and
Tamil are still widely used in their respective communities.
English is widely spoken in the larger cities and in hotels, shops
and most restaurants.
COMMON BAHASA PHRASES
Hello Halo or HeyHow are you? Apa kabar?
Thank you Terima kasih
Youre welcome Terma kasih kembali
Goodbye Selamat tinggal
Please Silakan
Im sorry Maaf
What is your name? Namamu saipa?
My name is _________ Nama saya __________
Yes Ya
No Tidak
Where is the toilet? Dimana toilet sialan?
How do I get to __? Bafaimana saya bias ke ___?
Water Air
How much is? Berapa harganya?
CURRENCYThe Malaysian Ringit (MYR), also referred to as the Malaysian
Dollar, is divided into 100 sen. Malaysian banks charge in the
region of US$2-3 for foreign exchange transactions.
Moneychangers are generally quicker to deal with and do notcharge commission; their rates however are variable. Pounds or
dollars are the easiest to exchange. Travelers cheques can be
exchanged at banks and some hotels. All major credit cards are
accepted at up market hotels, shops and restaurants. ATMs are
widely available.
CLIMATEMalaysia has a tropical, humid climate with temperatures
averaging 86F (30C), though it is cooler in the highland areas.The major change in seasons is marked by the arrival of the
monsoons that bring heavy downpours on the east coast of
Peninsula Malaysia, the northeastern part of Sabah and the
western end of Sarawak (from November to February). Boat trips
to the islands do not run during the height of the monsoon season.
The best time to visit Malaysia is between April and October.
CREDIT CARDSCredit cards are widely accecpted.
TIPPINGService charges of 10% are added to
in most leading hotels and restauran
Where it is not included, a tip of 10-
of the bill would be appropriate.
Airport porter/hotel bellboy:
$1.00 - $ 2.00 US per bag.
Your tour guide:
$10.00 - $ 12.00 US per person per d
Driver/assistants:
$ 6.00 - $ 7.00 US per person per day
-
7/24/2019 Malaysia Destination Guide
4/8
HEALTHSome tropical illnesses are prevalent in Malaysia
and travelers should seek medical advice regarding
any recommended vaccinations before traveling.
Hepatitis A and B are common, as is dengue fever,
which has no vaccination or immunization. There
has been an increase in cases of dengue fever since
January 2005. Malaria risks are isolated to the
inland regions; the exception is Sabah, where there
is an all-year risk.
Dysentery and travelers' diarrhea afflict travelers in
Malaysia so it is advisable to drink only bottled or
boiled water and avoid uncooked meat, fish andvegetables, unpeeled fruit, ice and salads. A further
health hazard in Malaysia is smoke haze and air
pollution, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, which has
the worst air quality in Asia with very high Benzene
pollution levels. This could aggravate cardiac or
respiratory problems. There have been outbreaks of
bird flu, but no human infections have been
reported, and in September 2007 Malaysia's
Agriculture Minister declared the country free of
the deadly form of avian influenza. Travelersshould still avoid contact with domestic, caged or
wild birds and ensure that poultry and egg dishes
are well cooked as a precaution. The hospitals in
Kuala Lumpur and other cities are of a high
standard.
ETIQUETTEMalaysians tend to be fairly conservative in their
approach to social interactions. It is not uncommon
to see younger people bowing their heads as a sign
of respect when passing by an older person.
Challenging a figure of authority in public would be
regarded as completely improper etiquette.
Generally, any open display of anger or outrage,
however deserved in your eyes would be met with
disdain.
When entering a Malaysian house, you should be
expected that you are to remove your shoes, and you
should greet your host with a handshake, followed
by placing your right hand over your heart. Malaysia
is largely Muslim and therefore Islamic customs
should be respected, especially during the month ofRamadan when eating, drinking and smoking in
public should be avoided, as it is forbidden by
Islamic law. Dress, particularly for women, should
be conservative, and arms and legs should be
covered when visiting places of worship. It is
customary to remove shoes before entering homes
and places of worship. When eating or exchanging
money, the right hand is used and do not point your
foot at someone, it is considered very rude.
PHOTOGRAPHSIt is polite to ask permission before taking
photographs, Some people may take offense.
DRUGSIn Malaysia, the answer is simple dont. Drug
trafficking caries a mandatory death penalty.
-
7/24/2019 Malaysia Destination Guide
5/8
PEOPLESelamat Datang is the traditional Malaysian
greeting that welcomes visitors to this vibrant and
exotic country. Ethnically diverse cultures share the
same lush landscape and create a fusion of cultural
styles, cooking and religions that is distinctly
Malaysian. Festivals throughout the year mark the
Malay, Chinese and Indian holidays, as well as
those of the indigenous Orang Asli and the tribes of
Sabah and Sarawak.
Malaysia's multi-racial society contains many
ethnic groups. Malays comprise a majority of just
over 50%. By constitutional definition, all Malays
are Muslim. About a quarter of the population is
ethnic Chinese, a group which historically played
an important role in trade and business. Malaysians
of Indian descent comprise about 7% of the
population and include Hindus, Muslims,Buddhists, and Christians. Non-Malay indigenous
groups combine to make up approximately 11% of
the population.
THE LANDMalaysia is a tropical wonderland situated in the
heart of Southeast Asia. Lying just north of the
equator, it is made up of two regions, Peninsular
Malaysia (which lays between Thailand and
Singapore) and East Malaysia (Malaysian portion ofBorneo) It is the Peninsula that seems to attract the
most visitors, probably because of the diversity it
offers in the way of people, activities and climates.
The highland regions offer cool relief from the
clinging humidity of the mainland, while Langkawi
is the popular choice for sand and surf enthusiasts.
The east coast, particularly the northern Kelantan
province, offers the chance for an interesting
cultural exploration of traditional Malay life. The
city of Kota Bharu and its surrounds is possibly the
most fascinating part of the peninsula, and the least
visited, with a remote beauty and rich culture. The
west coast is favored for historical interest, and is
where Malaysia's capital city, Kuala Lumpur is to be
found, the icon of Asian prosperity and the meeting
point for expats and city slickers who enjoy the
energy of urban life.
RELIGIONThe official religion is Islam but freedom of worship
is guaranteed. Other accepted religions practiced
include Budhism, Taoism, Hinduism and
Christianity.
ARTIn Malaysia, Art is serious business, encouraged and
supported by the government as a way to develop
national identity and to help build their tourismsector.
Traditional Malaysian art is centered around the
crafts of carvings, weaving, and silver smiting.
Traditional art ranges from hand woven baskets
from rural areas to the silverwork of the Malay
courts. Earthenware has been developed in many
areas such as Perak, which is famous for gourd
shaped clay jars that hold water.
MUSICMalaysian music has many influences including
Malay, Chinese, Indian, Iban, Dayak, Kadazandusun,
Eurasians and other groups, all of which are
practiced throughout the various sub-cultures of
Malaysia, but modern Malaysian music is mainly a
type of jazz/fusion music, Pop, and even some hip
hop.
-
7/24/2019 Malaysia Destination Guide
6/8
FOODThe main staple food of Malaysia is rice steamed, boiled or fried. Coconut milk, and chili peppers (both
mild and hot) are also traditional and very popular. Rice may be served at all meals including breakfast,
with a generous helping of Nasi Goreng (fried rice) one of the most popular dishes. Another universally
popular dish is Satay, skewered meat cooked over a barbecue.
Multiracial Malaysia offers a mouth-watering range of food, like spicy Malay dishes, a seemingly endless
variety of Chinese food, exotic cuisine from North and South India, as well as Nyonya and Portuguese
food. European cuisine is easily available. Tropical fruits such as durian, ciku, mangosteen, rambutan,
guavas, watermelons, papayas and bananas are available. All of these typical Malaysian dishes are
extremely pleasing to the American palate.
WATER SAFETYDrink only bottled water or boiled water. ovens called tandoors. This roti is very tasty and is often served
with Indian curries.
-
7/24/2019 Malaysia Destination Guide
7/8
WHAT TO PACKDue to restricted weight limits on all the Domestic flights (20kg or
44 pounds) it is recommended that you travel light.To sum it up -
Casual & relaxed but modest.
Kuala Lumpur is a cosmopolitan city where there is no particular
dress code and where you will find all fashions.
In keeping with many Muslim countries you will find that people
in the Capital city and other major towns are used to foreigners
are therefore likely to be more tolerant and more liberal.
However once outside; the population are more traditional and
rigid so please be sure to cover you shoulders, stomach, hips and
bare legs.
It is also hot and humid so we suggest that lightweight clothes in
natural fibres; linen, silk and cotton will be more comfortable.Rain is frequent, so lightweight clothes will also dry more quickly.
T-shirts and shorts are perfectly acceptable, but avoid skimpy or
revealing clothes or you will get unwanted attention.
Hotels, restaurants and shopping malls are usually air
conditioned and at times this can be pretty fierce so be sure to
tuck a shawl or pashmina into your day bag.
Langkawi is casual all the way and flip flops and sarongs are the
norm. However there are some smart restaurants worth dressingup for.
The rain fall is greater from March to April and October -
December so be sure to pack a light weight raincoat.
If you plan on visiting religious sites please be sure to cover up
absolutely no skimpy or revealing clothes, and cover your legs
and shoulders.
If you are visiting on business, then trouser suits are acceptable
for women.
-
7/24/2019 Malaysia Destination Guide
8/8
SHOPPINGMalaysia offers visitors a myriad of opportunities to shop, from
the latest electronics to designer brands, with Kuala Lumpur
being the best place to find modern shopping centers and goods
from around the world. For hand-crafted wooden baskets and
other local crafts the best place to go is towns and villages along
the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Pewterware, songket, (a
popular hand-made woven fabric), batik cloth, jewelry, sliverware,brassware, and pottery are other typical Malaysian items available
in local shops.
Words of Wisdom-Buyer Beware
Bring your purchases home with you. Unless you are prepared to
wait up to a year to receive your merchandise, do not have it
shipped -- not even by air freight.
Do not purchase expensive goods of supposed high quality unless
you are absolutely sure of what you are buying.
Unless you are an expert in gems, antiques, artifacts, etc., you
should not assume that it is of the highest quality or value.
Always take the time to read the charge slips for credit card
purchases before you sign them. This may seem obvious; but in
the excitement of making a foreign purchase, travelers sometimes
overlook this and are unpleasantly surprised when they return
home and are billed by the credit card company. Taking a few
moments to review the charge slip before signing it (andcomputing the exchange rate to be sure you are charged the right
amount) can save you headaches later.
CUSTOMSTravelers to Malaysia do not have to pay customs duty on 200
cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g tobacco; 1 liter wine, spirits or malt
liquor; 100 matches; cosmetic products to the value of RM200; up
to three new items of clothing and one pair of footwear; one
portable electrical or battery-operated appliance for personal
hygiene; food preparations to the value of RM75; souvenirs andgifts to the value of RM200 (with the exception of goods from
Langkawi and Labuan, to the value of RM500). Prohibited items
include goods from South Africa and Israel, counterfeit money,
and illegal drugs.