Malaysia is a multicultural country made up of over 31 million people. All the world’s major religions are represented in Malaysia. However, 61% of the population practices the official religion, Islam. The remainder is made up of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and other faiths.
This makes Malaysia an exciting and unique country to visit. Before your trip to Malaysia or any foreign country, it is necessary to research the local customs to ensure their cultures are respected.
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Prior to visiting Malaysia, it is very important to be aware of all the dos and don’ts in Malaysia. While the popular landmarks in Malaysia are the first choice of places to visit in Malaysia by many travelers, this guide will shed some light on an unpopular reason to visit the country – its culture. This article covers etiquette for Malaysia’s customs and gives an overview of festivals in Malaysia.
Customs & Etiquette
Dress
Being a conservative country, you are expected to dress modestly. Always err on the side of caution to avoid disrespecting Muslims and other cultures.
Muslim tradition decrees that the torsos, knees, and shoulders of both men and women must be covered. Wear loosely-fitted clothing. The dress code does not strictly apply to everywhere in Malaysia if you are not practicing the Muslim faith. However, this degree of conservativeness is required when entering a place of worship. As well as the Muslim mosques, this dress code also applies to the Buddhist temples.
Behavior In Public
Limit public displays of affection such as kissing. Keep alcohol consumption to bars, your hotel, and resort areas as consumption in public is frowned upon.
In the Muslim culture, it is not appreciated to initiate a handshake with a woman or photograph them without their consent. Though this may vary from individual to individual, however, it is best to be avoided.
Festivals In Malaysia
Malaysia sure knows how to celebrate! Cultural festivities transpire year-round, with the streets filled with colors and music. Many of which are religious celebrations, world music, and other arts festivals.
If you plan to visit Malaysia during a large festival, it’s best to book accommodation and activities early. Last-minute accommodation could become scarce, especially in the smaller towns.
Malaysia is home to numerous festivals. The following five festivals in Malaysia are amongst the largest celebrated.
Thaipusam
The Tamils in Malaysia celebrate Thaipusam at the beginning of the year during the first full moon. The festival commemorates Murugan, the Hindu God of War, who conquered an evil spirit.
Celebrations are unusual, albeit unique. Brave worshippers pierce their bodies, including their cheeks and tongue.
Kuala Lumpur’s Batu Caves usually hosts the festival. The Hindu temple upon the limestone hill is a major tourist attraction year-round, so be mindful of the crowds during Thaipusam.
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year festivities take place in February. The festival lasts for 15 days in total, starting on the 23rd day of the last lunar month of the year.
Celebrations include house visitations, firework displays, lion dance performances, and lantern festivals. It’s a time to ‘paint the town red’, but not like the saying. Businesses and homes become adorned with red decorations to repel evil spirits.
Many countries celebrate Chinese New Year; for example, New Zealand celebrates with the Auckland Lantern Festival and the US celebrate with Chinese New Year parades consisting of traditional colorful costumes and floats.
Eid al-Fitr / Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Most Malaysians follow Islam. Eid al-Fitr or Hari Raya Aidilfitri (in Malay) ensues with grand celebrations. Hari Raya celebrates the end of Ramadan in the ninth month of the Islamic year.
Related: All About Traveling To Muslim Countries During Ramadan
Celebrate the end of fasting with food, of course! Festive dishes that accompany the celebrations include chicken satay, beef rendang, and lemang. Try out these delicious traditional dishes, whether you’re traveling during Hari Raya or not.
Wesak Day
Wesak Day is one of the festivals in Malaysia celebrated by Buddhists. Celebrations commemorate Buddha’s birthday on the Sunday closest to the full moon of May.
Services are held at temples to honor Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death. Monks meditate and pray with burning incense perfusing through the temple.
Attend the float procession where you’ll get to observe a giant Buddha statue.
Deepavali
In Malaysia, the Indian festival of Diwali is known as Deepavali. Vivid colors, lively music, and joyful celebrations embody the Festival of Lights.
The sizeable Indian community in Malaysia revels with fairs, parades, feasting, and visitations. Colorful lights and oil lamps line the streets. Look out for the bright rangoli artwork made especially for the festival to symbolize luck. To conclude the Festival of Lights, an impressive fireworks exhibition is displayed.
Malaysia is an incredible country to visit. Festivities and traditions will shape your experience. Immerse yourself into the culture, devour delectable cuisine, and enjoy the activities Malaysia has to offer.
Author bio:
For Harper, one of the perks of being a freelance creative writer is getting to bring her work anywhere she goes. Harper has collaborated with various blogs and accommodation sites. Discover more of her inspired pieces on Tumblr.
Want More Malaysian Goodness? Check Out My Other Posts On Malaysia:
- The Best Islands To Visit In Malaysia For Solo Female Travelers
- Why I didn’t like Kuala Lumpur? My 2-day KL Itinerary
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I wonder, why do so many people travel to Singapore, but always forget about Malaysia? I am sure that this country will impress everyone.
Thinking about heading to Malaysia in a few months so this is super useful and interesting reading, thank you 🙌
Glad you find it useful 🙂
Hey Rehma,
Such a nice overview of Malaysia. I didn’t know there were Buddhist monasteries there. I would love to experience this country first hand someday! 🙂
I am glad you liked this article, thank you 🙂
Thank you for teaching about festivals in Malaysia. I love learning about other cultures and you have allowed that to happen.
So happy to know I helped you in learning something new 🙂
I’ve not yet traveled to Malaysia but this is a great guide for someone like me! I didn’t know a lot of this information but I always like to be prepared so that I know what the appropriate guidelines are! Really helpful and interesting stuff in here!
Thank you, Julie and I hope you can get to travel to Malaysia soon 🙂
Uhh Loved the post! Maybe you could include an interactive calendar with the yearly dates for these activities? This way it would be easier for us to plan when to go to each location! Lovely post. Thank you for sharing!
That is a great idea, Jenn! I am definitely going to do that. Thank you for your suggestion 🙂
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and advice. I would love to celebrate Deepavali in Malaysia!