Tips to know before travelling to Malaysia:

Malaysia is an Islamic country and due to it's diversity of race, religion and culture; it is a wonderful place to visit and explore. Malaysian's are friendly in general and most are able in speaking the English language. However, there are certain rules and regulations that would be extremely helpful before entering the country.


 Below is a list of a few things to watch out for when visiting the country.

1. Clothing: Malaysia is a country of tropical climate and is hot and humid all year round except during the monsoon season. Therefore, travellers tend to wear light and thin clothing to keep heatstroke away. However, it is best for one to wear clothing that covers the arms and legs before entering a place of worship.
2. Shoes: Unlike the western culture, Malaysian's do not wear shoes into their houses. So do make sure to take of your shoes before entering someone's house. This rule applies to mosques as well and some may require the person to wash their feet before entering the premises.
3. Eating ethics: When eating noodles, do not slurp it as it reflects bad manners. One can request for the regular fork and spoon if using chopsticks is not an option. It is a norml sight for some people to eat using their hands in certain places but if it's at an Indian stall, refrain from using the left hand.
4. Cuisines: Malaysian cuisine is normally flavourful and filled with an assortment of flavours that will dance on your tastebuds. However, half of the dishes available may come cooked or drizzled with spices. So, for anyone out there who can't take spicy foods, you might want to check if the dish you order is spicy before confirming it.
5. Religion: Being an Islamic country, there are times where masses of Muslims go and pray and prayers can be heard in the close vicinity. This is normal and on Fridays in particular, Muslims would leave work early to go to the mosques to pray. Do not be alarmed if you see crowds of people flowing into the mosques on Friday; it's just prayer time.
6. Pork: When visiting Malaysia, the triangular sign with the word “Halal” is present in many places. This refers and relates to the fact that Muslims are not allowed to eat pork. If a restaurant has this sign, it means that the restaurant does not serve pork. If you're a pork lover and can't live a day without consuming pork, it might be a good idea to stick to Chinese restaurants that do normally serve pork.
7. Safety: When visiting, it is wise to not have gold or expensive jewellery or expensive looking ones on you. It is not to say that Malaysia is completely unsafe but crime may happen and prevention is way better than cure.

By understanding more about our destinations, it shouldn't be too big of a problem for one to commute or coordinate around the wonderful cities of the 13 different states of Malaysia. Till then we wish everyone a safe travel and a wonderful trip throughout Malaysia.

Top 10 phrases to learn before a visit to Malaysia

Malaysia, a nation brimming with beautiful and spectacular natural scenes and locations. It practically screams perfection for a retreat; be it to the mountains or the beaches or into the cool canopy of Sarawak's rainforests. Despite most of the younger generation being able to understand English, Malay is considered the national language. With communication as key, here are a few Malay phrases we suggest to everyone to learn before your trip to Malaysia. 

1. Sorry/Excuse me – Minta maaf (Mint a mah uff)

2. Thank you/Welcome – Terima kasih (Ter rih ma Kah sih)/Sama – sama (Sah mah sah mah)

3. What is this? - Apa ini? (Ap pa in ni)

4. How much? – Berapa? (Ber ah pah)

5. Expensive/Cheap – Mahal (Mah hull)/ Murah (Moo rah)

6. Water – Air? (Ire)

7. Can (verb) – Boleh (Bow lay)

8. Help – Tolong (Tow long)

9. Yes/No – Ya (yea)/Tidak (Tea duck)

10. Don't understand – Tidak faham (tea duck fa hum)
11. Toilet – Tandas (tun dus)

One need not worry as some English phrases work and the locals do understand English to a certain extent that doesn't cover overcomplicated phrases or sentences. Therefore, it is still better to know a few Malay sentences to help us out in a sticky situation. Till next time, safe travels everyone!

Top 5 Slangs to learn when travelling to Malaysia

On the way

Usually used when you’re late for a formal event or a meeting session with friends. No matter what are you doing when the question is asked ( even still at home), Malaysians tend to use this 3 words to answer. A lot of times it is continued by Malaysians saying “ X minutes ah…”

Example:

A: Why so late? Everybody waiting for you , you know ?

B: On the way…on the way… 5 more minutes..!!

Cincai

The word “ cincai” literally means whatever. Malaysians use this word frequently when they are reluctant to make a choice or just to continue a conversation.

Example:

A: Where you want to eat today ?

B: Cincai lah.. Up to you…

Walao / Walao Eh

This phrase is often to describe the feeling of surprise or disbelief. Often, it is followed by a demanding question regarding the topic which strikes disbelief.

Example:

A: So sorry, I forgot to buy your share of tickets for the movie..

B: Walaoeh, How can you invite for the movie and forgot to buy my share leh ?

Tapau

Perhaps one of the most useful slang when it comes to travelers when buying food in Malaysia. “Tapau” means to take away servings of food.

Example：

A：Can I tapau a packet of Chicken Rice ?

That's why lah

The phrase literally translates into "that explains it" in proper English. Often used when Malaysians want to make a quick reasoning about something.

Example :

A: Oops..I’m being late again, coz’ stuck in the heavy traffic

B: That’s’ why lah.. always ask you to go out earlier but you don’t listen.

Interesting transports found in Southeast Asia

When travelling to South East Asia, there are certainly tons of alternative methods of transport across. From animal carts to crowded mini-lorries, these transportation are easily accessible to those who visit particular regions in South East Asia. Here are some of the interesting transportation methods.

 Cidomo 

Cidomo is a small horse-drawn carriage used in some parts of Indonesia. In the 1960s-70s, it was the main transport used in Bali, Indonesia. The carriage usually can seat up to 4 persons, with 2 person sitting in the front and 2 in the back. Till now, it is widely found especially in Bali and Gili Islands of Indonesia. Riding the Cidomo exploring suburban towns of Indonesia is definitely an interesting experience.

SongThaew

The songthaew , literally translated to English from Thai as Two Rows. This is a passenger vehicle commonly found in most areas in Thailand and Laos. It is actually a pick-up or a larger truck and used as a share taxi or bus. Nowadays, drivers of songthaew especially in Thailand can communicate with simple English resulting to a lot of western visitors actually use songthaew as a mode of transport in places such as Krabi or Phuket.

Tuk-Tuk 

Tuk-tuks or 'sam lor' (three-wheeled) is found in Thailand. Originating from an old-fashioned rickshaw during the second World War, a tuk-tuk is essentially a rickshaw with a small engine fitted in. Tuk-tuks have become one of Bangkok's most recognisable transportation features, and are still popular among tourists and visitors. The typical capacity for a tuk-tuk in Thailand is two average-size people or maybe three.

Trishaws 

The trishaws found in Malaysia are the cousins of Tuk-Tuk from Thailand. The only difference between them is the trishaws found in Malaysia are pedal-powered. Trishaws are a great way to travel through the historical alleys in parts of Malaysia such as Melaka and Penang. Malaysian Trishaws will usually ferry you through narrow lanes, offering closer view of historical sites at a most leisurely pace.

Xe Bo

Xe Bo is known as the bull cart in Vietnam. Visitors travelling to the outskirts in Vietnam such as Ninh Binh and Tam Coc will always encounter these bull carts. Although not the fastest way to travel through the roads, it may be an unforgettable experience to ride on one of these bull carts. As known, no matter it is one bull or 2 bulls pulling these carts, it will always be the same speed.