| Boat building has become a popular cottage industry, especially with the growing tourist arrivals to beach destinations. Many fishing villages around the country are now implement skills which have been passed down from generation to generation. These boat builders are unique, for they work entirely from their memory and experience, without any set plans. Visit Pankgor Island |
The Sarawak Cultural Village in the state of Sarawak is a living
museum. Occupying some 17 1/2 acres at the foothills of the legendary
Mount Santubong and fronting the South China Sea, this cultural heaven
for artist and tourist alike is dedicated to the culture and traditions of
Sarawak. Visit the Sarawak Cultural Village
museum. Occupying some 17 1/2 acres at the foothills of the legendary
Mount Santubong and fronting the South China Sea, this cultural heaven
for artist and tourist alike is dedicated to the culture and traditions of
Sarawak. Visit the Sarawak Cultural Village
When visiting Malaysia you should observe local customs
and practices. Some common courtesies and customs are
as follows:
* Although handshakes are generally acceptable for both
men and women, some Muslim ladies may acknowledge
introductions to gentlemen by merely nodding and smiling. A
handshake should only be initiated by ladies. The traditional
greeting or salam resembles a handshake with both hands
but without the grasp. The man offers both hands, lightly
touches his friends outstretched hands, and then brings his
hands to his chest to mean, "I greet you from my heart". The
visitor should reciprocate the salam. * It is polite to call
before visiting a home.
* Shoes must always be removed when entering a Malaysian
home.
* Drinks are generally offered to guests. It is polite to accept.
* The right hand is always used when eating with one's hand
or giving and receiving objects.
* The right forefinger is not used to point at places, objects or
persons. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with four
fingers folded under is the preferred usage.
* Shoes must be removed when entering places of worship
such as mosques and temples. Some mosques provide
robes and scarves for female visitors. Taking photographs at
places of worship is usually permitted but always ask
permission beforehand.
* Toasting is not a common practice in Malaysia. The
country's large Muslim population does not drink alcohol.
Tourism Malaysia
and practices. Some common courtesies and customs are
as follows:
* Although handshakes are generally acceptable for both
men and women, some Muslim ladies may acknowledge
introductions to gentlemen by merely nodding and smiling. A
handshake should only be initiated by ladies. The traditional
greeting or salam resembles a handshake with both hands
but without the grasp. The man offers both hands, lightly
touches his friends outstretched hands, and then brings his
hands to his chest to mean, "I greet you from my heart". The
visitor should reciprocate the salam. * It is polite to call
before visiting a home.
* Shoes must always be removed when entering a Malaysian
home.
* Drinks are generally offered to guests. It is polite to accept.
* The right hand is always used when eating with one's hand
or giving and receiving objects.
* The right forefinger is not used to point at places, objects or
persons. Instead, the thumb of the right hand with four
fingers folded under is the preferred usage.
* Shoes must be removed when entering places of worship
such as mosques and temples. Some mosques provide
robes and scarves for female visitors. Taking photographs at
places of worship is usually permitted but always ask
permission beforehand.
* Toasting is not a common practice in Malaysia. The
country's large Muslim population does not drink alcohol.
Tourism Malaysia
| The Wayang Kulit is a traditional shadow play using puppets made from the skin of the buffalo. These flattened cut out puppets are then placed between a light source and a screen. Shadows are cast onto the screen and stories are told. Try to catch a play if you have a chance. |
| Wayang Kulit |
| The People of Malaysia |
| Local customs and practices |
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| About Malaysia |
Central Market once Kuala Lumpur's largest "wet" market is now a
unique venue for locals and tourists alike. Refurbished old market stalls
are now kiosks for individual merchants selling all kind of merchandise
from personalised T-shirts and handicrafts, to portrait artists and
interesting paraphernalia.
unique venue for locals and tourists alike. Refurbished old market stalls
are now kiosks for individual merchants selling all kind of merchandise
from personalised T-shirts and handicrafts, to portrait artists and
interesting paraphernalia.
Rubber Tapping
| The Malaysian people possess excellent craftsmanship and produce beautiful ethnic wood, rattan, leaves and other materials found in their natural surroundings |
| Markets are found throughout the country. in just about every neighborhood. Sample some of the local fruits and vegetables at the open morning markets. |
If you haven't already noticed, Batik is worn in every fashion imaginable
evening outfits, you can find a piece of Batik to fit your budget. At
handicraft stores around the country, visitors can watch batik artists at
work or dabble in some paint and wax to create their own batik design.
Visit Karyaneka
evening outfits, you can find a piece of Batik to fit your budget. At
handicraft stores around the country, visitors can watch batik artists at
work or dabble in some paint and wax to create their own batik design.
Visit Karyaneka
| Silverware |
| Kelantan is a beautiful state on the east coast which observes traditional customs. Kelantanese are gifted craftsmen and it shows in the silverware and brass work produced in their state. Silverware is used in weddings and celebrations. |
| Handicraft |
| Morning Markets |
| Padi Fields (Rice fields) |
| Rice is the staple diet of Malaysians and a major product of the country. Grown in flood plains or irrigated areas, you can see rice fields on the outskirts of cities. Visit the Padi Museum in Kedah. See exhibits and items used over the years in the cultivation of padi. Visit Kedah. |
The Khoo Kongsi is one of many kongsis, or traditional "clan-houses" in
Penang where Chinese families gather to worship their ancestors.
Penang where Chinese families gather to worship their ancestors.
On one of your trips outside the city, catch a glimpse of
'rubber tapping', an age old art of extracting the sap out of the
rubber tree. Rubber is one of the top exports of Malaysia. To
extract the sap, a rubber made, latex begins oozing from the
cut. At the latex flow is directed into a collection cup tied
around the tree trunk. Each day a new thin layer of bark is
removed lowering the spiral slightly. Once tapped allowing
the other side to heal over. This tapping panel will yield latex
for up to 5 years.
'rubber tapping', an age old art of extracting the sap out of the
rubber tree. Rubber is one of the top exports of Malaysia. To
extract the sap, a rubber made, latex begins oozing from the
cut. At the latex flow is directed into a collection cup tied
around the tree trunk. Each day a new thin layer of bark is
removed lowering the spiral slightly. Once tapped allowing
the other side to heal over. This tapping panel will yield latex
for up to 5 years.
| Songket is a fabric that is intricately woven with gold and silver threads, which intricately woven with gold today the Songket fabric is and silver threads, which part of the Malaysian during Malay ceremonies, practice of weaving Songket is becoming a |
The 'Wau' pronounced 'wow' is a large colorful and heights
exceeding 3.5 meters, chosen logo of the country's leading
airlines, Malaysian Airlines.
Wau making is another great ancient art form usually passed
down from father to son. The frame is made from bamboo
and it is covered with shiny glazed paper, floral cut-outs,
designs and bright paper tassels. A bow shaped device is
added to the kite to give it a distinct high pitched humming
sound when in flight. The Wau is usually flown at festivals
and competitions especially in the northern states of
Kelantan and Terengganu.
exceeding 3.5 meters, chosen logo of the country's leading
airlines, Malaysian Airlines.
Wau making is another great ancient art form usually passed
down from father to son. The frame is made from bamboo
and it is covered with shiny glazed paper, floral cut-outs,
designs and bright paper tassels. A bow shaped device is
added to the kite to give it a distinct high pitched humming
sound when in flight. The Wau is usually flown at festivals
and competitions especially in the northern states of
Kelantan and Terengganu.
WAU KITE
Henna body painting is an ancient art form in Malaysia. The
Henna dye comes from the leaves of the henna plant which
are dried and crushed to form a powder. The powder is then
made into a paste which is applied to the body. When dry, the
temporary tattoo turns the skin into a reddish brown tint.
You can have these temporary Henna tattoos done on
different parts of your body. The hands and feet are the most
popular especially with intricate designs. In Malaysia, the
Henna tattoo is used at weddings and festivals.
Henna dye comes from the leaves of the henna plant which
are dried and crushed to form a powder. The powder is then
made into a paste which is applied to the body. When dry, the
temporary tattoo turns the skin into a reddish brown tint.
You can have these temporary Henna tattoos done on
different parts of your body. The hands and feet are the most
popular especially with intricate designs. In Malaysia, the
Henna tattoo is used at weddings and festivals.
Henna Painting
Getting its beginnings as part of the international spice route
many hundreds of years ago, Malaysia has turned into a
mosaic of cultures. Everything from its people to its architecture
reflect a colourful heritage and an amalgamated culture. To
know its people is to love its people.
DISCOVER A LAND OF INTRIGUING DIVERSITY
Malays, Chinese, Indians and many other ethnic groups have
lived together in Malaysia for generations. All these cultures
have influenced each other, creating a truly Malaysian culture.
The largest ethnic groups in Malaysia are the Malays, Chinese
and Indians. In Sabah and Sarawak, there are a myriad of
indigenous ethnic groups with their own unique culture and
heritage.
MALAY
Today, the Malays, Malaysia's largest ethnic group, make up
more than 50% of the population. In Malaysia, the term Malay
refers to a person who practices Islam and Malay traditions,
speaks the Malay language and whose ancestors are Malays.
Their conversion to Islam from Hinduism and Theravada
Buddhism began in the 1400s, largely influenced by the
decision of the royal court of Melaka. The Malays are known for
their gentle mannerisms and rich arts heritage.
CHINESE
The second largest ethnic group, the Malaysian Chinese form
about 25% of the population. Mostly descendants of Chinese
immigrants during the 19th century, the Chinese are known for
their diligence and keen business sense. The three
sub-groups who speak a different dialect of the Chinese
language are the Hokkien who live predominantly on the
northern island of Penang; the Cantonese who live
predominantly in the capital city Kuala Lumpur; and the
Mandarin-speaking group who live predominantly in the
southern state of Johor.
INDIAN
The smallest of three main ethnic groups, the Malaysian
Indians form about 10% of the population. Most are
descendants of Tamil-speaking South Indian immigrants who
came to the country during the British colonial rule. Lured by the
prospect of breaking out of the Indian caste system, they came
to Malaysia to build a better life. Predominantly Hindus, they
brought with them their colourful culture such as ornate
temples, spicy cuisine and exquisite sarees.
OTHER INDIGENOUS ETHNIC GROUPS
-Orang Asli
-Kadazan Dusun
-Bajau
-Murut
*Tourism Malaysia
many hundreds of years ago, Malaysia has turned into a
mosaic of cultures. Everything from its people to its architecture
reflect a colourful heritage and an amalgamated culture. To
know its people is to love its people.
DISCOVER A LAND OF INTRIGUING DIVERSITY
Malays, Chinese, Indians and many other ethnic groups have
lived together in Malaysia for generations. All these cultures
have influenced each other, creating a truly Malaysian culture.
The largest ethnic groups in Malaysia are the Malays, Chinese
and Indians. In Sabah and Sarawak, there are a myriad of
indigenous ethnic groups with their own unique culture and
heritage.
MALAY
Today, the Malays, Malaysia's largest ethnic group, make up
more than 50% of the population. In Malaysia, the term Malay
refers to a person who practices Islam and Malay traditions,
speaks the Malay language and whose ancestors are Malays.
Their conversion to Islam from Hinduism and Theravada
Buddhism began in the 1400s, largely influenced by the
decision of the royal court of Melaka. The Malays are known for
their gentle mannerisms and rich arts heritage.
CHINESE
The second largest ethnic group, the Malaysian Chinese form
about 25% of the population. Mostly descendants of Chinese
immigrants during the 19th century, the Chinese are known for
their diligence and keen business sense. The three
sub-groups who speak a different dialect of the Chinese
language are the Hokkien who live predominantly on the
northern island of Penang; the Cantonese who live
predominantly in the capital city Kuala Lumpur; and the
Mandarin-speaking group who live predominantly in the
southern state of Johor.
INDIAN
The smallest of three main ethnic groups, the Malaysian
Indians form about 10% of the population. Most are
descendants of Tamil-speaking South Indian immigrants who
came to the country during the British colonial rule. Lured by the
prospect of breaking out of the Indian caste system, they came
to Malaysia to build a better life. Predominantly Hindus, they
brought with them their colourful culture such as ornate
temples, spicy cuisine and exquisite sarees.
OTHER INDIGENOUS ETHNIC GROUPS
-Orang Asli
-Kadazan Dusun
-Bajau
-Murut
*Tourism Malaysia
| How to tie a sarong video |
| Songket is known for its gold or silver thread intricately woven into the fabric. It is used to make beautiful attire and souvenir items. Pick up a piece of songket on your travel here. They make wonderful wall hanging and pillows. |
SONGKET - The Fabric of Malaysia
| Fantastic Malaysia |
| Beautiful places, beautiful people, beautiful Malaysia |
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| Working with Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council Malaysia |
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