General Tips

Ecotourism

Malaysia's rainforests are disappearing at an alarming rate thanks to logging and clearing, and its coral reefs are beginning to show signs of abuse. Unfortunately these natural wonders are some of the country's best attractions. The companies I have listed in this book, especially those in Sabah and Sarawak, operate with a sensitivity to the environment and its preservation.

Tips on Accomodations

Peak months of the year for hotels in western peninsular Malaysia are December through February and July through September. For the east coast, the busy times are July through September. You will need to make reservations well in advance to secure your room during these months.

Taxes & Service Charges -- All the nonbudget hotels charge a 10% service charge and 5% government tax. As such, there is no need to tip. But bellhops still tend to be tipped at least RM2 (60¢/30p) per bag, and car jockeys or valets should be tipped at least RM4 ($1.10/55p) or more.

Tips on Dining

Malaysian food seems to get its origins from India's rich curries, influenced by Thailand's herbs and spices. You'll find delicious blends of coconut milk and curry, shrimp paste and chilies, accented by exotic flavors of galangal (similar to turmeric), lime, and lemon grass. Sometimes pungent, a few of the dishes have a deep flavor from fermented shrimp paste that is an acquired taste for Western palates. By and large, Malaysian food is delicious, but in multicultural Malaysia, so is the Chinese food, the Peranakan food, the Indian food -- the list goes on. The Chinese brought their own flavors from their points of origin in the regions of southern China. Teochew, Cantonese, and Szechuan are all styles of Chinese cuisine that you'll find throughout the country. Peranakan food is unique to Malacca, Penang, and Singapore. The Peranakans, or "Straits Chinese," combined local ingredients with some traditional Chinese dishes to create an entirely new culinary form. And Indian food, both northern and southern, can be found in almost every city, particularly in the western part of the peninsula. And, of course, you'll find gorgeous fresh seafood almost everywhere.

I strongly recommend eating in a hawker stall when you can, especially in Penang, which is famous for its local cuisine.

Also, many Malaysians eat with their hands and off banana leaves when they are having nasi padang or nasi kandar (rice with mixed dishes). This is absolutely acceptable. If you choose to follow suit, wash your hands first and try to use your right hand because the left is considered unclean (traditionally, it's the hand used to wash after a visit to the toilet). Although almost all of the food you encounter in a hawker center will be safe for eating, it is advisable to go for freshly cooked hot or soupy dishes. Don't risk the precooked items.

Also, avoid having ice in your drink in the smaller towns because it might come from a dubious water supply. If you ask for water, either make sure it's boiled or buy mineral water.

Taxes & Service Charges -- A 10% service charge and 5% government tax are levied in proper restaurants, but hawkers charge a flat price.

Tips on Shopping

Shopping is a huge attraction for tourists in Malaysia. In addition to modern fashions and electronics, there are great local handicrafts.

For handicrafts, prices can vary. There are many handicraft centers, such as Karyaneka, with outlets in cities all over the country, where goods can be priced a bit higher but where you are assured of good quality. Alternatively, you could hunt out bargains in markets and at roadside stores in little towns, which can be much more fun.

Batik is one of the most popular arts in Malaysia, and the fabric can be purchased just about anywhere in the country. Batik can be fashioned into outfits and scarves or purchased as sarongs. Another beautiful Malaysian textile craft is songket weaving. These beautiful cloths are woven with metallic threads. Sometimes songket cloth is patterned into modern clothing, but usually it is sold as sarongs.

Traditional woodcarvings have become popular collectors' items. Carvings by orang asli groups in peninsular Malaysia and by the indigenous tribes of Sabah and Sarawak have traditional uses in households or are employed for ceremonial purposes to cast off evil spirits and cure illness. They have become much sought after by tourists.

Malaysia's pewter products are famous. Selangor Pewter is the brand that seems to have the most outlets and representation. You can get anything from a picture frame to dinner sets.

Silver designs are very refined, and jewelry and fine home items are still made by local artisans, especially in the northern parts of the peninsula. In addition, craft items such as wayang kulit (shadow puppets) and wau (colorful Malay kites) make great gifts and souvenirs.