Tips for Women Travelers

As a woman who has traveled solo to all corners of Malaysia, I can honestly say I have never once felt threatened. However, my travel philosophy is "When in Rome . . . ." In KL I feel comfortable wearing sleeveless tops, and at beach resorts I'll wear singlets and shorts, but in rural places I dress similar to Malay women, in long wrap skirts or pants and shirts that cover the tops of my arms. I always carry a scarf in my bag in case etiquette requires I cover my head (which is usually only in mosques). In rural areas, I avoid physical contact with men, including shaking hands.