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Malaysia, a favored destination for international travel, is a land of longstanding cultural convergence, always intriguing and inviting exploration. Additionally, when mentioning Malaysia, one often recalls a country where nearly 65% of the population adheres to Islam, likened to a Middle Eastern enclave amidst Southeast Asia. However, to truly understand all about traveling to Malaysia, it's not enough; let's delve into 5 fascinating facts about this culturally diverse country through the following article.
5 intriguing facts about Malaysia, a culturally diverse country
Cultural diversity in Malaysia
As a multicultural country influenced by British colonialism, Malaysia's culture bears significant influence from Indian, Chinese, Indonesian, native Malay, and Western communities. Therefore, Malaysia is a melting pot of diversity in language, cuisine, and cultural backgrounds...
Cultural convergence in Malaysia - Illustrative Image
Due to the multitude of languages, aside from Malay, English is also widely used as a primary language in this country. Sometimes, local residents even use conversational phrases with a blend of vocabulary from various languages...
Malaysian Cuisine
In addition to its diverse language landscape, Malaysia is also a hub for street food, offering a variety of dishes with unique flavors from India, China, the Philippines, and Singapore. However, if you're looking to indulge in fine dining, choosing a restaurant for your meals might not be a good idea as the quality of restaurants is often inconsistent and the service is lacking.
Malaysians often enjoy their food using their hands - Illustrative Image
And don't be too surprised when you visit some restaurants in Malaysia and only get served with spoons and forks. Because Malaysians often eat with their hands (similar to India), which is why they don't prepare utensils for diners.
Taboos in Malaysia
Being a nation with a significant population adhering to Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity, Malaysia holds considerable importance in terms of decorum and ceremonial practices.
No public displays of affection on Malaysian streets - Illustrative Image
This implies that when traveling to Malaysia, tourists should refrain from displaying affection in public or wearing overly revealing clothing as such acts are considered taboo in this country. Sometimes, travelers may come across signs prohibiting kissing written in all four languages.
Durian - the king of Malaysian fruits
Durian - the crowned king of Malaysian fruits - Illustrative Image
Durian, often hailed as the king of fruits in Malaysia, owes its regal status to its uniquely fragrant Malay variety, which surpasses those found in other countries. However, due to its strong odor, it is often prohibited in major Malaysian hotels. What's more, beyond the commonly seen yellow-fleshed durians, Malaysia boasts a rare variety with red flesh, adding to its allure.
Shopping in Malaysia
The bustling scenes within Malaysia's shopping malls - Illustrative Image
If you're a shopping enthusiast whose addiction to retail therapy knows no bounds, then Malaysia is the perfect choice. With countless bustling shopping centers offering a wide range of fashion items, electronics, and more, ranging from luxury to affordable, Malaysia is ready for you to splurge. However, to win over budget travelers, some items in Malaysia are often reasonably priced, catering to every wallet, and sometimes even cheaper than elsewhere in the world.
