One vibrant tapestry woven from diverse cultures coexisting in perfect harmony.

The exotic nation is a spectacular melting pot, rich in heritage, with a population of predominantly ethnic Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous peoples. The peace and harmony in which these different cultures co-exist is one of Malaysia’s proudest defining characteristics. The multi-ethnic background of the nation is celebrated by all Malaysians regardless of race. There are gazette National public holidays for Hari Raya Eidul Fitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Thaipusam, and Christmas. Shopping Malls put up decorations and cultural greetings for all the different cultures and religions throughout the year.

Religion and food play an important role in how the country is united and tolerant of each other. Each appreciates one’s own culture, its values, and shares the same identity of being ‘Malaysians’.

Go around KL during Christmas, Chinese New Year, or any other festive celebration and you wouldn’t even realize that you’re in a country that’s predominantly Muslim. Just venture around and you will find yourself standing next to an ornate Buddhist temple while looking at a grand Islamic mosque across the street.

Owing to the confluence of cultures, the food in Malaysia is amazing and unique not found anywhere else.

Being that the majority in Malaysia are Muslims, many restaurants and cafes in hotels are either ‘Halal’ or pork-free. That means no bacon with your breakfast. Though it’s usually still called ‘bacon’ it’s actually substituted with beef bacon. If you’re going to have a meal with a Malaysian friend and you’re unsure of their religious or cultural background, it’s always safer to ask if he or she would like to go to a ‘Halal’ restaurant. There are restaurants and Chinese street food and hawkers, so you can get your dose of pork from non-Halal places. You can also go to a vegetarian restaurant and see ‘chicken’ or ‘fish’ on the menu. It’s actually not meat but imitation meat usually made of flour, tofu or mushrooms.

Malaysians generally are shy. Sometimes, if you happen to stop someone on the street to ask for directions, you may get just a stare, a giggle, a grunt, or a non-committed point in a random direction as a reply. It’s not that Malaysians don’t want to help or being unfriendly, it’s often times shyness or embarrassment of being wrong or not knowing.

The Malays speak Bahasa Malaysia and it is also the national language widely spoken by all races in the country. They make up the largest ethnic group, and tend to practice both Islamic and Malay traditions. The Malaysian Chinese make up about 25% of the population, with three main Chinese dialects being spoken: Hokkien, Cantonese, and Mandarin. The Malaysian Indians – who make up approximately 10%, tend to be descendants of Tamil-speaking South Indians.

While there are so many languages in Malaysia English is widely spoken, especially in the urban areas. So communicating with locals is rather easy.

The indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia, known as the Orang Asli or original people, have several different groups, each with its own language and cultural traditions. In Malaysia Borneo, the largest ethnic groups live predominantly in Sabah, including the Kadazan Dusun, who are typically farmers in hilly regions; Bajaus, a seafaring community; and the Murut, who also make their living from hunting, fishing, and cultivation.

In Sarawak, you can find major ethnic groups known as Dayak, the Iban, Penan, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu. The Iban are one of many groups of indigenous people still living in Borneo. The Iban are ‘settlers’ who live in a communal longhouse – a wooden structure built on stilts.

What to Experience

Longhouse, Sarawak Borneo

When it comes to cultural experiences in Malaysia, staying in a longhouse in Sarawak Borneo is one of the best ways. The Iban tribe in Sarawak, in the region of Batang Ai, who lives in communal longhouses will surely give you a glimpse at their isolated life in the jungle. They will welcome you with a ceremony comprising traditional tribal singing and dancing performances. Spending several days in a communal longhouse with the Iban will definitely be your once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience.

Mari Mari Cultural Village, Sabah Borneo

Meet descendants of the tribes of Sabah and learn about their ethnic communities through firsthand experiences. During the tour, the guide will take you to houses of Rungus, Bajau, Murut, Dusun, and Lundayeh so you can learn about their culture. Try their traditional food and rice wine, get yourself a traditional henna tattoo, try your skills with a blowpipe, dance with the tribal people, and even take a selfie with a “headhunter”. This tour is fun and educational for everyone, young and old alike.

Sarawak Cultural Village, Sarawak Borneo

See Sarawak in half a day by visiting the award-winning living museum to experience local cultures and lifestyles. There are nine authentic replica buildings and homes of every major ethnic group in Sarawak: Orang Ulu, Iban, Penan, Bidayuh, Melanau, Malay, and Chinese. Guided by natives who are experts in each of their cultures and lifestyles, you will have an opportunity to hear their stories, enjoy the multi-cultural dance performance, take craft classes, and attend interactive music workshops. You can also host themed dinners and parties and even traditional weddings in authentic Iban, Bidayuh, Malay, or Orang Ulu style in the village.

Malaysia’s Homestay Program

Experience the unique local culture first-hand by staying with a host family in a Malay kampong(hometown) or a tribal longhouse. Learn about their lifestyle and customs, as well as participate in various local activities. Through participating in Malaysia’s Homestay Program, you get a chance to prepare food in a traditional Malaysian way, spend time with the host’s children, and indulge in games that are still popular in kampungs, like kite flying, top-spinning, and congkak. In the evening, you can join cultural dances, musical performances, or even a mock wedding. The Homestay Program is available in different states. Sarawak Borneo is one of the most popular homestay destinations in the country. Among the 30 homestay villages in Sarawak, the well-knowns are: Santubong Homestay in Santubong, Kampung Darul Islam Belimbing Homestay, and Abas Homestay in Kuching.

What to See

Batu Caves Temple, Kuala Lumpur

Located just 8 miles north of KL, and a home to the biggest Hindu complex outside of India and the second tallest Lord Murugan statue in the world is Batu Caves. With 272 steps of rainbow stairs leading up to the caves, you can’t refuse the challenge to climb. Along the way, hundreds of macaques monkeys greet you and expect handouts. Once you reach the top, it gives the place an aura of mystique as the sun rays shine through the cave ceilings. Batu Caves comes to life once a year during Thaipusam when Hindus would gather here to honor Lord Murugan’s triumph over evil.

Masjid Jamek, Kuala Lumpur

Your visit to Malaysia will not be complete if you don’t visit a mosque. Built in 1909 and was officially opened by the then Sultan of Selangor, Masjid Jamek was hailed as KL’s oldest surviving mosque. Situated along the junction of the Klang and Gombak rivers, it gives out a sense of peace and tranquility. The design of its unique building was inspired by Moghul architecture with cupolas, minarets, and arched colonnades. Just minutes away is Masjid India, you can also visit another mosque showcasing southern Indian architectural elements.

Dataran Merdeka (Merdeka Square), Kuala Lumpur

Merdeka Square is a symbol of the beginning of Malaysia’s freedom. On the night of August 31, 1957, the British Union Jack flag was replaced with the Malaysian Jalur Gemilang flag to mark Malaysia’s independence from colonial rule. Today, this historic heart of KL is preserved with beautifully manicured lawns, terraces, the world’s tallest flagpole, and a fountain. Don’t miss this famous landmark that witnessed a symbolic chapter in Malaysian history when visiting KL.

Masjid Negara (National Mosque), Kuala Lumpur

A truly enormous religious structure, which can accommodate 15,000 worshippers at any given time, Masjid Negara is a sight to behold. When visiting the mosque that was built in the 60s, you will get a chance to see the strongly Islamic architecture with its unique star-shaped dome and a 73 m high minaret. Water is one of the significant elements of the mosque with fountains and reflective pools all around the complex. Don’t forget to dress appropriately when you plan to tour the mosque as it is required.

Moroccan Pavilion Putrajaya, Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur

If you appreciate great architecture and cultural designs, you should not miss the exquisite Moroccan Pavilion Putrajaya, which features magnificent Moorish architecture that will take your breath away. Also known as Astaka Morocco, this spectacular monument, surrounded by landscaped gardens and a scenic lake, was built to signify strong diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Morocco. Don’t miss your chance to take a few snaps of this magnificent architecture to glam up your Instagram.

Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang

Situated on a sprawling hill in Penang, the Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the largest and finest temples in Southeast Asia and the largest in Malaysia. Intricate carvings garnish the facade and interiors of the temple. Home to countless images of the Buddha, holy scriptures, and magnificent murals. If you are architectural-inclined, you would love the uniqueness that sets it apart from other Buddhist temples in the world.

Architectural Gem on Every Street in Georgetown, Penang

The historic district of Georgetown in Penang has many Instagram-worthy attractions. It is also known as the Old Town and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will be surrounded by a mesh of winding and small streets. The most famous of which are Armenian Street, Pitt Street, Love Lane, and Little India. Wander around streets that are full of architectural and historical sights, temples and mosques, cafes, and street food vendors. On every street, you will plunge into a completely different culture of Indian, Chinese, and Malay. You will be fascinated by the uniqueness of each street.

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (The Blue Mansion) Georgetown, Penang

Don’t miss out on the Blue Mansion in George Town if you are an architecture enthusiast. Built by the Chinese merchant Cheong Fatt Tze towards the end of the 19th century, the design of the house combines influences from heritage of his native land, local Malaysian aesthetics, and colonial British style. The distinctive blue coloration was a hue popular during the colonial era. The mansion was also designed with the principles of Feng Shui from traditional Chinese culture that brings good fortune. Take a guided tour to learn more about the spiritual and cultural inclinations of the creators.

Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum, Melaka

For history enthusiasts, Melaka Sultanate Palace is the place to go. Located at the foot of St. Paul’s Hill, it is a replica of the 15^th-century palace of Sultan Mansur Shah that was built with traditional architectural methods without the use of a single nail. The three-story Palace is now converted into a museum that is divided into eight chambers where you can see traditional costumes, a variety of weaponry, decorative art, jewelry, and more. You also get a chance to learn about the story of the legendary Melaka warriors through dioramas. You will be fascinated by the Malay Sultanate’s heritage and history.

Handicraft Village & Craft Museum (Kampung Kraftangan), Kelantan

Set within a beautiful courtyard, the complex houses a Craft Museum, souvenir shops, tourism offices, and a restaurant. Check out an impressive collection of the state’s crafts at the Craft Museum, from embroidered fabrics, Songket, Batik, silver to pandanus mats. You can learn about the history and the processes of making these unique handicrafts.

Where to Stay

The Majestic Malacca, Melaka

The heart of the Majestic Malacca is a stunning restored 1920s Straits Settlement mansion that showcases its original porcelain tile flooring and teakwood fittings. Drenched in a rich tapestry of multicultural influences reflected in its heritage architecture, diverse lifestyles, and eclectic cuisine, this classic hotel is an integral part of Malacca’s colorful history. Stay at Majestic Malacca and enjoy the authentic Nyonya cuisine as well as an award-winning spa.

Website:  The Majestic Malacca

Email:  travelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my

Telephone:  +6062 898 000

Seven Terraces, Georgetown, Penang

The winner of the 2007 UNESCO Award of Distinction for heritage conservation and the 2019 Trip Adviser Travelers’ Choice Award, Seven Terraces that was built in the late 19^th century, was a contiguous row of Anglo-Chinese terrace houses located in the heart and core of the World Heritage. This pure beauty successfully captures and celebrates the spirit and the culture of the unique Peranakan.

Website:  The Seven Terraces

Email:  Booking@georgetownheritage.com

Telephone:  +6042 618 888

The Terrapuri Heritage Village, Terengganu

The Terrapuri (Land of Palaces) is not your average beach resort. It is an architectural conservation and restoration project of 29 traditional Terengganu Malay classic houses dating as far as 250 years. With a design and layout inspired by the 17^th century, Terengganu palaces, the Terrapuri is a replica of a lost kingdom, intricately and lovingly brought back to life.

Website:  The Terrapuri Heritage Village

Email:  info@terrapuri.com

Telephone:  +6096 245 020,  +6096 312 081