|
Beasticly posted:Just returned from two months in Thailand/Malaysia... (Lots of good info) I'm a Malaysian and what Beasticly wrote is mostly correct, except calling Chinese and Indian Malaysians, "Chinese Malays" and "Indian Malays". Don't say this to them (I'm a Malay) as it might offend them since "Malay" is an ethnic group, not a nationality (Malaysian). I have some more general info for people interested to visit Malaysia below. Drugs If you want to come to Malaysia or Singapore, don't bring drugs, ever. Don't even think about it or try to get it locally. The punishment is death by hanging if enough drugs are found on you, no ifs and buts. Doesn't matter if you're a "Mat Salleh" (local slang for Caucasians). The jails are not exactly Hiltons either. Alcohol and Medicine You can buy and drink alcohol easily in Malaysia although public drunkeness is taboo, even among non-Muslims. Condoms are also sold openly in 7-11s and convenience stores. Medicines are usually branded and of good quality with many major chains pharmacies and 24 hours private clinics available. Public hospitals are crowded in major cities but less so in smaller towns. You will have to pay international rates if you do go to public hospitals. The standard of medical care is quite good though the bedside manners of the doctors and nurses need some work. You need not fear getting serious deseases if you are planning to go to Malaysia. There is the standard dengue fever and sporadic outbreaks of cholera but nothing too serious. Driving and Getting Around Malaysians drive on the left (was a British colony) and you must have an International Driving Permit to drive. The roads range from the world-class tolled North-South Highway to pot holled untarred jungle roads. Max speed limit is 110 km/h, most roads are 60-80 km/h. If you can avoid it, don't drive in Malaysia as the accident rate is quite high. There are fairly good interstate express buses if you are in a hurry. Low-cost airline Airasia also sells very cheap flights to many Malaysian destinations and also to neighbouring countries (even Australia!). There are also long-range taxis that you can hire to travel to other states. Having said that, most of the major rental car companies are available (Avis etc.) at major airports. Economy/Money Malaysia is on our way to developed status but development is concentrated in the major cities. Most shopping malls and restaurants in major towns accept major credit cards. Some bank's ATMs might allow you to use your credit card to get cash. Shops in smaller towns and small mom and pop stores only accept cash. Only Malaysian Ringgits are accepted except near the Singaporean border where the Singaporean Dollar are also accepted. The exchange rates are quite good if you are from the US or Europe. Since the cost of living is quite low, your money will go a long way, especially for food. Politics/security Malaysia is generally a peaceful country though there are some religious flare-ups quite recently (the Malaysian Catholic Church uses the name "Allah" for Jesus, yes, go figure, and the Malays don't like it). As mentioned there are three major races in Malaysia, the Malays, Chinese and Indians. Grouped along with the Malays are the many indigenous tribes of Sabah and Sarawak. Malays are by definition, Muslims. We practice the Shafiee school of sunni Islam and are generally quite tolerant of other faiths (except the above mentioned flare-up). Malaysians of all races generally get along just fine at the personal and community level but less-so on the political level. Most Chinese are Buddhists/Taoists with a sprinkling of Christians. Indians are mostly Hindus with a significant amount of Christians and Muslims as well. Whenever you are in Malaysia, DON'T talk about religion and race as these are very sensitive issues. Avoid talking about politics too. You very easily risk offending Malaysians this way. There are unfortunately a significant level of crime in the big cities, though tourists getting mugged/hurt are relatively rare. Pickpockets are a nuisance at crowded places so keep your wallets hidden. Photocopy you passport and keep it in a safe at your hotel. In general, exercise common sense and avoid dark alleys etc. Communications Most GSM phones could be used provided you have global roaming. You could also buy prepaid sim-cards for GSM phones. Mobile phone (called handphones in Malaysia) coverage varies and could be very weak in rural and hilly areas. Land lines are quite good and there are many Internet cafes around. Most major hotels have Internet access though you probably have to pay extra for it. Internet speeds are quite slow, usually dial-up with broadband slowly gaining ground. SKY tv is very popular and is available almost everywhere. Maps are useful only for the major roads since Malaysians like to build and modify roads. New junctions can literally be constructed overnight. Ideally, you should find a local to show you around. History Malaysians have been exposed to Europeans since the Portugese invaded in 1511, then the Dutch, then the British, then the Japanese and then the British again. So, you will not be seen as Martians though people are alwasy curious of foreigners, in a good way. Of all the invaders, the British left the most impression though many words in Malay are of Portugese origin (keju = cheese, bendera = flag, sekolah = school). The national language is Bahasa Malaysia which is similar to Indonesian but it is compulsory to learn the English language at school and the medium of instruction in universities is also English. You can get by with English just fine though don't expect to have long conversations in the rural areas. The Malays were originally seafearers from what is now southern Taiwan and has the same ancestors as the people who continued to sail further south to New Zealand (Maoris) and east to Hawaii. The Chinese and Indians were mostly brought to Malaysia by the British to work the mines and plantations. Due to the divide and conquer strategy of the British colonials, Malaysia has inherited racial tensions among the major races to this day. Would You Like to Visit? Traditionally, tourists come to Malaysia to laze on beaches and to experience local culture. If you are looking for some easy sex, booze and drugs, you're better off going to Thailand. If however, you are into exploring million years-old rain forests, go snorkeling and scuba diving and then zip off to five-storey mega-shopping centres, then Malaysia is for you. Malaysians are naturally reserved (but friendly if you take the effort) and non-pushy as well. If you are a foodie, then Malaysia could be heaven for you. The national pastime is eating. We are like Hobbits. We like to have many-many small meals from morning until midnight. Malaysian food is a blend of Indian, Chinese, Arabic, European and indigenous influences. You can find people selling food everywhere though always check the hygiene first. You could probably stay for a week and not eat the same thing for every meal. Most visitors to Malaysia usually will comment on this contrast of ancient and new. Useful phrases/words and misc. tips
|
#
¿
Feb 2, 2010 07:57
|
|
|
|
| # ¿ Apr 30, 2024 19:35 |
|