General Information

Capital
Kuala Lumpur

Political System
Federal monarchy; constitutional system

Language
There are about 21 million people in Malaysia, with a population density of 63.7 persons per square kilometer. The population is approximately half Malay, 35% Chinese and 10% Indian. The official language is Malay though English is widely spoken. Chinese, Tamil and various dialects are spoken by some segments of the population.

Culture
Traditional dances mark feasts and major celebrations. Some of them are of Thai, Indian or Portuguese origin.

Music, heavily influenced by Chinese and Muslim influences, is largely based on the gendang (drum). Percussion instruments, flutes, trumpets and gongs also play an important role. Silat, a form of martial art originally from Malacca, has reached a high level of refinement and elegance and is almost dance-like.

Wayang kulit (shadow theater) tells stories from the Ramayana, the great Hindu epic with the help of marionettes made from buffalo skin.

Batik, kain songket (hand-woven fabric embroidered with gold and silver thread), wickerwork and silver, copper and pewter work are also parts of the flourishing artisanal scene.

Religion
More than half of the population is Muslim. Buddhists make up about 17% of the population, Taoists 8%, Christians 8% and Hindus 8%.

Habits & Customs
A traditional Malay meal begins with the gesture of a child offering a pinch of salt to a guest to refresh his mouth by placing the salt on the tip of the tongue. Animist beliefs still exist in Malaysia. The inhabitants are frightened by the witch Hantu who is found everywhere and who can turn on anyone. A fall or a failure can be attributed to her, and the person touched by her evil eye immediately consults a shaman.

Adat, traditional law going back to the beginnings of Malay society, and the kampung (village) remain the foundations of the social fabric. Adat puts an emphasis on collective, rather than individual, responsibility and backs up the patriarchal and authoritarian doctrine of the sultans. Kampung and respect for family ties are at the heart of the Malay world, where mutual assistance is considered a duty and where maintaining harmony is seen as essential. Top spinning, a popular entertainment, is not a child's game: the tops can weigh up to 7 kg (15 lb.) and the game is often played in teams, with the aim being to dislodge the opponent's top. Kite and bird call competitions are also popular.

Preparing for your trip

Formalities
Visitors from many countries do not require visas for stays under 3 months. Check with authorities when planning your trip. Passports must be valid for at least six months after your planned return. An airport tax of 40 RM is collected when you leave.

Currency
Malaysian Currency is the rinngit (MYR or RM), divided into 100 cents, though most people call them dollars. Major credit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted. Cash machines are located near banks. Travelers cheques are accepted except on the east coast. It is best to take along US dollars to make changing money easier.

Health
No vaccinations are required, except for travelers arriving from countries where yellow fever exists (some South American and South African countries), in which case a yellow fever vaccination is necessary. When in Malaysia, drink bottled water. Warning: if you're planning to go into the back country, the jungle or the Sabah coast, anti-malarial treatments are recommended. Buy medical insurance before you go.

Electricity
220 V, with American-style plugs.

Clothing
Bring light cotton Clothing that is appropriate for rain or sun. Malays are conservative and expect proper attire, particularly for dinner. Bring along some warmer clothes for trips to the mountains or national parks like Mount Kinabalu. Remove your shoes before entering a mosque.

Photos
You can buy almost any major brand of color film and have it developed at a reasonable price. On the other hand, film for slides is expensive and hard to find. It's always polite to ask permission before photographing people, mosques or temples.

Tipping
Tipping is not usual practice in Malaysia, though there is nothing stopping you from giving a tip, particularly if the service has been very good.

Driving
Driving is on the left. Generally roads are in good condition.

Shopping
Local artisanal products offer many beautiful options, including batiks, fabric or printed Clothing and sarongs. They are found in particular on the east coast. If you have room, take home one of the magnificent kites to be found in the Kota Bharu region. Malay kris, large knives with a serrated blade, are available new or antique. Many pewter objects, figurines and vases are sold in the Perak region, where the main ore deposits are located.