Malaysia: Culture and Heritage

Religion and Festivals

Witnessing a local festival is a great way to experience the culture of Malaysia. Most world religions are prevalent in the country including Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism. Islam is the largest and official religion of the country. The Penang people used to practice animism although many have converted to Islam or Christianity.

All major festivals from Eid, Chinese New Year, Diwali, and Christmas are celebrated, as are several Malay festivals such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, and Awal Muharram, as well as state specific festivals such as Sabah Kaamatan Festival and Sarawak Gawai Festival. In addition, the country also hosts several smaller religious festivals, such as the Hindu Thaipusam festival, which includes a procession from the heart of Kuala Lumpur that ends at the Batu Caves to the north of the city.

Architecture

Much of Malaysia’s architecture was influenced by colonial rulers (British, Dutch and Portuguese). Head to George Town and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Kuala Lumpur to witness excellent examples of British architecture; and Melaka Town for 17th century Dutch and 16th century Portuguese influences. Chinese architecture can be found in many Chinese temples and heritage homes that date back to the 17th century, especially in Melaka and Penang.

Many modern buildings have Moorish design elements due to Islamic influence and beautiful mosques can be explored throughout the length and breadth of the country. The indigenous communities in Sabah and Sarawak boast wonderful examples of traditional Malay architecture that is constructed on stilts, to ensure houses are cooled and floods are avoided. Some traditional houses can still be seen that were built out of wood without any nails, such as the Old Palace of Seri Menanti in Negeri Sembilan.

Some communities continue to live in traditional longhouses that can house from 20 to 100 families, and water villages built along riverbanks and linked by walkways, with sampan or canoe being the local mode of transport.

Crafts, music and dance

The booming handicrafts industry is influenced by Islam, and much of the designs are influenced by nature. It is easy to purchase pottery, wooden crafts, bronze and brass work in most regions, and you can find everything from traditional silver jewelry to tribal headdresses! The native Orang Ulu are particularly noted for their artistic ability, with wood carvings, murals, and intricate beadwork, as well as spirit sculptures. Handwoven crafts made from local plant fibers, and traditional textiles such as batiks (dyed materials) and songket (woven with gold thread) are offered for everything from designer clothing to simple and colorful homewares.

Our private Malaysia vacations offer a host of opportunities to tourists for enjoying the diverse music and dance of the country. We highly recommend you discover gamelan and the nobat, the two traditional orchestras, as well as the rebana uni drums, the kompang (similar to a tambourine), and the sape, a traditional flute, for enjoying the native music of the region.

Popular music and dance of Malaysia:

• Datun Julud: Hornbill dance performed by Sarawak’s Kenyah women
• Joget: traditional lively dance with quick tempos
• Kuda Kepang: traditional dance from Indonesia
• Lion dance / dragon dances: energetic dance performed to celebrate Chinese New Year
• Bharatanatyam / Bhangra: traditional Indian classical and folk dances respectively
• Mak Yong: Thai-influenced dance to entertain the royal ladies, with much dance and drama.
• Silat: Malay martial arts
• Sumazau: Traditional dance of Sabah’s Kadazan people
• Tarian Lilin: Delicate dance performed by women balancing candles
• Zapin: Islamic devotional chanting

Malaysia Travel Guide: Top Tips – Culture

Greetings: Malay women do not shake hands with men, only women, while the Malay Chinese shake hands lightly and for a prolonged period. In terms of who to greet first, it is usually considered polite to greet the older people of a family first.

Gift giving: Bring chocolate or pastries when invited home, and do not give toy dogs or pigs to children, alcohol or flowers and avoid leather products. Only offer gifts with the right hand or both hands, and don’t expect the gift to be opened in front of you. A gift may be refused before it is accepted by Malay Chinese.

Dress code: Western clothing is popular and acceptable, and there are no rules to be followed but do be respectful and we recommend you avoid clothes that are overly revealing when leaving urban cities and venturing into more rural and traditional regions.

Experience the authentic culture of Malaysia on a tailor-made tour with us. Get in touch for your obligation-free itinerary.