THE DON’TS

First: Never carry any drugs because it means a mandatory DEATH sentence.

Second: Malaysians are generally helpful, warm hearted to the extent of being too kind. We do not expect any tips and it may be an insult. We do it because we like to help people.

Malaysian speak some form of english called Mangalish although there are those who speak very good english (having studied abroad). Many of us are mixing the Queen's English with our own local flavour, so if you cannot understand when we are talking, act naturally and tell us to repeat. We will be most happy to. DO NOT pretend to understand or speak at a slower pace than usual. We have been watching British and American films long enough to recognise your English, so do not worry.

Do not SMOKE in buildings. It carries a fine of RM 500 or USD 125 if caught

Do not Spit or Throw rubbish at public places. It also carries a fine of RM 500 or more. Use the rubbish bins.

Dealing with Appointments

Malaysian are well-known for their "rubber-time" which means appointments made at 8.30 pm can be stretched to 9.00 pm. This is not a good practise but most Malaysians would blame it on the traffic jam and weather. Therefore if you are meeting a Malaysian friend, do not turn up late but on time since the Malaysian friend knowing that you are not a Malaysian will come early as well.. unless he forgets.

Dealing with traffic jams and Taxis in Kuala Lumpur

While you are in Kuala Lumpur take note of the traffic conditions and particularly during the Games, it will be very congested. So start early and make sure the Taxis use the meter to charge you. Taking a Taxi can be fast but there are some basic rules you have to remember, first, you need to ask the Taxi Driver if he will take you there before you board the Taxi. In Kuala Lumpur, they are not obliged to take you if they feel it is not worth their time. If you feel unfairly treated or abused in the course of the journey , then write down their taxi number which is on the top left and right side of the roof. Take note of the time and anything you can remember including the fare. There are extra charges for luggage and for more than 2 passengers. There is no need for you to give tips. Toll charges (most highways across Malaysia have some kind of tolls) are normally bear by the taxi drivers but officially, should come from the passengers. If you are unhappy, do not argue with the Taxi drivers and do not agitate them. Sent us an email (noting the particulars) and we will sent to the appropriate authorities. Taxis charged 1.5 times after mid-night and usually are hard to find between 11.30 pm to 12.00 am.

Taking Buses in Kuala Lumpur

There are the IntraKotas and CityLiners, two major bus operators in Kuala Lumpur. The buses are recognised as Blue for IntraKota and Red for CityLiners. If you are boarding IntraKota, the fare is 90 cents for any distance, they do not give change. As for CityLiners, they charged according to the distance so it will be better for you to tell them your destination. They also do not give change. Most buses show their destination on the top but remembering the number is easier. Most buses running the Kuala Lumpur route will stop at KOTA RAYA. You can always ask other passengers which bus goes to where. Our buses are considered fairly modern and they are useful when taxis refused to take you to your place. By taking the buses, you will be able to see ordinary Malaysian like me close-up and maybe make a friend or two. Malaysians are very helpful and can converse in English adequately. If you want to go to other smaller towns or cities, you can go to PUDURAYA near KOTARAYA in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Bus Fares to other cities are relatively cheap and you are most welcome to try them instead of taking a plane. Most of these buses are in two categories, Super Deluxe or Deluxe. Go for the Super Deluxe which is equivalent to business class. The smaller seats will not do for your body. Note Buses run around half an hour until 11.30 pm.

Driving around Malaysia

If you opted to drive around Malaysia, do be careful because if anything should happen like a small accident, then the situation can turn very nasty as evidenced by the rising number of "road bullies". Do not argue with them and instead call for Police Intervention. Call 999 for help. Do not try to settle the problem with monetary incentives. Some people will still lodge a police report after that. By all means try to avoid Kuala Lumpur if you are driving by yourself or with your family. Use the car for country travel instead.

Eating out in Kuala Lumpur

See eating places for a list of well known local spots. Malaysia is famous for its food which comes from its diverse races. Each town boast of at least one speciality. You may choose to eat in your hotel which is more hygienic otherwise visit some well known places like KLCC or big shopping centres having such facilities. Eating at "stalls" is popular with locals with varieties such as Satay and Wantan Mee. They are relatively cheaper compared to a licensed restaurant. They are also more tasty but if your stomach is not strong enough, you might want to give them a miss. Drinking water from tap is discouraged although basic standards with WHO is satisfied. Boiled water is still the best or try bottled water. Check out the 7-11 shops if it is late at night. As for hard liquor, Malaysia is a Muslim country so it is discouraged. However, there are some places around town near Bukit Bintang Area (also known as the shoppers paradise) where you can find some trendy night spots. We have the usual American Imports like Hard Rock Café, TGIF and Hollywood Café situated in Hotels or Shopping Centres. Family outlets like KFC and McDonalds are also scattered around the city. By the way, when eating with a Muslim friend be careful not to order Pork as that is considered "haram" in their religion. And also to see if the Restaurant is one that is licensed to sell Muslim food (check with your friend). Obviously no liquor is allowed in such situation including bear. Also see food page

Shopping in Kuala Lumpur

Well, given the lower Ringgit, everything seem to be cheaper here. Do not change your foreign money at the shopping centers as they will give you the worst rates, do it at the banks or money changers. Shopping centers are usually open from 10 am to 9 pm daily. Popular places include the newly open KLCC or SOGO, Lot 10 which are situated within the city itself. Again take note of the traffic conditions around 5.00 pm when everyone is rushing to go home.

Weather and what to wear in Kuala Lumpur

Last year it was incredibly hot and this year, rain seem to be pouring almost daily in the afternoon. Generally, you should have a few causal wear ready and maybe one or two formal. Certain places require some formality such as at expensive restaurants or concerts. You should also note that Malaysia’s central air conditioning in most indoor buildings can be very cold at 16 degree Celsius and you are well advise to wear a jacket if you are going to meeting that requires staying long period indoors.

Going to beaches in Malaysia

No nude sun bathing is not allowed here.

Malaysian’s attitude

Patient is the key word here. Queues are generally long and waiting can be frustrating as compared to other countries.

THE THINGS YOU CAN DO.

You can do a lot of things in Malaysia and we do encourage that you do your best to feel at home. We are easy and relax going particularly those living in the outskirts of town. Most foreigners come for the seafood and they are abundant here being cooked in a variety of ways. You may wish to consult the Malaysian Tourist Promotion Board for further information.

The civilised protocol of human behaviour is called for here. Use your own judgement and have fun.

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