Gawai Dayak is the harvest festival celebrated in June by the state’s indigenous people, particularly the Ibans and Bidayuhs, in their traditional costumes. Ceremonial offerings of various local traditional delicacies and ‘tuak’ (home-made rice wine) are made to the gods of rice and prosperity. This unique festivity is a ‘must-see’ occasion for local and foreign […]
MALAY CULTURE & ETIQUETTE
The culture in Malaysia is as varied as the diversity of its people. Malaysians are viewed as polite and helpful people with a sunny disposition that matches the hot tropical climate. Visitors behaving courteously stand little chance of unintentionally giving offence, but if visiting rural areas and especially someone’s private home, it helps to know […]
MALAYSIA SHOPPING
Southeast Asia can offer bargain shopping, with electrical equipment, cameras and fabrics all selling at competitive prices. What’s more, the region’s ethnic diversity means you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to souvenirs and handicrafts. One point to be aware of is that a lot of the crafts on sale in Malaysia are in […]
MONEY & BANKS IN MALAYSIA
MONEY Malaysia’s currency is the ringgit (pronounced ring-git and abbreviated to “RM”), divided into 100 sen. Notes come in RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50 and RM100 denominations. Coins are currently minted in 5 sen, 10 sen, 20 sen and 50 sen denominations, with 1 sen coins still in circulation. You sometimes hear the word “dollar” used informally to refer […]