PEOPLE

Once you have overcome your jet-lag fatigue, step into the heart of Malaysia- the citizens of country. You should be pleasantly surprised at the warmth of Malaysian. For deeply entrenched within each of the different race is the engaging charm and traditional hospitality which the country is renowned for.

Malaysians enjoy meeting people from other lands. So, do go right ahead and strike up a conversation. After all, the whole point of travelling is to know other cultures.

When greeting a Muslim, offer your right hand then bring it towards you, fingertips lightly touching your heart. This is the traditional Salam or greeting of acceptance. Hindus greet with a Namaste (in Hindi) or Vanakam (in Tamil). Both palms are brought together as in prayer at level. With a Chinese , you may shake hands. If you are really unsure about all the different forms of greetings, just smile and nod your head slightly when introduced.

When giving or receiving money/gifts/from a Malaysian, do so with your right hand.

'Open House'. A feature peculiar only in this part of the world. Look up the Malaysian calendar (Click here for the calendar). If it is Hari Raya, Chinese New year , Deepavali or Christmas during your stay in Malaysia, you should be received into the homes of the people who celebrate the festival. Enquire from your hotel

for home visits during these festivals.