Trifter

Malaysia’s unique strengths lie in its central location between the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, and its history of being a trading place for the many traders plying the seas and traveling over the continents. Over the centuries, this once largely agrarian peninsula emerged as a prosperous nation, embarking to strengthen its economy through industrialization and modernization.

Multicultural and Multiracial people

Malaysia’s ethnic diversity remains the most important component of its uniqueness. The nation is a compendium of multicultural and multiracial people that has earned it reference as a great melting pot. Malays, Chinese and Indians are the three main ethnic groups. However, the many indigenous groups of people such as the aborigines Sakai, Semang, and Negritos in the peninsula, and the Kadazan, Bajau, Melanau, Bidayuh, Dayak groups in East Malaysia on Borneo, as well as many other subgroups, bring a kaleidoscope of color into the country’ s cultural and ethnic weave.

Bahasa Malaysia (Malay language) is the official language of the country. However, with the rapid progress that the country has experienced in the last century, English is widely spoken by all the people engaged in trade and business. The Government of Malaysia, over the years, has never lacked in educational vision for its people. The English language has been taught in all schools from city schools to rural schools, and as early as preschool.

While Islam is the country’s official religion, from early on, the ruling government has always promoted freedom of worship, and the people of Malaysia enjoy this diversity in a harmonious and prosperous environment. It is not rare to see suburban neighborhoods with mosques, churches, and temples. Other than Islam, other major religions widely practiced are Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Confucianism, Taoism, and indigenous spiritualism.

Cultural Variety and the Wonderful Range of Malaysia Cuisine

With the diversity in view, visitors to Malaysia will be able to experience an assault on the senses visually, culturally and gastronomically. No other place in the world can boost of the multiethnic and cultural variety, the diverse heritage value, and the wonderful range of Malaysia cuisine.

The Malay cuisine is based on homegrown herbs and spices, succulent and sometimes spicy meat dishes, largely cooked over burning coal or simmered in our local coconut milk. Rice and flour – based noodles remains the base for almost all Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine. Chinese food also beckons you with soups and stir – fried dishes that are best eaten just off the fire. Tantalize your taste buds with curries and milk based meat dishes served mostly at Indian restaurants. Morning fare can begin with fresh local coffee or the world famous Malaysian tea. Beverages in all fruity colors are served in most restaurants from the common iced lemon drink to the more tangy star fruit and “asamboi” concoction that is sure to quench your thirst in our hot sultry weather.

Traditional Village Home Stay, Mountain Chalets, Hotels and Beach Resorts

To make your travel Malaysia experience all the more comfortable, Malaysia hospitality offers a gamut of holiday accommodation ranging from traditional village home stay to mountain chalets city hotels and beach resorts. You can choose to remain a passive holiday maker and lounge all day by pristine island beaches, or let white water rafting take your breath away. Or you can opt to get “local” by visiting the many home – stays and befriend “kampong” people (villagers), who will always welcome you with open arms, in shy yet compelling manner. They will let you help cook their traditional meals, “marry you off” in mock weddings and even share their mat weaving work.

Malaysia’s Colorful Fashion

Malaysia’s ethnic and cultural diversity is also the reason for its people’s colorful fashion. Malay ladies have a penchant for wearing the demure “baju kurung” and figure hugging “kebaya” with its intricate filigree work on thin blouses paired with beautiful batik sarongs that are specially pleated in front. Malay men look resplendent in “baju melayu” that is complete with beautiful cotton or silk “songket” short sarong. Although these are some of the traditional garments of the Malays, you will see them in splendor during formal functions, complete will shimmering head shawls, scarves and “songkok”. Chinese ladies are dressed in sort or long cheongsams, made from Chinese silk. Although, it will be quite rare for Chinese men to be traditionally garbed, you may see this only in formal Chinese functions such as weddings and family gatherings. The lure of the saree, has gained international status with the Bollywood surge in the film industry. Today the saree, which was one only worn by older ladies, is coming back slinkier and silkier adorning young Indian women.

Malaysian Batik has gained international status and now, this beautifully crafted and colored cloth not only is the order of the day for formal functions in Malaysia but is also claiming recognition in international fashion. However, working Malaysian women and men are quite urban in their day and office wear, opting to go for fashion branded shirts and suits.

Malaysia – Beauty, Grace, Harmony and Prosperity

Again, with cultural and ethnic diversity, Malaysian has a wide repertory of music, dances, art and theatre. A short holiday is surely not enough to experience this beautiful facet of Malaysia. It would be a great eye opener for travelers to visit Malaysia during its National Day celebration on August 31st. Here, Malaysian from all ethnic groups celebrates in traditional wear and performs their own various traditional dances to their traditional music. This is when Malaysia’s uniqueness comes out full forces in beauty, grace, harmony and prosperity.