What should i wear in malaysia

In Malaysian and Asia, the soles of shoes are considered unclean as it in contact with the dirt of the street. When visiting mosques, men should wear long trousers and a shirt or top with long sleeves. No non-Muslims are not allowed to enter a mosque during prayer time or go into the prayer hall at any time. Most Chinese and Hindu temples are open from early morning to early evening.

Comfy travel outfits for women include pretty floral dresses. Western women travelers arriving from Thailand, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur might find themselves staring at the East Coast. For western women, the atmosphere in mostly Muslim areas like Kelantan or Terengganu may be too conservative and restrictive.

It is easier for solo women travelers to travel by respecting local customs and exercise common sense when they travel in Malaysia. However, you may feel annoyed to see local Chinese women wandering around in shorts and skimpy tops in Malaysia — and no one bats an eyelid.

Travel tip: the ground rules are different for locals, and the various races in Malaysia DO dress like that. The Malay, Chinese and Indian communities have an unspoken understanding of how the respective communities can behave publicly.

Some of the buys for souvenirs and your clothing include gorgeous batiks or cotton perfect for the climate. Also, remember that in Muslim tradition, the soles of shoes are considered unclean, having been in contact with the dirt of the street. Two things to avoid in this moderately conservative, Muslim region are public shows of affection holding hands is OK, kissing is not and drinking alcohol outside designated bars or clubs — even in resort areas frequented by foreigners.

In a situation where you need to make a complaint , the most effective approach is not to raise your voice but to go out of your way to be reasonable while stating your case. Handshakes are fairly commonplace when meeting someone; Muslims often follow this by touching the palm of the right hand to their own chest. Some Muslims may be reluctant to shake hands with the opposite sex; however, in this case a smile, nod and that same right-hand-palm gesture will suffice.

Muslims and Indians also avoid using their left hand for human contact or eating, while polite Chinese wait staff or shop owners might hand over your change with both hands. Many such buildings are worth a look around, though only at the largest temples might you get a little tour, courtesy of the caretaker.

When visiting mosques , men should wear long trousers and a shirt or top with sleeves coming down to the elbows long sleeves are even better ; women will also have to don a long cloak and headdress, which is provided by most mosques. Most Chinese and Hindu temples are open from early morning to early evening; devotees go in when they like, to make offerings or to pray.

Hindu temples also expect visitors to remove shoes. Women who respect local customs and exercise common sense should have few problems travelling alone or with other women. Since off the shoulder tops are the in trend in the US for spring and summer would you recommend not to wear it in Penang and Kuala Lumpur? Hi Gigi, they should be fine to wear here. If you go into a religious site, wear a scarf over your shoulders. Most Malaysians dress the same way as most people do. On special occasions, people from each ethnic group will wear their traditional attires.

Really enjoy your posts and adventures Alex. My colleagues were mostly offended but I knew as a tourist, it really depends where you are in Malaysia. It is so diverse , you can perceive it in totally two opposite ways, as I always tell my foreign friends and colleagues who come to Malaysia for the first time.

Good to know Malaysia prefers not to have spaghetti straps or strapless tops and dresses. Your guide is great to have to know what this predominately Muslim country prefers and how to respect their traditions. As you said, Malaysia is wonderfully diverse and it is the very multicultural society that we live in that makes up for all kinds of styles and fashions.

I for one, have lived in spaghetti straps, shorts and strapless tops and dresses all my life so it came a little bit of a shock to read what was written. Of course in smaller towns and in the east coast of Malaysia, where it is predominantly more Muslim, it will be more appropriate to dress modestly. I am a Malaysian and like Nikki, I feel that I ought to say something here. Even though Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country, it is still a diverse, multiracial and multicultural nation.

In cities, suburbs, towns and tourist spots, or anywhere for that matter, non-Muslims are free to dress as they wish, though there is a need to take into consideration where one is and cultural sensitivity is very important here. Nevertheless, women dressed in shorts, spaghetti straps or strapless tops and dresses is not an uncommon sight.

While it is important to respect Muslim traditions by dressing appropriately in predominantly Muslim populated areas, we are not a Taliban country. The different races in Malaysia DO dress like that. Have a walk in shopping malls, you can find plenty of such clothing. Even markets, such as those in the suburbs, Chinatown or places where you can find non Muslims, do sell such clothing!

Thanks for the feedback Lily. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Follow these tips to learn more about what to wear in Malaysia! Style and Culture Walking around the capital, Kuala Lumpur KL , we see women in skirts and tops, jeans, shorts, robes that cover from neck to toe with colorful headscarves, saris, kurtas, anarkali and fitted slacks.

Shopping And the shopping!