Malaysia, a land of vibrant colors and mesmerizing traditions, is a melting pot of different ethnic groups and indigenous tribes that have come together to form a unique cultural heritage. The population includes Malays, Chinese, Indians, and numerous indigenous groups each with their own distinct traditions and practices.
With all of these in one country, you can imagine just how diverse Malaysian culture is all across the board. In this article, we’ll be unveiling the different facets of Malaysia that make it truly one-of-a-kind!
Malaysia Population Composition
The population of Malaysia is made up of various ethnic groups, with Malays being the largest group, making up about 68% of the population. The Chinese and Indian populations are the next largest groups, with Chinese accounting for around 23% and Indians for about 7%. The remaining 2% are made up of various indigenous groups, including the Orang Asli, Iban, and Kadazan-Dusun, among others.
Cultural Concepts in Malaysia
Face
In Malaysia, the concept of “Face” is a crucial aspect of cultural society. Face can be defined as an individual’s reputation, dignity, and social standing, which is reflected in their behavior, actions, and relationships with others. It is a fundamental aspect of social interaction, and losing face can result in shame, loss of respect, and damage to one’s reputation.
Maintaining face is important in all aspects of life, from family relationships to business dealings. Malaysians value politeness, respect, and harmony, and maintaining face is seen as essential for preserving these values. This means that it is common to see Malaysians being indirect and diplomatic in their communication, as they seek to avoid causing offense or embarrassment to others.
Musyawarah
Another Malaysian cultural concept which emphasizes the importance of consultation and consensus-building in decision-making. This concept is deeply rooted in Malay culture and is often practiced in family, community, and political settings.
Gotong Royong
Similar to a sense of community, it emphasizes the spirit of cooperation and mutual aid. It is a traditional practice of coming together as a community to perform tasks such as cleaning, repairing infrastructure, or preparing for events. It is quite similar to Balinese culture!
What is the Religion in Malaysia?
Malaysia is a multicultural and multi-religious country, with Islam being the dominant religion. According to the Malaysian constitution, Islam is the official religion of the country, with over 60% of the population identifying as Muslim. Approximately 20% of the population follows Buddhism, while Christianity and Hinduism each make up around 10%. Other religions practiced in Malaysia include Taoism, Sikhism, and Confucianism.
It’s worth noting that Malaysia is a conservative country when it comes to religious matters. For example, it’s illegal to evangelize Muslims or to distribute religious literature to them.
What are the Traditions in Malaysia?
Bomohs (Shamans)
One interesting aspect of Malaysian spirituality is the belief in bomohs (shamans). They are respected members of society who are believed to have the ability to heal both physical and spiritual ailments through the use of herbs, prayers, and other traditional methods. Many Malaysians still seek out bomohs for help with health issues or to ward off bad luck.
Wayang Kulit
Wayang kulit is a traditional shadow puppetry performance that originated from the word “ma Hyang,” which means “the Journey Towards the Realm of Spirituality.” This performance is not merely entertainment, but a spiritual experience that explores the existential struggle between good and evil. The puppeteer, also known as the “Dalang”, tells stories of life, love, and war that are often adapted from the Hindu epics Ramayana (Ramakien) or Mahabharata. In fact, due to its cultural and spiritual significance, UNESCO designated Wayang as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
If you’re interested in finding a show, check out Fusion Wayang Kulit located in Kuala Lumpur. They put on their own modern twist in trying to revive this traditional artform.
Kuda Kepang
Kuda Kepang, a traditional Malay dance, is another fascinating spectacle that features men riding on rattan horses, spinning in a state of “mabuk” or trance, as they are believed to be possessed by the spirit of ‘Hyang’. The Hyang is a supreme being in ancient Balinese mythology, and this possession is seen as a connection to the divine.
During their trance, the dancers perform seemingly superhuman feats, such as eating glass and breaking coconuts with their bare heads! The trance state is a critical aspect of the Kuda Kepang dance and is considered a way of communicating with the spirits, seeking guidance and blessings.
Malaysian Traditional Music
One of the most popular traditional music ensembles in Malaysia is the gamelan, which is typically made up of metallophones, xylophones, drums, and gongs. Gamelan music is often used in traditional Malay dances and other cultural performances. Other traditional instruments include the rebab (a two-stringed instrument), gambus (a type of lute), seruling (flute), and gendang (drums).
Malaysian Traditional Dance
Meanwhile, traditional dances in Malaysia are diverse and colorful, often featuring a blend of different cultural influences. One popular dance form is the Tarian Zapin, which is believed to have originated from the Middle East and was brought to Malaysia by Arab traders. The dance is performed by both men and women, and involves graceful and fluid movements of the body to the rhythm of traditional Islamic music.
The Mak Yong is a traditional dance-drama originating from northern Malaysia, and is also recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. It is a combination of dance, music, and theater, and features elaborate costumes and intricate choreography. The dance-drama typically tells stories from ancient Malay folklore, and is accompanied by the music of traditional Malay instruments such as the rebab and gong.
What to Eat in Malaysia?
Malaysian cuisine is a fusion of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, as well as indigenous ingredients and cooking techniques. One of the key characteristics of Malaysian cuisine is the use of aromatic spices, such as lemongrass, turmeric, and cumin, which add depth and complexity to the dishes. Another distinct feature of Malaysian cuisine is the emphasis on balance and harmony in flavors. A typical Malaysian dish is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Head to Jalan Alor for the best street food and try to taste some of these must-try dishes while you’re in the country:
Nasi Lemak: A fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves, served with spicy sambal, fried anchovies, peanuts, and boiled egg. This was one of my favorite dishes that my Couchsurfing host made me try while in Kuala Lumpur and it’s actually Malaysia’s national dish!
Laksa: A spicy noodle soup with fish or prawn broth, served with herbs and vegetables
Satay: Skewered meat grilled over charcoal and served with peanut sauce
Cendol: A dessert of coconut milk, palm sugar, and shaved ice, topped with green jelly noodles
What is Malaysian Language like?
Malaysia is one of those countries where because of the vast array of cultures, it’s developed into being a multilingual country with over 130 different languages spoken throughout!
The official language is Bahasa Malaysia, which is a standardized form of Malay. This language has evolved over the years and has been influenced by various languages such as Chinese, Tamil, and English. Due to Malaysia’s history as a former British colony and its close ties with neighboring countries such as Indonesia, the language has also been heavily influenced by English and Indonesian.
Bahasa Malaysia is known to use of honorifics, which are titles or forms of address that show respect or deference to the person being addressed.
For example, the honorific “Encik” is used to address a man who is older, while “Cik” is used for a younger woman. The honorific “Tuan” is also used to address someone of high status or authority, such as a government official or a boss.
Useful Malay Phrases for Travel
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Malaysian
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English
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Selamat sejahtera
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Hello
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Terima kasih
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Thank you
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Maafkan saya
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Excuse me
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Berapa harganya?
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How much does this cost?
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Di mana tandas yang terdekat?
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Where is the nearest restroom?
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Saya tak faham
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I don't understand
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Boleh cakap bahasa Inggeris?
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Can you speak English?
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Selamat tinggal
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Goodbye
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Traditional Festivals in Malaysia
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year, celebrated around January or February depending on the lunar calendar, is one of the biggest celebrations in Malaysia, and is a time for families to come together and share traditional dishes. The streets are decorated with red lanterns and there are lion dances and fireworks displays.
Gawai Dayak
Celebrated by the Dayak people of Sarawak in Borneo, this harvest festival takes place in late May or early June. You can witness traditional dance performances and partake in a feast of local cuisine.
Pesta Menuai
This rice harvest festival is celebrated by the Kadazandusun people of Sabah, usually in May. It involves a ritual offering to the rice spirit, followed by a feast of traditional dishes and music.
George Town Festival
The George Town Festival is a month-long celebration of the arts, culture, and heritage of Penang. There are music and dance performances, street art exhibitions, and food and craft markets. The dates change every year so keep your eyes out for the latest information!
Hungry Ghost Festival
This Taoist festival takes place in August and September, when the gates of hell are said to open and spirits roam the earth. Offerings of food and incense are made to appease the spirits, and there are often Chinese opera performances.
Customs in Malaysia
The left hand is considered less honorable in Malaysian culture, so avoid using it for eating, shaking hands, or giving/receiving anything. Always use your right hand for these actions.
In Malaysia, it is considered rude to point with your feet or show the soles of your feet to others. Keep your feet on the ground.
It is considered impolite to eat while walking in Malaysia, especially in public places. If you need to eat, find a suitable place to sit and enjoy your meal.
While Malaysia is a relatively conservative country, public displays of affection between different sexes are generally not acceptable in public. It’s best to avoid kissing, hugging, or holding hands with your partner in public.
Crossing your legs in front of an older person is considered disrespectful in Malaysia. Also, if someone is sitting down with crossed legs, it is impolite to step over them. Instead, ask them to move aside or stand up so you can pass.
In Malaysia, The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, so it’s not appropriate to touch someone’s head or hair, especially if they are older than you.
Pointing with your finger is considered impolite. Instead, use your whole hand to gesture or nod your head in the direction you want to indicate.
Plan Your Trip to Malaysia | Best Travel Resources
Book Your Accommodations
- Booking.com – the world’s leading online booking platform for accomodations around the world, they have an extensive amount of available listings with zero booking fees and best price guarantees.
- Hostelworld – a backpacker’s best friend, Hostelworld has the largest collection of hostels and guesthouses for affordable prices.
Don’t Forget Insurance
- SafetyWing – from Nomad Insurance, an insurance by nomads for nomads. They understand our lifestyle well and have really comprehensive and flexible plans that cater to any traveler.
Find Cheap Flights
- Kiwi.com – my go-to for booking and finding the cheapest flights and it’s helped me save tons of money. They do virtual interlining which is connecting flights from airlines that do not codeshare, so you can find routes that you wouldn’t be able to find normally.
Join Tours & Activities
- GetYourGuide – is one of the best places to find unique tours and activities. I found that it’s an excellent way to meet fellow travelers and create fond memories. They are not only limited to tours as they also offer niche services such as skip-the-line tickets or private transfers.
Catch a Ride
- Rentalcars.com – nothing beats the freedom of the road, Rentalcars.com is the world’s largest online car rental service. They operate across 160 countries so they’re the perfect partner to work with if you find yourself wanting a ride.
