12 Fascinating Tidbits About Malaysia
You might be surprised if you’ve never been to Malaysia.
If you visit Malaysia for the first time, you might encounter some surprising things on your trip. Or maybe you have been to Malaysia before already.
As a Canadian, here are some things that surprised me on my first visit!
Lizards in the House
Yes, lizards run around in the house. They run very fast, but they are usually harmless.
It’s just startling when something zips by out of the corner of your eye. I got used to it. I pray that they don’t run on me while I sleep!
Ridiculous Air Conditioning
Air conditioners in Malaysia are ridiculous. If you decide to go to the theatre or shopping mall, wear socks and a sweater.
It’s tempting to wear a tank top and shorts because of the heat outside.
Cold or freezing is not a suitable word to describe how cold it can get. Perhaps sub-zero Arctic temperatures?
I still remember taking time to thaw out and stop my teeth from chattering after watching a movie.
Do You Like Spice?
You always see a small plate of peppers or hot sauce that come with every meal. They adore spice in Malaysia!
People know I am not Malaysian when I politely decline the peppers!
Pay First, Then Eat
At hawker centers, you pay when they bring food to your table. I have fumbled with my money many times because I forget to have it ready. Have your small change handy too
Showers Galore!
The high humidity and hot weather cause your skin to be hot and sticky, so many people like to take several showers a day.
You can use water and no soap too. Get rid of the sweat and grime!
Choose Your Toilet
If you visit a shopping mall, you might find signs on the stalls in the bathroom. It indicates a squat toilet or a standard toilet.
I always choose a standard one!
I didn’t want to lose a shoe or slip my foot in by accident!
The King of Fruits is Here
Who is the king of fruits? Durian, of course! You either love or hate durian.
I never tried it, but it is famous in Malaysia. If you can tolerate the stench, try it out!
Many hotels do not allow durians. They post NO DURIAN signs in the lobby.
Slang and Languages
If you end up chatting to some locals, you could get confused by their conversations. It is the norm for them to be fluent in at least four languages.
Although I speak fluent Cantonese and English and understand Mandarin, I still had a hard time following along!
They also use a lot of slang. It is not unusual to be speaking in Cantonese, Mandarin, Malay, Hokkien, and English in a single conversation.
Utter confusion!
No Cold Showers, Please!
If you live in a Malaysian house, switch on the hot water before you take your shower. I was not used to this, so I had to endure a cold and uncomfortable shower more than once.
I remember calling out to someone to help me flip the switch outside one time. How embarrassing.
Bag Your Food and Drinks
I was shocked but delighted to get my take-out drink in a bag. No cup.
I was fascinated by it for the longest time!
If you want to doggy bag your food, you also toss your food straight in a bag.
No boxes or containers!
Torrential Rain
Malaysia is a tropical country, so the rain is usually heavy. If you are driving, be careful of the waterfall on your windshield. Visibility is zero.
If you get caught in the rain, consider it your extra shower for the day.
Two Kitchens in One House
Malaysian houses often have two kitchens. One is a wet kitchen, while the other is a dry kitchen.
The wet kitchen is for more intense cooking and keeps smells away from the rest of the house.
The dry kitchen is for light meal preparations. You can also use it as a bar.
I love Malaysia. Pre-pandemic, I visited one to two times per year.
Did you have similar experiences on your first visit? I would love to hear about it!
If you enjoy my writing and would like to support me, please consider buying me a coffee! Thank you!
Sources
Photo by Ben Cheung from Pexels