Malaysian culture

Malaysia is blessed with some wonderfully diverse culture as well as sparkling beaches, top notch restaurants and exotic wildlife. The country is an ethnic melting pot for peoples from around the world, with Indians, Chinese and Europeans settling here over the centuries in search of fame and fortune. The country has strong Islamic roots which are constitutionally enshrined in the state, but Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Jewish, Taoist and Christian beliefs all flourish by its side.

Malaysia has a strong artistic heritage with many traditions incorporated into the new age of environmental art. There are galleries in Kuala Lumpur which celebrate the natural world, sculpting from driftwood and other ecological materials to demonstrate the new green agenda of the 21st century. Music comes in many different forms with UK and US chart tune the poison of choice for chic young Malaysian urbanites. But traditional forms embracing percussion and dance dramas are making a resurgence thanks to central government efforts.

Culture in KL and Penang can involve religious ceremonies at famed shrines or an evening at the opera or Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. Touring theatres troupes have visited Malaysia since the turn of the last century and the mindset here has always embraced new cultural pursuits. And whilst the cuisine of Malaysia has often been overlooked in favour of its northern neighbour, there are fabulous and diverse dishes coming from the country which embraces the best facets from around the continent.

Music and dance
There is a strong musical tradition in Malaysia with an amalgam of all the different immigrant
styles incorporated together, plus some indigenous stylings as well… more

Art and literature
There is a strong Islamic theme running through traditional Malay art with Arabic motifs common. Literature takes after European schools with texts dating back centuries… more

Religion
Malaysia has a wonderfully diverse ethnic composition with numerous different faiths stemming from the continuous tide of immigration from all over the world… more

Food and cuisine
Food plays a central role in the life of Malaysian people with strong influences from Southeast Asia and the subcontinent as well as mainland China and Europe… more

Etiquette
Although KL has developed a reputation for debonair nightlife, Malaysia remains quite a traditional society and it can be ease to unwittingly cause offence through social taboos… more