Malaysian culture guide

Malaysia is blessed with some wonderfully diverse culture, as well as sparkling beaches, top-notch restaurants and exotic wildlife. It is an ethnic melting pot of peoples from around the world, with Indians, Chinese and Europeans settling here over the centuries in search of a better life for themselves and their families.

Malaysia has strong Islamic roots which are constitutionally enshrined in the state, yet Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Jewish, Taoist and Christian beliefs also flourish. Malaysia also has a strong artistic heritage, with many traditions incorporated into the new-age of environmental art, with some of the world’s oldest rainforests providing ample inspiration for a new generation of painters and sculptors.

Music & dance

There is a strong musical tradition in Malaysia, with countless different immigrant styles incorporated together in one shape or another, along with some indigenous forms too...more

Art & literature

Islamic themes are prevalent, with traditional Malay art and Arabic motifs being common. Literature here takes after European schools, where texts date 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. China and India is fully integrated...more

Food & cuisine

Food plays a central role in the life of Malaysian people and delights visitors with strong influences from the Southeast Asian region in general, along with China and Europe...more

Etiquette

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

Handicrafts

There are plenty of different souvenirs to purchase while on holiday in Malaysia, including authentic batik, crystalware, pearls and ornaments. Market shopping is especially fun...more

Malaysian culture - fantastic mix of contrasting ethnic groups

There are galleries galore in Kuala Lumpur which celebrate the natural world - sculpting from driftwood and other ecological materials to demonstrate the green agenda of the 21st century. Music comes in many different forms, with UK and US pop music the poison of choice for chic young Malaysian urbanites.

Traditional forms embracing percussion and dance dramas are making a resurgence, however, 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 theatre troupes have visited Malaysia since the turn of the last century and the mindset here has always embraced new cultural pursuits.

And while the cuisine of Malaysia has often been overlooked in favour of its northern neighbour, Thailand, there are fabulous and diverse dishes coming from the country which embraces the best facets from around the continent. Think India and the curry.

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