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Food and
CULTURE
Do’s and Don’ts
Do dress appropriately when visiting religious sites
Do smile when meeting people
Do take your shoes off before entering homes or temples
Don’t discuss the divisive topic of ethnic relations
Don’t show anger or shouting in front of someone older than you
(Muslims) Do not give alcohol, pork, gifts with dogs’ picture or obscene images
(Chinese) Do not give clocks, tools with sharp edges
(Indian) Do not wrap gifts in white or black or give leather products
Malaysia Holidays/Festivals
Jan
Feb
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year (February)
Malaysia has one of the largest Chinese populations outside of China and celebrates the Lunar New Year with lion dance performances, fireworks and go to house visitations.
Mar
Apr
May
Hari Raya Aidilfitri & Wesak Day
Hari Raya Aidilfitri (May)
The name "Hari Raya" could be translated as "celebration day" and marks the end of Ramadan holy month of fasting.
Wesak Day (May)
Celebrated by Buddhists to honor Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death.
Jun
Jul
Hari Raya Haji
Hari Raya Haji (July)
The festival of Abraham’s sacrifice.
Aug
Merdeka Day
Merdeka Day (31 August)
Malaysia Independence Day, also known as National Day or ‘Hari Merdeka’ in Malay is observed on August 31 and commemorates the Malayan Declaration of Independence of 31 August 1957.
Sep
Malaysia Day
Malaysia Day (16 September)
Known as 'Hari Malaysia', commemorates the anniversary of the formation of the Malaysian Federation. The celebrations of Malaysia Day primarily include national ceremonies that celebrate the strength of Malaysians.
Oct
Deepavali
Deepavali (October)
Indian festival of Diwali. The holiday is known as the Festival of Lights, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
Nov
Dec
Malay Words
What better way to get around KL than getting to know the locals? Pick up some simple Malay to speak with the locals and explore the culture!
Must-Try Dishes in KL
Made up of diverse ethnic cuisines, including Malay, Indian to Chinese – there are many dishes to try from savory to sweet dishes with complex flavors.
Nasi Lemak
A must-try in Malaysia! It is usually eaten for breakfast or any time of the day – this dish is served with rice boiled in coconut milk, hard-boiled eggs, fried anchovies (Ikan Bilis), fried peanuts, and sweet spicy chili sauce known as ‘Sambal’.
Roti Canai
An Indian staple – it is a flatbread made from flour, ghee, and water. It is traditionally served with Dhal (vegetable beans) or curry sauce.
Satay
Marinated meat that is skewered and barbecued over charcoal. Served with ‘shaped’ rice, cucumber, and raw onions topped with peanut gravy.
Cendol
Another Malaysia must-have! Cendol is a popular dessert made from green-rice-flour jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup topped with shaved ice. Great to have on hot days!
Char Kway Teow
Meaning “stir-fried rice cake strips” this is a stir-fried rice noodles dish together with prawns, egg, cockles, and bean sprouts.
Keropok Lekor
Keropok Lekor (fish crackers or fish sausage) is a local favorite, and for good reason. Salty, oily, and flavorful, it can be thin and crunchy or thick and chewy; and when dipped in a signature sweet chili sauce, it’s basically a party in your mouth.
Nyonya Kuih
They come in all shapes and colors; commonly containing coconut flakes, pandan-infused flavors, kaya, and glutinous rice. The most common and our favorite ones are Kuih Koo, Pulut Tekan Kaya, Ondeh-Ondeh, Getuk-Getuk, and Kuih Lapis.
Banana Leaf Rice
An Indian staple – serving rice with a selection of fried fish, chicken, vegetables, Indian curries, Dahls, and Papadom which is served on a signature banana leaf, this is a native Indian dish that Malaysians know and love.
Chicken Rice
Commonly found in Malaysian hawker centers and influenced by the Hainanese culture – fragrant, yellow-tinged, oily rice is prepared with chicken broth and sometimes pandan as well, making it a perfect base for fragrant roasted or steamed chicken.
1 day itinerary in
Kuala Lumpur
9:00am
You can’t fully experience Kuala Lumpur without visiting the Petronas Twin Towers, one of the most iconic sights in Kuala Lumpur. You should take a trip up to the Skybridge on the 41st and 42nd floors and the Observation Deck on the 86th floor. Don’t forget to buy the Petronas Towers tickets beforehand.
Suggested duration: 1-2 hours
How to go to your next destination?
Take the LRT from KLCC station and stop at Dang Wangi Station
10:30am
Continue your journey with other iconic sights of Kuala Lumpur, which is Menara Kuala Lumpur. Head over to the Kuala Lumpur Tower Observation Deck which has a circular room made with big glass windows and binoculars to take in the awesome views. There is a fine dining restaurant atmosphere 360 serves buffets for lunch, high tea, and dinner
Suggested duration: 1 hour
How to go to your next destination?
About 3 minutes walking distance to your next destination
12:00pm
Head over to Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park to experience the greenery and picture-perfect beauty of nature. It is a natural rainforest situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. There is a canopy walkway and an herbal garden. This park is ideal for a picnic.
Suggested duration: 1.5 hour
How to go to your next destination?
Take the LRT and stop at Masjid Jamek Station > walk about 5-7 minutes to Merdeka Square; the historical heart of Kuala Lumpur
2:00pm
The Merdeka Square is a must-see for anyone who wants exciting exposure to the rich culture and history of Malaysia. It is a 19th-century Moorish architecture, located in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Several attractions in the nearby location, Queen Victoria Fountain, Federated Railway Station, The Cathedral of St Mary, etc.
Suggested duration: 1-2 hours
How to go to your next destination?
The Merdeka Square Heritage Walk is connected to the Chinatown Walk, about 7 minutes walking distance
3:30pm
Head into Chinatown to visit some of the Buddhist temples, one of the oldest Hindu temples (Sri Maha Mariamman), and bustling Petaling Street with a great selection of food and drink, and architecture.
Suggested duration: 1-2 hours
How to go to your next destination?
Take the LRT from Pasar Seni Station and stop at Kampung Baru Station
5:00pm
Last visit to Salomon Link Bridge where you can take pictures with colorful LED link bridge
Suggested duration: 15 – 30 minutes