I was born and raised in Malaysia. Here are 5 things I wish tourists knew before they visit.

Marielle DescalsotaMay 29, 2023, 06:53 IST

Ivor Lim; the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Courtesy of Ivor Lim; Marielle Descalsota/Insider

Ivor Lim is a TikTok content creator who was born and raised in Malaysia.
Over the years, she's seen tourists patronize locals, thinking most of them can't speak English.

This as-told-to story is based on a conversation with Ivor Lim, 28, an entrepreneur and TikTok content creator who was born and raised in Malaysia. It's been edited for length and clarity.

I've lived in Malaysia my entire life. I grew up in Perai, Penang, and at 19 moved to Kuala Lumpur to attend law school. I've been living in the capital city ever since.

In 2019, over 26 million tourists visited Malaysia. Many tourists enjoy traveling to this part of Southeast Asia for its close proximity to countries like Singapore and Thailand.

Penang, 200 miles northeast of Kuala Lumpur, is best known for its vibrant street food. What I enjoy most about living in Malaysia is the incredible food scene, with the best flavors at affordable prices. Some of Malaysia's most famous dishes include Hokkien mee, a prawn noodle dish, and nasi lemak, made up of coconut rice served with sambal, anchovies, egg, and a variety of meats and vegetables. It's common to find these dishes being sold for less than 10 Malaysia ringgit, or $2.15.

Malaysia also has a diverse landscape, from stunning beaches to lush rainforests. You can climb up Mount Kinabalu in Borneo one day, and go snorkeling off Tioman Island in the South China Sea the next.

Growing up in Malaysia, I've witnessed tourists making the same mistakes while visiting the country. Here are five of the most common mistakes I've seen tourists make.

1. Don't patronize Malaysians when it comes to speaking English — many locals are fluent.

Malaysians often speak English as a first or second language.Edwin Tan/Getty Images

Malaysia has a diverse ethnic makeup and is a melting pot of cultures. Malays, Chinese, Indians, and various indigenous groups live harmoniously together. Despite Malaysia being a Muslim country, its cultural diversity influences every aspect of our daily life and it's what gives Malaysia a unique charm.

Over the years, tourists have shared that they are shocked to find many Malaysians speaking English fluently, especially in the major cities. There are four main languages in Malaysia: Malay, Chinese, Tamil, and English. Many locals speak at least two or three of these languages, so try speaking English with locals — chances are, you'll find someone who does.

If you'd like to try your hand at Malay, locals are likely to appreciate it — saying "terima kasih" or thank you will often go a long way.

If you'd like to try your hand at Malay, locals are likely to appreciate it — saying terima kasih or thank you will often go a long way.

2. Don't feel pressured to tip — it's not customary to do so in Malaysia.

Locals don't typically tip service workers in Malaysia.Edwin Tan/Getty Images

While tipping service workers is the norm in the US, it's not common practice in Malaysia. While Malaysians don't find tipping unusual, many locals don't usually tip unless they receive exceptional service.

In Malaysia, service charge — a fee that's typically added to a bill in addition to taxes — is often used in place of tipping in restaurants. The standard rate is 10% of the bill, according to Malaysia's customs department. The service charge is often already included in the bill.

3. Refrain from being too physically affectionate, as Malaysian culture is reserved.

A couple sharing an embrace in Malaysia.Annice Lyn/Getty Images

Malaysian culture can be conservative, especially with Islam being the official religion of Malaysia. This means that public displays of affection, such as kissing or hugging, are often considered inappropriate in public places.

In Malaysia, like many Muslim-majority countries, tourists should be mindful of physical contact with people of the opposite gender. Avoid touching or embracing locals, especially when meeting them for the first time.

4. Avoid wearing revealing clothing even when you're at the beach, especially when venturing outside big resorts.

Pantai Cenang beach in Langkawi, Malaysia.Matteo Colombo/Getty Images

In states like Terengganu and Kelantan, there are some rules that everyone should observe. These states do not allow people of opposite genders to share a swimming pool, and women are banned from wearing bikinis.

While this isn't the case in other parts of the country, many Malaysians prefer to wear clothes that cover them up, especially when they aren't living in the major cities. As a rule of thumb, it's best to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or the countryside. Wearing revealing clothing will likely earn you stares from the locals.

5. Don't ignore local customs, especially when visiting a Malaysian's home or places of worship.

Eating with one's hands is commonplace in Malaysia.Alex Liew/Getty Images

In Malaysia, the left hand is traditionally considered unclean, as it's used for cleaning. It's best to use your right hand to do things like eat and shake hands.

Like in many countries in Southeast Asia, it's important to remove your shoes before entering a Malaysian's house. In sacred spaces like mosques and temples, it's also respectful to remove your shoes. For example, when tourists visit Batu Caves, a Hindu temple near Kuala Lumpur, people are required to remove their footwear before entering the temples inside the caves.