20&%20Craft

HERITAGEAND CRAFTS

Published by : Tourism Malaysia, Ministry of Tourism.

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LAOS

PHILIPPINES

VIETNAM

CAMBODIA

THAILAND

MYANMAR

BRUNEIDARUSSALAM

SINGAPORE

INDONESIA

MALAYSIA

Map of MALAYSIA

South China Sea

Straits of Malacca

PENANG

KEDAH

PERLIS

KELANTAN

TERENGGANU

PAHANG

PERAK

SELANGOR

KUALA LUMPUR

NEGERI SEMBILAN

MELAKA

JOHOR

SARAWAK

SABAH

Kota Kinabalu

Kuching

Johor Bahru

Melaka

Kuantan

Labuan

Kuala Terengganu

Kota Bharu

Ipoh

Georgetown

Kangar

Alor Star

Shah Alam

Seremban

Putrajaya

Legend

State Capital

Federal Territory

Greeting any visitor to Malaysia is an amazing diversity of local faces and global races.A legacy born since the days when this realm that straddles the Asian continent and theMalay Archipelago became a historic crossroads of peoples and cultures of seafarers andtraders.

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Come and Experiencethe Heritage of All Asia

From the age of ancient kingdomsculminating in the fabulous 15th centuryMalacca Sultanate came a legacy oftrade that brought people from China,India, Persia and Arabia, and from the16th century a succession of Europeans –Portuguese, Dutch and British. Overtime all the groups intermingled, nativesand newcomers, weaving a rich heritagethat evolved to become the multi-ethnicyet harmonious nation it is today.

Thus to experience the heritage ofMalaysia is to share in an ancient andmodern mix of the cultures in all of Asia,and beyond.

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Masjid Jamek, Kuala Lumpuris a fine example of Moorish architecture, locatedin a picturesque setting astride the confluence oftwo rivers

A’Famosa, Malaccais an old Portuguese fort built around the city.Demolished by the British in the 18th century, allthat remains is the iconic gateway

Today, greeting any visitor to Malaysia isan exciting yet peaceful blend of manydifferent races and religions.

Be it in the customs or cuisine, fashionsor festivals, houses or handicrafts, thereis a mind-boggling variety of cultures,beliefs and languages existing side-by-side in remarkable harmony.

Come and experience this fascinatingmilieu. Be immersed in the rich, livingheritage and this colourful spectrum ofMalaysian culture, cuisine and crafts.

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Welcome to Malaysia. Enjoy our heritage, and bring a piece of it home with you.

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In Malaysia, all of Asia’s main ethnic groups andall the world’s major religions are represented.

PEOPLE & CUSTOMS

In Malaysia, visitors will be surprised to find all of Asia’s main ethnic groups livingtogether in harmony. Indeed, all the world’s major religions are also represented here.An interesting sight in major towns is the proximity of mosques, temples and churchesto each other.

This social phenomenon has enriched the shared character, cultural mosaic and vision ofthe nation.

Mingle with the country’s over 25 million people, consisting of the majority Malays andother indigenous groups including the Orang Asli, Dayaks, KadazanDusun, Melanau,Murut and more. Joining them are the Chinese, Indians, groups of mixed descent suchas Baba-Nyonyas and Eurasians of Portuguese and other European ancestry as well asmore recent immigrants from Asian countries.

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A Unique Ethnic &Cultural Experience

Malays form more than half of thepopulation, profess Islam as their religionand speak Bahasa Melayu, from whichcomes the national language. Formerlyan agrarian society, Malays are knownfor their gentle mannerisms and culturalrefinement.

The Chinese are the second largestethnic group in Malaysia, accounting forjust over a quarter of the population.Comprising several dialect groups frommostly southern China (Hokkien,Hakka, Cantonese, Teochew, Hockchewand others), most are descendants of19th century immigrants and arerenowned for their industriousness andbusiness acumen.

Indians originally came from the Indiansubcontinent in the 19th century to workin plantations, estates and railroads.Today, they make up slightly less than atenth of the population. The largestsubgroup are Tamil speakers, followedby a sizeable Punjabi community, as wellas groups speaking Malayalam andHindi/Urdu.

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Malaysia is home to a remarkablenumber of indigenous groups. Some stilllead semi-nomadic lives, but many havesettled in villages and live increasinglymodern lives.

On the peninsula, the many tribes ofOrang Asli (Aboriginal People) form thelargest group, numbering just over100,000.

The states of Sabah and Sarawak inBorneo are mainly made up of theirnative communities. The major groups in

Sarawak are the Iban, Bidayuh andOrang Ulu, sometimes collectively calledDayaks. There are also the Melanau andPenan. They traditionally live in longhouses along the state’s many rivers.

The largest groups in Sabah are theKadazanDusun, Bajau andMurut, whilesmaller communities include the Bisayah,Iranun, Suluk and Bonggi. Traditionally,they live in the many water villagesfound along the coastal areas.

Finally, there are the mixed races, whohail mainly from Malacca and Penang,the historic places of culturalintermixing. They include Baba-Nyonyas, also known as ‘Peranakan’ or‘Straits Chinese’, who are of Chinese-Malay ancestry, and Eurasians who aredirect descendants of Portuguesecolonists in 16th century Malacca.

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Celebrations and Festivals

Hari Raya Puasa (Aidil Fitri)

Muslims celebrateHari Raya or Aidil Fitrito mark the end of the fasting month ofRamadhan. In Malaysia, special morningprayers are held in all mosques andfamilies visit graves of departed lovedones to recite prayers. This is also thetime for family reunions where theyounger generation will seek forgivenessfrom their elders for any wrongscommitted.

Hari Raya Haji (Aidil Adha)

Aidil Adha marks the completion of theHajj pilgrimage inMecca. InMalaysia, itis more commonly known as Hari RayaHaji or Hari Raya Korban. The highlightof the festival is the sacrifice of cattle,goats or rams, following which the meatis distributed to the poor.

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday

The Prophet was born on the thirdmonth of the Muslim calendar in 570AD. In Malaysia, his birthday iscommemorated with gatherings forreligious lectures and recitals of versesfrom the Holy Qur’an.

Celebrate life in multi-racial, multi-religiousMalaysia, where there is an astonishing array of cultural observances. More than just ritualsand traditions, they are a way of life mutually respected by all.

IndeedMalaysia celebrates numerous festivals of different origins. Most are public holidays, either nationwide or specific to some states.Although they are either religious or cultural festivals, like everything else in Malaysia’s plural society the festivities are influenced bythe diversity of the people. This is best reflected in the practice of ‘Open House’ or Rumah Terbuka, where celebrants invite friends ofdifferent races to their homes to join in the festivities.

Chinese New Year

This festival marks the start of the newyear according to the Chinese lunarcalendar and is a time for joyous familyreunions and feasting. Gifts of ang pow(money packets), firecrackers and liondances are some of the Chinese NewYear highlights.

Mooncake & Lantern Festival

Also known as the Mid-AutumnFestival, this event is celebrated on the15th day of the eighth month of theChinese lunar calendar. It marks asuccessful rebellion against the Mongolrulers of the Yuan Dynasty in 14thcentury China, where secret messageswere hidden inside some mooncakeswhile lanterns were used as signals.Today, round mooncakes with variousfillings are presented as gifts whilelantern processions are held.

Christmas

Many Chinese, Indians and indigenouscommunities of Sabah and Sarawak areChristians. On 25 December, specialservices are held in churches all overMalaysia while carollers mark theyuletide spirit in homes and shoppingcentres.

Deepavali

Also known as the Festival of Lights, theHindu celebration of Deepavali (orDiwali) is observed in the seventh monthof the Tamil lunar calendar. It marksLord Krishna’s legendary victory of lightover darkness, the triumph of good overevil. Hindus celebrate by adorning theirhomes with oil lamps, taking a ritualmorning bath and offering ceremonialprayers in temples, amidst the chimes ofbells.

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Wesak Day

A day when Buddhists observe the birth,enlightenment and death of the Buddha.Religious offerings and rituals - such as‘bathing of the Buddha’, chanting ofsutras (holy scriptures), lighting of josssticks and ordination of monks - usuallytake place in the Buddhist templesaround Malaysia. Night sees colourfulprocessions of decorated floats withdevotees carrying candles to denote the‘path of light and righteousness’.

Thaipusam

TheHindu celebration in the 10th monthof the lunar calendar marks LordSubramaniam’s birthday. On the eve ofThaipusam, a statue of the deity is drawnin an elaborate procession from KualaLumpur to the stepped Batu Cavestemple. The next day, devotees carryornately decorated kavadis on theirshoulders, with hooks and spikesextending into various parts of the bodyas an expression of penance andthanksgiving.

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Gawai

This centuries-old celebration in earlyJune marks the end of the padi plantingseason and the start of the new season fortheDayaks of Sarawak. Ancestral gravesare tended to and other ritualsperformed. Celebrations begin with areunion dinner for the entire family. Tuak(rice wine) is served and there is muchmerrymaking with traditional costumes,dances and community events. Livestockis also sacrificed to ensure a good harvestthe following season.

Ka’amatan

The KadazanDusun and Murut groupsof Sabah celebrate their harvest festivalin May. The highlight is a ceremonyperformed by the Bobohizan, or highpriestess, to pay homage to the rice spiritso that a good harvest can be expected.Tapai (rice wine) is commonly servedamidst festivities, and a harvest queencontest is held to seek the fairest maidenin honour of a legendary heroine of thecommunity.

Vesakhi

The new year celebration for Sikhs, italso commemorates the birth of theKhalsa order in 1699 AD, when GuruGobind Singh (the 10th Sikh Guru)baptized the Sikhs, bestowing the nameSingh - meaning ‘lion’ - upon males, andKaur - meaning ‘princess’ - upon females.At home and in Sikh temples, prayers arechanted and hymns are sung.


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TRADITIONAL ATTIRE

The array of Malaysia’s traditional costumes arestunningly diverse and colourful.

From magnificent tribal head-feathers with bark body-covers to antique gold-wovenroyal songket fabric, the array of Malaysia’s traditional costumes and textiles arestunningly diverse and colourful. Many of their origins are millennia-old and representAsia’s entire fashion heritage.

The traditional attire of Malaysia began with the native bark costumes and beadsand by the time of the ancient kingdoms had evolved to hand-loomed fine textilesand intricate Malay batik motifs. As foreign trade, influence and immigrantsincreased, costumes worn across the Malaysian landscape became more diversewith Chinese silks, Indian pulicat and Arabian jubbah.

Today traditional attire, from Malay kebaya labuh and locally inspired Muslimwomen’s fashions to Indian saree and Chinese cheongsam are still in vogue.


A Dazzling Tapestryof Asian Traditions

Malay

Before the 20th century, Malaywomen still wore kemban bodice-wraps in public - just a sarong tiedabove the chest. Growing Islamicawareness gave rise to the moremodest yet elegant baju kebaya longsleeve blouse with sarong and the bajukurung, a longer dress over a tailoredkain. A variety of fashionableheadscarves accompany theobservant lady. For men, thetrousered baju Melayu, coupled with asamping hip wrap remains the time-honoured traditional dress, with thehandcrafted baju batik shirt popularwith all Malaysians. Hand-printed ordrawn batik, woven songket andembroideredtekat are some ofthe popular Malaytextiles. Headgearsuch as men’stengkolok andMinang ladies’buffalo horn-i n s p i r e dheaddress area few of themore exoticaccessories.

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Chinese

Chinese textiles and costumes,especially silks and fine embroideriesare knownworldwide. The traditionalcheongsam or ‘long dress’ worn byladies is a popular contemporaryfashion in all its exciting variations.The dress is easy to slip on andcomfortable to wear. Its neck is raised,with a closed collar. Sleeves may beshort, medium or full length. Thedress has a loose chest usuallybuttoned on the right side, a fittingwaist and slits on either one or bothsides of the custome. Traditional malecostumes, such as the Ming robehowever, are less ubiquitous.


Indian

Indian fashion is synonymouseverywhere with the elegant saree.Likewise in Malaysia, the saree is along unstitched length of fabricdraped around the body in variousstyles or folds, which traditionallycould be used to indicate the socialstatus of the wearer. Considering thevariety of materials, textures anddesigns that are employed in sareeusage, it is truly a fascinating fruit ofthe loom. The kurta on the other hand,is associated with Indian male attire.There is also the trousered salwarkameez or the ‘Punjabi costume’ as it isoriginally associated with Sikh ladies.

Sabah

The many different ethnic groups inSabah exhibit various traditionalcostumes that are unique to the state.Each group adorns attire, headgearand personal ornaments that havedistinctive forms, motifs and colourschemes characteristic of theirrespective tribe and district.However, culturally different groupswho live in close proximity may havesimilarities in their traditional attire.Hats and headgear are particularlyin te res t ing , e spec ia l l y theKadazanDusun ladies’ straw hatdesigns, the Bajau woven dastarheadgear and most peculiarly, theLotud man folds his headdress withthe number of points signifying thenumber of wives he has.

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Sarawak

Malaysia’s largest state also hasnumerous tribal costumes unique toeach ethnic group. Using differentclothing designs and organicallycurved native motifs, commonmaterials would be hand-loomedcloths, tree bark fabrics, feathers,woven hats and also beadworkespecially for Orang Ulu tribes.Among internationally knownSarawak textiles are the Iban wovenpua kumbu and Sarawak Malaysongket as well as colourful beadaccessories, traditional jewelleryand head adornments.

Orang Asli

As the Aboriginal groups, referred toas Orang Asli, come in over 18 ethno-linguistic communities, broadlycategorised under Negrito, Senoi andProto-Malay subgroups, there is also

a good diversity in their attire.Nonetheless, being traditionallyforest dwellers the clothing ofdeep jungle Orang Asli fromages past are made fromnatural materials, forexample bark of trees suchas the terap as well as grass

skirts. Ornaments includeheadbands woven from leaffronds skilfully made inintricate patterns.


Portuguese-Eurasian

Descended from Portuguese settlers ofthe 16th century, their traditional attirecomes from the Portuguese-Europeanheritage. Men wear jackets and trouserswith waist sashes, ladies wear broadfront-layered skirts. There is apreponderance of black and red colours.Otherwise ladies also like to wear thekebaya.

Baba-Nyonya

Also called ‘Straits Chinese’ and‘Peranakan’, the Baba-Nyonyadescendants of Chinese nobles whomarried Malays adopted much ofMalay culture into their Chineseheritage. As many were merchantfamilies, they could afford refinedclothings that were taken from bothcommunities. The elegant women’sKebaya Nyonya embroidered dress isone such legacy, as well as expensivebrocade shoes and Nyonya heirloomjewellery.

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TRADITIONALMUSIC & DANCE

True to Malaysia’s mixed heritage, the music and dances vary, andhave evolved into enchanting and complex art forms.


AmongMalaysia’s many cultures, music and dance are almost inseparable. Where thereis one, the other is present. True toMalaysia's mixed heritage, the music and dances varygreatly and have evolved into the enchanting and complex art forms that are enjoyedtoday.

Musical Instruments

Originally, Malaysian music probably didn’t even begin as a pure art form, but asan ingenious communication method. In ancient Malay kingdoms, the rebana ubigiant drums took on the role of communicative tools, where different rhythmicdrumbeats conveyed various messages from warnings to wedding notices.

Eventually the drumbeats evolved into entertaining accompaniments. Drums thencomplemented the gamelan, an exotic orchestra with its ensemble of gongpercussion and stringed instruments shared with Indonesia, with its otherworldlylilting melodies. Another ensemble was the nobat, solemn court music with itsserunai and nafiriwind instruments.

Enjoy The Rhythmand Sway of Diversity

A selection of other native instrumentsabound from the Orang Asli noseflutes to Sabah’s multi-tubed sompotonand Sarawak’s local bamboo stringguitar called sape. As with other things,foreignmusical influences found fertileground in Malaysia. Over thecenturies, Persian, Arab, Indian andChinese music and instruments madeMalaysia their adopted home andcontributed to the nation’s rich musicalheritage.

Still, for those interested to learn moreof the rebana message drums, come forthe annual traditional Giant DrumFestival for a taste of yesterday’srhythms.

Malay

There is so much variety in Malaydance. Yet the oldest may not evenhave begun as a dance, but as thedeadly martial art of Silat. Withflowery hand and body movements tomesmerise and confuse opponents,silat evolved into a danceable art form.

The various Joget dances, one ofMalaysia’s most popular culturaldance forms, have lively movementswith an upbeat tempo performed bycouples. The Tarian Lilin candle danceis one of the most enthralling andbeautiful performances. Femaledancers hold saucers containing acandle each andmove in graceful turnswithout extinguishing the delicateflames, entrancing spectators.

Zapin was inspired by the Arabs andoriginally performed by male dancers.Today, females also perform it incovered attire. Boria mixes song anddance, with a lead who sings solo andthose behind singing the chorus whiledancing in unison. Kuda Kepang dance-drama performers ride two-dimensional hide or rattan horses invigorous moves to re-enact the earlyIslamic battles for survival,accompanied by hypnotic music fromexotic instruments such as angklungsand gongs.

There is probably no other Malaysiandance drama more enchanting thanthe classical Makyong. This ancientcourt entertainment combines gracefulmovements, romantic stories, localoperatic singing and even humour.

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Chinese

Most Chinese dances in Malaysiawere brought from mainland China.These include the ever-popular LionDance as well as Dragon Dance, FanDance and LanternDance. In the liondance, two people don the head andbody of a stylised lion made fromcloth and paper, with the one in thehead mask of the lion leading themovements. The lion dancers alsofollow the antics of one or two clownswho act as jokers. A team ofdrummers beat drums and cymbals,making the lion dance a loudlyspirited affair.

The lion dance is performed duringChinese New Year, Chap Goh Mehcelebrations and opening ceremoniesto gain blessings from the gods.

The dragon dance is similar but lesscommon as it requires many dancersto perform with three groups to eachtake on the head, body and tail of thedragon.


Indian

Among the popular Indian dances inMalaysia are the BharataNatyam andBhangra. The former is a classicalstyle characterised by fast andcomplex dance moves that tell a story.This classical dancing combines about100 s teps and ges tures ,choreographed into dance dramasfrom ancient Indian epics. Classicaldancers are initiated early, by the ageof five, in order to master the intricatemovements.

The Bhangra dance is very much acolourful feature of the MalaysianSikh community. Originally a harvestdance, it integrates a host of livelyturns and stunts by the dancers inturbaned headdresses, making itvibrant and raucously cheerful. It isaccompanied by a medley of folksongs, clapping, drums andtambourines.

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Sarawak

The Datun Julud and Ngajat are amongthe popular dances of Sarawak. DatunJulud illustrates the age-old traditionof storytelling in dance, relating thelegend of a prince’s happiness whenblessed with a grandson. The dancebecame widespread among theKenyah tribe. The sape, the nativeguitar of Sarawak, renders the dancebeats accompanied by singing andhand-clapping.

Sabah

An exotic dance found only in Sabah isthe Sumazau, performed by two rowsof men and women who face eachother and move with a steady hypnoticrhythm. Their hand gestures imitate

the flight of great birds. Anotherfavourite dance in both Sabah andSarawak requires dancers to performwith bamboo poles moving back andforth in between their feet. Thisrequires great agility to avoid their feetbeing trapped as the beat accelerates.

Orang Asli

Many dances of the Orang Asli ofPeninsularMalaysia relate to the beliefin spirits. Traditional witch-doctorsemploy rituals to communicate withthese invisible powers. These ritualsmay involve dances such asGenggulangfor the Mahmeri, Berjerom for the Jah-Hut and the hand-swaying Sewang forthe Semai and Temiar.

Portuguese

The Farapeira and Branyo are twofamous dances among Malacca’sPortuguese community. The Branyo ismore staid, with male dancers inWestern-like costume and ladies inkebaya dancing to a steady rhythmplayed by drums and violin. TheFarapeira is a fast, cheerful danceaccompanied by guitars andtambourines, performed by couplesdressed in the traditional costumes ofthe Portuguese descendants.


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GAMES & PASTIMES

Many games and pastimes have been preservedin their original forms.


Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage offers a wide range of traditional games and pastimes.In agrarian societies, these are activities enjoyed after working in the fields and orchardsor during celebrations. Ranging from indoor and outdoor games to the martial as well asperforming arts; these are expressions of communal sharing.

Traditional games were usually played in the kampung (villages) and areespecially important to the rural Malays as well as other native communities.Today, many games and pastimes have been preserved in their original forms.There are also various cultural activities and festivals throughout the year wherespecific games and pastimes can be enjoyed by all.

Experience the Expressionsof Communal Sharing

Silat

This fascinating Malay martial art isnot just for self-defence, but is also arecognised international sport. It isalso a dance form engaging theflowery movements originally meantto mesmerise opponents. Silat hasbeen known in the Malay Archipelagofor centuries. In this art of self-defence, the practitioner also developsspiritual strength that is in accordancewith Islamic tenets, and is popularwith Malay youths. Silat isalso performed at Malayweddings and culturalfestivals, whereit is oftenaccompanied bydrums and gongs.

Sepak Raga

In this traditional ball game, also calledsepak takraw, a ball about the size of anopen hand and made of woven stripsof buluh bamboo or even rattan iskicked about with the legs or any partof the body except the lower hands.There are two main types the originalform is sepak raga bulatan or a circlewhere the team tries to keep the ballaloft as long as possible. The modernsepak raga jaring or net court form isnow played in internationalcompetitions.

Wau / Kite-Flying

A wau or local kite is known for itscreative shapes and features. Thebamboo frame of the wau usuallymeasures 2 to 3.5 metres in length andis artistically decorated with localmotifs in coloured paper. The mostpopular shape is the wau bulan (moonkite), where the tail of the kite iscurved in a shape of a crescent moon.What used to be a post-harvestpastime among farmers, especially inKelantan, is now an international kitefestival which draws participants fromaround the world.

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Congkak

An indoor game of two players,congkak is played on a board with tworows of seven holes. On each end is alarger hole known as rumah (home).Played by turns, the objective of thegame is to be the first to fill up theplayer’s rumah with as many tokens aspossible from the seven holes.

Top-Spinning

A traditional game requiring physicaldexterity, timing and sometimesstrength, a gasing orMalay top is madeof metal or timber weighing as muchas 5.5 kg and sometimes can be as bigas a dinner plate. It is launched into a

spin by quickly unfurling a ropewrapped around the body after whichit is scooped off the ground using awooden bat and transferred onto a lowpost with a metal receptacle. Incompetitions, skilful spinners canlaunch the gasing to spin for hours,outlasting their opponents.

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Wayang Kulit

The traditional ‘shadow play’ theatreis performed by casting animatedpuppet shadows on a white clothscreen. The puppet characters andstories were usually taken fromancient Indian epics. The figures usedare artistically made from buffalo hideand mounted on bamboo sticks. Oneperson, a Tok Dalang or masterstoryteller, usually conducts the wholeshow from behind the screen as herecites the tale with appropriatesounds and movements.

Rebana Ubi / Bergendang

The beating of giant drums known asrebana ubi are a feature at especiallyKelantanese festivals. A variety ofrhythms are beaten on the drumsweighing 100 kg, by men with great

gusto. These recall ancient timesbefore the telephone and Internetwhen the rebana ubi were used tocommunicate from village to villageacross vast distances. Weddingannouncements, danger warnings andother important matters weredrummed out using set beats.

There is a similar heritage in Sarawak,but women take over the beat in astylish presentation of traditionaldrumming called Bergendang. Normallyseated behind a screen, the womendrum out their beats with style andrhythm, accompanying songs sung bymaidens while men dance.

Megagong

In Sabah, traditional brass or woodenpercussion instruments form anintegral part of ethnic music inceremonies and festivals. Differentcommunities may use a differentcomplement of instruments. TheKadazanDusun use a six gongensemble while the Bajau include thekulintangan, a set of horizontal gongs,to accompany the performance.

Sepak Manggis

An unusual outdoor game played bythe tough Bajau and Iranun men inSabah. Players face each other in acircle and aim to strike the bungamanggis floral carrier, which containsmoney, gifts or edibles. The manggisdangles from a 10 m-high pole.

Chingay

A lively performance displayingacrobatic skills originating fromMalaysia’s Chinese community, thechingay processions showcaseperformers balancing huge poles withenormous triangular flags on theirforeheads, chins, lower jaws andshoulders, accompanied by drummersand bicycle artistes. While associatedwith festivals in Penang, other placesin Malaysia also hold chingay parades.


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TRADITIONAL CUISINE

In Malaysia you can arguably try a different dish dailyfor a year and still not have tasted it all.

In cities around the world you can find a great variety of foods, but Malaysia’s multi-cultural culinary tradition is a mind-boggling daily choice. Each ethnic group hascontributed to the nation’s great gastronomic heritage. You can arguably try a differentlocal dish daily for a year and still not have tasted all.

Food outlets of all types and for all budgets are easy to find around Malaysia.Visitors will be pleasantly suprised to discover that eating out here is easy on thepocket.

Malaysia has a hugely varied national menu with Malay, Chinese, Indian andregional fusion recipes from across Asia. Within each ethnic type, everysubgroup has its own differences, and among the indigenous groups there areparticular specialities. Although rice is the staple diet, many dishes go with adifferent base such as flour.

Generally, Malay and Indian cooking is spicier whereas Chinese food is milderon the palate. Japanese and Middle Eastern cuisine are increasingly popularwhile Western fare is not unfamiliar.


A Taste of Allthe Flavours of Asia

Malay

Spices play a huge part in not justMalay cuisine, but have also been afactor in Malaysian culinary history aspart of the Spice Islands trade.Ingredients such as chili, black pepper,coriander, cumin, fennel, turmeric,lemon grass, ginger and coconut milkare common. The regional influencesof the Javanese, Thais and theMinangof Sumatra have contributed to theexciting range of cuisine.

Signature Malay dishes include satay,the most loved eat-out dish inMalaysia. Bite-sized marinatedchicken or beef pieces on sticks arebarbecued over charcoal fire. Satay isserved with ketupat (rice cubes), raw

cucumber and onions all dipped insweet spicy peanut sauce. Nasi lemakis another national favouriteespecially for breakfast. Ricecooked in coconut milk isserved with chili sambal, friedpeanuts, anchovies, egg andcucumber slices. Nasi goreng(fried rice) comes in manyforms, while nasi dagang(fish curry coloured rice)and nasi kerabu aretraditional East Coast fare.Other typical Malay dishesinclude various mee and laksanoodles as well as soupy lontongand soto. AMalay delicacy not to bemissed is lemang or glutinous ricecooked in bamboo and eaten withrendang spice-blended meats.

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Chinese

Regional Chinese food fromCantonese to Hokkien to Szechuanare all common in Malaysia.Cantonese food is lighter and lessgreasy than the hot and sourflavoured Szechuan style. Rice andnoodles are the staple diet. Chineserestaurants in Malaysia also offerother specialities such as Peking duckand shark’s fin soup. A popular choiceis dim sum, a selection of steameddishes such as dumplings, prawn bitesand similar tidbits on small plates,served in little baskets which arepresented from table to table. Chooseas many plates as you like and later,the number of plates are tallied andbilled accordingly. Yee sang raw fishsalad is a must during Chinese NewYear.


Indian

North Indian Mughal tandooris andbriyanis, South Indian fish head curriesas well as a variety of roti breads; allare readily available in Malaysia. Theonly thing common in this assortmentof Indian fare is the use of spices, withrice and flour breads as the staple. The

simple but famed roti canai pancakebread from flour and ghee is a much-loved dish in local Indian-Muslimrestaurants, accompanied by teh tarik –hot tea with milk and ‘pulled’ to mixand cool them – a national mainstay. Insome restaurants, experience a noveltyof having your food served on abanana leaf instead of a plate. FromPenang comes the nasi kandar, literally

‘pole rice’ from the way the spicy ricemixed dishes used to be balanced incontainers hanging from a pole on thevendor’s shoulder. Then there is therojak, which is a popular mixed saladserved with peanut sauce and otheringredients. A Malay and Chinesevariety is the rojak buah or local fruitsalad.

Sabah & Sarawak

Sabah and Sarawak each offers localvariations and particular nativespecialities. In Sarawak, there isSarawak laksa and mee kolok. Amongtraditional jungle dwellers, foodconsists of natural forest ingredientscooked in hollow bamboo tubes, calledpansuh. Rice and even meats can beplaced in the bamboo hollow andcooked over a fire. Cooking inbamboo is naturally clean, fuss-freeand environmentally friendly, whilegiving a unique aroma and texture notfound in food cooked in pots. For theadventurous, Melanau cuisine offers alocal delicacy of sago worms as well asumai marinated raw fish.

Similarly in Sabah, the Muruts arefamous for jaruk, cooking in bambootubes but with the ingredients allowedto ferment. Pickled dishes are a localspeciality. In days before refrigerationthe interior peoples developedingenious ways of preserving meatsand vegetables. Utilising thepreservative ability of a number offruits and seeds, together with salt,they created many types of pickles andpreserves. The more well-knownfoods of this type are the varioushinava pickled dishes of theKadazanDusun community.

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Nyonya

Nyonya cuisine refers to the mixedcooking heritage of the Baba-Nyonyaof Chinese-Malay ancestry. Itcomprises a heady blend of Malayspices and local ingredients withChinese and mixed recipes, resultingin Nyonya versions of steamed fish,curry laksa, otak-otak and enche kabin.Northern Nyonya delicacies fromPenang have a slight Thai flavour andeven Indian-Muslim influence,including Nyonya acar pickles,besombor mixed salad, minced meatcongee and spare ribs soup. SouthernNyonya food inMalacca is similar butspicier and rich in coconut milk.

Portuguese

Cuisine of the Portuguesecommunity offers a unique blendingof spice paste, pounded herbs, lemongrass and shallots that bears littleresemblance to food in Portugal.Popular dishes include devil currywith deeply blended spices,cucumber and pineapple chilli saladand karing-karing fretu, a snack offried silver threadfish sprinkled withlime juice.

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ARCHITECTURALHERITAGE

While the old architectural heritage is still preserved, Malaysia hascreated its own world-class modern icons.


The architecture all around Malaysia today displays almost every imaginablearchitectural category and style of Asia’s main cultures and religions. Yet while the oldarchitectural heritage is preserved, Malaysia looks forward and creates its own newtowering heritage in the world.

Ancient to Modern,A Wealth of Building Traditions

Today most Malaysian cities and townsare a milieu of old and new. Asexemplified by the capital KualaLumpur, where traditional houses andcolonial edifices stand together withmosques, temples and churches; allwithin walking distance under theshadow of a new heritage, the PetronasTwin Towers, the world’s tallest twinbuildings.

This architectural evolution is the resultof historical influences on the nation overthe centuries. It began from the ancientforest-born native dwellings to Hindu-Indian and Arab-Muslim influencesfollowed by the arrival of the Chinese asthe Asian part. Then came the series ofEuropean colonial periods from thePortuguese, Dutch and finally the Britishbut which was tempered by localsentiment throughout; finally to theindependent modern Malaysian visionyet still rooted in traditional spirituality.

Traditional Architecture

The traditional houses of the Malays andother Indigenous groups areenvironmentally friendly; made ofnatural materials – timber, bamboo andweavings and raised on stilts forprotection and ventilation. Woodcarvings may adorn walls and edges.Roofs are large and sloped in variousstyles.

Traditional and State Palaces /Royal Museums

Not many traditional timber palaces areleft in Malaysia, but those that stand areexquisite one-of-a-kind buildings thatreflect the ingenuity of Malay buildingcrafts, and deserve to be preserved andvisited. Some have been turned intoRoyal Museums as the Sultans and theirfamilies live in new palaces of mixedEuropean or modern design.

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Distinctive Chinese-style roofs

Beautifully carved Malay roof eaves


Longhouses / Water Villages

These unique traditional community dwellings are found in Sabah andSarawak. Longhouses are home to interior riverine tribes, with rows of multi-family spaces fronted by a communal corridor. Fascinating water villages builton stilts directly on the river or sea are dotted around the Borneo coasts.

Traditional carved pole figuresof Malaysian Borneo

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Mosques

An amazing variety of old and newmosques in an array of differentarchitectural styles from traditionalMalay to Arabic-Persian or NorthIndian and even ultra-modern designcan be found in every nook and cornerof this predominantly Muslim nation.


Chinese and Buddhist Temples

Chinese temples are found in many parts of Malaysia and are inspired largely by thearchitecture of Southern China. The oldest existing Chinese temple in Southeast Asia,Cheng Hoon Teng dating from 1646, is found in Malacca.

Thean Hou Temple,Kuala Lumpur

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Hindu and Sikh Temples

As most of Malaysia’s Hindu adherentsare from southern India, likewise localHindu temples are influenced bycolourful south Indian architecture. TheSikhs, although a small minority, alsohave their temples of more staid design inmany parts of the country.

Sri Kandaswamy Temple,Kuala Lumpur


Colonial Period Styles –Portuguese, Dutch, British

Colonial architecture is reflected in oldbuildings of the various Europeancolonialists from 1511 to 1957. Only afew Portuguese examples remain, withthe ruins of A’Famosa fort in Malaccabeing the oldest colonial structure inSoutheast Asia. The oldest Dutchbuilding in Southeast Asia, theStadthuys, also stands inMalacca. Fromthe English come all the rest, includingthe pretty collection of surprisinglyIslamic Mughal architectural style ofbuildings around Kuala Lumpur’sMerdeka Square area.

Churches

Many old churches of heritage status canbe found in Malacca, Penang and KualaLumpur, with newer churches in otherparts of the country. The colonial periodchurches are naturally of European,especially British and some Dutchinfluenced designs.

Pre-Merdeka Shophouses

Merdeka means Independence, and theold pre-war or pre-Merdeka shophousedesigns had a certain stylistic identity orheritage character that still stands outeven when the façade was worn and thebuilding dilapidated. The traditionalkaki lima or ‘five-foot way’ remains apractical invention used even today inmodern shophouses.

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Ornate architecture ofthe colonial period in

Malacca.

Modern Heritage

While old is gold; sometimes newstructures, by sheer force ofachievement or world record becomenew heritage treasures. One suchexample is the Petronas Twin Towers,becoming the world’s tallest buildingswhen they were completed in 1997, plushaving the world’s tallest skybridgelinking two structures. Since then, theimpressive lakeside mosque, edifices andbridges of Putrajaya have also attractedvisitors who marvel at this new federaladministrative centre.


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HANDICRAFTS

You will find all kinds of textiles and accessories,wood crafts, ceramic and clayware, crafts made of precious

or common metals and of superb workmanship.

Malaysia boasts a delightful variety of traditional hand-crafted objects. Choices rangefrom priceless authentic antiques to modern hand-made crafts so exquisite that they arein fact heritage-inspired objets d’art.

Just name the craft and there are locally available items of the type, as Malaysia hostsevery aspect of craft heritage in Asia. They can be wearable materials or functionalhousehold items to purely eye-pleasing décor objects. You will find all kinds of textilesand accessories, wood crafts, ceramic and clayware, crafts made of precious or commonmetals and of superb workmanship. There are also artistic weavings or simply lovelypaintings and artworks that are a joy to behold.

Best of all, they are of excellent comparative value and well worth acquiring.


Every CraftUnder the Tropical Sun

Wood Crafts

As a land of great forests and timberdiversity, Malaysia has long been asource of wood crafts. Even wholetraditional houses were built inexquisitely hand-carved timber. Today,antique Malay panel carvings or kerisdagger handles, Chinese containers andunusual Orang Asli spirit sculptures, aswell as moulded walking sticks, kitchenutensils or even decorative scentedwoods are among the wide range ofuseful things to adorn your home.

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Textiles

The origins of the many different colourful and beautiful traditional textiles arelost in antiquity. But they are still used and are famous worldwide, with exoticnames like batik (hand printed or drawn types), songket woven with gold thread,loom weavings such as the pua kumbu of Sarawak or tekat velvet embroideries ofPerak and Baba-Nyonya handiwork. Find these textiles in clothings of allfashions; sarongs, pareos, beachwear and headgear, shoes, beddings, cushion ortable covers, bags and fans; or just one-off fabrics of unique designs fashioned intoa host of décor pieces.


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Much patience is required to makethe exquisite tekat embroideries

Traditional handlooms are used tomake intricate songket cloths

Costume Accessories

Choices galore can be found in clothingaccessories, ranging from crafted leathergoods and belts to Borneo beadworknecklaces or bangles, hats and beadedcarriers made in traditional styles withlocal spirit or ‘tree of life’ motifs.


The tanjak or tengkolok,Malaysia’s royal headgear

Antique Bornean beadworks arealso prized family heirlooms

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Jewellery

Traditional jewellery are heirlooms inMalaysia. Browse around and you willfind some truly handsome antiqueMalay craft pieces in the form ofkerongsang brooches, kalung necklaces,even pending belt buckles or the exotickembang goyang hairpiece to highlightyour hair. The art of goldsmithing, silverfiligree and gemworking live on inMalaysia, where you can ogle over theseductive designs of rings, bracelets,earrings and other precious items.

Metal Crafts

Staying popular through the ages aretraditional brass casting and bronzeworking for all kinds of useful utensils.A notable newer heritage is pewter craftmade from tin, hugely important sincethe late 19th century, the search ofwhich gave birth to Kuala Lumpur.Metal craft products include decorativeitems, vases, small furniture pieces,kettles and cookery items, serving trays,bowls, tepak sireh sets, candelabras,incense burners, rose-water sprinklers,gongs and musical instruments, kerisblades, wind chimes and even lamps.


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Earthenware (Clay/Ceramics)

Clay earthenware and ceramics have along history in Malaysia, with evenprehistoric pieces found. Today, antiqueas well as modern attractive Malaypottery such as Perak labu sayong orbuyung gourd-shaped vessels as well asgeluk and belanga, Chinese dragon kilnceramics or Sarawak tribal motif potteryare all popular. Find them in decorativevases or flower pots, stylish pottery,sculpture and even kitchen accessories.

Weavings and Wovenware

This is where one could go wildmarvelling at ingenious traditionalweaving skills and products. Local plantfibres and parts from bamboo, rattan,pandan and mengkuang leaves are coiled,plaited, twined and woven to producecomely bags and basketry of all kinds,colourful mats or tikar, hats and tudungsaji, as well as the sepak raga ball.

Pastime Crafts

You may know about the gasing spinningtops, shadow-play puppets or wautraditional kites and other pastimes.Some of these objects are not easy tomake, requiring great skill and patience.The good news is that these craft itemsare available for you to use or just todecorate your home as a memento ofyour visit to this colourful land ofheritage.

Today Malaysia is known around the world as a ‘one-stop’ destination for the cultures,heritage and crafts of all Asia.

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Listing of Museums, Handicraft Centres &Major Heritage Sites

Museums

Department of Museums & AntiquitiesMinistry of Culture, Arts & Heritage MalaysiaJalan Damansara50566 Kuala LumpurTel : 03-2282 6255 • Fax : 03-2282 7294Website: www.jma.gov.myE-mail : [email protected]

National MuseumNational History MuseumMalay World Ethnological MuseumMaritime Archaeological MuseumMuseum of Arts and Craft of the Orang AsliLembah Bujang Archaeological MuseumSungai Mas Archaeological MuseumKayang Archaeological MuseumKota Kuala Kedah Historical ComplexKota Johor Lama Historical ComplexLukut MuseumArchitectural Museum of MalaysiaPerak MuseumLenggong Archaeological MuseumLembah Bernam Archaeological MuseumKellie’s CastleMatang Historical ComplexSungai Lembing MuseumUlu Kelantan Archaeological InformationLabuan MuseumMarine MuseumChimney Information CenterNational Automobile MuseumNatural History Museum

Craft Centres

Kraftangan MalaysiaPerbadanan Kemajuan KraftanganKompleks Kraf Kuala LumpurJalan Conlay, 50450 Kuala LumpurTel: 03-2162 7459 • Fax: 03-2161 2622Website: www.kraftangan.gov.my

Kraftangan Malaysia (Sarawak)Tel: 082-444 205 • Fax: 082-440 003

Kraftangan Malaysia (Sabah)Tel: 088-433 461 • Fax: 088-424 491

Kraftangan Malaysia (Terengganu)Tel: 09-617 1033 • Fax: 09-617 2381

Kraftangan Malaysia (Kelantan)Tel: 09-712 6266 • Fax: 09-712 6278

Kraftangan Malaysia (Negeri Sembilan)Tel: 06-481 1045 • Fax: 06-481 5844

Kraftangan Malaysia (Perak)Tel: 05-757 6200 • Fax: 05-7576295

Kraftangan Malaysia (Kedah)Tel: 04-714 4103 • Fax: 04-714 4132

Kraftangan Malaysia (Johor)Tel: 07-235 0433 • Fax: 07-235 0432

Kompleks Kraf (Langkawi)Tel: 04-959 1913 • Fax: 04-959 2340

Kraftangan Malaysia (Pahang)Tel: 09-5385 698 • Fax: 09-5385 728

Kraftangan Malaysia (Selangor)Tel: 03-5510 7301 • Fax: 03-5519 4453


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Craft Boutiques

Karyaneka Kraf BoutiqueKompleks Kraf Kuala LumpurJalan Conlay, 50450 Kuala LumpurTel: 03-2164 2987 • Fax: 03-2164 5344E-mail: [email protected]

Karyaneka Kraf BoutiqueBB PlazaTel/Fax : 03-2144 1519

Karyaneka Kraf BoutiqueKuala Lumpur International AirportTel/Fax: 03-8787 1351

Kompleks Kraf LangkawiLangkawi, KedahTel/Fax: 04-959 1139

Karyaneka Kraf BoutiqueMaju Junction Shopping Mall, Kuala LumpurTel/Fax: 03-2691 5726

Kindy International Sdn BhdMalaysia Tourism Centre (MTC), Kuala LumpurTel: 03-4295 9120 • Fax: 03-4295 9213

Ridz CollectionMalaysia Tourism Centre (MTC), Kuala LumpurTel: 03-2166 3558

Pewter & Jewellery

Kembang Jaya Malay GoldsmithKota Bharu, KelantanTel: 09-744 9795

Royal Selangor International Sdn BhdKuala LumpurTel: 03 4022 1000 • Fax: 03 4022 3000

Tumasek Pewter Sdn BhdKuala LumpurTel: 03 6274 1225 • Fax: 03 6276 7145

Monuments and Historical Sites

Kuala LumpurThe Sultan Abdul Samad BuildingChimney Building, Federal Territory

SelangorTown Palace, Kuala Langat, Kuala SelangorMelawati Hill Historical Complex, Kuala Selangor

Negeri SembilanPengkalan Kempas Historical ComplexOld Palace of Seri Menanti

MalaccaStadthuys BuildingDol Said’s Grave

JohorSultan Abu Bakar Mosque, Johor BahruJohor Lama Township, Kota Tinggi, Johor

PenangCornwallis Township

PerakPasir Salak Historical ComplexKenangan Palace, Kuala Kangsar

KedahKota Kuala Kedah Historical ComplexPelamin Palace, Alor StarCultural Hall, Alor Star

SabahSkeleton Hill Archaeological Site, Semporna

PahangSultan Abu Bakar Museum, Pekan

KelantanJahar Palace, Kota Bharu

TerengganuPuteri Hill, Kuala Terengganu

SarawakMargherita Fort, Kuching


CountryThe Federation of Malaysia comprises PeninsularMalaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak in Borneo.

Geographical LocationLocated between 2º and 7º north of the Equator.Peninsular Malaysia is separated from the states of Sabahand Sarawak by the South China Sea. To the north ofPeninsular Malaysia is Thailand while its southernneighbour is Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak are boundedby Indonesia while Sarawak also shares a border withBrunei Darussalam.

Area329,758 sq km

Population25 million

CapitalKuala Lumpur

PeopleMalays who make up about 57% of the population are thepredominant group with Chinese, Indians and other ethnicgroups such as the KadazanDusun and Iban in EastMalaysia.

LanguageBahasa Melayu (Malay) is the national language butEnglish is widely spoken. The ethnic groups also speakvarious languages and dialects.

ReligionIslam is the official religion but all other religions arepractised freely.

ClimateTropical climate with warm weather all year round.Temperatures range from 21°C to 32°C. Annual rainfallvaries from 2,000mm to 2,500mm.

GovernmentParliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislative system.TheHead of State is theYang di-PertuanAgong and theHeadof Government is the Prime Minister.

Entry RequirementsVisitors to Malaysia must be in possession of a validpassport or travel document with a minimum validity of sixmonths beyond the intended visiting period. Mostnationalities do not require visas for social or businessvisits. For further information, please check with thenearest Malaysian diplomatic mission or Tourism Malaysiaoffice or browse www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

CurrencyThe unit of currency is the Malaysian Ringgit indicated asRM. Foreign currencies can be converted at banks andmoney changers.

TimeEight hours ahead of GMT and 16 hours ahead of USPacific Standard Time.

VoltageVoltage is 220 – 240 volts A/C at 50 cycles per second.Standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets.

General Information

Documents

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