Handling Money


It’s Ringgit Malaysia (RM) here. One RM is equivalent to 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 sen and RM1. Currency notes are in RM1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100. Foreign currency and traveler's checks can be converted to Malaysian Ringgit at banks or money changers all over the country. The approximate exchange rate is USD 1.00 to RM 3.75. International credit cards are widely accepted. But just be sure to carry cash in local currency when you visit smaller towns and remote areas.
 

Sure they are dark and spooky and promise a most thrilling time. But just be cautious. The limestone outcrops and hills here are riddled with innumerable caves. Some are easy to explore, meaning you won’t get lost but other maze like ones are strictly for the expert cavers. Any which ways never venture into a cave alone. Always carry reliable torches and spare batteries. If you are totally unfamiliar with them, it’s a great idea to carry a ball of string and keep unwinding it as you move deeper inside. In this way you’ll be able to find your way back easily. It’s just like in the mystery books isn’t it? Also keep a lookout for rolling stones, not the band, the really rolling ones!

Trekking in the jungles

Not any common jungle this. This is tropical rainforest. The number and variety of insects and suchlike creatures increase manifold here. And so some additional precautions are needed. Arm yourself with strong insect repellents. You’ll find leeches galore, especially in warm damp areas. Salt is the best way to do away with them. Sprinkle some and if u don’t have salt, burn them off. Long covered clothing helps in these jungles, protecting you from the insects and irritable plants. But again they are not a great way to prevent leeches. They crawl up anyway and so do keep checking… roll down socks and up trousers.

On the beach

Malaysia’s beaches are just like any other warm tropical beaches. So precautions for skin goes without saying. Sunblocks, sun glasses, wide-brimmed hats. If you have a sensitive skin limit exposure to the sun to a few minutes. Did you know that water magnifies sunrays and so tanning happens with more severity when you are in the waters.

The waters here are safe for any kind of water sports. But again it’s always a good idea not to venture out alone. Have people around you or do inform someone before going in. Jellyfish and sea-urchins are common around here, so if stung by one pour some vinegar or limejuice on the sting. It’ll help ease the pain and dissolve the urchin spines fast.

Nightlife

Malaysia is generally safe at night. Though all the precautions you would take in any other city applies here too. Sun down has its hazards. So wandering alone in dark alleys all by yourself would be asking for trouble. Women are particularly vulnerable especially if not acceptably dressed.

Malaysia is a predominantly Islamic state and so calls for adhering some issues that otherwise would seem trivial in any other country. Women especially will feel restricted as this culture makes such demands. But just for once cease to be judgemental and do take this issue with all seriousness. Dressing up is very very important and will be one factor that could make your trip a smooth pleasant one. Look at it this way, a little effort to comply will earn you a lot of appreciation from the locals and will be seen as a pleasant and friendly gesture.

Cover up as you dress. Wear long sleeves, trousers or long skirts will do fine. All this especially applies to places of worship. A great way to be flexible is to carry a sarong with you so you can just wrap up whenever required. There have been reports of foreign women getting unwanted attention from local men… this is mostly so because of the inaccurate images they get from the media.

Topless bathing is just not done. It’ll be asking for trouble. Even bare torsos for men isn’t seen with a friendly eye. Take cues form the locals.

Islam doesn’t take to alcohol favorably. So do not consume it in public. You’ll be hurting sentiments.

It may seem strange to you using your left hand to give or receive something is considered unclean. Mainly because the left hand is considered to be used for washing after going to the toilet. Also you must eat with your right hand.

As with everywhere else, take off your shoes while entering places of worship or even someone’s house.