5 Unique Things (Malaysia) |
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Once you’ve traveled to several different countries, especially those within the same region, they start to blend together. For example, when I traveled throughout Southeast Asia, it seemed every country had the same temples and statues. This is why every country I go, I’ve tried to find 5 unique places or things that make that country stand out from the rest. This list is solely based on my experience and may not cover certain well-known traditions or tourist sites.
Petronas Towers-Located in the middle of the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, the Petronas Towers are hard to miss. These twin towers were officially recognized as the world’s tallest buildings from 1998-2004. While it is common to see skyscrapers in the United States, Western Europe, and Dubai, the Petronas Towers stand out throughout the region of Southeast Asia where many of the capital cities don’t have buildings that reach half of their height. The building houses an upmarket shopping center (one of the largest in Malaysia) on the lower floors, a theatre, the famous science center, an aquarium and an art gallery. Tickets to the skybridge that connects the two towers are expensive by local standards ($30 USD) and must be booked in advance.
Call to Prayer-For those that don’t know, Malaysia is a Muslim country. One of the 5 pillars of Islam is known as Salat. This dictates that a practicing Muslim must pray five times every day. The first is at sunrise, the second is at midday, and then at mid-afternoon, sunset, and the fall of darkness. It is hard to forget these times as throughout the country, whether in Kuala Lumpur or Ipoh, a horn will sound during those times reminding inviting both citizens and visitors to pray. While Malaysia is not the only country in the world to do this (this happens throughout the Middle East as well), it was a unique experience to me as my visit to Malaysia was the first time I had experienced it.
Kuala Lumpur- Kuala Lumpur or KL (as the locals call it) is not only the capital of Malaysia, it is one of the most modern cities in the region. KL is a juxtaposition of Malaysian society. Littered with first-class shopping malls, 5-star restaurants, and a high-speed public transportation network, KL provides a direct contradiction to the rest of the country which can be described as simple and conservative. However, if you don’t feel like spending hundreds of dollars on Gucci handbags and Prada sunglasses, then you can find more traditional items at the cities Central Market which encourages traditional haggling. One of the more interesting experiences I had there was taking a picture with a 20-foot snake wrapped around my neck, something that only cost me a few US dollars.
Penang- Penang is a region located in the northwest of the country next to the Malacca Strait. It is divided into two parts: Penang Island, where the capital city, George Town, is located, and Seberang Perai on the Malay Peninsula. During my travels I was able to explore George Town which proved to be a laid-back town that provided plenty of culture and comfort. Penang is especially known as the best place to enjoy wonderful local dishes; as it is seen as the food capital of Malaysia. There were plenty of street vendors ready to fill your appetite for reasonable prices. I also got the opportunity to tour a Malaysian submarine which gave me wonderful insight on the country’s military history.
Squatting Toilets-While living in South Korea was the first time I experienced joys of a bidet toilet, my trip to Malaysia provided me a different experience. I remember the bus that I was on pulling into a rest stop during my journey from Kuala Lumpur to Sunghai Petani and going to the bathroom expecting stalls only to find several holes in the ground that each had a bucket of water and a gourd sitting next to them. That was the toilet. It was an experience that I will never forget. While you may find “western” style bathrooms in Kuala Lumpur, the rest of the country is filled with toilets such as the one described above. While the locals have mastered the skill, using the bathroom in Malaysia takes time and patience for those of us coming from the West.
Petronas Towers-Located in the middle of the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, the Petronas Towers are hard to miss. These twin towers were officially recognized as the world’s tallest buildings from 1998-2004. While it is common to see skyscrapers in the United States, Western Europe, and Dubai, the Petronas Towers stand out throughout the region of Southeast Asia where many of the capital cities don’t have buildings that reach half of their height. The building houses an upmarket shopping center (one of the largest in Malaysia) on the lower floors, a theatre, the famous science center, an aquarium and an art gallery. Tickets to the skybridge that connects the two towers are expensive by local standards ($30 USD) and must be booked in advance.
Call to Prayer-For those that don’t know, Malaysia is a Muslim country. One of the 5 pillars of Islam is known as Salat. This dictates that a practicing Muslim must pray five times every day. The first is at sunrise, the second is at midday, and then at mid-afternoon, sunset, and the fall of darkness. It is hard to forget these times as throughout the country, whether in Kuala Lumpur or Ipoh, a horn will sound during those times reminding inviting both citizens and visitors to pray. While Malaysia is not the only country in the world to do this (this happens throughout the Middle East as well), it was a unique experience to me as my visit to Malaysia was the first time I had experienced it.
Kuala Lumpur- Kuala Lumpur or KL (as the locals call it) is not only the capital of Malaysia, it is one of the most modern cities in the region. KL is a juxtaposition of Malaysian society. Littered with first-class shopping malls, 5-star restaurants, and a high-speed public transportation network, KL provides a direct contradiction to the rest of the country which can be described as simple and conservative. However, if you don’t feel like spending hundreds of dollars on Gucci handbags and Prada sunglasses, then you can find more traditional items at the cities Central Market which encourages traditional haggling. One of the more interesting experiences I had there was taking a picture with a 20-foot snake wrapped around my neck, something that only cost me a few US dollars.
Penang- Penang is a region located in the northwest of the country next to the Malacca Strait. It is divided into two parts: Penang Island, where the capital city, George Town, is located, and Seberang Perai on the Malay Peninsula. During my travels I was able to explore George Town which proved to be a laid-back town that provided plenty of culture and comfort. Penang is especially known as the best place to enjoy wonderful local dishes; as it is seen as the food capital of Malaysia. There were plenty of street vendors ready to fill your appetite for reasonable prices. I also got the opportunity to tour a Malaysian submarine which gave me wonderful insight on the country’s military history.
Squatting Toilets-While living in South Korea was the first time I experienced joys of a bidet toilet, my trip to Malaysia provided me a different experience. I remember the bus that I was on pulling into a rest stop during my journey from Kuala Lumpur to Sunghai Petani and going to the bathroom expecting stalls only to find several holes in the ground that each had a bucket of water and a gourd sitting next to them. That was the toilet. It was an experience that I will never forget. While you may find “western” style bathrooms in Kuala Lumpur, the rest of the country is filled with toilets such as the one described above. While the locals have mastered the skill, using the bathroom in Malaysia takes time and patience for those of us coming from the West.