Things You Should Know When Traveling to a Muslim Country

🕌 Things You Should Know When Traveling to a Muslim Country

– A Travel Guide for Malaysia

Hi guys, I'm Sophie, a Korean blogger living in Malaysia.

Today, I want to share some helpful tips for those who are planning to travel to Malaysia, especially things to keep in mind when visiting a Muslim-majority country.
 
Malaysia is a multicultural country in Southeast Asia, but the majority of the population is Muslim.

That means there are some basic manners and cultural rules related to Islam that travelers should know.
Especially for female travelers or couples, it's important to understand small details that might cause misunderstandings or discomfort.
 

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1. 👚 Dress Code (Especially for Female Travelers)

Malaysia is quite open-minded, but public dress is generally modest.
It's a good idea to cover your shoulders and knees, especially in rural or religious areas.
When visiting mosques, wearing a hijab (headscarf) and long clothes is required. Most mosques provide rental robes and scarves for visitors, and men should also avoid sleeveless tops or shorts inside religious places.

I once visited the Putrajaya Mosque and rented a robe to wear. During my time living in Malaysia, I also tried on traditional Muslim clothing. When I wore the hijab for the first time, I was shocked—I felt like it didn’t suit me at all, and somehow my face looked rounder! Meanwhile, I’ve always admired how beautiful Malaysian women look in their hijabs. That moment really stayed with me and made me appreciate their beauty even more.

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2. 💏 Avoid Public Displays of Affection

Even local couples in Malaysia usually avoid public displays of affection. Holding hands is fine, but kissing, hugging from behind, or sitting very close together in public can draw unwanted attention. In more conservative areas, people may feel uncomfortable seeing it, so it’s best to be mindful.

Back in Korea, I often hugged my boyfriend closely in public without thinking much about it. But in Malaysia, he told me that couples here generally don’t do that, especially in public spaces. It made me realize that being physically close in public might not be seen the same way everywhere, and now I try to be more mindful when we’re outside together.

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3. 🕌 Tips for Traveling During Ramadan

• Ramadan in 2025 will run from February 28 to March 30. During this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. If you visit Malaysia during this time, remember to avoid eating or drinking in public during the day. Many restaurants open in the evening for Iftar (breaking the fast), and you can find lively Bazaar Ramadan markets filled with traditional food.In particular, Malaysia has a strong family culture. Compared to Korea, where people are often busy and spend less time with family, I felt something truly heartwarming during Ramadan. It was a rare chance to see people slowing down, enjoying time with loved ones, and living their everyday lives in such a peaceful and happy way.
• When I first experienced Ramadan in Malaysia, I was curious about the food markets I had heard so much about. One evening, my friends took me to a Ramadan bazaar in Putrajaya. The place was packed with people buying grilled chicken wings, satay, and colorful drinks. I didn’t eat during the day out of respect, so when the call to prayer sounded and everyone began eating, it felt like such a warm and joyful moment to share with the crowd.

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4. 🍺 Pork and Alcohol – Cultural Sensitivity

Although Malaysia is a Muslim country, there are many non-Muslims.
So, pork and alcohol are available, especially at Chinese or Indian restaurants.

• You can find alcohol and pork in some shops or restaurants.
• But when eating with Muslims, it's polite to ask first or avoid ordering them.
• Drinking alcohol in public places is generally not allowed.

Although Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country, there are many non-Muslims, so pork and alcohol are still available—mainly in Chinese or Indian restaurants. In supermarkets, alcohol is usually sold in a separate section, and some shops do not sell it to Muslims. Drinking alcohol in public is generally prohibited.

When I first moved to Malaysia, I couldn’t understand why I never saw pork or alcohol in the grocery aisles. I thought maybe they simply weren’t common here. Later, I heard from other Koreans who had been living in Malaysia for a long time that these non-halal items are usually sold in a completely separate section. I ended up laughing at myself—realizing I had been shopping for months without even stepping into the non-halal section, and now I’d have to go back just to check it out.

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5. 🙅‍♀️ Don’t Use Your Left Hand (Especially When Giving Things)

In Muslim culture, the left hand is considered unclean.
So, when you:

• Hand someone food
• Give or receive something
• Shake hands

In Muslim culture, the left hand is considered unclean, so it’s polite to use your right hand when giving or receiving things, eating, or shaking hands.

Most of the time, locals are quite understanding when foreigners forget this custom. I’ve even had friendly vendors accept items with my left hand without saying anything. But there was one memorable moment when an elderly man politely asked me to switch to my right hand. It’s rare, but it reminded me that small gestures can mean a lot in showing respect. Even if people don’t mind, I think it’s better to follow this custom whenever possible.

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✅ Final Thoughts

Malaysia is a very tourist-friendly country.
But if you understand and respect basic Islamic manners, your trip will feel smoother and more meaningful.

Many locals will notice your kind attitude and treat you even more warmly 😊
Thanks for reading!

Hope this helps your future trip to Malaysia.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment!
— Sophie 🌿