|  The people of Sabah  |  The Culture of Malaysia  |

Influenced by factors such as geographic forces, the trade winds, and political aspirations, Malaysia is a colorful cultural melting pot- a land where people from different ethnic backgrounds live in harmony.  

As a travel destination, it is its people that makes a visit to Malaysia so worthwhile and memorable. There is a genuine warmness among them, be they Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, or any other of its indigenous peoples. Visitors are sincerely and openly welcomed, as well as accepted for who they are. Although the country is now home to some of the world's most impressive infrastructures and architectures, such as the world's tallest twin towers or a high tech airport that is also ranked one of the best in the world of aviation, modernization has in no way lessened the cultural identity or jaded the warm and friendly qualities intrinsic to the Malaysian people.  

Festivals, traditional food and music, art and dance are some of the many things one can experience in Malaysia. A visitor for instance may visit the long houses of the Kenyah tribes in Sarawak and experience the intricacies and beauty of the Datun Julud Dance, a Kenyah folk dance that is performed by women on auspicious occasions. Believed to be orchestrated by a member of the Kenyah tribe long ago as a thanksgiving for the birth of a grandchild, the dance is also now the occasion for suitors to judge the women for their beauty and talent to dance. A musical instrument called a Sape, indigenous to Sarawak, accompanies the Datun Julud dance. The performers are dressed in sheepskin and adorn in blouse and sarong with traditional motifs sewn out of colourful beads and sequins. Held in their hands and graciously swayed while dancing are fans made out of eagle's feathers. Nowadays these fans are mostly made from turkey feathers in support of eagle conservation efforts.  

In Peninsular Malaysia a visitor may also experience epic tales that are centuries old through the form of Wayang Kulit. It is a performance made up of ornate shadow puppets, moved by the skilled hands of a Tok Dalang behind a backlit white screen. Wayang Kulit is categorised as traditional Malay theatre due to the fact that many of its aspects remain unchanged through time. Originally a form of folk entertainment in rural Malaysia, the Wayang Kulit is performed during festive occasions such as after a productive rice harvest, honouring one's teachers, curing the sick or even as a tool to please angry spirits. In modern times however, the shadow puppetry is now appreciated more for its aesthetic and cultural value. There are three types of Wayang Kulit in Malaysia, namely Wayang Kelantan, Wayang Purwo and Wayang Gedek. Encapsulating theatre, music, and literature, the Wayang Kulit is a perfect example of traditional Malay art.  

Another form of folk entertainment that too epitomises traditional Malay art is the theatre known as Mak Yong. Believed to date as far back as 400 years ago from the courtyards of ancient Malay Patani, the Mak Yong enjoyed substantial popularity in the royal house of feudal Kelantan, before spreading off into the more rural parts of the Malaysian East Coast.  

The Mak Yong, revolving around ancient stories of spirits, princess, princes and demigods is akin to that of an orchestra. Accompanied by an ensemble of traditional Malay instruments that includes rebab (a type of drum), gongs and serunai (traditional Malay flute), the Mak Yong is undeniably an engrossing tale of myths and legends creatively expressed through the form of dance and song.  

Thai ponggal, a harvest festival held in January, is celebrated by the Tamil Indians. During the ceremony, visitors will be able to see the performance of the stick dance. Aside from this, Bharata Natyam and Oddisi, two ancient temple dance forms, which are both synonymous to Indian culture, are also practiced here.

Meanwhile, for the Chinese, the morning of every Chinese New Year features the colourful and lively performance of the Lion Dance. Carried out to usher in good luck and prosperity for business and families, the dance involves four to six dancers wearing a lion costume and displaying acrobatic moves to the sound of drums and fireworks. As a reward to the lion, which is also a guardian symbol, a red envelope containing money is presented.  

Along with the major races of Malaysia, there are also some 140 OrangAsli (aboriginal people) in Malaysia, each in their own way maintaining and preserving their cultural heritage.  

This multi-cultural composition is what makes Malaysia truly interesting and inspiring. Each culture respects the other, and furthermore people from other races are welcomed to join in activities such as festivals and celebrations. One exemplary Malaysian tradition quite famous is the open house practice. On every major religious celebration, either it be Hari Raya Aildilntri, Chinese New Year or Deepavali, the Malaysian people open their homes to other races of people, friends and family so that they may all share in the spirit of celebration.

Food is definitely another contributing factor to Malaysia's uniqueness. Although quite diverse due to the many races, religions and culture that call Malaysia home, the combination of flavours and tastes has also led to some culinary ideas being borrowed and adapted, thus creating what some people have labelled fusion cuisine. It is then in no way surprising at all to spot in Malaysia for example a Chinese hawker stall offering fash head curry, when curry itself is more associated with Indian cuisine. To attempt listing all the scintillating culinary delights in Malaysia would definitely be a long and exhaustive process. Not only does each race in Malaysia have their own tasty treats, each Malaysian state also offers its own share of culinary delights and flavours. The variety of food in Malaysia is unquestionably enough to make even the most picky eaters drool with glee.  

To sum everything up, Malaysia is undeniably a destination for those who want to immerse themselves in many different unique cultures. The country represents a cultural tapestry interwoven with the colourful threads of so many races found within the larger region of Asia, cross-stitched with interesting customs, beliefs and practices. It is not surprising then that Malaysia is also known as truly Asia.