Three cultures, three sets of manners

Malaysia is Malay, Chinese, and Indian at once, and the customs differ by neighborhood. Dress modestly at mosques (robes are lent at the entrance of the big ones) and take shoes off at temples and in homes. Use your right hand to give and receive. During Ramadan, many Malay eateries close in daylight while Chinese and Indian ones stay open. The three big festivals (Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali) bring public holidays and travel crowds; check the calendar.