Travel guide Malaysia

The term refers generically to the indigenous people of Borneo. It encompasses nearly 200 ethnic and sub-ethnic groups. The most numerous are the Iban, a tribe where the heads of their enemies were still cut off after the country's independence. It is not uncommon to see dusty skulls hanging from the beams of the longhouses.

This fruit is the subject of endless debates between Asian and Western populations. Put of choice for the first, it is simply repulsive for the second. When mature, it has a very unpleasant smell. Its creamy texture reveals very acidulous, even sour notes. Infect or succulent? It's up to you.

If you had to remember just one word in Malay, this is it. It's on every restaurant menu. And with good reason: it means "fried". Noodles(mee), rice(nasi), fish(ikan), shrimp(udang), chicken(ayam), no food escapes it. Frying is preferably done in palm oil, which is mass-produced in the country.

Literally this English term means "peddler, hawker". It is pronounced hôkeur by aspiring the h. In Malaysia, it designates street cooks. Equipped with a walking cart, they cook right on the sidewalk, often at a fixed location. They are the ones who liven up the night markets by stir-frying noodles and rice.

Welcome to the Malaysian countryside. Kampung is never just a village, a collection of houses. The term, which is widely used, refers to the origins of a family, to its cradle. You will see it on road signs, often reduced to its diminutive "Kg". It almost always precedes the name of the town or district in a city.

The word means "independence" in Malaysian. Every city has its own dataran merdeka, its Independence Square. They commemorate the struggle against colonialism and underline the strong sense of belonging to the Malaysian nation. The symbol of independence is an indispensable social cement in a tormented society.

This simple letter will give you a black coffee. Traditionally, coffee is cut with milk. The "o" is pronounced very openly, launched from the back of the throat. If you want your coffee strong, ask for "kau kau". Coffee is considered a veritable art of living, which is perpetuated at kopitiam, the local café.

This unique culture comes from the meeting of the Chinese and Malay communities. They are the descendants of the first Chinese immigrants who came between the 15th and 17th centuries and married Malaysian women. The result of this crossbreeding is particularly present in Penang and Malacca through architecture, clothing and cuisine.

No city without its night market. The Malaysians wander among the street vendors and take the opportunity to have dinner. They sell clothes, gadgets, everything and nothing. These markets are set up every evening in pedestrianised streets or in dedicated halls. They allow you to eat for a few ringgits and enjoy a lively atmosphere.

These unmistakable towers and their pointed points (431 m high) are particularly spectacular at night. Designed by New York architect Cesar Pelli, they illuminate the capital and are the majestic representatives of the economic success of the eponymous oil group. They were once the highest towers in the world.

The term means "banana". It's eaten just peeled, but also fried. There are more than 16 different varieties, including wild ones that are found abundantly in the jungle. The market stalls are full of these green or yellow or even pink fruits. The best ones to enjoy on the go are the smaller, sweeter and softer ones.

You will see this word everywhere, at the entrance of cities, airports. You will also hear it every time you are greeted. It can be translated as "good", in the sense of bliss. Followed by datang, it means "welcome". Accompanied by the term jalan, it invites you to take a good road or a good trip. With the word pagi, he says hello.