By bus
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{{infobox|Report Bad Drivers|Bus drivers (especially on more "rural" routes) sometimes drive carelessly, speed like maniacs, overtake on blind corners, etc. The vast majority of journeys are problem-free but some horrific accidents attributed to reckless driving have, however, led to a crackdown and a nationwide hotline and SMS number for reporting these drivers/vehicles have been set up. These numbers are conveniently pasted on the back of every single large vehicle in the country.}}
{{infobox|Report Bad Drivers|Bus drivers (especially on more "rural" routes) sometimes drive carelessly, speed like maniacs, overtake on blind corners, etc. The vast majority of journeys are problem-free but some horrific accidents attributed to reckless driving have, however, led to a crackdown and a nationwide hotline and SMS number for reporting these drivers/vehicles have been set up. These numbers are conveniently pasted on the back of every single large vehicle in the country.}}
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The cheapest way to travel in Malaysia is by bus. All towns of any size have a bus terminal offering connections to other parts of the country. There are many companies of varying degrees of dependability, but two of the largest and more reliable are '''
Transnasional
[http://transnasional.com.my]''' and '''
NICE/Plusliner
[http://www.plusliner.com.my/]'''. 24-seater "luxury" buses are recommended for long-distance travel.
+
The cheapest way to travel in Malaysia is by bus. All towns of any size have a bus terminal offering connections to other parts of the country. There are many companies of varying degrees of dependability, but two of the largest and more reliable are '''[http://transnasional.com.my
Transnasional
]''' and '''[http://www.plusliner.com.my/
NICE/Plusliner
]'''. 24-seater "luxury" buses are recommended for long-distance travel.
If travelling on holidays or even over the weekend, it is advisable to reserve your seats in advance. Many bus companies allow for you to book online directly through their website. However, some only allow online booking for individuals with Malaysian credit cards, which is not really convenient for international visitors. Luckly, most bus operators have banded together into two booking portals and are particularly handy if you have specific destinations but are not sure which bus company to use. Both allow payment with any credit card and require a nominal fee for their service (usually RM1-2).
If travelling on holidays or even over the weekend, it is advisable to reserve your seats in advance. Many bus companies allow for you to book online directly through their website. However, some only allow online booking for individuals with Malaysian credit cards, which is not really convenient for international visitors. Luckly, most bus operators have banded together into two booking portals and are particularly handy if you have specific destinations but are not sure which bus company to use. Both allow payment with any credit card and require a nominal fee for their service (usually RM1-2).
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Although Malaysia has a Muslim majority, alcohol is available on licensed outlet for the consumptions of its non-Muslim citizens (Chinese and Indian) & visitors. However, some states (notably [[Kelantan]] and [[Terengganu]]) ban the use of alcohol. With the exception of tax-free islands ([[Labuan]], [[Langkawi]], [[Tioman]]) and duty free shops (for example in [[Johor Bahru]]), prices are comparatively high, with a can of beer costing RM7.50 or more even in supermarkets or 7-Eleven store. However, in East Malaysia, smuggled liquors are widely available.
Although Malaysia has a Muslim majority, alcohol is available on licensed outlet for the consumptions of its non-Muslim citizens (Chinese and Indian) & visitors. However, some states (notably [[Kelantan]] and [[Terengganu]]) ban the use of alcohol. With the exception of tax-free islands ([[Labuan]], [[Langkawi]], [[Tioman]]) and duty free shops (for example in [[Johor Bahru]]), prices are comparatively high, with a can of beer costing RM7.50 or more even in supermarkets or 7-Eleven store. However, in East Malaysia, smuggled liquors are widely available.
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In East Malaysia, particularly [[Sarawak]], ''tuak'' is a common affair for any celebration or festivals such as Gawai Dayak and Christmas Day. ''Tuak'' is made from fermented rice which sometimes sugar, honey or other various condiments are added. It is normally served lukewarm without ice. Visitors can choose from 'strong' flavour of tuak (which is normally being fermented for years), or 'mild' flavour (which sometimes just being prepared a week or even a day before). In [[Sabah]], cheap liquors are very widely available at most supermarkets and mini markets in the state. Other alcoholic drinks such as beer and whisky are also widely available. On the other hand, ''Tuak'' in [[Kelantan]]
is
also can be considered as a liquor since that it contains trace amount of fermented ''nipah'' or sap juice. The alcohol content in Kelantan ''tuak'' can easily reach 50% after 3 days from the time it was extracted.
+
In East Malaysia, particularly [[Sarawak]], ''tuak'' is a common affair for any celebration or festivals such as Gawai Dayak and Christmas Day. ''Tuak'' is made from fermented rice which sometimes sugar, honey or other various condiments are added. It is normally served lukewarm without ice. Visitors can choose from 'strong' flavour of tuak (which is normally being fermented for years), or 'mild' flavour (which sometimes just being prepared a week or even a day before). In [[Sabah]], cheap liquors are very widely available at most supermarkets and mini markets in the state. Other alcoholic drinks such as beer and whisky are also widely available. On the other hand, ''Tuak'' in [[Kelantan]] also can be considered as a liquor since that it contains trace amount of fermented ''nipah'' or sap juice. The alcohol content in Kelantan ''tuak'' can easily reach 50% after 3 days from the time it was extracted.
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[[File:Tapai peuyeum Pasar Baru.JPG|thumb|Cassava tapai is shown in plastic bags in the foreground]]
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''Tapai''
,
consists of cassava that is fermented and eaten as a food (though the liquid in the bottom can also be drunk).
+
''Tapai'' consists of cassava
(less often, rice)
that is fermented and eaten as a food (though the liquid in the bottom can also be drunk)
. As it is commonly eaten during Hari Raya Puasa, the major Muslim holiday celebrating the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, it is interesting that Islamic legal authorities associated with the Islamist opposition Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) have given Muslims a special dispensation from laws against consuming alcohol, in the case of tapai
.
== Sleep ==
== Sleep ==
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[[Johor Bahru]] is known for having a relatively higher crime rate compared to the rest of Malaysia, and armed robberies and snatch thefts could happen at night in run-down areas of the city. Travel documents and valuables are best deposited in a hotel safe.
[[Johor Bahru]] is known for having a relatively higher crime rate compared to the rest of Malaysia, and armed robberies and snatch thefts could happen at night in run-down areas of the city. Travel documents and valuables are best deposited in a hotel safe.
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Do note that in Malaysia, certain crimes are punished with caning. Being convicted of rape, vandalism, illegal entry, bribery, overstaying your visa, and
other
certain crimes could get you caned. '''This is no slap on the wrist!''' Strokes from the thick rattan cane are ''very painful'', will take some time to heal and probably leave you a permanent scar. This technique is also applied to [[Singapore]].
+
Do note that in Malaysia, certain crimes are punished with caning. Being convicted of rape, vandalism, illegal entry, bribery, overstaying your visa, and certain
other
crimes could get you caned. '''This is no slap on the wrist!''' Strokes from the thick rattan cane are ''very painful'', will take some time to heal and probably leave you a permanent scar. This technique is also applied to [[Singapore]].
Credit card fraud is a growing problem in this country, especially if you order in an on-line store during your stay. Use credit cards only in reputable shops. If you are not sure about the reputation of a certain shop or service, there are several services available that can help to identify fraud and scams such as [http://trustedcompany.com Trustedcompany.com] for any online service they want to use.
Credit card fraud is a growing problem in this country, especially if you order in an on-line store during your stay. Use credit cards only in reputable shops. If you are not sure about the reputation of a certain shop or service, there are several services available that can help to identify fraud and scams such as [http://trustedcompany.com Trustedcompany.com] for any online service they want to use.