10 things you must know before coming to Malaysia

Each country has its own different beliefs and culture.  My first day in Malaysia felt like I was in the Philippines.  The only different thing is there are a lot of Indian people roaming around the city.

I listed some 10 things you badly needed to know before paying a visit in Malaysia.

1.  THREE RACES.  They can speak English in different accents.  Most Malays are the shy type, the Chinese are the fast talkers, and the Indians are the confident ones. 

2. ONE RINGGIT IS NOT ONE PESO. Pay attention when you do shopping. Most of the time, the prices in Malaysia ranges from ONE RINGGIT UP! So try not to screw your budget. 

3. "LAH!"

I really do not understand where the word "lah" came from.  Every time I am having a conversation with them they always say, "No lah!" "Yes lah!" "You go lah!" ( I am not a grandma!) hahaha!

4. ECHO. Once you told them that you are a Filipino.  Their first question would be, "Do you know Jericho Rosales?" (I was laughing after.  Even now, hahaha! Sad to say, they did not know who is COCO MARTIN!). 

5. SINGAPORE. If you step in Malaysia, better bring a larger budget because the next stop is just Singapore, especially if you will go to LEGOLAND (Johor).

6. JOBS. Do not try to look for a job without enough money.  A lot of scams are wandering around Malaysia.  They provide jobs, but you pay your own visa and working permit.  I suggest go to an authentic employment agency where you will be safe.  Do not fly to Malaysia until you got your visa and working permit.

7. TIME IS GOLD. When I woke up at 7:00 in the morning, I was searching for the sun.  The sun usually rises late in Malaysia and it also goes down around 7:30 in the evening.  So even I go home around 6:00 in the evening, the heat of the sun is still there.

8. FREE BUS RIDE! You can travel around the city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by just riding this free bus.  It has its own route so you should grab a map and enjoy the ride.

9. CHOCOLATES.  You will never regret eating chocolates in Malaysia.  It is not expensive and it makes you happy. Not just Cadbury products, Hershey's also are available, almost all of the branded chocolates are sold for a lower price. 

10. MALAYSIANS VERSUS PINOY.  I listed this last because I want you to realize how important it is to be mindful about our own self.  I love Malaysia and I enjoyed my stay there.  When I came and mingled with the different people in Malaysia, at first they were trying to read my thoughts, my actions, I can sense they are having hard time trusting someone like me.  Later on, I built rapport and a shocking truth was revealed.  Sad to say, some of our fellowmen who are currently living in Malaysia are doing something that the Malaysians did not like.  So every time they see a Filipino, well, mostly they will generalized that we are all the same.  A lesson I would like to bring to everyone: Let us love our friends and foes.  Do good and stay away from trouble.  Maintain our morals and preserve our culture.  I do hope time will come that all of this issues will soon fade and peace will conquer.

Disclaimer: I do not own the photos and this list is just my experience and opinion.