While Malaysia has no shortage of tourist attractions and beautiful islands, many are put off from visiting by common misconceptions about the country. Malaysia is a country found in South East Asia and is a melting pot of cultures and different eras. It is mostly influenced by the Malay, Indian, Chinese and European cultures. 

Situated near Singapore and Thailand, Malaysia is a country full of charming beaches, expansive coastal areas and rainforests. It is a tropical haven perfect for a summer getaway with your family or friends. One can freely explore the country back and forth with a pass or tickets from redBus, the leading online bus ticket booking platform. 

Common Misconceptions about Malaysia 

While many viewers see Malaysia as the perfect tropical getaway for tourists, many more are deterred from visiting the country of Malaysia due to preconceived notions and misconceptions if the country. 

Suppose you’re considering shifting to Malaysia in order to pursue higher education or for a better lifestyle. In that case, you should have a basic understanding of the misconceptions of the country. A few myths and misconceptions that tourists and potential citizens or students should consider checking before they book their online bus tickets are as follows. 

Malaysia is basically a jungle

While many have lauded the country’s beautiful and lush rainforests, it does not mean that they live far from civilization when they reach Malaysia. Contrary to popular belief, life in Malaysia is far from rural in nature. In actuality, the country is quite advanced with the latest in technology, transportation systems and bustling city life. 

Many people labour under the assumption that due to its tropical climate and proximity to many rainforests, one is bound to catch their death of malaria. While there is a truth in the fact that it is likely to get malaria in the mountainous region in the centre of Malaysia or on the islands of Borneo, proper precautions and a short stay mean it is highly unlikely for one to get malaria. 

Malaysia is a bore to visitors 

Because of the country’s predominantly Muslim population, tourists believe that the country does not have much to offer with respect to the usual fun activities that foreigners partake in. Despite the fact that most people in Malaysia do not drink and follow rules that seem conservative as compared to other countries, Malaysia does have a lot of fun activities for one to partake of. 

Being a place that welcomes students, business people and tourists alike, the country does have several bars, restaurants and clubs that are not as restrictive as most people presume they are. In fact, quite a number of these restaurants and clubs have been formed to to cater to international visitors solely. 

Arrogance and inhospitality

Another misconception that people have about the country of Malaysia and its people is that locals are arrogant and are not hospitable towards foreign visitors. Many believe that the Malaysian people are unaccommodating and inhospitable to foreigners. The stereotype that has arisen due to rumours that have been perpetuated by Indonesians has left many hesitant of the locals intent. However, these views are a gross misconception as most Malaysian people are quite pleasant in nature. 

Malaysians are called ‘Maling-sia,’ which means thief in the Javanese language. This name has arisen because Indonesians believe that some aspects of Malaysian culture and islands were stolen from Indonesia. 

Only urban areas to visit

Kuala Lumpur especially, is not just a concrete jungle full of buildings and no beauty. The capital of Malaysia has more to visit than the city. In the very heart if the rainforest is a mini rainforest that provides the perfect escape to those who wish to get away from the boring, dreary life of the city. 

Popularly known as the Bukit Nanas, the 27 acres of land is considered to be the smallest rainforest in the world. The rainforest Bukit Nanas is known as the oldest national reserve in Malaysia. 

Malaysia’s oldest state is not Melaka

A common myth that is prevalent in Malaysia is that the oldest state in Malaysia is Melaka. For all those tourists who have a special preference for history, this misconception is significant. The mix-up, in fact, is because people believe that Parameswara discovered Melaka, thus making people consider it as the oldest state. In reality, Malaysia’s history is from much earlier. Archaeological experts have found artefacts from a much earlier time than the discovery of Melaka. 

Malaysia was not known initially as Malaya

Malaysia was first named Aurea Chersonesus. The translation of the former name is Golden Peninsula. Many believe that the original name of Malaysia is Malaya, but in actuality, Ptolemy, the geographer, as well as other Roman and Greek geographers named it Aurea Chersonesus.  For all the history buffs, one gets to learn new trivia about Malaysia and debunking misconceptions about it.