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Original poster

Malaysia - female attire

23 replies

SeeHearSeeThere · 03/04/2023 13:01

Anyone been to Malaysia (mainland and Borneo) and can let me know what sort of clothing is suitable for females please?

When I’ve looked online, it ranges from ‘anything goes as you’re a tourist’ to ‘you must cover knees and shoulders’.

TIA

OP posts:
Lcb123 · 03/04/2023 13:03

I’ve only been mainland-I wore standard hot wear gear, but I am usually a more conservative dresser anyway. You can carry a scarf in case you want to go in a religious building as sometimes that’s required to cover shoulders / legs. Otherwise I wouldn’t worry in general

Londre · 03/04/2023 13:18

Malaysia isn’t super conservative compared to other Muslim countries like Qatar & UAE however I wouldn’t wear short shorts. Could you be more specific on where in the mainland you’re going? I went to Langkawi, Penang & Kuala Lumpur… didn’t have any problems.

Revealing your arms isn’t a problem in public places in the city. Carry a pair of jeans (normal jeans - not ripped) and always familiarize yourself with the dress code in religious places (I was caught out in Thailand for wearing ripped jeans to a temple!) overall you’ll be fine and shouldn’t worry.

Londre · 03/04/2023 13:21

Not sure if this is correctly (haven’t been) but Borneo is predominantly Catholic? Maybe it’ll be less conservative there? Correct me if I’m wrong

Asthebellcurves · 03/04/2023 13:23

Ignore the above poster. I just got back from a business trip to Malaysia, so experienced both Ramadan and non-Ramadan. I live in the UAE. Malaysia is much more conservative than the Gulf. Men are currently not allowed to wear shorts, and short sleeves were banned for everyone queuing up to vote in the heat in the recent election cycle. It’s pretty dry at the moment but will get humid soon enough. Pack lots of light, thin layers that are not translucent in any way, cotton is best. Take some shawls you can cover your hair with if asked. I was asked twice, despite the nature of the trip.

For context, I work for the government in the UAE and I wore a quite short dress to work today and no one gave me a second glance. Enjoy your trip!

cariadlet · 03/04/2023 13:32

I've been on holiday in Malaysia and travelled around the country including both mainland and Borneo.

It's hot so dress for the weather but a bit conservative: shorts (not ones that show half your bum cheeks), summer dresses or lightweight trousers (too hot for jeans).

Bikinis and swimming costumes are fine on the beach or at waterparks but not elsewhere.

Have a scarf or sarong to cover shoulders, legs (if not already covered by your clothing) and head if visiting temples.

ProtectorExtraordinaryOfTheCantonsOfNim · 03/04/2023 13:37

Where are you going to be? If you're a tourist doing specifically touristy things (Mount Kinabalu, Sepilok, beach resorts) then standards will be more relaxed than if you're a tourist doing less-obviously-touristy things.

Londre · 03/04/2023 13:42

Asthebellcurves · 03/04/2023 13:23

Ignore the above poster. I just got back from a business trip to Malaysia, so experienced both Ramadan and non-Ramadan. I live in the UAE. Malaysia is much more conservative than the Gulf. Men are currently not allowed to wear shorts, and short sleeves were banned for everyone queuing up to vote in the heat in the recent election cycle. It’s pretty dry at the moment but will get humid soon enough. Pack lots of light, thin layers that are not translucent in any way, cotton is best. Take some shawls you can cover your hair with if asked. I was asked twice, despite the nature of the trip.

For context, I work for the government in the UAE and I wore a quite short dress to work today and no one gave me a second glance. Enjoy your trip!

Clearly we’ve been to different Malaysias as I didn’t experience these issues (however the shawl is a good call) and I’ve been a few times - perhaps not as many as you. I don’t think the OP is going to be queueing for an election in Malaysia but that’s good to know. I found Qatar to be much more conservative.

Original poster
SeeHearSeeThere · 03/04/2023 13:50

Thanks all. We’re travelling around Sabah in Borneo and then Penang and KL.

So shorts a couple of inches above the knee are ok? What about vest tops (not spaghetti straps, the racer style ones)?

I will carry a scarf with me and I will hire traditional clothing from the mosque that we are planning to visit.

@Asthebellcurves are men not currently allowed to shorts due to Ramadan or another reason?

OP posts:
Asthebellcurves · 03/04/2023 13:52

@Londre Malaysia used to be as you describe, but in recent months it has taken a deeply visibly conservative turn. I agree that Qatar is a deeply conservative country, and very different from the progressive UAE, but the clothing requirements are even more significant in Malaysia of late.

Many tourists have been caught unaware of late, and anti-Chinese discrimination is rapidly increasing, so ethnically Chinese visitors may want to be mindful of that too.

Fruitpicnic · 03/04/2023 13:53

When we went to Borneo there was no restriction! People were wearing standard summer clothes (shorts, strapy dresses etc) with not problems at all. Swimming costumes and bikinis are fine at the beach and at swimming pools :)

We went in June 2019 and if we visited a religious site they usually had shawls/long skirts to hire to cover up if needed. It’s very hot and humid so make sure to pack lots of light/floaty things.

Asthebellcurves · 03/04/2023 13:54

@SeeHearSeeThere The regulation we observed came in two days before Ramadan, but it’s possible things may loosen after afterwards. It’s just common for Ramadan regulations to be a good way to tacitly increase conservatism. Lately, pre Ramadan, shops have closed for every prayer - even mid transaction. This is a huge shift from Malaysia even a year ago. Don’t wear vest tops, we were advised to wear long sleeves and it was bloody hot.

I have a good friend who lives in Penang I can ask if that helps.

newwings · 03/04/2023 14:01

Lived in Malaysia for 2years. Wear what you no one cares, obviously not your boobs spilling out. Long pants and long sleeves for Mosques and places of worship. I personally chose loose long pants and t shirts as the sweat and chub rub issues are real. Many women wore strappy vests and short shorts. If you are going to Brunei you may feel a little more self conscious as women are more covered up but still on trend with dresses etc not like hijabs and full length gown, they are used to seeing westerners and Chinese dress as they please.

Choconut · 03/04/2023 14:05

Asthebellcurves · 03/04/2023 13:54

@SeeHearSeeThere The regulation we observed came in two days before Ramadan, but it’s possible things may loosen after afterwards. It’s just common for Ramadan regulations to be a good way to tacitly increase conservatism. Lately, pre Ramadan, shops have closed for every prayer - even mid transaction. This is a huge shift from Malaysia even a year ago. Don’t wear vest tops, we were advised to wear long sleeves and it was bloody hot.

I have a good friend who lives in Penang I can ask if that helps.

This is sad to hear, when I went many years ago very few people covered their hair at all (maybe more out east), it was a very laid back, hospitable and friendly country.

When I was in George town, Penang I got chatting to a street artist who had lived in the UK for a few years, he invited me to meet and eat with his local friends, when we'd finished everyone left but when I went to pay I had already been paid for. I found it such a lovely country to travel around as a solo female.

newwings · 03/04/2023 14:06

SeeHearSeeThere · 03/04/2023 13:50

Thanks all. We’re travelling around Sabah in Borneo and then Penang and KL.

So shorts a couple of inches above the knee are ok? What about vest tops (not spaghetti straps, the racer style ones)?

I will carry a scarf with me and I will hire traditional clothing from the mosque that we are planning to visit.

@Asthebellcurves are men not currently allowed to shorts due to Ramadan or another reason?

Government buildings and places of worship etc both men and women need to cover up. Everywhere else is fine. Even in some really religious places I was more worried about the offence caused when some natives didn't seem to adhere to the dress code inside a temple but tbh no one said anything or batted an eyelid. I did have a friend who got lectured in Brunei over her shorts and belly top but her shorts were like batty riders.

feelingsareweird · 03/04/2023 14:11

I lived in Borneo just before covid, anything goes as others have said (unless you're visiting religious buildings) altho if you're in a bikini top in town people will be judging you, they just won't say 😂 also there's mosquitoes so long trousers/sleeves can be preferable in evenings at least for that reason. If you're very fair like me you may get people telling you off for not covering up from the sun too - tanning is not viewed as desirable haha!

In mainland Malaysia if you're in a touristy place like Penang then same applies, but I'd be more careful in more off the beaten track places which can be more conservative.

Kucinghitam · 03/04/2023 14:27

Large cities/towns and touristy places: shorts, vest tops are fine.
Beach resorts by the pool: normal swimwear is fine, even bikinis. Just don't ever go topless.
Small villages in more traditional areas: knee-covering trousers, t-shirts are fine.
Places of worship: definitely cover shoulders and knees, specifics depend on where you are visiting but mosques will lend you a proper hijab to cover your hair.
Government buildings: not sure why a tourist would go there unless for a visa application, but smartish clothing is expected for both sexes, e.g. men should wear a collared shirt and long trousers; even so I suspect they'd be more relaxed if tourists don't quite get the dress code.

On a practical note, longer, looser natural fabrics are actually far more comfortable in the heat and humidity than small scrappy outfits. Also for sun protection. Also for mosquito protection. Also (if you're hiking in the rainforest) for leech protection. Ask me how I know.

Source: I am Malaysian.

mamaison · 03/04/2023 14:47

Here on holiday at the moment in touristy places. Malaysian women wearing a variety of attire- more modest clothing for some Muslim women, people wearing regular shorts and t shirts, and some women of Chinese appearance wearing very strappy tops etc. Lots of Brits and Australians dressing for weather ie whatever they would wear in summer back home.

I brought linen coverups like scarves as was worried about seeming disrespectful, especially being Ramadan, but haven’t felt uncomfortable/underdressed wearing shorts and a vest top.

Swimming pools people have been more covered up. Like in NZ and Australia many people wear a swim top with sleeves for sun protection. Nearly everyone was. Some wearing swim leggings too including men and children. I think this is more about sun sense.

Many people are wearing masks for covid.

SofiaSoFar · 04/04/2023 07:55

newwings · 03/04/2023 14:01

Lived in Malaysia for 2years. Wear what you no one cares, obviously not your boobs spilling out. Long pants and long sleeves for Mosques and places of worship. I personally chose loose long pants and t shirts as the sweat and chub rub issues are real. Many women wore strappy vests and short shorts. If you are going to Brunei you may feel a little more self conscious as women are more covered up but still on trend with dresses etc not like hijabs and full length gown, they are used to seeing westerners and Chinese dress as they please.

Exactly this ^^

I haven't lived there but have worked there a lot.

No idea why someone who just happens to have been there on holiday once has come along and told OP to ignore other posters giving advice.

Titanosaurus · 04/04/2023 12:51

Yes have been to both

It will be hot ! hot ! hot !

I carry a big light scarf that can be used over shoulders or as a skirt

A change of clothes if you get really hot & sticky

Buy sun hat

Suncream

If possible buy or borrow an umbrella for sun

Some ladies swim totally covered up, top, bottom, legs, head

I recommend a rash vest with arms to stop sun burn

Some places offer laundry services or take laundry sheet & hand wash yourself

Modesty

Titanosaurus · 04/04/2023 12:54

I have just returned from Malaysia

I've been a few times & to Borneo too

Introvertedbuthappy · 04/04/2023 12:58

I'm in Penang now, spent a few days in KL before here. We've not experienced any issues - dressed for the hot weather (shorts - but I like them baggy), summer dresses etc and all been fine. The boys and my husband have been in T-shirts and shorts. We've basically been to touristy places though.
On another note, would definitely recommend visiting Escape if you're coming to Penang! George Town and the street art and Little India are great too! Enjoy! Definitely bring hats - the sun is strong!

StillWantingADog · 04/04/2023 14:14

Penang and KL felt pretty standard to me. I would never wear super skimpy stuff away from the pool/beach but just standard shorts/skirts/t-shirts and sundresses were totally fine. Need something to cover up for temples etc but there was usually a basket you could borrow from.

Original poster
SeeHearSeeThere · 04/04/2023 19:51

Thanks all for taking the time to reply and for the tips on places to visit etc. I was stressing about this but feel better now.

Will definitely wear a rash vest when swimming for sun protection and a big hat!

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