“Things forbidden have a secret charm.” - Tacitus, Roman historian

Every foreign country has its own customs, culture, and laws that visitors are expected to respect. Travelers must know that these destinations are different from their place of origin. Problem starts when someone breaches these practices intentionally or unintentionally. Singapore and Malaysia are two countries in Asia known for strict laws and regulations. This blog discusses some of the ‘don’ts’ in place in both of these popular destinations. Find out what they are so that you don’t get pulled up unnecessarily when you take Singapore Malaysia holiday packages from Mumbai or Ahmedabad in the future.

Thing Not to Do in Singapore

Chewing Gum

When it is the matter of urban cleanliness, Singapore means business. If anyone is found chewing gum or spitting, they can be fined at least $500. However, people who has a medical prescription to chew gums for therapeutic purposes are exempted from this rule. So, think before you pop in a gum, Nicotex or otherwise.

Littering

Littering is another serious problem that you should be mindful about while traveling to Singapore. It is a costly affair to litter in Singapore. The government considers it a serious offence for which the erring party can be slapped a fine, or committed to community service. To make things easy, put all your litters in the right place.

Showing Feet

Considered more of an etiquette issue than legal, showing one’s toes or the bottom of feet is regarded offensive to public sensibility. Singaporeans think feet to be lowly and something to be concealed all the time. People in public places will always be sizing you up on such things that foreigners usually pass off as a trivial matter. So, be careful when you bare your feet in restaurants, city center, etc.

Thing Not to Do in Malaysia

Touching Someone’s Head

The act of touching an adult’s head or merely passing an object over their head is considered a disrespectful gesture. This is because Malaysians consider head the most sacred part of the human body that deserves respect. So, think before you touch someone’s head or pass things over it even for fun; it is termed a rude act.

Shaking Hands With Women

Officially, Malaysia is a Muslim country. Physical contact between the opposite sexes in public is, thus, not encouraged. So, don’t feel offended if you try to shake hands with some friendly native ladies and they don’t reciprocate. The same holds true for affectionate gestures as well such as embracing and kissing.

Using Left Hand to Eat

There’s a strict custom in Malaysia regarding use of left hand during meals. It is advisable to always use the right hand to eat, even if you are left-handed. In Malaysian culture, left hand is expected to be reserved for bathroom uses only. In case you’re left-handed and find it difficult to use he right hand, request utensils.

Summary

Hope this simple yet vital guide on traveler abstinence while on a Singapore Malaysia tour is helpful. Even as you enjoy these multicultural and colorful countries, don’t let anything that you might do there unwittingly raise questions from public and authorities. To make things easier and smooth, do a bit of research on these destinations at the time of booking travel packages. That will make the trip trouble-free and enjoyable.