Visit South East Asia - Information Good to Know

When to go
Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia fall entirely within the tropical zone, these countries have a hot and humid climate all around the year, with temperature hovering around 30 celcius and rarely dropping below 25 celcius. Visitors that keen to lie around on a beach or keen to join in adventure sports should avoid the monsoons. The rainy season have an effect on the west coast of the peninsula between mid April and October.
 
On the east coast and the Malaysia Borneo, the monsoon falls between November and end of February. It is worth timing a visit to coincide with one of the country's major festivals, such as the Rainforest World Music Festival. Chinese and Hindu festivals in Singapore take place at the beginning of the year (i.e. January and February).

Visitor Information 

Anyone plan for a visit to Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia will find useful information on the official website of Tourism Malaysia (www.travelmalaysiaguide.com), Singapore Tourism Board (www.stb.gov.sg) and Indonesia Tourism Board (www.indonesia-tourism.com). The website provide details of festival, interesting places, resorts and hotels. The tourism boards, aided by their resourceful network of local and offshore offices, offer a wide range of pamphlets on the most attractive tourist destinations. For East of Malaysia, both Sabah Tourism Board (www.sabahtourism.com) and Sarawak Tourism Board (www.sarawaktourism.com) have detailed websites. Most hotels operate daily tour arrangement while backpackers' lodges are generally provide outstanding sources of local information.

Social Customs
The majority of the South East Asia populations is conservative, but travellers will find most social customs adaptable and generally easy to comply with. Loud behaviour is considered rude. As a rule, do not point at someone or substance using the index finger; instead imply with the thumb or the whole hand. Also note that in Muslim community it is considered bad-mannered to touch people with the left hand or on the head. Public displays of affection such as hugging and kissing are also frowned upon. Topless sun-bathing and nudity on beaches are prohibited.

Before entering a Muslim home, visitors should take their shoes off. Never relieve yourself to food without it being offered first and avoid having the meal with the left hand.

While most modern cities have an advance outtook in terms of fashion,  Muslim women still dress conservatively. Attention must be taken to dress appropriately, with arms and legs covered, especially when visiting rural areas, temples, mosques, and other religious place. In the some Muslim countries, Non-Muslim women may be forbidden to enter mosques according to the local rules and regulations.