Sri Mariamman Temple in KL is one of Malaysia’s oldest temples. — Tourism Malaysia
There is no denying the power social media holds in propagating travel trends. Its rise in the past decade has brought with it both positives and negatives.
Travel-wise, it has provided the public the means to easily discover new places to visit, and find inspirations on things to do at their chosen destinations.
In fact, surveys done by Schofields Insurance in 2017 and 2023 showed that Millennial (born between 1981 and 1996) and Generation Z (between 1997 and 2012) travellers often turn to Instagram and TikTok, respectively, to plan their holidays.
While these surveys are based in Britain, both are reflective of the current state of travel mindset possessed by younger generations.
Older generations are not exempt – they may be influenced to a lesser degree but influenced nevertheless, depending on how digitally savvy they are.
However, proficiency (no matter which age group) doesn’t necessarily equal literacy. Not all social media users are able to critically comprehend that most of the content they see online are staged for views and clout.
Whether the intent is to “travel brag” – people flaunting their experiences for the sake of showing off rather than simply sharing their journeys – or to gain a larger social media following which then translates to a larger earning, influencers have learned to curate their content to be attention-grabbing.
Sometimes, this is achieved at the expense of others. Most notably, when done by people who disregard local customs and etiquettes all for the sake of getting the perfect shot or potential “viral” content. When in Rome is not an adage that applies here, it seems.
Committing such acts is already disrespectful in itself, but more unfortunate is when others see this and attempt to replicate the actions. This copycat behaviour stems from either FOMO (fear of missing out, especially on things that are trending) or constant clout chasing.
Visitors to the Putra Mosque in Putrajaya can borrow these red robes before entering the building. — REAL MINT/Pexels
Inappropriate actions
Particularly egregious is when this is done at sacred or religious places. For example, the foreign tourists in Japan recently who did pull-ups on a torii gate, or those in Cambodia who did the “Temple Run Challenge” (a real-life recreation of the once highly popular Temple Run game) at Angkor Wat.
There are older instances, such as the 2018 case of two tourists who filmed themselves dancing in front of a mosque in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Aside from religious places, religious festivals often encounter the same issue of tourists and influencers attempting to capture the novel aspects, to the point that they often forget these celebrations do not exist for entertainment.
Devout Hindus will be celebrating Thaipusam on Feb 11. It is an annual religious festival celebrated to honour Lord Murugan.
In Malaysia, the biggest celebration of this festival is held at Batu Caves in Selangor, where a 42.7m-tall golden statue of the Hindu god towers over the procession of devotees (and curious tourists) that streams in to pay their respects.
A Thaipusam celebration can be fascinating to foreign tourists who are witnessing it for the first time.
The colours, the sounds and – arguably the most surreal to visitors – the mortification of the flesh make for “great content”, whether for travel bragging about an exotic experience or for garnering more views using the shock value that the latter produces when watched by viewers who are not accustomed to such ritual.
This fascination can lead to visitors ignoring social boundaries and approaching the devotees uncomfortably close in order to film the multiple piercings that go through the devotees’ various body parts, such as their backs, tongues and cheeks.
This disruptive behaviour interferes with the devotees’ focus on doing their penance and may also interrupt the flow of the procession.
If you’re someone who loves travelling and enjoys seeking out novel experiences, but the examples above are hitting too close to home, it’s probably time to reevaluate your travel etiquette.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to capture your travel memories for posterity and sharing them on social media, of course.
But do be mindful of your surroundings when filming or photographing anything. Ensure that you are not being rude to anyone, breaking any local law and disrespecting local culture.
“Manners maketh man”, as said by William Of Wykeham, the chancellor of England who later founded Winchester College. Younger generations are perhaps more acquainted with this saying thanks to the 2014 Kingsman movie.
Remember your manners, and you should fare well no matter where you go, especially if you’re planning to visit any religious sites or places of worship this year. Other than refraining from “excessive documenting”, take note of the dos and don’ts at each place so you don’t end up committing any faux pas.
Dress down, cover up
Based on a MyCensus 2020 data, Hinduism is the fourth largest religion in Malaysia, with 6.1% of the population observing the faith. Thaipusam is the second largest Hindu festival – Deepavali is the largest – celebrated in the country.
With Thaipusam just around the corner, your interest in the religion and the places of worship relevant to it may have been piqued.
Batu Caves is the most well-known venue for Thaipusam ritiuals, most notably for its Temple Cave that is over a century old. During Thaipusam, thousands of devotees and tourists can be seen traipsing up the site’s colourful 272 steps to reach it.
Should you wish to visit a Hindu temple, whether at Batu Caves or elsewhere in the country, take note that one of the most important things for tourists to observe is the dress code.
This applies to all Hindu temples, even the ones beyond Malaysia’s borders. From Kuala Lumpur’s Sri Mariamman Temple and Melaka’s Sri Poyatha Moorthi Temple to India’s Kandariya Mahadev Temple, it is important to be dressed modestly when visiting.
This means wearing loose, non-revealing clothes that cover your shoulders and with a length ending at least below your knees.
Before entering the temple, remove your shoes and hats or caps; scarves and headscarves are allowed. Remove any items made of cow leather, such as belts and bags – temples in India are generally stricter when it comes to this particular rule.
There are temples, such as the ones in Sri Lanka, that will ask visitors to wash their feet prior to entry. As this varies from temple to temple, observe what other visitors are doing and follow suit.
Socks may also not be allowed in some temples. So, again, observe your surrounding if you are unsure. If everyone is going barefoot, then it’s safe to assume this is compulsory.
Some churches, like the Tan Dinh Church in Vietnam, does not allow interior photography. — JET DELA CRUZ/Unsplash
For the ladies, there is an extra rule that typically applies. Menstruating women are considered “impure”, and therefore prohibited from entering the temples. So, don’t be surprised if you are asked about your period prior to entry.
In Bali, Indonesia, some temples will even advise heavily pregnant women or those who have recently given birth, to not visit.
Once you have passed all the requirements for entry, only then you may cross the threshold.
All footwear must be removed before entering a mosque, as seen here at Singapore’s Masjid Abdul Gaffoor. — STOUGARD/Wikimedia Commons
Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered before entering St Francis Xavier’s Church in Melaka. — NATALIE THOO/Wikimedia Commons
Give respect, show respect
When you are inside any religious building, do not talk loudly. It’s best to keep quiet, especially if there are devotees praying.
While you are busy taking in the atmosphere, be mindful of where your wandering takes you. Do not enter restricted zones, which are usually reserved for monks, priests or local folks.
Buddhist temples are similar to Hindu temples in many aspects. For example, if you come across a Buddhist monk, do not touch the person.
Do not touch the statues in a temple either, even more so drape your arm around them for selfies. In fact, keep your phones and cameras tucked away, as most places of worship – no matter which religion – prohibit their usage inside. Look out for signs stating whether photography is permitted, or seek permission from a caretaker, before snapping away.
If you’re visiting the world’s largest ancient Hindu site – Angkor Wat in Siem Reap – avoid touching the intricate carvings. Just as important is to not climb areas where climbing is prohibited, or attempt to parkour, run and jump on the walls for the sake of a social media challenge.
Another practice observed by both Buddhist and Hindu temples is to point your feet (especially the soles) away from sacred objects, such as shrines and statues. This is why you will see most people sitting with their feet tucked under their legs to conceal them from sight.
Partaking in worship activities, such as lighting incense, is usually permitted at Buddhist temples. Just be sure to follow the proper guidelines. Non-worshippers may have the chance to make offerings depending on the temple rules.
Similar to Hindu temples, Buddhist temples are sacred spaces that pull double duty as cultural landmarks. Visiting them will give you a glimpse of the local heritage.
Some temples to visit in Malaysia include the Nan Hai Guan Yin Temple in Kelantan, which has a towering statue of the Goddess Of Mercy; the Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang, known for its seven-storey pagoda; and the historic Thean Hou Temple in KL.
The same aforementioned dress code applies, whereby it is best to steer clear of revealing outfits for both men and women. Dressing modestly is a ubiquitous rule observed at many, if not all, religious places.
If you were to visit mosques, covering up is all the more pertinent. Visitors to a Muslim house of worship are required to dress in loose-fitting clothing. Long-sleeved tops and ankle-length bottoms are advisable.
Should you find yourself not quite meeting the dress code, don’t worry, you won’t be turned away just yet. Most mosques in Malaysia provide headscarves (for women only) and robes, to don without charge.
However, mosques in other countries might implement a robe rental system. For instance, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Oman offers rental for abaya – traditional long dresses akin to robes. The mosque has a strict dress code, requiring visitors to cover their hair with a scarf, which is available for purchase on-site.
Meanwhile, at the Hassan II Mosque in Morocco, an entry fee is applicable to both worshippers and visitors. While there is no specific dress code, it is recommended that visitors dress appropriately as a sign of respect. The removal of shoes prior to entering is also customary practice at any mosque.
Photo-taking is generally permitted inside, but it is advisable to ask for permission, especially when you are around people who are in the middle of prayer. Some mosques may restrict entry to the prayer hall during this period, while others allow visitors to observe from the sidelines.
Malaysia boasts an array of majestic mosques that attract visitors from near and far, who come not only to admire the grandeur of these structures but also to learn about Islamic heritage.
Take for example the Federal Territory Mosque in KL, which offers free guided tours that delve into the rich Islamic culture. Other mosques in Malaysia you can visit include Terengganu’s Crystal Mosque and Negri Sembilan’s Sri Sendayan Mosque.
Remember to keep your snacks outside: It is best to not eat or drink inside not just at mosques but any religious place.
Having said that, funnily enough, you might encounter the opposite of this at some churches. Though the bending of this “no snacks” rule is limited to small children mostly, to ensure they stay quiet throughout mass, which typically lasts about an hour or so.
Some of the popular churches among tourists in Malaysia are Christ Church and St Francis Xavier’s Church in Melaka, Church Of Holy Rosary in KL and St George’s Anglican Church in Penang.
Dress codes are usually more relaxed at churches. Just don’t wear skimpy outfits; make sure your shoulders and knees are covered. More conservative ones will prefer closed-toe shoes, so wear sneakers or flats to be safe. Don’t worry about your footwear being a hassle to take off, because you won’t have to do that prior to entering.
Take note of the mass timings; you can usually find a board outside the church displaying this info. Usually, visitors are not allowed inside the church during mass, but simply admiring the exterior during this time is typically allowed.
Interior photography is no guarantee even when there is no mass being held inside, like at the highly Instagrammable Tan Dinh Church aka the Pink Church in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (though there are people who have gone against this rule, tsk tsk!). It’s best to first clarify with the wardens or guards on duty.
Boisterous acts are never welcomed at any religious place, so remember to keep your voice down and be respectful while you’re within a church’s compound. Yes, the parking lot counts too, God is omnipresent after all.
