We decided for another slow day to help recover
from the Rainforest adventure the day before. We were all a bit sore from the
jungle trek and took our time meandering around the town.
We have traveled through Asia before, and there are certain aspects that we’ve come to expect in a developing third world country. Malaysia has so far broken from the mold. The most notable thing is that all the shops and stores have fixed and clearly marked prices, and that's just what you pay. We were fully expecting to have to barter and haggle with every purchase. Not here. Even the little vendors along the streets and river walk all had fixed prices. That was completely yet delightfully unexpected.
We found that practically everyone knew at least some basic English. We virtually had no problems anywhere with the language, unlike first-world Japan where English is practically nonexistent. Also, the Malay language seems to be much more like Western or European languages. It uses familiar Roman characters instead of its own kanji style script, so it's easy to follow signs and directions. Their language also veers away from typical Asian languages which use guttural and tonal qualities. In Vietnamese for instance, the same word could mean either matron, cow, or ugly, all depending on the tonal inflection. In Malay you get one meaning and if the speaker uses an inflection, then it may just mean they need some medicine for that sinus infection.
Clothing is also very familiar. With the exception of the Muslim women all wearing head coverings, people's daily dress looks just like any place back home. Rarely have we seen people walking around in traditional clothing. Only the wealthier looking Muslim women can be seen from time to time sporting their ornate saris.
We have traveled through Asia before, and there are certain aspects that we’ve come to expect in a developing third world country. Malaysia has so far broken from the mold. The most notable thing is that all the shops and stores have fixed and clearly marked prices, and that's just what you pay. We were fully expecting to have to barter and haggle with every purchase. Not here. Even the little vendors along the streets and river walk all had fixed prices. That was completely yet delightfully unexpected.
We found that practically everyone knew at least some basic English. We virtually had no problems anywhere with the language, unlike first-world Japan where English is practically nonexistent. Also, the Malay language seems to be much more like Western or European languages. It uses familiar Roman characters instead of its own kanji style script, so it's easy to follow signs and directions. Their language also veers away from typical Asian languages which use guttural and tonal qualities. In Vietnamese for instance, the same word could mean either matron, cow, or ugly, all depending on the tonal inflection. In Malay you get one meaning and if the speaker uses an inflection, then it may just mean they need some medicine for that sinus infection.
Clothing is also very familiar. With the exception of the Muslim women all wearing head coverings, people's daily dress looks just like any place back home. Rarely have we seen people walking around in traditional clothing. Only the wealthier looking Muslim women can be seen from time to time sporting their ornate saris.
Traffic is an obvious
difference also. Many developing countries are overrun with commuters on
scooters and their accompanying horns. Traffic can be a constant flow of
vehicles with a total disregard for traffic signals, and horn blowing can create
a constant stream of irritation. Not so in Kuching. With the exception of driving
on the left side of the street, traffic operates much like in the USA. Traffic
laws are enforced and followed, and horns are rarely heard.
We love Malaysia so far, and Borneo is the furthest from my original idea of a remote tropical island. Although there are still plenty of remote areas, Borneo would be a terrific place for Americans to visit, especially as their first overseas trip. It's easy to get around, language is no problem, and prices are set. We have fondly nicknamed this area 'Asia light' as it is Asian culture with minimum shock.
To complete our day we took a 90 minute river cruise. It was a cool and relaxing way to get acquainted with the city from a different perspective.
We love Malaysia so far, and Borneo is the furthest from my original idea of a remote tropical island. Although there are still plenty of remote areas, Borneo would be a terrific place for Americans to visit, especially as their first overseas trip. It's easy to get around, language is no problem, and prices are set. We have fondly nicknamed this area 'Asia light' as it is Asian culture with minimum shock.
To complete our day we took a 90 minute river cruise. It was a cool and relaxing way to get acquainted with the city from a different perspective.
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