Any traveler who departs in a predominantly Muslim country, such as Malaysia, should know the rules of the transfer and consumption of alcohol - it will also help to understand some cultural characteristics of the country. In Malaysia, people from various non-Muslim cultures living across the country also comply with certain rules not to insult their Muslim friends.
Although all the rules of Muslims in Malaysia (and in general, everywhere) is prohibited to consume alcohol drinks, the rest of the population has the right to drink. That is, almost half. Although, you know, my Malay Muslim Friends, the young guys of the years old, they drink quite well. Not like our compatriots, of course, but sometimes, it happens, yes. Moreover, they told all sorts of terrible stories about how their Malaysian comrades, who pray five times a day, and everyone else, drove up to the loss of the pulse, twisted and broke. They say, among young people, it is generally in the order of things. In person, they personally have a maximum bottle of beer sought. This is such a sinner Malaysian youth!
Licensing laws for the sale of alcohol are governed by local municipal councils, however, all this works in different ways in different regions of the country. The main tourist and city centers, such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor-Baru and Malacca, are usually much more loyal on selling alcohol, and where you can buy a lot more. But in more remote areas, you will find that alcohol stroke only the Chinese owners of small stores.
It is especially problematic with this in the northeastern states, such as Kelantan and Trengan, where even innocuous beer is sold in small quantities, and in general it will have to go far away, and when you find your beer, do not be surprised if the price is much higher What you are accustomed and what was calculated. Chinese restaurants and supermarkets are the best solution in this case - they are happy to deliver you food and drinks to the house, although, again, not all hotels will allow you to bring alcohol into your room.
Licensed institutions, from minimarket to a five-star hotel, in general, should offer beer, wine and other spirits, but often their very much is that you see in front of the shelf. Sadly. Although most of the restaurants running Muslims do not serve alcohol, occasionally owners violate the rules a bit, allowing customers to bring a bottle with themselves, in order to brighten the satisfying dinner. This phenomenon is more common, naturally, in the tourist regions. But, you should evaluate the situation and follow common sense - do you really want to drink-drink in a place where no one drinks at all? And suddenly the song wants to sing? Well I do not know.
The Government of Malaysia marked the island of Tioman, Langkavi and Labuan, as "duty-free." Duty free status applies to the import of cigarettes, chocolate and electronics, as well as alcohol. Such, the most "dislocient" places of Malaysia, as many consider.
Traditional local alcohol, which you can meet in Malaysia, - Tuak (Tuak) Made from the rice rice or flower juice of coconut palm.
These drinks drink, mainly during festivals and special events, and not to get drunk; Some Muslims also drink it. By the way, in various regions "TUACOM" refer to drinks that differ in raw materials, production technology and alcohol content. Fortunately, in contrast to Indonesia, not a single case of alcohol poisoning is not recorded in Malaysia. Amazingly business! Something sues me that our drunken compatriots endured under handles from any country in the world. In general, if someone offers any "special drinks", especially if this is not some traditional event, where everyone drinks equally and something that inspires confidence, it remains only to trust with their instincts.
One of the first things you probably notice when you arrive at Langkawi -Nedore beer and cocktails in the beach bars. All this looks unusual, compared to other places in Malaysia. The island was a relatively unknown tourist destination in Malaysia until the government awarded his duty-free status in 1987. It was done so that the Malaysians themselves were where to travel to relax, and cheaper, however, the tourist sphere began to develop very quickly and since then on the island there is a steady increase in international tourism.
Not only are your favorite alcoholic beverages are sold on the island for a 20% cost from the value of the same beverages on the mainland (such as excellent whiskey, brandy, wine and beer), so on Langkawa there is a big choice of duty-free product - cigarettes, cigars, spirits, electronics, dishes and candies.
In the duty-free shops in the city of Kua Ferries bring crowds of visitors every day - many of them come to the island just for the sake of the campaign to these cereal shop. However, many other stores can be found on Langkawi.
Favorable prices - in any store, in principle, but it is worth walking and finding something even cheaper, yes. Prices may vary by 60% depending on the store. Large stores in Kua, like a shopping center "PL SOON HUAT" And the larger in Pantay-senange offer a greater variety of all in the world of goods, but also prices there are much higher.
These stores are also often "attacking" crowds of tourists from excursion buses, so it is likely that you will have to be decently to stand in line or even crowded around the shelves with cherished goods, which is even worse.
Look around, and you will see smaller stores, less popular and crowded shopping areas. These stores are usually highly specialized, so you have to walk even a little to find and buy all the necessary goods. But those who want to save it at all do not frighten!
For residents of Malaysia, there is a mandatory 72-hour stay on the island - this is done to prevent the product turnover and the export of cheap alcohol outside the island (which would be logical, and that it is, in fact). This rule does not apply to foreign tourists, you can come at least two hours. And remember about the limit on the export of goods - one box of cigarettes and one liter of alcohol, so choose your gifts with the mind, otherwise you will have to sacrifice their airport workers. All without exceptions.