(in a Malay Muslim Homestay)
Bathinggather clean clothes in a dry bag
bring soap and toiletries in separate dry bag
enter bathing area fully clothed
disrobe
fill plastic wash basin 3/4 full with water (cold)
apply small amount of soap to skin
rub
working from the top downards, liberally drench body with water from basin for rinse
take care not to place soap or dirtied water in the wash basin
pour remaining water into floor drain
dry
replace clothing (women - take care to cover shoulders and knees)
using broom, clean area of excess water
Pooping
gather toilet paper for personal use in small dark coloured plastic bag
remove shoes
enter toilet area
remove trousers and squat squarely over toilet drain (women facing forward, men facing backward)
carefully control the stream
clean oneself using toilet paper and deposit in the bag your brought (to take with you for later disposal)
replace trousers
fill plastic wash basin 1/4 full
using plastic ladle pour enough fresh water down toilet drain to adequately remove all waste
replace trousers and shoes
EatingSit "Indian style" around the eating area, taking care not to place feet near any food
accept the "tea pot" and bowl as it comes around the eating area, and generously pour water over your right hand into the bowl for cleaning
accept dishes of food from the person to your right or left, taking only as much from each dish as you are capable of eating
never pass a dish over the food area - only around
eat food only with the right hand, scooping rice together with liquid food and clump into small balls
use thumb of right hand to push rice into your mouth
if right hand is dirtied with food, only then can you pass dishes or refresh your drink with the left hand
General Notes
Most Malay people practice a flexible form of Islam, and you are unlikely to offend your homestay family if you make an effort to join in their custom
It is innapropriate to discuss politics or personal religious beliefs, although you can ask questions about religious festivals
Beware kittens - they probably have fleas
The mosquito net is there for a reason
