Local Traditional Codes of Conduct

It is one of the main hopes of the Miso Walai Homestay Association (and KOPEL) that the
experience, which is enjoyed by visitors today, will remain the same for future visitors and
our children alike….

In this respect it is important for us to ask for the cooperation of visitors (and operators who arrange
their trips), to ensure that local customs are respected and that the visitor attempts as much as possible
to fit in to the way of life of the local (however different and difficult this may be) to ensure an authentic
and valuable experience. We do understood that for some visitors this may be difficult, and we also
respect the fact that visitors to our place have paid to share some of our local lifestyle. It is because we
understand that most visitors have come a long way to our village to experience some local Borneon
culture and way of life, it seems even more important that we ask for cooperation, in this respect . In the
face of all the other impacts on our culture from the outside world, we do hope that by working together
with visitors on these simple, self imposed codes of conduct, that we can maintain as much as possible
of our local customs, for a long time to come, and especially share this with visitors who come to stay.

Here below are some suggested tips to ensure that the visitor knows the very basics of what they
should do to fit in and enjoy their stay in the Home of their host.

Acceptance of these qualities is not only a way of making friends easily and learning more
during the stay, but is very much appreciated and very highly respected...

Dress:
  • T-shirt is a minimum and all clothing should as minimum cover knees and shoulders.
  • Skirts that expose the legs while sitting are not appropriate, especially not easy given that most
    sitting is on the floor.
  • Long Bermuda shorts are considered acceptable.
  • Local dress (traditional costume) is favorable and should be tried by visitors if given the chance.
  • Sarong (wrap around cloth) while bathing is a unique experience and a must.
  • Walking to-and-from, and while, bathing should be done clothed or in a sarong (short wrap-
    around or towels are not acceptable)

Actions:
  • Eating is done with the right hand (left hand is for washing after ablutions).
  • Right hand is used to accept money (change), pass things, when shaking hands, and waving.
  • Sitting with legs in front is very inappropriate (good to practice sitting cross-legged before coming
    to the village).
  • Village of “Miso Walai” is “dry” (no-alcohol) – so it is considered inappropriate to suggest (or
    bring) alcoholic beverages. These should never be consumed during the homestay.
  • Best leave shoe laces untied, to ease taking them on and off before entering houses. Shoes
    should never be worn in a house (and rarely even on the veranda).
  • Always greet the head of the house (homestay) and tell them if you are going out at all (and
    before leaving).
  • Handshake is held in high regard so greetings are most appropriate with a handshake (also in
    farewell) – however male-female handshakes are often not considered appropriate, but depends
    on situation.
  • Bathing is normally taken with women and males separately (as is many household activities, this
    is not a rule, but more an observation, which can be followed at your discretion) .
  • At meal times one should never rush to take the dishes served or to help yourself to food without
    being offered first.
  • Sweets should never be given to children, and medicine should never be given to people who
    claim to be ill.
  • For "Couples": Overt displays of affection such as holding hands, morning hugs, hello and
    goodbye kisses, over touching, between partners is not considered good etiquette.
  • Visitors should never enter a mosque.
  • Inappropriate to discuss religion, sex or politics, and any misunderstandings (about the outside
    world) or questions in this regard should be ignored politely.
  • Money (tips) should never be given away, and gift-giving is not encouraged as it causes
    inequality, it can embarrass the receiver as it is difficult to share some things around.
Back to Miso Walai Home
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
kopel@tm.net.my

Contact Us for more Information at:

Email : kopel@tm.net.my

Office Phone : +61 89 551064
Mobile 1: +61 19 5825214  (Zaza)
Mobile 2: +61 12 8895379  (Rosli)

Address : PPM 538 Elopura
Sandakan, 90000, Sabah,
Malaysia

Booking or
Enquiry Here

Contact
Us for more Information at:

Email : kopel@tm.net.my

Office Phone : +61 89 551064
Mobile 1: +61 19 5825214
(Zaza)
Mobile 2: +61 12 8895379
(Rosli)

Address : PPM 538 Elopura
Sandakan, 90000, Sabah,
Malaysia

LINKS

KOPEL
(Batu Puteh Community
Ecotourism Co-operative)

mescot.org
New
Sabah
Homestay
Association
sabah-homestay.org

What is uniquely ours is
yours to share at Miso
Walai Homestay
Experience Borneo,
amazing lowland wildlife,
local traditional culture,
with a friendly local host family
Miso Walai Homestay
Kinabatangan River
Owned & Operated  by the Community Based Ecotourism Cooperative - KOPEL Bhd.
Your cooperation & support is most highly appreciated - Thankyou!