First of all, I am a non-Muslim living in a secular Muslim country (Malaysia). So I was doing some researches about an island that I will be going this June. I saw this news saying that the religious groups here are not happy with the freedom that the tourists have, where they go naked sunbathing at the beach. Some even found to be making out publicly. The groups did send a memorandum to the Ministry of Tourism to enforce a law against this matter. So far, no action being taken. I am indifferent in this issue lol and I have asked some of my Muslim friends what do they think about it. They say they don't care much because 'Perhentian Island' is mostly occupied by the tourists from Europe. You hardly find any Malaysians there. My sister went once and she told me she did see a few naked tourists walking around the beach. What do you think?
Do you think it's okay for the tourists to go topless/naked (at the beach) in a Muslim country?
This surprised me, but I Googled it and it appears there is one that tourists get naked on, but it's an "unofficial: nude beach, as it's not exactly legal. I've noticed that in most places, outside of some European countries locals in general frown on this behavior. And I know in other Muslim countries this probably wouldn't fly. So I was surprised when they allowed an episode of Naked and Afraid to be filmed in the Maldives. We have some unofficial nude beaches in the U. S. too, and usually if there is a large group, police leave them alone. On your own, it's always risky, especially in a Muslim country. It seems tourists often have disregard for the local laws.
So to answer your question, NO, but as long as they aren't punished for it, they will continue to do it. I would proceed with caution, especially if it's a beach that locals also utilize. It's better to do it on a private beach for tourists only. But if they really want to go nude/topless, there are other places they can go that are more tollarent of it.
People often have problems with the behavior of tourists, but they are rarely willing to give up on the tourist money - and you generally can't pick just one.
Obviously the reason Malaysia isn't enforcing their normal rules on this island is because tourists won't visit a place they consider oppressive, and because the local economy and the government in general is making a bunch of money from the tourists. As long as the behavior stays in the tourist areas, few people are going to care.
Unfortunately, there are always some busibodies who make a big deal about something. In this case, they have to go out of their way to see the nudity, and they really just need to mind their own business - or convince their government that the tourist money isn't important.
I think it’s disrespectful to Muslims who most are conservative about this kind of thing, not that I stick up for them when they try to force their hijabs down our throats here, very annoying! .. respect has to work both ways
Plenty of other countries in the world to go be nude on beaches though.. they have nude beaches almost in every country
Then they shouldn't go topless or naked because it's inappropriate. Not only in Muslim countries but just any country in general. Not only that others don't wanna be disturbed, but there are children at beaches too.
If the police are being told to turn a blind eye due to the tourism money, then the morals behind the rules are pretty weak in the first place. If they believed in their religion strongly enough money wouldn't matter.
In Dubai, where they don't need tourism money they WILL arrest you lol.
With that being said... the types who go naked without putting up some kind of screen or doing it in a very private beach are the types of tourists who don't really like to spend money anyway lol. It's usually hippie backpackers who have no concept of a daily shower.
Mhmm, so i think while you should always respect a country's laws (and most tourists don't get nekkid anyway), if the government is not willing to enforce the laws, the laws shouldn't really exist in the first place.
I think if it's disrespectful to the local culture, then don't do it.
Mass tourism has been extended into places like North Africa and the Middle East, where local values differ so much, that the whole idea needs to be re-thought.
As you know, we were recently in your part of the world. My gal did wear her thong bikinis at the beach, in Phuket, but not without first checking that others were, and that it wouldn't piss the locals off. She didn't even consider it in Penang, though.
I think if you're a guest in somebody else's country, then you follow their rules.
As far as I know, bikini/swimsuits is allowed in almost every tourist spot. Even the swimming pool in my condo has a sign only swimsuit/bikini is allowed.
The Perhentians are boring and too small. If you go to Langkawi, you can pick one of the surrounding 'uninhabited' islets and you can do whatever you want there. The greedy local boat operators will be more than happy to drop you off somewhere.
If the law allows it, then yes. Always look at the country laws. If it's not forbidden, it's allowed. But knowing the "special" view of those countries and their people on nudity, especially on woman nudity, I wouldn't do it. At best you'd get police telling you to live, at worst you'd be raped.
I’m a white Christian and have travelled widely.. including Malaysia. It’s completely disrespectful not to observe the host country’s laws and social standards... very. If you don’t, you should be held to account. I’m not talking arrest or imprisonment.. but probably a fine
Absolutely not, or any other country where that behavior is not welcome.. as in most of eastern Europe or Britain... most of the United States
It shows a lack of respect for the people of the country.
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Anonymous
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It's probably better for tourism if they allow the Europeans to at least go topless. Not as many would need to go naked. Besides, I'm sure the local guys working at the resort aren't offended! They must LOVE it!
I don't see the point of public nudity in the first place. O definitely would not appreciate going to such a beach. Buy if it's allowed at this beach then it should remain the way it is.
Dont like it, don't go to that beach is what I have say.
I don't see why that would be an issue, as long as the nudity was confined to certain beaches. I just don't want to be walking along the side walk, eating a burrito, and then see some dude's burrito hanging out.
it's forbidden for muslims so they dont do that but if we're talking about muslim country I think that depends on the gevernment they should ban that. but I think they earn much money by tourists so that they keep silent
If you go to someones house, you follow their general customs (ex. Taking off your shoes as you enter, no snacks before dinner, no technology in a certain room, etc)
If Theyre mistreating a family member, you don't join in being mistreated with them, and you dont join in mistreating them. You help them.
I don't think it's a good idea cuz I do heard about this parable since 12 of age, when you get to Rome you behave like Rome. to me I think they are breaking the rules
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