Most of us may have been used to paying service charges or giving tips especially for an extraordinary service in restaurants and tours. However, one should be cautious in giving tips as a sign of gratitude since tipping is not generally practiced in some parts of the world, and could even mean as cultural insult like in China.
Carrot cake stall under KK bridge
Giving tips after service
In Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia, giving tips to guides after climbing is not a mandatory practice since tipping is not also a part of the Malaysian culture. However, tourists are not forbidden to give tips especially for exceptional services.
The locals are not particular with the amount or form of tips. Some tourists are used to giving 10% service charges. RM30 or even greater amounts as a tip would already be very much appreciated. It should depend on how satisfactorily the service is. Some tips may also be given in kind like warm clothing, shirts and pants. Most tourists, however, do not want to start compulsory tipping practice in Malaysia and thus avoid giving tips in any form. They believe that service fees are already included in the price they paid for the Kota Kinabalu hike.
It’s generally up to you
Hence, tipping is not a necessary practice. But tourists can still decide whether or not to give tips to the guides depending on the circumstances and as a gesture of gratitude for an exceptional service.
Resource: http://www.tripadvisor.com.my/ShowTopic-g298307-i9429-k5321307-o10-Mount_Kinabulu_guide_tip-Kota_Kinabalu_Kota_Kinabalu_District_Sabah.html
Credit: ArchRival001 (flickr)
