By: Thomas Teo
In Malaysia, people are celebrating many activities throughout the year. Make sure you research what is happening around during your visit so you won’t miss out the great opportunity. There are many tourist attraction in Malaysia and celebration going on.
World Kite Festival
Malaysia had been celebrating World Kite Festival in the past 16 years. Pasir Gudand Municipal Council is the organiser of Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival continuously, along with Johor State of Government, Johor Tourism Department, Johor Art & Culture Department and Johor Kite Association, and other government agencies.
This event attracted over 180 kite flyers from 25 countries, taking part in domestic and international contest, demonstrations, and ground display. During the festival, there are also number of stalls selling merchandise, snacks and food.
Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
Another famous event in Malaysia is Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. The event usually takes 4 days and the many colourful hot air balloons with creative shapes and design in the skies over Putrajaya. For previous year, there are balloons like Darth Vader, Felix the Cat, and Garfield. The countries who take part are from Belgium, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, USA, Malaysia, Spain, UK, Poland, Japan and Vietnam.
There are few activities open for public besides of enjoy looking hot air balloon. You can take a hot air balloon rides by paying RM20 per person or five minute helicopter rides from RM130. There is an Extreme Zone available with Paintball, Waterball, Wall Climbing, Mini Orb, Bumper Orb, Zorbing, Segway and KMX bikes. Kids can also enjoy their moment there with archery, carousel, and bouncy castle.
Deepavali Festival of Light
Deepavali or Diwali is Hindu’s biggest and the brightest festivals. They usually spend four days to celebrate by lighting up a row of light. In Malaysia, Deepavali is an official holiday as well as Asian country like India, Myanmar, Mauritius and in non-Asian countries like Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname as well as Fiji.
To celebrate, they will prepare small clay lamps and fill it with oil. They believe that lighting up the lamp can signify the good over evil. They will also do cleaning to welcome the goddess Lakshmi. Before celebration, Little India is full of people buying saris, bangles and spices. Paper lanterns and kolam are put up to decorate the home.
Penang Bridge International Marathon
Since year 1985, Penang Bridge International Marathon was held by Penang State Tourism Development Committee every year which gathered serious runners as well as amateur from local and international. Penang was also called “Pearl of the Orient”. Runners can have a sight view of the beautiful sunrise while running. There are few categories to participate: full marathon, half marathon, the quarter marathon, and 10 kilometer fun run. Upon accomplishment the race, you will get trophies, finisher medals, and certificates.
Christmas Celebration
When mentions ‘Christmas’, things like snow, pine trees, present, and Santa Claus came to our mind. Although there is no snow in Malaysia, but Christmas celebrations are still happening. Most of the shopping malls are decorated with Christmas tree hanging baubles, candy canes and angels. Some of the trees are even tall as six storeys.
When walking inside the shopping malls, you can see people wearing red hat and playing Christmas songs. Sometimes, there are a group of people caroling around the mall too. Some company will organize gift exchange during Christmas. It is not exclusive only for Christians to celebrate this big day. People in Malaysia start celebrating Christmas on Christmas Eve with family, friends, or partner by having dinner together.