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Wonderful Malaysia

Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Just like London’s four-faced clock tower, Malaysia has its own clock tower to boast of but with a clock on only one side, of course. Nevertheless, that doesn’t make the clock tower any inadequate but instead, the clock tower probably has more significance to shout about as it is situated beside the beautiful and historical Sultan Abdul Samad Building. The building is named after the then Sultan of Selangor when the building was constructed.

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The building is one of Kuala Lumpur’s famous landmarks found. Situated at the center of Jalan Raja, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building holds a unique design mooted by A.C. Norman. The building bears Moorish influences with a blend of local culture and British styles. To represent the identity of the Malaysian people, the architect added an Islamic touch before finally completing the building in 1897.

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Back then, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building served as an important structure for the English. It was, and still is, beautiful, iconic and was probably the most photographed building at the time. The English once used the buildings as the administration office for the government. Now, the building houses the supreme and high courts.

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The building isn’t the only attraction for just close by stands a 40m clock tower dubbed the ‘Big Ben’ of Malaysia, topped with a golden dome and flanked on both sides by two domed towers. In the eye of visitors, the chimes of the clock indicate.. well, the time. But to the locals who have stood by the country throughout its year battling foreign inhabitation, the clock’s chime is enough to bring back memories and send a tingly feeling down your body. For this very clock has marked independence at the struck of midnight on 31st August 1957. Since then, every year on the country’s anniversary of independence, the chimes represent the nation’s hope that freedom and peace will continue in the future.

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On the nights of important occasions such as Independence Day, the tower will twinkle its way to your eyes with its beautifully-colored lights. On a building that boasts such amazing architecture and designs, some have attested that the sight looks a lot like the scene of an Arabian night.

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The administrative council knows how beautiful the building is and how much people would love admiring it, so Jalan Raja is closed at nights of special celebrations to allow the public the ease of getting closer to the structure. There aren’t many of such buildings like this in Malaysia, one that shows the rich past that Malaysia and the English once shared. So do drop by the Sultan Abdul Samad Building for a dose of history and a treat for the eyes.

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Nearby attractions

Popular attractions within walking distance of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building are Merdeka Square, Chinatown (with its famous tourist market and numerous temples) and the beautiful Central Market.

Address Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Jalan Raja
Merdeka Square
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

How to get to the Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Getting to Sultan Abdul Samad Building is easy as it is located right in the center of Kuala Lumpur. If you are staying in Chinatown you can just walk to the building. You can also follow signposts pointing to Merdeka Square (Independance Square) which is located directly opposite the building. Every taxi driver knows the way to this iconic place in KL. You can also take the LRT to Pasar Seni station or Masjid Jamek station. In both cases it is a 5/10 minute walk to the Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

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Got any good tips to share with us? Do you know of any great things to do in Kuala Lumpur, or tips on the best places to eat? Let us know by leaving a reply below!

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All Malaysia Info

Festivals and celebrations in Malaysia

Malaysia has a number of festivals and celebrations,  most of which are either religious or cultural in origin, and are swathed in traditions and rituals.

Malaysia. A country where one can experience a multitude of cultural celebrations and festivals, as well as, and most importantly, good food(!) all year round.

Almost every month of the year, tourists and locals alike immerse themselves in one celebration or another, thanks to the diverse cultural practices we have.

To help our foreign friends have a better overview of the festivities to look forward to when visiting Malaysia, and also for the benefit of locals, here is a list of the monthly cultural celebrations and festivities Malaysia has to offer.

(Note: Some celebrations may vary from year to year as they are based on lunar calendars.)

Thousands flock to Batu Caves to participate in the Thaipusam Festival.

January

Thaipusam
Celebrated by the Tamil community, the manifestation of Thaipusam is best witnessed at Batu Caves in Selangor, or in Penang. The jaw-dropping sight of devotees carrying ornately decorated frames, better known as kavadis, would stay with you long after you’ve experienced it; this unique festival is a sight to behold.

February

Chinese New Year
Celebrated worldwide by the Chinese to mark the first day of the New Year in the Chinese lunar calendar, the celebrations last for 15 days. Expect fireworks, lion dances, the prominence of the colour red, and open houses with scrumptious Chinese meals!

Chap Goh Mei, or the 15th night of Chinese New Year, symbolises the end of the festival. To celebrate the Chinese version of Valentine’s Day, young women inscribe messages or well-wishes on oranges and throw them into lakes or ponds.

April

Good Friday
Held in churches to mark the “saddest day” in the Christian calendar, it is observed in remembrance of Christs’ Passion, crucifixation and death. On the Sunday that follows Good Friday, Easter Sunday is celebrated to commemorate the resurrection of Christ.

Malaysia Water Festival
A country with natural settings of lakes, beaches, seas, Malaysia hosts this event annually with a variety of water-based sports. Activities such as kayaking, fishing, and cross-channel swimming promises a whole load of adrenaline-pumping time!

May

Wesak Day
Celebrated by Buddhists to pay homage to Buddha and to mark the three significant events in Buddha’s life (his birthday, enlightenment, and achievement of Nirvana) the festival begins with meditation and prayers. Donations are made to the poor and needy.

Harvest Festival
Known to Sabahans as Pesta Ka’amatan, it is a thanksgiving festival to celebrate the rice harvest. The festivities include traditional sports such as the buffalo race, the best tapai (rice wine) competition, and the “Unduk Ngadau” or Ka’amatan Queen Competition.

June

Hari Gawai
The Gawai Dayak is celebrated in Sarawak to mark the end of the paddy harvesting season. It also marks the beginning of the new planting season, and activities such as dancing, singing, and a considerable amount of drinking tuak (rice wine) take place in the longhouses.

Dragon Boat Festival
Known also as the Chang Festival or Duanwu Festival, it commemorates a patriot and poet in China named Qu Yuan. The best place to witness the celebrations is in Penang, where the annual Penang International Dragon Boat Festival takes place on a grand scale.

Rowers going all out during the annual dragon boat race in Penang.

July

Rainforest World Music Festival
Held in the grounds of the Sarawak Cultural Village, the annual three-day music festival is fast becoming the largest musical event in Malaysia. It celebrates the diversity of world music, while at the same time highlighting the use of traditional acoustic world instruments.

August

Independence Day
Commemorating the independence of the Federation of Malaya from the British in 1957, August 31 holds a special place in the hearts of all Malaysians. The biggest celebration of the event takes place annually at Merdeka Square, or more commonly known as Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Also known as Hari Raya Puasa, it marks the culmination of Ramadhan, during which Muslims the world over fast for a whole month. Traditional Malay food such as rendang, ketupat, and lemang is served. This is also a time to forgive and forget past quarrels, where family members ask for forgiveness from friends and family members.

Hungry Ghost Festival
Observed among the Chinese, the festival commemorates the opening of hell’s gates for the spirits from the lower realm to roam freely for a month. Things to note during the festival are the larger than life papier-mache figures and performances of Chinese opera and Ko-Tai (energetic singing and dancing with performers in glittering costumes).

September

Malaysia Day
September 16 commemorates the establishment of the Malaysian federation in 1963, with the joining of Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore to form Malaysia.

Mid-Autumn Festival
Fondly known as the Tanglung (Lantern) Festival or the Mooncake Festival, it is celebrated by the Chinese to mark the end of the harvesting season. Mooncakes are a must as it also commemorates Chang Er, the moon goddess.

Father and daughter inspecting the hanging Tanglungs (Lanterns).

October

Hari Raya Haji
To commemorate the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha, the occasion is marked most significantly by the conclusion of the annual Haj (pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca). Sacrificial-slaughtering, or korban, takes place in mosques, and the meat is distributed to the poor and needy.

November

Deepavali
Also commonly referred to as Diwali or Festival of Lights, the festival is significant to all Hindus as it symbolises the triumph of good over evil. Oil lamps are lit to ward off darkness and evil, and like every other major cultural festivals in Malaysia, open houses are held.

December

Christmas
A religious festival to mark the birth of Jesus Christ for Christians, Christmas in Malaysia is celebrated like everywhere else in the world. However, Christmas is also viewed as a universal celebration by many, one that that carries a secular rather than religious meaning. Even without the traditional “white Christmas”, the celebrations carry on with a kaleidoscope of lights, endless Christmas displays, and crazy shopping deals for all!

Kaamatan

Pesta Kaamatan

Oil Lamp or Vilakku

Deepavali – The Festival of Lights

Miss World Malaysia 2009 Thanuja Ananthan

Colours of Deepavali [PIC]

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Wonderful Malaysia

Top 10 daytrips around Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is vast – there is just so much to see, do and explore. Take a day trip around the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur to see a unique mesh of historical heritage sites and modern architectural structures and to discover the various enchanting cultures in Malaysia.

Petronas Twin Towers

petronas twin towers by night

Standing at 452 m tall, the Petronas Twin Towers are among the tallest buildings in the world. The twin towers can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. The most prestigious shopping centre in the country, Suria KLCC, is located at the foot of the towers. More about the Petronas Twin Towers

Menara KL Tower

view from lot10 roof top

The KL Tower also holds a record of its own, ranking as the 4th tallest telecommunications towers in the world at 421 m tall. Dine in the clouds while enjoying a magnificent view of the entire city at the revolving restaurant located at Level Two of the Tower Head.

Lake Gardens FRIM

fun at frim canopy walk

The jungle is not all concrete in Kuala Lumpur; there is a peaceful haven of 91.6 hectares of parks and gardens for a relaxing day among nature. The KL Lake Gardens incorporate the National Monument, Carcosa Seri Negara, a deer park, a butterfly park, a bird park, an orchid garden, a hibiscus garden and the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) which is a forest reserve and research institute (has an amazing canopy walkway). More about the Lake Gardens and FRIM

Batu Caves

thaipusam crowds at the batu caves

13 km north of Kuala Lumpur stands Batu Caves, a massive limestone outcrop home to Hindu deities. Consisting of three main caves and a number of smaller ones, the magnificent sacred place for Hindus in Malaysia is situated atop 272 steps of stairs along which visitors can see and feed a lot of long-tailed macaque monkeys. More about the Batu Caves

Putrajaya

putrajaya square

A visit to Putrajaya must not be missed. It is the new capital city and administrative centre of the Malaysian government, located 25 km south of Kuala Lumpur. The model garden city features a beautiful blend of modern and cultural architectural structures of buildings and bridges, lush greenery and carefully cultivated botanical gardens.

Istana Negara

istana negara kings palace kuala lumpur

The majestic King’s Palace or Istana Negara is the residence for the Yang diPertuan Agong, the King of Malaysia. The area is fenced up with two guard posts at the front of the gate where members of the Royal Calvary stand guard. Witness the changing of guard ceremony, similar to that of Buckingham Palace in London. Although the palace is not opened to the public, visitors can capture memorable photographs of their visit to the Istana at the front entrance.

Dataran Merdeka

merdeka square kuala lumpur

Situated at the heart of the city is the Independence Square or Dataran Merdeka where the Malayan flag was hoisted for the first time in the country’s history on August 31, 1957, signifying the independence of the country from British rule. As a remembrance of this event, a 100 m high flagpole, which is the world’s tallest, was erected at the very same spot. Every year on the anniversary of the Independence Day, a parade is held here where march pasts of various uniformed bodies take place in their full regalia.

National Mosque

national mosque kuala lumpur 2

The National Mosque, which is reputed to be one of the most beautiful mosques in Southeast Asia, stands opposite the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station. This uniquely designed mosque embodies a contemporary expression of traditional Islamic art, calligraphy and ornamentation. Its most striking features are the umbrella-shaped dome, with 18 points representing the 13 states of Malaysia and the five pillars of Islam, and a sleek minaret which stands 73 m tall.

Central Market

central market kuala lumpur

Central Market, also known as Pasar Seni, is a well-renowned heritage site which serves as the Centre for Malaysian Culture, Arts and Handicrafts. It houses numerous stalls that retail traditional goods and an Annex Gallery where local contemporary arts are exhibited. Colorful Malaysian traditional cultural and arts events as well as cultural performances also take place at the Central Market’s outdoor stage on weekends. More about the Central Market

Petaling Street

petaling street market chinatown kuala lumpur

Last but not least is another popular tourist attraction, Petaling Street, which is located just a few minutes away from Central Market. Petaling Street is Kuala Lumpur’s very own Chinatown. With its distinctly oriental atmosphere, Chinatown is the central place for great bargains, scrumptious food and the soaking up of all things Oriental in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

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Got any good tips to share with us? Did we miss any great daytrip tips in Kuala Lumpur? Let us know by leaving a reply below!

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Cuisine in Melaka

SELAMAT MERDEKA AND HAPPY MALAYSIA DAY

In 3 days time, Malaysians from all walks of life, creed, religion and races will celebrate our 55th. Anniversary of Independence Day or Merdeka Day. We achieved our Independence from Britain through negotiation and compromise from all Malaysian under the leadership of Tunku Abdul Rahman.

At the same time, we celebrate our Malaysia Day on 16th. September 2012.

Over these 55 years, Malaya then and Malaysia now has gone through many challenges. However, with the co-operation of the three main groups within Malaysia, we have managed to overcome these challenges. We prospered, work, play and live in harmony over these years and built Malaysia into what is today.

Many challenges lie ahead. Europe is in a state of uncertainty due to the Eurozone problems. USA’s economy is still not robust enough while in Asia, China’s growth is slowing.

Malaysians must unite together and face these challenges head-on. With all Malaysians working together in unison, we can overcome these external threats. Besides that, we need to overcome internal conflicts within Malaysia herself.

Peace and Harmony within Malaysia is important. We must maintain and improve our economic, social and financial goals so that Malaysians of future generations can enjoy the peace and prosperity built by our ancestors in our years ahead.

SELAMAT MERDEKA AND HAPPY MALAYSIA DAY!!!

Categories
Cuisine in Melaka

SELAMAT MERDEKA AND HAPPY MALAYSIA DAY

In 3 days time, Malaysians from all walks of life, creed, religion and races will celebrate our 55th. Anniversary of Independence Day or Merdeka Day. We achieved our Independence from Britain through negotiation and compromise from all Malaysian under the leadership of Tunku Abdul Rahman.

At the same time, we celebrate our Malaysia Day on 16th. September 2012.

Over these 55 years, Malaya then and Malaysia now has gone through many challenges. However, with the co-operation of the three main groups within Malaysia, we have managed to overcome these challenges. We prospered, work, play and live in harmony over these years and built Malaysia into what is today.

Many challenges lie ahead. Europe is in a state of uncertainty due to the Eurozone problems. USA’s economy is still not robust enough while in Asia, China’s growth is slowing.

Malaysians must unite together and face these challenges head-on. With all Malaysians working together in unison, we can overcome these external threats. Besides that, we need to overcome internal conflicts within Malaysia herself.

Peace and Harmony within Malaysia is important. We must maintain and improve our economic, social and financial goals so that Malaysians of future generations can enjoy the peace and prosperity built by our ancestors in our years ahead.

SELAMAT MERDEKA AND HAPPY MALAYSIA DAY!!!