Tag: Merdeka Square

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Tourism Malaysia

A Tropical December in Malaysia

December is usually the favourite month of many, as families begin their school holidays, get ready to go on their year-end vacations, and celebrate the new year and the festivities. The festive mood is definitely “on” in Malaysia and you’ll find lots to do to mark the last month of the year.

For a start, December will see the final part of the 1Malaysia Year End Sale where shopping malls across the country make that last effort to attract shoppers with discounts and bargains galore. Bargain-hunters can flock to the malls and bring home cart-loads of merchandise. Don’t be put-off by the crowded malls – it’s just the last minute Christmas shoppers and overzealous parents getting ready for the new school year (Malaysian schools begin their annual term in January).

Its impressive tenant mix includes Isetan, Parkson Grand and Marks Spencer. Winner of numerous local and international awards, Pavillion Kuala Lumpur is a favourite among the well-heeled.

If you are heading south with your family, Legoland in Johor has special holiday activities in store. The “Snow” Village is set up to shower “snow” upon visitors for that wintry effect while the one-of-a-kind Christmas market will be selling various festive items not forgetting some unique festive themed Lego products. Special Christmas shows will also be performed as the resort counts down the days towards Christmas and lights up the tallest Christmas tree in Asia made entirely of DUPLO Blocks.

Legoland Malaysia

Meanwhile Resorts World Genting offers endless fun and joy up in the cool mountains of Pahang. Its School Holidays Package features the Monkey King Show: The Golden Hooped Rod that will enthrall audiences with exciting acrobatics, music, dance, magic tricks and amazing 3D effects.

And if you are a cartoon fan, Tour the World with Snoopy will feature everyone’s favourite beagle and the Peanuts gang parading around the hill-top resort in 52 custom-made international costumes of different countries and cultures. These colourful characters complete with Christmas tree floats will meet and greet visitors as they spread festive cheer at SkyAvenue and Genting Grand in their daily street parade.

While here, do pop in to SeniKome Péng Hēng, East Coast Arts Cultural Centre at the adjacent First World Plaza for a bit of a culture buzz. The 15,000 square foot gallery is dedicated to promoting the beauty of East Coast Malaysia’s local craft, fashion, games, food and music. Besides viewing the authentic artefacts and paintings, visitors can also watch performances such as the wayang kulit, and try their hand at folk games such as congkak, batu seremban and traditional hopscotch.

The multicultural Malaysia ensures that all races are equal and free to practise their traditions and rituals. The differences in language, culture, history and traditions, and the peaceful harmony among all races are, in fact, the very attractions that appeal to visitors and tourists from other countries. Certainly, December is the month to talk about how truly Asia Malaysia is.

Evidently, pre-Christmas countdown starts in shopping malls as early as in November. Nationwide, and especially in Kuala Lumpur, the spirit of Yuletide is in the air as hotels and shopping malls get decked out in reds and greens, Christmas trees, “snow,” and colourful baubles, and Santas, Santarinas and their elves make an appearance. While Christmas songs get extra airplay at this time of year, the carollers, too, warm up their vocal cords for some festive singing. Catch all this at your favourite shopping malls or nearby hotels.

Xmas @ Pavilion Xmas @ Pavilion

For instance, Pavilion mall has gotten into the Christmas holiday spirit with reindeers Dasher, Dancer and Rudolph dashing to its iconic Pavilion Crystal Fountain, making this spot the best place for a festive family photo opportunity. Meanwhile, indoors, shoppers will find Santa making his rounds in hot air balloons, creating a magical and festive atmosphere.

Intermark Mall creatively celebrates this festive season by designing seven of the world’s most iconic landmarks made entirely of Coca-Cola products. Visitors can model themselves in front of Coca-Cola-made structures resembling the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, Empire State Building, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Colosseum, Burj Khalifa and the Taj Mahal. Intermark Mall’s anchor tenant, Jaya Grocer, used a total 60,562 Coca-Cola cans and bottles, and took over 60 hours to construct the landmark replicas displayed around the mall. The Malaysia Book of Records was on hand to present the certificate of achievement to Coca-Cola for this incredible feat.

Meanwhile, Quill City Mall has transformed its main atrium into an Andalusia Spanish Village with a courtyard and flower-decorated building facades. The mall décor is inspired by scenes from the Christmas movie Ferdinand which tells the story of a giant bull with a big heart. A 3D Ferdinand the bull in a field of sunflowers, along with a 40-foot tall Christmas tree present many photo opportunities for shoppers.

Be sure to visit other major malls in Kuala Lumpur such as Suria KLCC, Mid Valley Megamall, Sogo, Sungei Wang, Sunway Pyramid, Avenue K, The Curve and IKANO, for more awesome Christmas decorations.

For tourists who find themselves in tropical Malaysia during the Christmas festivities and wish to attend mass to mark the special day, there are plenty of churches of various denominations to head to. In the capital city stands the famous Cathedral of St John The Evangelist, with its white-washed walls, twin spires and stained glass windows, a favourite for many tourists, expatriates as well as the regular parishioners. It was erected in 1883 in the heart of Bukit Nanas, and has become one of the national monuments that remains of the British administration of Malaysia.

New Year KLCC - Danny Tan

New Year KLCC – Danny Tan

Xmas KLCC - Joshua Paul

Xmas KLCC – Joshua Paul

And as the final day of the year descends upon us, what better way to greet the new year than with a spectacular fireworks show? Well, in Kuala Lumpur, there are a couple of places that offer “front-row seats” to a great fireworks show. Go early to book a spot on the lawns of Merdeka Square or KLCC Park. Alternatively, take in a nice dinner and late night drinks at the city’s rooftop bars such as Troika Sky Dining and Sky Bar, before the light show starts!

 

Venue:  Various, nationwide

Date:  Whole December

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

A TROPICAL DECEMBER IN MALAYSIA

December is usually the favourite month of many, as families begin their school holidays, get ready to go on their year-end vacations, and celebrate the new year and the festivities. The festive mood is definitely “on” in Malaysia and you’ll find lots to do to mark the last month of the year.

For a start, December will see the final part of the 1Malaysia Year End Sale where shopping malls across the country make that last effort to attract shoppers with discounts and bargains galore. Bargain-hunters can flock to the malls and bring home cart-loads of merchandise. Don’t be put-off by the crowded malls – it’s just the last minute Christmas shoppers and overzealous parents getting ready for the new school year (Malaysian schools begin their annual term in January).

If you are heading south with your family, Legoland in Johor has special holiday activities in store. The “Snow” Village is set up to shower “snow” upon visitors for that wintry effect while the one-of-a-kind Christmas market will be selling various festive items not forgetting some unique festive themed Lego products. Special Christmas shows will also be performed as the resort counts down the days towards Christmas and lights up the tallest Christmas tree in Asia made entirely of DUPLO Blocks.

 

Meanwhile Resorts World Genting offers endless fun and joy up in the cool mountains of Pahang. Its School Holidays Package features the Monkey King Show: The Golden Hooped Rod that will enthrall audiences with exciting acrobatics, music, dance, magic tricks and amazing 3D effects.

And if you are a cartoon fan, Tour the World with Snoopy will feature everyone’s favourite beagle and the Peanuts gang parading around the hill-top resort in 52 custom-made international costumes of different countries and cultures. These colourful characters complete with Christmas tree floats will meet and greet visitors as they spread festive cheer at SkyAvenue and Genting Grand in their daily street parade.

While here, do pop in to SeniKome Péng Hēng, East Coast Arts Cultural Centre at the adjacent First World Plaza for a bit of a culture buzz. The 15,000 square foot gallery is dedicated to promoting the beauty of East Coast Malaysia’s local craft, fashion, games, food and music. Besides viewing the authentic artefacts and paintings, visitors can also watch performances such as the wayang kulit, and try their hand at folk games such as congkak, batu seremban and traditional hopscotch.

The multicultural Malaysia ensures that all races are equal and free to practise their traditions and rituals. The differences in language, culture, history and traditions, and the peaceful harmony among all races are, in fact, the very attractions that appeal to visitors and tourists from other countries. Certainly, December is the month to talk about how truly Asia Malaysia is.

Evidently, pre-Christmas countdown starts in shopping malls as early as in November. Nationwide, and especially in Kuala Lumpur, the spirit of Yuletide is in the air as hotels and shopping malls get decked out in reds and greens, Christmas trees, “snow,” and colourful baubles, and Santas, Santarinas and their elves make an appearance. While Christmas songs get extra airplay at this time of year, the carollers, too, warm up their vocal cords for some festive singing. Catch all this at your favourite shopping malls (highly recommended are Pavilion KL, Suria KLCC, Intermark Mall and Mid Valley Megamall) or nearby hotels.

 

For tourists who find themselves in tropical Malaysia during the Christmas festivities and wish to attend mass to mark the special day, there are plenty of churches of various denominations to head to. In the capital city stands the famous Cathedral of St John The Evangelist, with its white-washed walls, twin spires and stained glass windows, a favourite for many tourists, expatriates as well as the regular parishioners. It was erected in 1883 in the heart of Bukit Nanas, and has become one of the national monuments that remains of the British administration of Malaysia.

And as the final day of the year descends upon us, what better way to greet the new year than with a spectacular fireworks show? Well, in Kuala Lumpur, there are a couple of places that offer “front-row seats” to a great fireworks show. Go early to book a spot on the lawns of Merdeka Square or KLCC Park. Alternatively, take in a nice dinner and late night drinks at the city’s rooftop bars such as Troika Sky Dining and Sky Bar, before the light show starts!

 

Venue:  Various, nationwide

Date:  Whole December

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

13 Things You May Or May Not Know About Malaysia’s Independence

Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman in 1957

August 31 is Hari Merdeka or Malaysia’s Independence Day. Here’s a brief look at Merdeka Day celebrations over the last 59 years and other events that have shaped the nation.

1. Malaysia gained her independence from Great Britain in 1957. Over 20,000 people gathered in Merdeka Square to mark the occasion, including the Duke of Gloucester, the King and Queen of Thailand and the Prime Minister of India. The first prime minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman, chanted some of the most iconic words in Malaysian history, “Merdeka, Merdeka, Merdeka”.

2. From 1957 onwards, Merdeka celebrations have been held every year in all its grandeur. Dignitaries wear traditional uniforms and costumes, fighter jets fly overhead in a blaze of smoke and military personnel and Kadazan tribal people march through the streets.

3. Inaugural celebrations featured dancing formations that depicted the emblem of the ruling party, Barisan Nasional — or the National Front Coalition Party. Barisan Nasional has ruled Malaysia since 1957, making it one of the longest ruling, democratically installed governments in the world.

4. Up until September 16, 1963, Malaysia was still known as the Federation of Malaya. Two years after Singapore left the federation in 1961, the Bornean states of Sabah and Sarawak merged with Peninsula Malaya to form the new Malaysia.

5. Merdeka Day celebrations in 1963 were nothing short of extravagant with traditional dancers from East Malaysia appearing for the first time in full ceremonial regalia, armed with spears and other tribal items.

6. Malaysia Day, not to be confused with Merdeka Day, is held every September 16 to mark the formation of Malaysia.

7. In 1967, Merdeka celebrations saw perhaps the biggest crowd in Malaysian history. An estimated 50,000 people attended the ceremony to mark the 10th anniversary of Malaysia’s independence. Thousands of law enforcement and military personnel marched through Merdeka Square.

Merdeka 3Military procession passes dignitaries at inaugural Merdeka celebration in 1957

8. Merdeka Football Festival has run concurrently with Merdeka celebrations from 1957. The festival is the oldest football event in Asia and has seen teams from all over the world compete for the prestigious trophy. Hong Kong were the inaugural winners in 1957.

9. Malacca City hosted the first Merdeka celebration outside of Stadium Merdeka and Dataran Merdeka in 1985. The decision was the brainchild of Malaysia’s “Father of Development” Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad. The Malacca Club was turned into a Merdeka memorial called the Merdeka Declaration Memorial to archive all past and future Merdeka celebrations.

10. In the same year, one of Malaysia’s most iconic acts, the Alleycats, released their chart-topping album Suara Kekasih. Founded in 1978, the Alleycats went on to have a profound impact on Malaysian people and the Malaysian music industry.

AlleycatsMusic icons the Alleycats

11. Following 1963, there was a push for Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines to form a confederation called Maphilindo. However, there were too many controversies and disputes over territory with then Indonesian president Sukarno putting an end to discussions.

12. Shortly after, Indonesia provided Malaysia with the greatest threat to her independence. They declared war on the Kalimantan-East Malaysia border, laying claims to territories north of Kalimantan. Indonesia only came to officially acknowledge the formation of Malaysia three years later in 1966.

13. Malaysia and her states have been ruled by many invaders over the years from Srivijayan Buddhists and Majapahit Hindus to Portuguese, Dutch and British settlers as well as the Japanese in World War II. Many of these cultures are still present in current day Merdeka celebrations.

 

Merdeka 150th anniversary Merdeka celebrations in 2007

So, if you are keen to observe a bit of Malaysian history, be sure to join in the fun this August 31. There will be festivities across the nation with performances, parades and fireworks in most cities. Head to Tourism Malaysia Official Site for more information.

 

Categories
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.

sultan-abdul-samad-building-1

sultan-abdul-samad-building-2

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.

sultan-abdul-samad-building-3

sultan-abdul-samad-building-4

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.

sultan-abdul-samad-building-9

sultan-abdul-samad-building-10

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.

sultan-abdul-samad-building-11

sultan-abdul-samad-building-12

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.

sultan-abdul-samad-building-5

sultan-abdul-samad-building-6

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.

sultan-abdul-samad-building-7

sultan-abdul-samad-building-8

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.

Video

Map

Suggestions?

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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