Categories
Tourism Malaysia

EXPLORE THE DIVERSITY OF THE SOUTHERN REGION THROUGH HOMESTAYS

One of the best ways to get to know the real Malaysia is to
live in a homestay in a traditional village or kampung. To think that homestay
in Malaysia was originally started by a local lady known as Mak Long Teh back
in the 1970s at a village called Kampung Cherating Lama in Pahang. She
nonchalantly opened her home to the long staying drifters and provided them
with breakfast, dinner and a space to sleep. Her motto was probably “Mi Casa Su
Casa”.

This time around we will take you all the way to the southern region of the Peninsular Malaysia to show you how diverse the community are at these three neighbouring states in terms of livelihood, culture and tradition.

Kampung Pachitan, Negeri Sembilan
This village of about 1,000 population in Negeri Sembilan is said to have been pioneered by the Javanese from East Java, Indonesia, who came to settle here in the 1920s as paddy farmers. Later, palm and rubber plantations were opened when water sources for paddy ran dry. These plantations now become a tourist attraction as visitors learn more about crop-growing through hands-on experience.

This
village of about 1,000 population in Negeri Sembilan is said to have been
pioneered by the Javanese from East Java, Indonesia, who came to settle here in
the 1920s as paddy farmers. Later, palm and rubber plantations were opened when
water sources for paddy ran dry. These plantations now become a tourist
attraction as visitors learn more about crop-growing through hands-on
experience.

The
scenery in the area is dominated by large tracts of these crop plantations but
the nearby beach holds many attractions as well. It’s a favourite spot to go
fishing on the jetty or just sit by the beach to collect shellfish for a later
meal. One can also opt to canoe along the mangrove area and do a spot of
birdwatching.

What’s
unique here is the Javanese culture and traditions that still remain strong and
is manifested in the language spoken, the food, music and games. For example,
visitors to Kampung Pachitan will certainly get a taste of Nasi Ambeng (a meal
consisting of steamed white rice served with chicken in soy sauce and beef
stewed for hours in thick gravy and other condiments), pecal (a local salad
served with peanut sauce), and tempe goreng (fried fermented soy beans) and
such.

It recently received an ASEAN Tourism Award in the Homestay category.

Homestay Kampung Pachitan
No.37, Taman Nuri Fasa 1,
Jalan Besar Chuah,
71960 Chuah, Port Dickson,
Negeri Sembilan.
Contact person: Mr. Ahmad Nadzri, Tel : 019 385 9793
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PachitanMalaysia/

Homestay Lonek, Negeri Sembilan

This village is simply picture perfect with timber dwellings sitting on wide and well-trimmed lawns and the scenery of paddy fields stretching out as far as the eye can see. The folks who live here take great pride in their culture and heritage.

They speak with a strong Negeri Sembilan accent, and will introduce you to typical Negeri Sembilan cuisine, the famous one being daging salai masak lemak cili api, which is smoked beef cooked in a gravy of coconut milk, turmeric and chilies.

Traditional folk games are very much alive here and visitors
will learn the Malaysian version of hoop rolling using bicycle wheel rims,
bowling with coconuts and tobogganing on palm fronds.

If you don’t mind getting mud on your feet (and hands, face
and hair), you can try out the local pastime of “mengocak ikan” or grasping for
fish in the paddy fields.

Homestay Kampung Lonek
No. 10, Kampung Lonek,
72200 Batu Kikir,
Negeri Sembilan.
Contact person: Ms. Hajah Nor Asiah bt Haron, Tel : 06-498 1078 / 012 691 5482
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homestaylonek/

Homestay Rawa, Negeri Sembilan

Fresh from winning the ASEAN Tourism Award 2019 in the Homestay category, Homestay Rawa has something unique to offer to visitors…horses! Horseriding is a great way to appreciate the beauty of this village. Saddle up and ride through bountiful fruit orchards, acres of rubber plantations and hillsides where you can appreciate a breathtaking view.

During fruiting season, there are plentiful fruits to keep you sated. From mangosteens and durians to rambutans and langsat. These tropical fruits grow abundantly in this village and are a joy to the palate.

For those who love cooking, the ladies of the village would be all too happy to share their secret recipes for their typical sweetcakes such as godok golumang which are fist-sized banana fritters coated in caramelized brown sugar and kuih bahulu (a light and fluffy sponge cake with a crispy outer layer, similar to the French madeleines) traditionally cooked over charcoal fire in brass moulds.

Homestay Rawa
Lot 23, Lorong KRU 10,
Kampung Rawa Hilir
71750 Lenggeng
Negeri Sembilan
Contact person: Ms. Saadiah Othman, Tel: 019 354 4472
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asequine1/

Homestay Kg. Alai, Melaka

Melaka is not only known for its historical values but also for its beautiful traditional Malay houses. Homestay Kg. Alai, located about 8km from Bandar Melaka is full of beautiful Melaka houses with all kind of unique characteristics.

Apart from admiring the unique architechture of the traditional houses, there are plenty of activities that can be done here, including traditional games, cultural performances, village tour and fishing at the near Crystal Bay Beach. On top of that, you also get to learn about Dondang Sayang (a love ballad that conveys affectionate feelings of love and provide advice on moral issues) with the popular Seri Warisan Baru Alai Dondang Sayang group led by Tuan Hj. Mohd. Isa, established since 2011.

Staying at this homestay will also give you the opportunity to learn how to cook Melaka’s traditional cuisines and snacks such as Melaka’s famous asam pedas (a hot and sour dish), onde-onde (a ball-shaped snack stuffed with palm sugar and coated with shredded coconut) and making inang-inang (glutinous rice crackers) from scratch.

Making onde-onde. Pix courtesy of GTN

Homestay Kampung Alai
KM 7.6, Jalan Hj. Said,
Kampung Alai,
75460 Melaka
Contact person: Mr. AkramuddinHj. Abdul Aziz, Tel: +6 016 666 6649
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msPuGZpIE3U

Pix courtesy of Tourism Johor

Homestay Kampung Parit Tengah, Johor

While in Johor, why dont you stay at Kampung Parit Tengah, the recipient of the 2nd ASEAN Homestay Standard Award in 2017. That is reason enough to stay but imagine yourself arriving at the village and being greeted by the villagers with their traditional gambus (an Arabic stringed lute) performance combined with the reverberation of the kompang (traditional Malay handheld percussion).

Make yourself part of the community by participating in their daily activities such as palm weaving, rubber tapping, harvesting pineapples and corn, as well as catching prawns by the river. Catching prawns by the riverside is considered the village’s trademark and you can also learn how to cook your “catch of the day” local-style.

Getuk ubi. Pix courtesy of peachpurple

At Kampung Parit Tengah, their usual menu comprise traditional Javanese delicacies such as getuk ubi (pounded tapioca cake) with shredded coconut and sambal goreng Jawa.

Homestay Kg. Parit Tengah
No. 26 Kg. Parit Tengah,
Mukim 12 Rengit,
83100 Batu Pahat, Johor.
Contact person: Mr. Sukran Arifin, Tel: 019-7666400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Homestay-Parit-Tengah

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

TOP 5 TRADITIONAL MALAYSIAN VILLAGES TO VISIT NEAR KUALA LUMPUR

Want to get to know the real Malaysia? Why not take a trip outside of Kuala Lumpur’s city limits. Within less than two hours, you will find yourself in some pretty amazing countryside or “kampung” located in the Central Region (Selangor and Negeri Sembilan). Here, you can play like a kid again, enjoy nature, breathe fresh air and really be present in the moment.

Malaysian kampungs are usually small settlements of wooden dwellings in the rural parts of Malaysia. Despite their humble beginnings, modern facilities for clean water, electricity and telecommunications are available.

You’ll immediately notice that kampung life is a far cry from urban routines. Village folk are more in touch with nature and live by the seasons and surrounding environment. They engage in activities such farming, cooking using naturally organic products without relying on highly processed ingredients, fishing, carpentry, traditional folk games, making handicrafts and more.

If you are wondering how you can experience the peace and serenity of a simple kampung life in Malaysia, read on.

Under the Malaysian Government’s Homestay Experience programme, tourists can easily get a dose of life in the village. The programme registers a few hundred villages that have expressed interest in hosting tourists in their private homes to provide them a glimpse of life in Malaysia’s beautiful countryside.

Step into these homes and you will be quickly adopted as their “foster child,” taking care of your needs during your entire stay with them. Essentially, you get to live with a local Malaysian family and really understand the heart of a Malaysian.

The villages in the central region are easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur. Most are within a two-hour drive of the city. Check out some top villages here:

1. Kampung Sungai Sireh, Selangor

This peaceful hamlet of about 1,000 acres is surrounded by nature. Your eyes will be soothed by the green wetlands forest reserve and the carpet of ripening paddy crops ready to be harvested in May and September. The nearby rivers, irrigation canals and sea further add to the charm of this small village.

Local activities are closely attached to the surrounding landscapes. As a guest under the Malaysia Homestay programme, your host family will likely take you out for a trek into the wetlands area. Be prepared to get wet, but you will love the opportunity to observe the unique flora and fauna in the area. Alternatively, explore the rivers in a kayak and let yourself be drifted slowly by the currents as you try to spot the wildlife here.

The village-folk are especially proud of the irrigation system used for the paddy crops – they’ll be more than happy to show you the Korean technology involved. What’s more, the smaller canals are the best places to have a quick splash after a hot day under the sun!

Homestay Sg. Sireh
Kampong PT 1,
Sg. Sireh,
45500 Tanjung Karang,
Kuala Selangor, Selangor
Contact person: En. Abu Bakar bin Moin, Tel: 019 346 7372
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homestaysgsireh/

2. Kampung Banghuris, Selangor

ASEAN Tourism Award-winning Banghuris Homestay is a name representing three villages namely Kampung Bukit Bangkong, Kampung Hulu Chuchoh and Kampung Hulu Teris.

This charming little village located not far from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport has a strong foundation in agriculture. Don’t be surprised to see coffee, rubber, and oil palm plantations alongside fresh-water fish farms and fruit orchards. The small cottage industry also thrives here churning out home-made cookies, tapioca chips and other local snacks. Indeed, the landscape of this village can only be described as abundant!

And so is the culture and heritage here. Visit the village during Hari Raya Aidil Fitri and you will witness the cheer and festivities of the village-folk. Often times, the celebrations are an excuse to “merewang,” an activity where everyone would gather at a common place to prepare and cook food together for the festival. Everyone has a designated duty, i.e. as the cook, as part of an army that peels potatoes or slices shallots, or as the clean-up crew.

It is during these festivities that one can truly experience the community spirit of the village folk as they embody all the modern corporate attributes of teamwork, leadership, time management, delegation and more!

Homestay Banghuris
Lot 1829, Jln. Tailong,
Kg. Ulu Chuchuh,
43950, Sg. Pelek,
Sepang, Selangor.
Contact person: Mr. Basir bin Wagiman, Tel: 013 300 3942
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YokMampirBanghuris/

3. Kampung Pachitan, Negeri Sembilan

This village of about 1,000 population in Negeri Sembilan is said to have been pioneered by the Javanese from East Java, Indonesia, who came to settle here in the 1920s as paddy farmers. Later, palm and rubber plantations were opened when water sources for paddy ran dry. These plantations now become a tourist attraction as visitors learn more about crop-growing through hands-on experience.

The scenery in the area is dominated by large tracts of these crop plantations but the nearby beach holds many attractions as well. It’s a favourite spot to go fishing on the jetty or just sit by the beach to collect shellfish for a later meal. One can also opt to canoe along the mangrove area and do a spot of birdwatching.

What’s unique here is the Javanese culture and traditions that still remain strong and is manifested in the language spoken, the food, music and games. For example, visitors to Kampung Pachitan will certainly get a taste of Nasi Ambeng (a meal consisting of steamed white rice served with chicken in soy sauce and beef stewed for hours in thick gravy and other condiments), pecal (a local salad served with peanut sauce), and tempe goreng (fried fermented soy beans) and such.

It recently received an ASEAN Tourism Award in the Homestay category.

Homestay Kampung Pachitan
No.37, Taman Nuri Fasa 1,
Jalan Besar Chuah,
71960 Chuah, Port Dickson,
Negeri Sembilan.
Contact person: Mr. Ahmad Nadzri, Tel : 019 385 9793
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PachitanMalaysia/

4. Homestay Lonek, Negeri Sembilan

This village is simply picture perfect with timber dwellings sitting on wide and well-trimmed lawns and the scenery of paddy fields stretching out as far as the eye can see.

The folks who live here take great pride in their culture and heritage. They speak with a strong Negeri Sembilan accent, and will introduce you to typical Negeri Sembilan cuisine, the famous one being daging salai masak lemak cili api, which is smoked beef cooked in a gravy of coconut milk, turmeric and chilies. Traditional folk games are very much alive here and visitors will learn the Malaysian version of hoop rolling using bicycle wheel rims, bowling with coconuts and tobogganing on palm fronds.

If you don’t mind getting mud on your feet (and hands, face and hair), you can try out the local pastime of “mengocak ikan” or grasping for fish in the paddy fields.

Homestay Kampung Lonek
No. 10, Kampung Lonek,
72200 Batu Kikir,
Negeri Sembilan.
Contact person: Ms. Hajah Nor Asiah bt Haron, Tel : 06-498 1078 / 012 691 5482
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homestaylonek/

5. Homestay Rawa, Negeri Sembilan

Fresh from winning the ASEAN Tourism Award 2019 in the Homestay category, Homestay Rawa has something unique to offer to visitors…horses! Horseriding is a great way to appreciate the beauty of this village. Saddle up and ride through bountiful fruit orchards, acres of rubber plantations and hillsides where you can appreciate a breathtaking view.

During fruiting season, there are plentiful fruits to keep you sated. From mangosteens and durians to rambutans and langsat. These tropical fruits grow abundantly in this village and are a joy to the palate.

For those who love cooking, the ladies of the village would be all too happy to share their secret recipes for their typical sweetcakes such as godok golumang which are fist-sized banana fritters coated in caramelized brown sugar and kuih bahulu (a light and fluffy sponge cake with a crispy outer layer, similar to the French madeleines) traditionally cooked over charcoal fire in brass moulds.

Homestay Rawa
Lot 23, Lorong KRU 10,
Kampung Rawa Hilir
71750 Lenggeng
Negeri Sembilan
Contact person: Ms. Saadiah Othman, Tel: 019 354 4472
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asequine1/

Note: We are excited that on 18 January 2019, the following 5 Malaysian Homestay Villages had won the coveted ASEAN Tourism Award for ASEAN’s Best Sustainable Tourism Products Recognition for both rural and urban areas. The Malaysian winners in the Homestay category are as follows:

3rd ASEAN Homestay Standard (2019-2021)

1.Pachitan Homestay, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
2.Ba’Kelalan HomestaySarawak
3.Misompuru Homestay, Kudat Sabah
4.Banghuris Homestay, Sepang Selangor
5.Rawa Homestay, Lenggeng, Negeri Sembilan

 

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

UNLEASHING YOUR INNER WILD THROUGH GLAMPING

When you live in a country like Malaysia, you can’t help but want to go camping in the rainforests or on the high hills because nature here is abundant and unbelievably beautiful. But the reasons that stop you from doing that is the thought of trekking, putting up makeshift tents, sleeping in sleeping bags and fighting off mosquitoes and leeches.

But fret not, you urban jungle warriors…the glamping trend has arrived in Malaysia, enabling you to experience the wilderness with complete luxury and comfort. There’s no need to get your hands dirty or worry about being bitten by killer ants!

Here are top 5 glamping sites in Peninsular Malaysia:

Tiarasa Escapes, Pahang

Tiarasa Escapes is nestled in the cool foothills of Janda Baik located just 30 minutes outside Kuala Lumpur. Spread across 7 acres, your senses are at once heightened and soothed by a graceful vista of majestic trees and fragrant fruit-laden orchards. Here, rare vibrant birds seek refuge, butterflies flit about and red dragonflies dance along a bubbling brook. The best thing is that you can be part of it all from the comforts of Tiarasa Escapes’ luxurious safari-style tents and treetop villas surrounded by mountain mist, lush rainforest, babbling brooks, and winding paths.

 

Address: Jalan Enderong, Sum Sum Ulu,
28750 Kampung Janda Baik, Pahang, Malaysia
Tel: 012-887 7777
Website: www.tiarasaescapes.com

Boulder Valley Glamping , Penang

A unique way to experience untamed and utterly exceptional parts of the world – without sacrificing creature comforts is to stay at Boulder Valley Glamping. You will get an experience to sleep among the unique boulders and tropical greens settings. Intentionally kept basic and free from over lavishness, glamping tents at Boulders are a far cry from the DIY tent in a bag. They offer amenities like comfortable beds and ensuite bathroom facilities.

Address:
8 Jalan Teluk Bahang
11050 Teluk Bahang, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Tel: +6012 4906882
Email: info@bouldervalleyglamping.com.my
Website : https://bouldervalleyglamping.com.my

Lost World Glamping, Ipoh, Perak

Glamping inside a theme park will be a dream come true for many of us, especially when the theme park itself is surrounded by lush tropical jungle with natural hotsprings, spectacular limestone features and natural surroundings. The Lost World Glamping packages come with luxurious tent complete with the comforts of a hotel, such as bed linen, power sockets, fan, and complimentary buffet breakfast. You will also have access to the Lost World of Tambun and Lost World Hot Springs Night Park. It’s the perfect introduction to rainforest adventure for the little ones!

Address:
No.1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway 1,
Sunway City Ipoh,
31150 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan,

Theme park tel: +605 542 8888
Hotel tel: +605- 540 8888
E-mail: lostworldoftambun@sunway.com.my
Website: https://sunwaylostworldoftambun.com/glamping/

Tanah Larwina, Selangor

Tanah Larwina’s charming 3-acre orchard and animal farm is located just outside KL city, which is really convenient for urbanites looking for a short get-away. You can glamp in style during the weekend at this industrial-style self-catering lodge uniquely designed overlooking a cascading stream. Get up close with various animals including rabbits, horses, geese and peacocks, or explore the natural surroundings at your leisure.

 

Address
Kg Paya Lebar, Batu 23,  Jalan Sg Lui,
Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia.
WhatsApp: +6 012 210 3351 – Faisol  (No phonecall please)
Email: tanahlarwina@gmail.com
Website: http://www.tanahlarwina.com

Glamping@Kongkoi, Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan

Glamping@Kongkoi is a family-run private hideout situated within 10 acres of forest land by the Kenaboi River in Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan, about 80km from Kuala Lumpur city center. Inspired by their journey in the creative industry and their own love for nature and adventure, the owners of Glamping@Kongkoi offer 10 handcrafted chalets, rumah tamu villa and riverbank tents for those who want to be closer to the wilderness yet feel right at home.

Address:
Lot 608, Kampung Puom
71650 Titi, Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan
TEL: 601-9269-5260
E-mail: booking@glampingatkongkoi.com
Website: https://www.glampingatkongkoi.com

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

UNLEASHING YOUR INNER WILD THROUGH GLAMPING

When you live in a country like Malaysia, you can’t help but want to go camping in the rainforests or on the high hills because nature here is abundant and unbelievably beautiful. But the reasons that stop you from doing that is the thought of trekking, putting up makeshift tents, sleeping in sleeping bags and fighting off mosquitoes and leeches.

But fret not, you urban jungle warriors…the glamping trend has arrived in Malaysia, enabling you to experience the wilderness with complete luxury and comfort. There’s no need to get your hands dirty or worry about being bitten by killer ants!

Here are top 5 glamping sites in Peninsular Malaysia:

Tiarasa Escapes, Pahang

Tiarasa Escapes is nestled in the cool foothills of Janda Baik located just 30 minutes outside Kuala Lumpur. Spread across 7 acres, your senses are at once heightened and soothed by a graceful vista of majestic trees and fragrant fruit-laden orchards. Here, rare vibrant birds seek refuge, butterflies flit about and red dragonflies dance along a bubbling brook. The best thing is that you can be part of it all from the comforts of Tiarasa Escapes’ luxurious safari-style tents and treetop villas surrounded by mountain mist, lush rainforest, babbling brooks, and winding paths.

 

Address: Jalan Enderong, Sum Sum Ulu,
28750 Kampung Janda Baik, Pahang, Malaysia
Tel: 012-887 7777
Website: www.tiarasaescapes.com

Boulder Valley Glamping , Penang

A unique way to experience untamed and utterly exceptional parts of the world – without sacrificing creature comforts is to stay at Boulder Valley Glamping. You will get an experience to sleep among the unique boulders and tropical greens settings. Intentionally kept basic and free from over lavishness, glamping tents at Boulders are a far cry from the DIY tent in a bag. They offer amenities like comfortable beds and ensuite bathroom facilities.

Address:
8 Jalan Teluk Bahang
11050 Teluk Bahang, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Tel: +6012 4906882
Email: info@bouldervalleyglamping.com.my
Website : https://bouldervalleyglamping.com.my

Lost World Glamping, Ipoh, Perak

Glamping inside a theme park will be a dream come true for many of us, especially when the theme park itself is surrounded by lush tropical jungle with natural hotsprings, spectacular limestone features and natural surroundings. The Lost World Glamping packages come with luxurious tent complete with the comforts of a hotel, such as bed linen, power sockets, fan, and complimentary buffet breakfast. You will also have access to the Lost World of Tambun and Lost World Hot Springs Night Park. It’s the perfect introduction to rainforest adventure for the little ones!

Address:
No.1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway 1,
Sunway City Ipoh,
31150 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan,

Theme park tel: +605 542 8888
Hotel tel: +605- 540 8888
E-mail: lostworldoftambun@sunway.com.my
Website: https://sunwaylostworldoftambun.com/glamping/

Tanah Larwina, Selangor

Tanah Larwina’s charming 3-acre orchard and animal farm is located just outside KL city, which is really convenient for urbanites looking for a short get-away. You can glamp in style during the weekend at this industrial-style self-catering lodge uniquely designed overlooking a cascading stream. Get up close with various animals including rabbits, horses, geese and peacocks, or explore the natural surroundings at your leisure.

 

Address
Kg Paya Lebar, Batu 23,  Jalan Sg Lui,
Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia.
WhatsApp: +6 012 210 3351 – Faisol  (No phonecall please)
Email: tanahlarwina@gmail.com
Website: http://www.tanahlarwina.com

Glamping@Kongkoi, Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan

Glamping@Kongkoi is a family-run private hideout situated within 10 acres of forest land by the Kenaboi River in Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan, about 80km from Kuala Lumpur city center. Inspired by their journey in the creative industry and their own love for nature and adventure, the owners of Glamping@Kongkoi offer 10 handcrafted chalets, rumah tamu villa and riverbank tents for those who want to be closer to the wilderness yet feel right at home.

Address:
Lot 608, Kampung Puom
71650 Titi, Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan
TEL: 601-9269-5260
E-mail: booking@glampingatkongkoi.com
Website: https://www.glampingatkongkoi.com

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

TOP THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR DURING HARI RAYA

When the takbir is heard echoing from far, we can immediately see smiles on the faces of everybody. That marks the end of one month of fasting during Ramadan, and Syawal is knocking on the door, ready to be celebrated. Eid Day, or commonly known as Hari Raya comes once per year and is a day where families and friends get together and celebrate with various types of traditional delicacies after a full month of fasting in Ramadhan.

For first-timers to Malaysia, you might be wondering what to do on Eid Day. Well, read on to know how Malaysians celebrate the day and the iconic things not to miss during Hari Raya.

HARI RAYA OPEN HOUSE
It’s a common thing for fellow Malaysians to invite friends, neighbours, even strangers to their houses to celebrate together, especially on the first day – this is in the spirit of the Malaysian Open House. It’s a great way to try out the typical Hari Raya dishes and join in the fun. Keep an eye out for Open House invitations by some popular local personalities, Government agencies, and even the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

FOOD AND DELICACIES
Rendang, Ketupat and satay are the signature dishes of Hari Raya. It would not be Hari Raya without these dishes. Rendang is a spicy meat dish made from meat, coconut milk, chili, ginger, lemongrass, garlic, ginger, turmeric and onion (shallot). Each state will have a slightly different version of the recipe (and claim theirs to be the best!). For example, chicken Rendang from Negeri Sembilan would look and taste differently from chicken Rendang made in Kedah.

Ketupat is a type of dumpling made out of rice packed inside a diamond-shaped pouch of woven palm leaves eaten with a thick and spicy roasted peanut gravy. You can also eat ketupat with rendang.

Another type of ketupat is made with starchy glutinous rice wrapped in daun palas into a triangle shape. These are usually found in the northern region of Malaysia.

Satay is a seasoned, skewered and grilled meat, served with Kuah Kacang. It is eaten on sticks and served hot right after being grilled, garnished with ketupat, cucumbers and onions.

SWEET TREATS
Every household celebrating Hari Raya will definitely have some Kuih Raya to serve the guests. There are a variety of Kuih Raya and snacks, but all are bite-sized sweet delights. Our favourites are the pineapple tarts and London almonds!

Cakes are also served on this day to sweeten the celebration. There are a few signature Hari Raya cakes that are so special, they only make an appearance on the day of celebration.

Kek Lapis or Layered Cake is also typically served during Hari Raya. It is especially popular in Sarawak where a whole table is often dedicated to displaying all the different and colourful varieties.

Also famous in Sarawak is the black-as-soot steamed Hati Parek cake made of black raisins, caramelised brown sugar and lots of eggs.

FIREWORKS – AN ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL
It’s habitual for Malaysians to celebrate Hari Raya with one of the most compulsory things: fireworks. Don’t be surprised to hear fireworks going off or see them in the sky, it’s a sign that Hari Raya will be tomorrow. As for kids, you will see them lighting up sparklers, ground spinners, rocket-style Thunderclaps and others to welcome the celebration.

FASHION
What is celebrating Hari Raya without wearing new clothes? For Malays, we have our own traditional clothing worn during Hari Raya, which is Baju Melayu (for men) and Baju Kurung (for women). You can find these two traditional clothings in many different colours and designs. Visit shopping malls during the month before Hari Raya and you will see all the trendy designs. If you wait right till the last day of Ramadan to shop for your clothes, you may even get them at deep discounts.

HARI RAYA MALL DECORATIONS
Hari Raya is a great time to head down to the nearest shopping centre and witness the most amazing mall decorations. Shining lights, decorative walls and attractive scenery will get you in the festive mood! In fact, the malls in Malaysia will often try to out-do each other with their mall decorations and festive activities so shopping in Malaysia is definitely not dull!