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Wonderful Malaysia

Chinese New Year in Malaysia

What is there to do during Chinese New Year in Malaysia?

Chinese New Year is perhaps the biggest and most important annual festival for Chinese and the Chinese communities world wide. The event is celebrated on the first day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Each year is named after one of the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Prior to celebrations, homes are cleaned and decorated by members of the family. Debts are also settled while offerings and prayers are made. Also, plenty of food is prepared and new clothes are purchased. Like any other event, family members from out of town and far away will come home for the gathering.

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Also known by the name of Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, the event is observed by the Chinese communities throughout the world, regardless of where they are. It is a cultural event and can a religious one too for the Buddhists, Confucians and Taoists who offer prayers. As the festival approaches, friends and relatives still exchange New Year greeting cards with each other despite the technology era. A family reunion dinner will be held on the eve of the New Year. During this time, bad language and any unpleasant or sensitive topic is strictly discouraged. It’s always best to be in one’s good behavior and only say good and auspicious things.

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On Chinese New Year day, everyone is abuzz with various activities, including decorating with duilian (a pair of scrolls with poetry written), giving red packets or angpau or ang pow containing money, visiting friends and families, having family meals and gatherings, playing cards with small bets of money and watching dragon or lion dances. While each country may celebrate the New Year in an almost similar way, the concept of open house is normally practiced in Malaysia where the homes are open for friends and family to visit, regardless of race and religion. The country’s leaders organize open houses too on a larger scale, often held at a community hall to accommodate the crowds of locals and foreign visitors who come to greet their leaders and tuck into festive goodies. Just like any other festival in Malaysia, Chinese New Year is basically the time of the year to get together with family and friends.

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Chap Goh Mei

Chinese New Year is celebrated for fifteen days with the main focus on the first three days. Chap Goh Mei, or the fifteenth day of Chinese New Year, is once again celebrated with much enthusiasm. Homes are again decked in brightly decorated lights and legend has it that young and unmarried women could throw tangerines into the sea if they wish to get a good husband. This tradition has undergone a modern twist where the females still toss Mandarin oranges into the sea but now they have written their telephone numbers on them. Men in boats will then row over and fish out the oranges! The singles carry out this practice good-naturedly and have fun with their friends on that final night of the New Year celebrations. Once Chap Goh Mei has passed, daily life resumes with each hoping to have a prosperous year ahead.

Fireworks

In Malaysia many people light fireworks during Chinese New Year. At Chinese New Years Eve, you can enjoy fireworks until the deepest hours of the night. Also at other days, people will light fireworks. The best chance to witness this is in the more Chinese areas in Kuala Lumpur (like Chinatown, Old Klang Road/Kuchai Lama and many areas in Petaling Jaya) and also in cities like Georgetown (at Penang Island), Ipoh and Malacca. Hokkien Chinese in Malaysia also light a lot a fireworks at the ninth day of Chinese New Year, in celebration of the birthday of the Jade Emperor.

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Chinese New Year in Kuala Lumpur

When you are staying in Kuala Lumpur during Chinese New Year you should definitely visit the Petaling Street area in Chinatown. Here the Chinese temples are crowded with locals that come there to pray. You can witness lion dances and people lighting fireworks. All shopping malls in the city showcase their Chinese New Years theme. They are all decorated and during the first few days you will be able to witness lion dances within the stores. This is done to make sure the store is blessed and that business will be great that year. The first days of Chinese New Year are the only days of the year that you will witness many stores closed, as most of the Chinese business owners are visiting their relatives in their home towns or home countries.

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Chinese New Year on Penang Island

Especially Penang is a great place to visit during Chinese New Year. There are many beautiful temples in Georgetown, and all are crowded with Chinese Malaysians that come there to pray (mostly for health and prosperity during the new year). One of the most important temples at Penang Island, Kek Lok Si Temple, is especially interesting to visit. At night millions of colorful lamps transform the whole area in a beautiful scene. Locals come every night to witness the lights being turned on, it is a wonderful sight.

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Calendar with dates Chinese New Year

  • Year of the Tiger – February 14, 2010
  • Year of the Rabbit – February 3, 2011
  • Year of the Dragon – January 23, 2012
  • Year of the Snake – February 10, 2013
  • Year of the Horse – January 31, 2014
  • Year of the Goat – February 19, 2015
  • Year of the Monkey – February 8, 2016
  • Year of the Rooster – January 28, 2017
  • Year of the Dog – February 16, 2018
  • Year of the Pig – February 5, 2019
  • Year of the Rat – January 25, 2020

Traveling in Malaysia during Chinese New Year

We find traveling through Malaysia during Chinese New Year very rewarding. We visited KL, Cameron Highlands, Penang, Kuching and Malacca once within the 15 days of CNY and we loved it. The atmosphere is very pleasant during these days. We loved all the fireworks and the amazing vibe at all the temples.

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Tourists that visit Malaysia during CNY should not pass up a chance to experience it up and close. Penang was by far the best place to be, especially the Chulia Street area was very nice.

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It is especially nice if you get invited to have dinner at a local Chinese Malaysian family. Families usually invite friends (or even strangers) over for dinner on the 2nd or 3rd day of Chinese New Year as the first day is always reserved for close family.

Extremely fun to witness and eat is Yee Sang; a special dish that is only served during Chinese New Year. Yee Sang contains many different vegetables together with other ingredients. Once ready people will toss the shredded bits into the air by only using their chop sticks. It is very important that it is all tossed really high into the air as it reflects the amount of good luck, health and prosperity they will receive.

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Traveling during CNY can be quite exhausting, especially in the few days before the actual celebrations. Many people are traveling at the same time, often heading back to their home villages. Some use the public holiday to do some traveling their selves. Busses to Penang, Malacca or Ipoh will be packed, the same goes for flights to Penang. Traffic jams are common the days before CNY, but once it is CNY streets and highways are empty. Shops are closed during these days and people are celebrating at home or visiting temples.

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Suggestions?

Got any good tips to share with us? Do you know of any great things to do during Chinese New Year in Malaysia? Let us know by leaving a reply below!

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Wonderful Malaysia

Most Charming Asian Island Destination Award winner

Malaysia was recognized as the most charming Asian island destination by New Voyage Magazine at its annual awards ceremony held at Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng Hotel on 15 January 2013.

award

Director of Tourism Malaysia in Beijing

Trophy for most charming Asian island destination

Trophy for most charming Asian island destination

The win is seen as a boost to Malaysia’s tourism plans for 2013 as it prepares to receive tourists this year, which has been designated as a promotion year for the Visit Malaysia Year campaign in 2014.

Malaysia’s many islands and beaches have long been a favorite destination for many. Langkawi is known for its natural attractions such as forests and 500 million-year-old rock formations which earned it the status of World Geopark by UNESCO in 2007.

Penang island, meanwhile, is a melting pot of cultures, beautiful architecture, rich history and delicious food, and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pangkor Laut Island is known for its truly luxurious “one island, one resort” concept and has attracted celebrities the likes of actress Jodie Foster, golfer Nick Faldo, and world-renowned tenor Luciano Pavarotti.

The east coast of Malaysia also boasts of jewels such as Perhentian, Redang, Gemia and Sibu islands.

Equally captivating are the islands and beaches in Sabah and Sarawak, with Sipadan Island leading the pack for the world-class diving experience it offers. Mabul and Mataking islands are also gaining popularity as diving destinations in Sabah, while the five islands within Tunku Abdul Ramman Marine Park offer visitors an island experience close to the city.

Nominations for the New Voyage Magazine awards for Best Outbound Travel Destinations were received throughout 2012 for voting by its readers, media, travelers and tourism industry players. Besides Malaysia, AirAsia also emerged the top winner for favorite airline.

About 200 guests from airlines, hotels, national tourism boards, China’s tourism bureaus, and members of the media attended the function. The monthly magazine has a circulation of about 310,000.

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Wonderful Malaysia

Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Georgetown

Situated right in the middle of Penang’s Little India in the city of Georgetown is the Sri Mahamariamman temple, a truly amazing architecture that delivers a sight filled with culture and heritage.

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The Sri Mahamariamman temple dates back to the year 1801 and is known to be one of the most popular altar and spiritual worship entities in the country. Back then, the Sri Mahamariamman temple was constructed after the Indian community realised a need for a proper temple ground to worship the gods. The number of devotees had increased each year, leading to a lack of space for them to perform prayers and rites. After much extension and refurbishment, the original temple was fully completed in 1833 where it still stands erect today close to two centuries since its building.

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The beauty of the Sri Mahamariamman temple is the elaborated art work, known as gopuram, plastered around the building. Every piece of art work was made by the hands of Southern India’s finest and the best artists. Other parts of the temple is also decorated with various Hindu deities, sacred animals and colourful and eye catching architecture, making it one of the best and most stunning temples in Penang island.

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Subramaniam, Durga, and Ganapathy are just some of the beautiful deities that are worshipped here in the Sri Mahamariamman temple. All the sculptures clearly show the magnificent workmanship of the artists. There are also some exclusive statues which have gold, diamond and emerald finery mounted on it, such as the statue of Lord Subramaniam.

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Prayers usually take place in the early morning, so if you would like to observe how the temple priests conduct the prayers, do drop by the temple in the early morning. However, make sure you adhere to the unwritten rules of the temple or any other house of worship. You will first need to obtain the permission of the elder priest before entering the temple. Do not attempt to sneak in as it is not polite and you might even offend the gods. Also, remember to take off your shoes before entry.

Opening hours

Known also by other names such as Sri Muthu Mariamman Temple and Sri Arulmigu Mahamariamman Temple, the Sri Mariamman Temple is open every day from 8.00am to 12.00pm The temple is closed for a break of several hours and you are welcome to resume your visit at 4.30pm to 9.00pm

Entrance fees

Entrance to the temple is free of charge. Visitors are not allowed in with their shoes on.

How to get to the Sri Mahamariamman Temple

The temple is located in the center of Georgetown on Lebuh Queen (Queen Street) in the Little Indian area. The back entrance is on Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling (Pitt Street), in between Lebuh Pasar and Lebuh Chulia. To visit this lovely temple from Kuala Lumpur, you will need to make your way to the island of Penang either by road or by air. The journey by road will take you between 3-4 hours depending on your speed while one of the flights available daily will take you only 50 minutes. However, if you are already in Penang, make your way to Jalan Masjid Kapitan Kling (Lebuh Pitt) which the temple sits on. The road lies in between Lebuh Pasar and Lebuh Chulia, two of the most popular streets in Penang, so you’d wouldn’t have trouble finding this structure rich in culture and arts.

Video Sri Mahamariamman Temple

Map of the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Georgetown

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

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Malaysia Travel Guide

Penang


Plan at least three days in Penang, There’s so much to see and do in Penang, good food everywhere, beautiful beaches to relax your mind, excellent well maintained hotels, and fascinating shopping malls and pasar malam (night market). Here are some Penang itineraries …
penang map

Here are maps of Penang, and here’s information on Penang Bayan Lepas International Airport and how to get to Georgetown from there. If you are taking an express bus, you will probably arrive at the new bus terminal Sungai Nibong and the Railway Station is on the mainland, located at Butterworth, Seberang Prai, if you took the KTM train. Ferry services are also available from Langkawi daily.

Most of Penang’s fancier accommodation is in the form of beach resorts on the main tourist beach of Batu Ferringhi. More backpacker-friendly options, as well as a few classical luxury hotels, can be found in Georgetown, Other areas to stay in Penang Island include: Tanjung Bungah, Gurney Drive, and Bayan Lepas. Seberang Perai (Mainland) offers several other accommodation alternatives.

Many of Penang’s top sights such as Georgetown, Penang Hill, Weld Quay Clan Jetties, Kek Lok Si Temple, and the Wat Chayamangkalaram Temple, are in Penang Island. For beach lovers, Penang’s best beaches are on the northern side, particularly Batu Ferringhi, but do be prepared for the heavy tourist crowd especially during peak seasons.

Eating is almost considered a national past time here, so dine on authentic Malaysian cuisine in an excellent restaurant, or simply grab a chair by the countless food stalls. Consume a Char Kway Teow along Penang street, and you’ll realize why it’s my favourite dish in Malaysia.

You can see Penang’s top sights in a rush on an overnight stay, but you’ll need at least two days to do them justice, and three or four days to really get a sense of the island. In a week, you can get a good look at most of what Penang has to offer.

Welcome to Penang, The Pearl of the Orient.

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Tourism Malaysia

13 Day 12 Night Grand Peninsular Self Drive Tour

Day 1 ARRIVE KUALA LUMPUR

Distance: 70 Kms (1 hour by car)

Meals: None

Drive Guide:

No driving for the day

Remarks:

Arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport – Flight TBA

Meet greet by our driver and transfer to hotel.

Day 2 KUALA LUMPUR

Distance: 0 Kms (0 hour by car)

Meals: Breakfast

Drive Guide:

No driving for the day

Remarks: 24 hours Hop on Hop off pass included

Breakfast at hotel

Stroll through the capital city of Malaysia for a sightseeing tour. The mix of modern and old architecture creates an eclectic atmosphere that can be hardly found anywhere else in the world.

Day 3 KUALA LUMPUR – CAMERON HIGHLAND

Distance: 205 kms (3-4 hours by car)

Meals: Breakfast

Drive Guide:

After getting acquainted with the rented car, drive out of Kuala Lumpur through the North South highway to Cameron Highlands.

Remarks:

Breakfast at hotel

The rented car will be delivered to your hotel by AVIS in the morning.

Enjoy a number of stops along the way to Cameron Highlands. Suggested stops include the Royal Selangor Pewter factory, Batu Caves, Tapah, and Lata Iskandar waterfalls. In the evening after your arrival at Cameron Highlands, visit the Night Market if the weather permits.

Day 4 CAMERON HIGHLAND

Distance: 0 kms (0 hours by car)

Meals: Breakfast

Drive Guide:

Drive around Cameron Highlands for your own exploration.

Remarks:

Breakfast at hotel

Take your time in your exploration of Cameron Highlands. Remember to stroll through the farms and markets.

Day 5 CAMERON HIGHLANDS – KUALA KANGSAR – PERAK – PENANG

Distance: 259 kms (4 hours by car)

Meals: Breakfast

Drive Guide:

Head down from Cameron Highlands towards Penang. The drive will take you through the state of Perak. Enjoy the view of the Straits of Malacca as you opt for either the Penang Bridge or the Penang Ferry Service to get to the island.

Remarks:

Breakfast at hotel

Along your drive, you are advised to stop at Kuala Kangsar, the royal town of Perak. Other attractions that might take your fancy along the drive include Kellie’s Castle, Orang Utan Island at Bukit Merah, and the Cave temples around Ipoh. During the night after arriving at Penang Island, you might also want to take a drive to Batu Feringghi to check out the night market.

Day 6 PENANG

Distance: 0 kms (0 hours by car)

Meals: Breakfast

Drive Guide:

Time to drive around Penang Island and enjoy the sights.

Remarks:

Breakfast at hotel

Design your very own drive around tour of Penang Island. Pick from the many amazing sights that the island has to offer, including Cheong Fat Tze Mansion, Penang Hill, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Khoo Kongsi, Kek Lok Si Temple and many more.

Day 7 PENANG – BANDIND ISLAND – KOTA BHARU

Distance: 337 kms (4-5 hours by car)

Meals: Breakfast

Drive Guide:

Bid Penang Island goodbye and begin your drive eastwards along the East-West highway to Kota Bharu. The route includes some stunning scenery, especially Banding Island, which is at the centre of a huge man-made lake.

Remarks:

Breakfast at hotel

Stop for lunch at Banding Island and admire the breath taking view there. At Kota Bharu, remember to visit some of the city’s attractions, like the State Mosque and State Museum. Most of the sights will be closed for Friday, Saturday and Fasting month between 20 July – 18 August 2012.

Day 8 KOTA BHARU – KUALA BESUT – PERHENTIAN ISLAND

Distance: 55 kms (1.5 hour by car, 1 hour by boat)

Meals: Breakfast

Drive Guide:

Drive around Kota Bharu before heading to Kuala Besut for a boat ride to Perhentian Island. Park the vehicle at a safe parking area near Kuala Besut jetty (parking fees approx. MYR 5-10 per day).

Remarks:

Breakfast at hotel

Before leaving Kota Bharu, pay a visit to the famous Siti Khadijah Market located in the heart of the city, where you can find all kind of local products in market. When you reach Perhentian Island you can relax in the sun, go windsurfing, snorkelling or just swimming.

Day 9 PERHENTIAN ISLAND

Distance: 0 kms (0 hours)

Meals: Breakfast

Driving Guide:

No driving for the day

Remarks:

Breakfast at resort

Spend your day enjoying the natural beauty of Perhentian Island. Set up a snorkelling trip or just spend an entire day under the sun in the sand.

Day 10 PERHENTIAN ISLAND – KUALA BESUT – KUALA TERENGGANU

Distance: 114 kms (1 hour by boat, 2.5 hours by car)

Meals: Breakfast

Driving Guide:

Depart Perhentian Island by boat and hop back into the car for a trip to Kuala Terengganu.

Remarks:

Breakfast at hotel

While you make your way to Kuala Terengganu, it is advisable to make a stop at a typical fishing village near Marang to see how fishermen traditionally process a variety of dried food products. During your exploration of Kuala Terengganu, remember to check out the State Museum, Bukit Puteri, Istana Maziab and also Duyung Island. Note: Most of the sights will be closed for Friday, Saturday and Fasting month between 20 July – 18 Aug 2012 in Kelantan and Kuala Terengganu.

Day 11 KUALA TERENGGANU – KUANTAN

Distance: 178 kms (3-4 hours by car)

Meals: Breakfast

Driving Guide:

Depart Kuala Terengganu and head to Kuantan, the capital of Pahang. In the afternoon, you might want to drive to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre in Kemaman.

Remarks:

Breakfast at hotel

During your drive to Kuantan, you might want to stop at Cherating Beach at one of the villages to observe their traditional way of life. Later in the afternoon, if you choose to drive to the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, and if it is between July to mid-September, you get the chance of observing the Leatherback Turtles that come ashore to lay their eggs at the nearby beach at night.

Day 12 KUANTAN – MALACCA

Distance: 349 kms (5 hours by car)

Meals: Breakfast

Drive Guide:

As you leave Kuantan, you can visit Lake Chini, a famous lake in Malaysia that has several legends associated to it. Besides this, you can also visit an Orang Asli settlement to get to know how they lived off the land. Then drive through the South Highway to Malacca.

Remarks:

Breakfast at hotel

Highlights of the day include the visit to Lake Chini and the visit to the Orang Asli settlement. In Malacca, you can drive around to check out the heritage buildings like the Porta De Santiago, the Dutch Square and pay a visit to Jonker Street in the evening.

Day 13 MALACCA – KUALA LUMPUR / KL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Distance: 144 kms (2 hours by car)

Drive Guide:

Depart from Malacca and head to Kuala Lumpur. You can drop the car off at either downtown Kuala Lumpur at the main lobby of Crown Plaza Mutiara Hotel, or at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, where you proceed to ground floor block D at the AVIS assigned parking bay and drop the car keys off at the car rental office.

Meals: Breakfast

Remarks:

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your drive back from Malacca to Kuala Lumpur.