Malaysian Independence Day

OTHER MALAYSIAN FESTIVALS

Ged Cleugh produced this report on Malaysia's Independence Day celebrations.  He and the team travelled to Malaysia with Etihad and stayed at The Cameron Highlands Resort in the Cameron Highlands, and the Hotel Nikko, Kuala Lumper.

Independence Day or Merdeka (31st August) may be Malaysia’s biggest annual festival but it’s only one of many. Here are some other great celebrations to look forward to...

Chinese New Year
26 - 27 Jan 2010

Chinese New Year marks the first day of the lunar calendar and is celebrated over a 15-day period. Mandarin oranges and plum blossom stalks are used as decorations in Chinese homes and shopping complexes for prosperity and good luck. Animated lion and dragon dance performances accompanied by energetic drums, gongs and cymbals add to the festive air. On Chinese New Year's eve, family members hold reunion dinners followed by 'open houses' for relatives and friends.
For more information visit: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

Colours of Malaysia
21 March - 31 December 2010 

Malaysia's premier cultural extravaganza is back to dazzle and entertain locals and visitors alike. Colours of Malaysia is a cornucopia of spectacular traditional performances, colourful parades as well as exquisite arts and crafts. Plenty of activities have been prepared for this year’s festival with the theme of ‘Malaysia Truly Asia’.
For more information visit www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

Malaysia Flora Festival
Penang, Malaysia
01 May - 31 May 2010

The event celebrates the natural beauty of Malaysia with a lavish display of exotic flowers. Seminars and competitions also take place throughout the week. A floral parade tops off the festivities along the streets of Kuala Lumpur.
For more information visit:  www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

Dragon Boat Festival
21 June 2010 

One of the state’s main annual events, the Sabah Dragon Boat Race has drawn international participants from Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, China and Brunei. Held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, the first Dragon Boat Races, the Chinese today celebrate the Duanwu Festival not only to remember Qu Yuan, but also to continue the tradition to honour "the spirit of the dragon" which is the spirit of uniting and working together as a team for one common purpose.
For more information visit www.dragonboat.sabahtourism.com