Ten Reasons to Visit Malaysia

Tourism Malaysia has declared 2007 as ‘Visit Malaysia Year’ commemorating 50 years of independence. Throughout the year, Tourism Malaysia has organised 50 events catering for all interests. Visit Malaysia Year was launched in January with the opening of its ‘Eye on Malaysia’, the largest portable observation wheel in the world. Out of the 50 events, here is a list of the Top Ten events not to be missed in Malaysia in 2007.

1) KL GP – Petronas Grand Prix (6th – 8th April), Catch the blazing action at one of the most high-tech tracks in the world. With its extreme hot and wet conditions, the Sepang International Circuit tests the skills of the world's finest drivers to the limit! With a spectacular grandstand and panoramic views of the entire circuit, this furious fast-paced event is truly an experience not to be missed. Website: www.malaysiangp.com.my

2)  Colours of Malaysia Festival (26th May) - The national celebration celebrates the different states and people of Malaysia through music, song, dance and costumes. Participants come from all over Malaysia, spectators came from all over the world and even the king and queen are in attendance. Malaysia invites the world to the party. Each year thousands of visitors come for the festival and stay to explore this exotic land. In Malay, the festival is called “Citrawarna” which translates as “Merry Colours.” And, indeed, the participants from each of Malaysia’s 14 states merrily show their colours through their dances, songs and native costumes.  Kuala Lumpur Website: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

3) World Harvest Festival & Gawai Dayak Sarawak (16th June): Dayak communities in Sarawak celebrated Hari Gawai to mark the end of a successful harvesting season. This unique festival is shared with neighbouring rice producing counterpart such as Sabah and Kedah in Malaysia as well as Taiwan, Cambodia, Indonesia, India, China, Japan, Thailand, Laos and the Philippines. These countries will feature their respective harvest celebrations at the event: Sarawak Website: www.sarawaktourism.com

4) Rainforest World Music Festival (13th – 15th July): This is the 10th year anniversary of this popular music festival and every year it grows and grows to an even bigger event. This year will highlight great bands from all over the world and are the best bands that have played at the festival in previous years. This festival incorporates workshops, ethno-musical lectures, jam sessions and mesmerising evening performance. Definitely not a festival to miss. Kuching, Sarawak Website: www.rainforestmusic-borneo.com         

5) Malaysia Mega Sales Carnival (1st July – 2nd September): A shoppers delight, think about shopping in the far east, then think again, but even cheaper. Enjoy amazing discounts and special offers during Malaysia’s biggest annual sales carnival. From designer wear to electronic items, cosmetics to footwear, there’s definitely something for everyone at the countless of malls and stores nationwide. KL/Nationwide Website: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my; www.malaysiamydestination.com   

6) Merdeka Month Celebration (31st August): commemorates Malaysia's 50th year of independence or 'Merdeka'. Malaysians celebrate this historic event in a joyous mood from all walks of life over a one-month period. A host of activities is held in each state including parades, exhibitions of Malaysia's history and fireworks displays, culminating in a grand parade attended by Their Majesties; The King and Queen of Malaysia, Prime Minister, dignitaries and the public. A free open-air concert is held on the eve of Merdeka): KL Website: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my

7) Ramadan Bazaar (15th September – 13th October): This is the best time of the year to experience Malaysian food. A phenomenon that occurs during the fasting month of Ramadan is the unusual abundance and variety of food and street vendors and sales that appear in Kuala Lumpur and elsewhere. Both tourists and locals take that opportunity to savour authentic Malay dishes not often found at other times. Website: www.kualalumpur.gov.my

8) Malaysian International Fashion week (M-IFW) – (27th – 31st October) It is the most prestigious fashion event in Asia, highlighting creative talents from across ten countries in Asia making KL the fashion hub of Asia: KL. Website: www.m-ifw.com          

9) Monsoon Cup, Terengganu (28th Nov – 2nd December): Pulau Duyong, famed for its traditional boat building industry, is the host for the international boat racing event under the Swedish Match Tour. Various other events are held in conjunction with the Monsoon Cup to showcase Terengganu's rich art heritage. Terengganu Website: www.monsooncup.com.my

10) Heart of Borneo 4x4 Safari: (28th October – 4th November) A very unique event that takes you deep into the heart of Sabah with powerful 4WD vehicles modified to challenge the tracks in one of the world’s most beautiful jungle terrains. Fit for those who love adventure and challenges that are out of the ordinary: Sabah Website: www.sabahtourism.com
 

26 February 2007