Introducing Malaysia – Truly Asia
While the state religion is Islam, Malaysia is first and foremost a multicultural society. the colorful nation is its cultural diversity and range of ethnic influences – Malay, Chinese, Indian, as well as indigenous peoples. Diversity is also evident in the landscape of Malaysia's cities and towns, where villages (kampung) friendliness and colonial heritage run deep, even with modern developments and skyscrapers looming above. Malaysia is a prime destination to get in touch with nature. It is where rainforests and mountains, beaches and idyllic tropical islands, blue seas and coral reefs, and diverse ecosystems are never far and usually accessible. Perhaps the biggest draw for travellers is the balance that Malaysia strikes so well – a rapidly developing country with modern infrastructure and a well-developed tourism industry, while remaining a bit untamed and largely affordable.
Malaysia is distinctively divided geographically by the South China Sea into West (or Peninsular) Malaysia and East Malaysia (on Borneo). West Malaysia is generally more economically developed and divided by a mountain range into the more urbanised West Coast and the more rural East Coast. East Malaysia is popular for eco-tourism in its nature reserves and national parks, and is partly covered with impenetrable jungle where headhunters still live in longhouses.
The main gateway to the rest of Malaysia is its capital, financial centre, and largest city, Kuala Lumpur, known informally as KL. Landing at the modern airport, you enter a wonderful gem of a city – with some of the world's cheapest 5-star hotels, great shopping and even better food. The nation's crowning jewel is the Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin buildings in the world, which offers panoramic views of the city and beyond. Another landmark is the nearby KL Tower, the world's second tallest telecommunications tower. These landmarks anchor the “Golden Triangle”, home to most of the city's hotels, offices, and malls. The original city centre at Merdeka Square is the core of KL's history, rich in colonial architecture with Moorish influences. Chinatown and Little India are the engaging ethnic districts, while the Lake Gardens are a green sanctuary in the city.
For culture vultures and history buffs, the best historical sights and museums are located in the sleepy town of Malacca, and Penang, Malaysia's most popular destination. retains much of its old-world charm, with evidence of previous Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonists mixed with the cultures of Arabs, Indians and Chinese who came here to trade, and subsequently settled, centuries ago. Once the seat of British power in the region,
Penang bustles with charm – old shophouses on narrow streets, the smell of incense from places of worship, and the taste of famous dishes in this food paradise, make for a true feast for the senses.
Nature lovers and tree huggers will enjoy exploring the rich biodiversity and untamed forests of Malaysia's national parks. Taman Negara National Park is famous for jungle treks through its canopy of 130 million years old primary rainforest, night hides to observe flora and fauna up-close, cruising down the rapids and through caves, and meeting the indigenous Orang Alsi community.
Kinabalu National Park is home of Mount Kinabalu, a prominent peak in South East Asia and known to be one of the most accessible mountains in the world, which makes for a great climb.
Thrill seekers and beach lovers will find their paradise amongst the many beach resorts offering watersports in idyllic tropical island destinations. Off the West Coast, Pangkor is a secluded hideaway while Langkawi is one of the region's best island paradise destination. Tioman, once nominated one of the most beautiful islands in the world, is accompanied by Perhentian and Redang off the East Coast – these islands are popular for scuba enthusiasts and snorkelling.
National Identity
Throughout Malaysia's brief history, the shape of its
national identity has been a crucial question: should the national culture be
essentially Malay, a hybrid, or separate ethnic entities? The question reflects
the tension between the indigenous claims of the Malay population and the
cultural and citizenship rights of the immigrant groups. A tentative solution
came when the Malay, Chinese, and Indian elites who negotiated independence
struck what has been called "the bargain." Their informal deal
exchanged Malay political dominance for immigrant citizenship and unfettered
economic pursuit. Some provisions of independence were more formal, and the
constitution granted several Malay "special rights" concerning land,
language, the place of the Malay Rulers, and Islam, based on their indigenous
status. Including the Borneo territories and Singapore in Malaysia revealed the
fragility of "the bargain." Many Malays remained poor; some Chinese
politicians wanted greater political power. These fractures in Malaysian
society prompted Singapore's expulsion and produced the watershed of
contemporary Malaysian life, the May 1969 urban unrest in Kuala Lumpur.
Violence left hundreds dead; parliament was suspended for two years. As a
result of this experience the government placed tight curbs on political debate
of national cultural issues and began a comprehensive program of affirmative
action for the Malay population. This history hangs over all subsequent
attempts to encourage official integration of Malaysian society. In the 1990s a
government plan to blend the population into a single group called "Bangsa
Malaysia" has generated excitement and criticism from different
constituencies of the population. Continuing debates demonstrate that Malaysian
national identity remains unsettled.
Ethnic Relations
Malaysia's ethnic diversity is both a blessing and a source
of stress. The melange makes Malaysia one of the most cosmopolitan places on
earth, as it helps sustain international relationships with the many societies represented
in Malaysia: the Indonesian archipelago, the Islamic world, India, China, and
Europe. Malaysians easily exchange ideas and techniques with the rest of the
world, and have an influence in global affairs. The same diversity presents
seemingly intractable problems of social cohesion, and the threat of ethnic
violence adds considerable tension to Malaysian politics.
Festival Ramadhan ( 01 Jun 2014 – 30 Jun 2014 )
Celebrated in honour of the Muslim fasting month, this
festival features a variety of religious programs such as Terawih Perdana at
Dataran Merdeka (Terawih prayers); festive shopping, Tilawah & Khatam
Al-Quran (Quran Recital) in Kelantan; Islamic tourism (ITC), bazaar Ramadhan,
Forum Perdana Ramadhan, Performance by Embassies, International Imams and many
more.
Venue
Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur
Organiser
Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia (MOTAC)
Penang Durian Fair ( 01 Jun 2014 – 31 Jul 2014 )
Durian lovers should not miss the Penang Durian Fair where
the King of Fruits is featured as the main item. Savour fresh durians
categorised according to grades as well as sumptuous delicacies made from
durians. Although it is an acquired taste for the uninitiated, this
controversial fruit will win the hearts of those who are brave enough to try!
Venue
Anjung Indah, Balik Pulau & Penang Times Square
Organiser
Penang Tourism Development & Culture Office
Level 53, KOMTAR, George Town, 10503 Penang
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