NIGHTLIFE IN MALAYSIA

  Nightlife is concentrated in large cities, especially in Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Kuantan.

  In Kuala Lumpur the corner of Bukit Bintang is a must, from there we walk to the shopping centers Jalan Bukit Bintang Street and Star Hill Pavilion or where the supply of restaurants is generous and good design.

  If we want something we can approach more typical street Jalan Alor where the supply of Chinese restaurants overwhelm us.

 For something more relaxed, European-style restaurants have Changkat Bukit Bintang street, with Spanish supply included.

  KLCC Shopping Centre also has a plant highly recommended restaurants. The French Cafe Cafe-style restaurant is also a highly recommended option but is outside the circuit.

  For the tops we can direct the local Jalan P Ramlee Street near the Petronas, bars, drinks, girls and liberal environment.

  If we are looking for gay in the week we only have the album Blue Boy in a passage adjacent to the Grand Millennium Hotel. On Friday the appointment is at the Disco Frangipanni and Saturday you can visit the Market Place bar.

  Kota Kinabalu offers entertaining areas and places to enjoy the night, in front of Hotel Promenade can find different Bars and Restaurants animated, another area of ​​bars and drinks are located in the Hyatt Regency and vicinity. The offer is guaranteed with the gay Q Bar mixed environment, is located a few blocks further from, good music and decor.

  Kuching is small but it is not without nightlife, you should try the seafood specialties (seafood) in the many restaurants that we find in the city and beyond. Kuching Bay which has given a perfect atmosphere to enjoy the interesting bars typically decorated around the water. Live music and relaxed atmosphere. For those looking for more up behind bars Hilton dare after dinner.

  

Island of Borneo

  The region of Borneo known for its rich flora and fauna. The lifestyle in the state of Sarawak is very gentle and Bako National Park is an experience not to be missed, feel actually being in the jungle and the number of animals they will see the release fascinate.

  They can also live the experience of spending a few days with the tribes that still survive in the region and meet the descendants of the "Headhunters".

  In the state of Sabah will find a more bustling cities such as Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan where the presence of the Chinese community has been established on the banks and went into business is higher. However, it is essential to a visit to the Kinabalu National Park World Heritage Site since 2000 and with a wealth of spectacular wildlife. You can find unique orchid species in the world. A diving enthusiasts will be seduced by the idea of ​​visiting the island of Sipadan, Malaysia's only island located off the shelf and exceptional underwater walls.                                                                                                                 

Kuala Lumpur International Airport - KUL

  Notably, the Kuala Lumpur International Airport has two terminals separated but very close to each other about 55 miles from downtown. KLIA Kuala Lumpur International Airport and LCCT Low Cost Carrier Terminal, the first one contains the airline flights of flag and second flights of low cost especially of Air Asia. 

  The airport comunición between KLIA and the city can be done comfortably in about 35 minutes by fast train KLIA Express will leave us exchanger KL Sentral station.

  Move to the LCCT terminal is made more convenient with regular buses departing from KL Sentral, an hour's drive approx.

  The condition of roads is generally excellent throughout the country and drive on the left as the English.

  The rail line is good especially if you are going to move in and around the city. For the downtown area of ​​Kuala Lumpur is recommended or Sky Train Monorail, a quick and sure we get rid of traffic jams at rush hour, and we take all the attractions.

  Buses are another way to learn and move around on the peninsula and in Borneo. The main bus station in Kuala Lumpur called Puduraya Pudu located in Avda.

  Taxis have a bad reputation and it is difficult to find one in the rush hours, most are metered but always try to negotiate the price.

Malaysia´s location

                

     Location: South East Asia

        Malaysia is made ​​up of a peninsula and the northern part of the island of Borneo with regions of Sabah and Sarawak, also has many islands in its territory of a wide appeal.

     Bounded on the north with Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia and the Philippines south east.

Protocol you must follow to give gifts to people from Malaysia

Here are some general gift giving etiquette guidelines:

Gift giving to Malays:
• If you invited to someone's home for dinner, bring the hostess pastries or good quality chocolates.
• Never give alcohol.
• Don't give toy dogs or pigs to children.
• Don't give anything made of pigskin.
• Avoid white wrapping paper, because it symbolizes death.
• Avoid yellow wrapping paper, because it's the color of royalty.
• If you give food, it must be “halal” (meaning permissible for Muslims).
• Offer gifts with the right hand only or both hands if the item is large.
• Gifts are generally not opened when received.

Gift giving to Chinese:
• If you invited to someone's home, bring a small gift of fruit, sweets, or cakes, saying that it is for the children.
• A gift is traditionally refused before it's accepted to demonstrate that the recipient is not greedy.
• Don't give scissors, knives or other cutting utensils as they indicate a desire to sever the relationship.
• Flowers do not make good gifts as they are given to the sick and are used at funerals.
• Don't wrap gifts in white, blue, or black.
• Wrap the gifts in happy colours - red, pink, or yellow.
• Wrapping the gift is imperative.
• Never wrap a gift for a baby or decorate the gift in any way with a stork, as birds are the harbinger of death.
• It's best to give gifts in even numbers since odd numbers are unlucky.
• Gifts are generally not opened when received.

Gift giving to Indians:
• If you give flowers, avoid frangipani as they are used in funeral wreaths.
• Money should be given in odd numbers.
• Offer gifts with the right hand only or both hands if the item is large.
• Don't wrap gifts in white or black.
• Wrap gifts in red, yellow or green paper or other bright colors; these bring good fortune.
• Don't give leather products to a Hindu.
• Don't give alcohol unless you are certain the recipient drinks.
• Gifts are generally not opened when received.

The Iban people

  In Sarawak, there is a people called the Iban. They are the largest people group in Sarawak and are one of the main indigenous people groups in Brunei. 

  They live in longhouses called Rumah Panjai. Some have now abandoned the longhouse style of living. However, many still maintain ties to their ancestral longhouses.

  Farming is the main occupation of the Iban community, but not many are self-sufficient as they must buy additional food to supplement what they grow. Some still hunt wild animals in the jungle. 

  The Iban are traditionally animists (the belief in the existence of individual spirits that inhabit natural objects and phenomena), although the majority are now Christian, many continue to observe both Christian and traditional ceremonies, particularly during marriages or festivals. Many still hold strongly to their traditional rituals and beliefs, many of which integrate closely with rice planting and harvesting. 

 Significant festivals include the rice harvesting festival Gawai Dayak, the main festival for the Ibans. Other festivals include the bird festival Gawai Burong and the spirit festival Gawai Antu.

  For the majority of Ibans who are Christians, some Christian festivals such as Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, and other Christian festivals are also celebrated. Most Ibans are devout Christians and follow the Christian faith strictly.

  Despite the difference in faiths, Ibans of different faiths do help each other during Gawais and Christmas. Differences in faith is never a problem in the Iban community, the Ibans believe in helping and having fun together.

Religious issues in Malaysia

 In Malaysia there are many types of religions because of is established on the Constitution the religious freedom, but our official religion is the Islam. Most of the 70% of the Malaysian population is Muslim. 

 The Buddhism is in second place. Christians are in third place and after them are the Hindu and other Chinese faiths like Confucian and Taoist. There is a minimal part of the population which belongs to tribal and folk religions. Also there are other people who professed no faith. 

 Although the religious freedom is guaranteed, this is an issue among the people because the Constitucion proclaims the Islam as the religion of the federation, define Malays as Muslims, and limits the "propagation" of other faiths. The majority of Hindus face few restrictions on the practice of their religion. In 2005, state and local governments started to demolish Hindu temples to make way for other development projects, claiming that the temples were located on government lands. 

 There are many times when Christians are usually being accused of trying to convert Muslims to Christianity. This is punishable by arrest.

Amira

One of the main features of Malay culture is the celebration of its many festivals and celebrations that take place every year.

    Malaysia has a large diversity of cultures, visiting Malaysia is a true Asian experience. A fusion of the three oldest civilizations in the world, Malaya, China and India.

    Throughout the year there are important and colorful event, which is a good opportunity to take into account the dates when planning our itinerary.

    The feasts and festivals, some are religious and solemn, while others are events with adrenaline and excitement.

     One of the traditions when you're in the midst of a Malaysian celebration is the "open house" where the Malays are their friends in houses with traditional foods and abundant.

CALENDAR OF FESTIVALS

Thaipusam: performed in the month of January at the Batu Caves in Selangor or Penang. We were impressed by the large number of devotees carrying Kavadis or ornate frames as a sacrifice.

The Chinese New Year: performed in the month of February, all Malaysia is delighted with the Chinese New Year. Malaysians tend to gather the whole family in one of the houses with the table full of delicious traditional dishes.

Malaysia Water Festival: this festival is held between April and May, around the country. This is great diversity of water-related activities.

Tadau Ka'amatan: is held every 39 and 31 May. These days are offered thanksgiving to the spirit of padi, Bambaazon by the Kadazandusun in Sabah. Here abundant rice wine, traditional dances.

Wesak: in the month of May in Buddhist temples around Malaysia, made religious offerings and rituals such as bathing of Buddha, candle lighting incense and chanting sutras.

Colours of Malaysia: the months of May and June takes place this event with a colorful parade showing the cultural diversity of Malaysia.

Gawai: 1 and June 2 in Sarawak all Ibanes, Orang Ulu and Bidayuh celebrate the feast of the harvest with ceremonies and traditional dances in different communal homes.

The Festival of Food and Fruits: takes place in July. The festival lasts all month, and is the best opportunity to taste the tempting delights such as traditional Malaysian satay and nasi lemak, such as tropical fruits and desserts.

Independence Day: August 31 every Malaysians from all over the world celebrate Merdeka Day or Independence Day.

Lantern Festival and Moon Cake: In September, this festival happened to be a symbol of celebration of peace and prosperity. It is a beauty to admire the exhibition of lanterns of all colors while enjoying moon cakes.

Deepavali: performed in the month of November. All Hindus celebrate the festival of lights adorning each house with oil lamps, ceremonial prayers at various temples and ritual morning bath.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri: November is the holy month of Ramadan which culminates with the celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri for the entire Muslim culture. It made the morning prayers in mosques and family gatherings.

Christmas: Cristina culture of Malaysia attended the Mass and get together with family and friends.

Another Dish 

NEMS - SPRING ROLLS OF VIETNAM - A UNIQUE FLAVOR, A UNIVERSAL LOVE.

  If you have to define and describe Vietnamese food in dishes, Vietnamese spring rolls and Hanoi beef soup, called Pho, stand as symbols of culinary quintessential food of Vietnam. There are rolls of China, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia but this is different because it is made with rice paper, the only other paper using corn or wheat. Therefore, the flavor and texture out crisp and tasty, different than others.

Ingredients:

 1 carrot

 3 gm of Chinese mushrooms (tree-ear type)

 5 gm of cellophane noodles

 400 gm minced pork

 Salt 1 click

 Rice paper

 Lettuce

 Mint leaves

 Dipping sauce (Nuoc Cham)

1. Soak mushrooms in warm water and cellophane. Allow 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.

2. Chop and toss them into the ground meat.

3. Cut the carrots into thin strips. Pour half the ground beef.

4. Putting together the fish sauce, sugar and pepper and sugar move and disappear. Throw in minced meat.

5. Pour egg into well and move the meat until the meat is wet egg complement.

6. Fill the hot water a large bowl, thoroughly wet rice paper one at a time and place on a flat surface. Leave until soft (30 seconds).

7. Place a teaspoon of meat in the paper, fold and roll to form a roll. Repeat until you run out of meat.

 you can eat it now.

Recreation

Many rivers Malaysians have great amenity value as they provide a variety of opportunities for outdoor activities. For the adventurous, the Rajang River rapids Pelagus in Sarawak and the Padas river, Tuaran and Papar in Sabah is popular for whitewater rafting rafting (Figure 23), while Nenggiri in Kelantan River and the river Tembeling in Pahang are favorite locations for kayaking and canoeing. Recreational fishing is also gaining popularity, as well as the scenic hiking to many waterfalls in the mountains. The rivers also are traditional areas of play for children in rural communities (Figure 23). This type of river is so popular for people that love adventures.  

Figure 23. Water rafting rafting as a recreational activity (Mustafa Begham Firuza photo).

Figure 24. Traditional areas of play (photo Firuza Begham Mustafa).

Physical Geography of Malaysia

Malaysia is located just north of Ecuador and includes Peninsular Malaysia, which is the southernmost tip of Asia, and the Malaysian states Sabah and Sarawak, East Malaysia called on the island of Borneo.

Among the major rivers in Peninsular Malaysia, Sungai Perak are rivers (390 km), Sungai Selangor (80 km) and Sungai Muar (190 km), flowing into the Straits of Malacca and Sungai Kelantan river (250 km) and Sungai Pahang (500 km), flowing into the South China Sea. In East Malaysia, the two main rivers are Sungai Rajang in Sarawak and Sungai Kinabatangan in Sabah. The longest river in Malaysia, Sungai Rajang is (760 km), and the second longest river in Sungai Kinabatangan is (560 km), which drains much of the state of Sabah. The Golok River serves as the international border between Malaysia and Thailand, while some other rivers, including Perak, Selangor and Pahang Malay form boundaries between states.

In general, rivers in Malaysia are flowing as a result of high rainfall and still retain a primitive and natural in most of its route, especially in the upstream reaches. Typically, the sources of the rivers originate in mountainous forest areas, and along its course, the rivers exhibit distinct changes ranging from high-energy fluvial systems to systems of low-energy meander.

Area source typical mountain river (photo by Firuza Begham Mustafa).

Area of low energy estuaries Sungai Kelantan River (photo by Firuza Begham Mustafa)

The Malaysian government

  The base of the government administration in Malaysia is the Parliamentary Democracy with a Constitutional Monarch. The head of government is His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Supreme Head of the country and is also the Supreme Commander of the Malaysian Armed Forces. 

 His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong is elected every five years by the Conference of Rulers in accordance with the procedure spelt out in the Third Schedule of the Federal Constitution and the rules of the Conference of Rulers. 

 The Federal Constitution demarcates the separation of governing powers among the Executive, Judicial and Legislative authorities. 

• Executive Authority, or the authority to rule, is vested in the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. 

• Legislative Authority or the power to make laws at the Federal level is vested in the Parliament, which comprises the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the Senate and the House of Representatives. 

• Judicial power in Malaysia is vested in the Superior Courts (comprising the Federal Court, the Special Court, the Court of Appeal, the High Court of Malaya and the High Court of Sabah and Sarawak); and Subordinate Courts (comprising the Sessions Court, the Magistrates’ Court, the Syariah Court, the Juvenile Court, the Penghulu Court and Native Court) as provided for by the Federal Law. The Head of the Judiciary is the Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Malaysia. The Federal Court has the jurisdiction to determine the validity of any law made by Parliament or by a State legislature.

Rukunegara

  Every nation has a body of ideas about its reality, oriented for development of the country. In Malaysia the body of guidelines in order to seek the preservation of the society is called Rukunegara. The Rukunegara is the national ideology in our country, it's like the Malaysian philosophy. 

  In 1969, Malaysia had serious race riots. Many people died in that incident, therefore, the Malaysian government proclaimed on August 31, 1970, by His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong IV, this declaration in reaction to the riots. The pledge of the Rukunegara is: 

“Our Nation, Malaysia is dedicated to: Achieving a greater unity for all her people; maintaining a democratic way of life; creating a just society in which the wealth of the nation shall be equitably distributed; ensuring a liberal approach to her rich and diverse cultural tradition, and building a progressive society which shall be oriented to modern science and technology".

  The Rukunegara is one of the way for keeping the unity in Malaysia. It's got five principles:

1. Belief in God
2. Loyalty to King and Country
3. Upholding the Constitution
4. Sovereignty of the Law, and
5. Good Behaviour and Morality

  It's a rule for primary and secondary public schools in Malaysia to recite the pledge weekly during a compulsory assembly. The readin of the pledge is after to singing the antional anthem "Negaraku" (My Homeland or My Country). The Rukunegara can be found behind the cover of every exercise book that is typically used by primary and secondary Malaysian public school students.

Amira

Traditional clothes of Malaysia

Malay women wear the Baju Kurung and Malay men wear the Baju Melayu with a songkok on the head. Alternatively, the men wear batik shirts with trousers.

The Baju Kurung, is the Pahang traditional Malay costume for women. It is an elegant and sweet dress. They put on the Baju Kurung not only when attending formal and ceremonial occasions, but also for the office. So, to the Muslim women, the Baju Kurung also fits and conforms with the Islamic requirement to enclose the body.

The Baju Melayu is a traditional Malay outfit for men. Consists of two main parts. The first being the baju (long sleeved shirt) itself which has a raised stiff collar known as the cekak musang collar (literally fox's lease). The second part is the trousers. The two parts are made out of the same type of fabric which is usually silk, cotton, or a mixture of polyester and cotton. Malaysian men usually wear the shirt for general religious occasions, such as visiting the mosque or for a religious gathering. Some companies allow their male workers to wear Baju Melayu on Fridays.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong

On December 13th, 2011; was enthroned the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam for the second time in Malaysia. It was a ceremony in the yellow carpet throne room of the new hilltop palace in Kuala Lumpur. Sultan Abdul Halim’s speech, where he called for equality in the multi-ethnic and multi-religious country. Malaysia is 60 percent Muslim, followed by Buddhists and Christians. It also has Malay, Chinese and Indian populations.

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park

The Kuala Lumpur Bird Park (Malay: Taman Burung Kuala Lumpur) is a 20.9-acre (8.5 ha) public aviary in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is a popular tourist attraction in the country, receiving an annual average of 200,000 visitors. It is located adjacent to the Lake Gardens. The Bird Park houses more than 3000 birds representing more than 200 species in an enclosed aviary. 90% are local birds and 10% were imported from overseas. The bird park is part of the 60-hectare (150-acre) Lake Gardens, which were established in 1888. In addition to the 20.9-acre (8.5 ha) bird park, which was created in 1991, the gardens include an artificial lake, the National Monument, a Butterfly House, Orchid and Hibiscus gardens, and the former Malaysia Parliament House. Bird-watching is a common activity here where the flora and fauna is rich. The Kuala Lumpur Bird Park has earned a reputation among those who are keen on the study of birds in their natural habitat. Some of them include research scientists who monitor bird nests for the study of behavioral patterns.

I love Kuala lumpur because there are beautiful architecture, there are beautiful culture, modern shopping centers, the nature is amazing. his art full of colors and shades and of course the friendliness of its people. welcome to kuala lumpur malaysia I hope you like my country my great paradise.

FAMOUS TEMPLES

WAT CHAYAMANGKALARAM

The wat houses a buddha chayamangkalaram lying (with your head to the north and resting on his right hand, ie in position reaching enlightenment or nirvana). The buddha is about 33 meters long, and guides as always, say it is the third longest in the world. 

(MALAYSIA) PENANG WAT CHAYAMANGKALARAM, 33M 

I do not understand this mania for the record, if the site is already quite impressive on its own without comparing it with the rest. Or is that to attain Nirvana length matter? 

Anyway, as I said, there is an interesting concentration of temples in the area, making it a must visit if you are there, regardless of the length of the Buddhas. 

For example, right next to the reclining Buddha earlier this interesting temple is a style I would call "very Thai": 

SMALL TEMPLE "VERY THAI" WITH WAT CHAYAMANGKALARAM 

Also in this area is the impressive Dharmikarama Burmese temple. As this Buddha boasts high, do not know how to measure, but the site is also highly recommended (and has a floor so clean you could eat on it and no plate). 

DHARMIKARAMA BURMESE TEMPLE, RIGHT IN FRONT OF WAT CHAYAMANGKALARAM 

And changing the style, somewhat west of wat is the arulmigu chayamangkalaram thandayuthapani, built and maintained by the nattukkottai chettiar, who came from india, and dedicated to karttikeya, who is the son of the god shiva and goddess parvati and has six heads (poor, what headaches). it is important because once a year hosts the thaipusam, a major celebration of the tamil community. its interior is much more ornate than that of the buddhist temples, but if you walk in you get a free red tilak on the forehead made ​​with a dust or ash called vibhuti, and that makes walking down the street all you hindus go waving your hands together and bowing his head (i swear).

Mahatir

Beaches in Malaysia are a good choice

LANGKAWI, BEST BEACHES IN MALAYSIA 

   Blessed with miles of white sandy beaches and green fields, the island of Langkawi in Malaysia is a haven of peace and tranquility, an ideal place for shopping, partying at night and enjoy its markets outdoors. 

Langkawi's beaches are famous not only among the Malays, but among all the tourists in the world. They really are the best in Malaysia. Most of the archipelago's 99 islands are uninhabited, but yet many of them have developed a significant tourism that makes them worth visiting. 

   The most popular tourist destination Pantai, just 25 kilometers from Kuah Town. Most resorts are concentrated on this island, along with shops, nightlife and attractions. Pantai is known for its three miles of impressive stretch of beach, along which line up their tents and clothing stalls and souvenirs, trinkets and handicrafts. 

   Another of the beautiful beaches of Langkawi is the Pantai Tengah. It extends along Pantai, but only one kilometer. This beach is much quieter than its predecessor, ideal for those who do not wish so much noise. There are excellent hotels along the coast and a very good selection of places to eat. Here's nightlife is not as bustling as in Pantai.

Mahatir

Malaysian bloggers :)

Hi everyone! A few days ago, each of us made a video talking about Malaysia. These are some pictures that we took: 

Sharifah:

Sharifah Amani

Sharifah is an actress. She's 26. Sharifah works in one of the most important Malaysian channels: TV Sabah. Actually, she's filming a TV novel for that channel. She is a fashion girl and she loves cooking. The best dish she prepares is Sheng Rou Mian.

Archana:

Archana Hamdani

Archana is married, she's got a daugther, her name's Lula. Archana studies at Universiti Kuala Lumpur (University of Kuala Lumpur). She's 25 years old. She is a very responsible person; she always gives you help when you need advice. Archana is a great person. 

Mahatir:

Mahatir Bin Mohamed

Mahatir is a English teacher at Pahang High School. He's 29 years old and he lives in Pahang. He likes languages; he speaks English, Spanish and he is learning French. Mahatir is single, he is waiting for the right person to share his life with her. 

Amira:

Amira Hamit

Amira is 20 years old and she studies Microbiology at University of Malaya. She lived in Marudi, now she is living in Kuala Lumpur. She likes reading and she loves playing the piano. Amira hates racism and violent people.




Well, these are us, the Malaysian bloggers. See you!

Amira

The main tourist attraction in Malaysia: Petronas Towers

The Petronas Towers, also known as the Petronas Twin Towers are twin skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur. They were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004 until surpassed by Taipei 101, but remain the tallest twin buildings ever built, surpassing the World Trade Center. The building is the landmark of Kuala Lumpur with nearby Kuala Lumpur Tower.

SHARIFAH

Nasi Lemak and Recipe

Nasi Lemak is the national dish of Malaysia. It's eaten any time. If you are a citizen of Malaysia, you'll eat Nasi Lemak at breakfast, lunch, dinner...... Any time of the day!

It's cooked in coconut milk, with pandan leaves and even ginger or a stalk of lemon grass. 

Nasi Lemak is available on almost every street corner and in almost every local-themed restaurant, served with everything from chicken to beef to cuttlefish. 

INGREDIENTS:

Nasi Lemak: 

1 cup rice 

3 screwpine (or pandan) leaves 

salt to taste 

1 grated coconut 

Preparation: 

Clean the rice and drain. Squeeze out 2 cups of thick coconut milk with screwpine leaves. Add in salt. If you desire, you can also add in some sliced shallots and ginger. Serve this rice with sliced hard-boiled eggs, cucumber and sambal ikan bilis.

SHARIFAH  

Malasian festivals

   Malaysia is a country that has an ancient history. We have spent wars and other conflicts that made us the nation who we are now. Today we celebrate our national identity through dates that commemorate the events of our nation:

• Chinese New Year: Chinese New Year falls on different dates each year, a date between January 21 and February 20, because the Chinese follow the Lunar Calendar. Is celebrated over a period of 15 days, beginning from the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar. It is a joyful occasion marked by family reunions, giving of red packets by parents to their children or among relatives and well wishers.

• Thaipusam: Thaipusam is the first Indian festival in the year in Malaysia. Although the festival is celebrated all over the country, the best places to enjoy the festival are the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur and around the Waterfall temple in Penang. Thaipusam always take place in January, early February as the festival follows the Lunar calendar.

• The Independence Day, in Malay Hari Merdeka. This holiday is in August 31. This day, we commemorate the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule, celebrated on August 31 (1957). The Merdeka starts off with a grand parade. These events will take place in Kuala Lumpur.

• Hari Raya Aidilfitri: Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the time when you can meet the King and Queen of Malaysia personally. This is your chance to shake hands with them, as well as take pictures  at the Istana Negara (the Royal palace)  the official residence of the King. Malaysians have this great tradition which is called "open-house", a warm showing of what is known as Malaysian hospitality. Doors are opened to friends and foes. It does not even matter if you do not know your hosts! Just wish them Selamat Hari Raya and enjoy the glorious feast prepared for this celebration. Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the most joyful of Muslim celebrations celebrated after Ramadhan, the fasting month. This is also the time when Muslims working in the towns and cities make an exodus for their kampung or villages.

Amira