ebrochureMalaysia

E-Brochure MALAYSIA TRAVEL GUIDE

About Malaysia

Situated in the midst of the Asia Paciﬁc region, Malaysia enjoys a strategic location and a year-round tropical climate. With 13 states, three Federal Territories and a population that currently stands at more than 28 million, Malaysia combines the best of Asia and is well known for its diverse cultural landscape, which includes three of Asia’s oldest civilizations – Malay, Chinese and Indian and the unique ethnic communities of Sabah and Sarawak.

The country is multi-ethnic and multi-cultural, which plays a large role in its politics. About half the population is ethnically Malay, with large minorities of Malaysian Chinese, Malaysian Indians, and indigenous peoples. While recognizing Islam as the country's established religion, the constitution grants freedom of religion to non-Muslims. The government system is closely modelled on the Westminster parliamentary system and the legal system is based on common law. The head of state is the king, known as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. He is an elected monarch chosen from the hereditary rulers of the nine Malay states every five years. The head of government is the Prime Minister. The country's official language is Malaysian, a standard form of the Malay language. English remains an active second language.

To know Malaysia is to love Malaysia - a bubbling, bustling melting-pot of races and religions where Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other ethnic groups live together in peace and harmony. Our multiculturalism has made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise and home to hundreds of colourful festivals. It's no wonder that we love celebrating and socializing. As a people, Malaysians are very relaxed, warm and friendly.

Nature & Animals

Children enjoy the great outdoors. All the National Parks and Recreational Parks are fun places for children to explore and get some exercise.

Kenyir Elephant Conservation Village is an alternative place to ride, feed and bathe elephants. Zoos are always a favourite and Zoo Negara is probably the best one in the country but there are also good zoos in Melaka and Taiping. At Farm In The City on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, children can pet cuddly animals and see exotic species in a Malaysian village themed setting. Over in Sabah, the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary is a good place for children to see orang utans in a more natural setting.

Aquaria in KLCC is an impressive state-of-the-art aquarium. While you are there you must see the Petronas Twin Towers located just a short walk away. Another aquarium attraction is The Shore Oceanarium in Melaka where kids can enjoy a fun and educational outing getting to know sea and river creatures. Pusat Ikan Hiasan is a marine conservation centre in Port Dickson where kids can see baby turtles up close and a great selection of sea creatures in spotlessly clean tanks. What's more admission is free! Speaking of Port Dickson, the family is sure to enjoy to PD Ostrich Show Farm where there are plenty of animals and activities to keep the kids amused.

The KL Bird Park is one of many attractions. It claims to have the world's largest free-flight walk-in aviary. Melaka Bird Park has another impressive aviary. A stone's throw away from KL Bird Park is the Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park where you can wander through a steamy rain forest environment and watch thousands of spectacular butterflies fluttering freely under cavernous netting.

If you go to Cameron Highlands, Penang or Melaka you will find similar butterfly parks. The mangrove swamps around Kuala Selangor are home to a number of firefly colonies whose glowing, twinkling abdomens put on a nightly show for visitors. Once every two years MAHA Agricultural Show is a good place for kids to learn about agriculture and there are fun activities for children too.

Batu Caves is an easily accessible place for kids to experience a massive limestone cave which also houses several Hindu shrines.

Hari Merdeka Celebration

Hari Merdeka (Malaysian for Independence Day), also known as Hari Kebangsaan (National Day) is the official independence day of Malaysia, to commemorate the Malayan Declaration of Independence on 31 August 1957. The day is marked by official and unofficial ceremonies and observances.

The effort for independence was spearheaded by Tunku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, who led a delegation of ministers and political leaders of Malaya in negotiationswith the British in London for Merdeka, or independence along with the first president of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) Tun Dato Sir Tan Cheng Lock and fifth President of Malaysian Indian Congress Tun V. T. Sambanthan.

Once it became clear that the Communist threat posed during the Malayan Emergency was petering out, agreement was reached on 8 February 1956, for Malaya to gain independence from the British Empire. On 31 August 1957, at Stadium Merdeka (Independence Stadium), in Kuala Lumpur, which was purposely built for the celebrations of national independence day. On the night of 30 August 1957, gathered at the Merdeka Square (Padang Merdeka) in Kuala Lumpur to witness the handover of power from the British. Prime Minister-designate Tunku Abdul Rahman arrived at 11:58 p.m. and joined members of the Alliance Party's youth divisions in observing two minutes of darkness. On the stroke of midnight, the lights were switched back on, and the Union Flag in the square was lowered. The new Flag of Malaya was raised as the national anthem Negaraku was played. On the morning of 31 August 1957, the festivities moved to the newly completed Merdeka Stadium. More than 20,000 people witnessed the ceremony, which began at 9:30 am. Those in attendance included rulers of the Malay states, foreign dignitaries, members of the federal cabinet, and citizens. Tunku proceeded to read the Proclamation of Independence, which culminated in the chanting of "Merdeka!" seven times with the crowd joining in. The ceremony continued with the raising of the National Flag of Malaya accompanied by the national anthem being played by a military band and a 21-gun salute, followed by an azan call and a thanksgiving prayer in honour of this great occasion.

Celebrating Hari Merdeka in Malaysia Cities and smaller places (Georgetown in Penang is one) throughout Malaysia have their own local celebrations for Hari Merdeka, however, Kuala Lumpur is undoubtedly the place to be! Squeeze into the crowd to watch the processions and fireworks. Each Independence Day in Malaysia is given a logo and theme, usually a slogan that promotes ethnic unity. Malaysia has an eclectic mix of Malay, Indian, and Chinese citizens with different cultures, ideologies, and religions. Building a sense of national unity is a reoccurring theme on Hari Merdeka. The Merdeka Parade Hari Merdeka is observed enthusiastically every August 31 with a massive celebration and parade known as the Merdeka Parade. Lots of politicians and VIPs take their turns at the microphone on stage, then the fun begins. A royal procession, cultural performances, military demonstration, intricate floats, sporting events, and other interesting diversions fill the day. Grab a flag and start waving it!The Merdeka Parade went on tour to different parts of Malaysia but regularly returns to Merdeka Square, where it all began.

From 2011 to 2017, the celebration was held at Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka) — not far from the Perdana Lake Gardens and Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur. In 2018, the parade was moved to Putra Square, a square in Putrajaya just south of the city. Ask any local where to find the parade this year. Get there in the morning (taking a train is the best way) or you may not find room to stand!

National Day Celebration 2019: 31 August 2019

The National Day celebration will once again be held at the administrative capital of Putrajaya with the theme “Sayangi Malaysiaku: Malaysia Bersih”

Venue: Putra Square Putrajaya, Precinct 3 Organiser: Ministry of Communications and Multimedia