Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the state of Sabah on Borneo. With an estimated population of 532,129 in the city and 700,000 in the urban area, it is the largest urban centre in Sabah and the sixth largest in Malaysia. It is located close to Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South-East Asia.

Langkawi

Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, some 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia. The islands are a part of Malaysia’s Kedah state, but are adjacent to the Thai border. By far the largest of the islands is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi with a population of some 45,000. The island is a declared duty-free zone.

Hawker Stalls in Penang
Public Holiday
Wesak
borneo,peninsula,Public Holiday, May,19 2008

Wesak Day 2008 Celebration

The Buddhists celebrate the day with religious offerings and rituals which usually occur in Buddhist temples. Grand processions take place during the night in cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Seremban, Melaka and Penang.



Festival
Colours of Malaysia 2008
Kuala Lumpur,peninsula,Festivals, May,24 2008

Putrajaya
http://www.coloursofmalaysia.com.my/

On 24th May 2008 at the Putrajaya's Palace of Justice, Malaysia celebrates its 10th anniversary of ‘Colours of Malaysia’ or Citrawarna with an explosive night of fun, flair and flavours. Creative lightshows and dazzling displays of fireworks dapple the vast canvas of the evening sky as a host of dancers parade the length of Persiaran Perdana at Putrajaya promoting their ethnicity, culture and traditions proudly.
Pre-show will commence at 5.00pm while the main event will take centre stage at 8.30pm and Post-show will start from 10.30pm onwards.



Misc
Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival
borneo,peninsula,Misc, May,24 2008 - Aug,03 2008

Throughout Malaysia
Grab the opportunity to enjoy astounding discounts and special offers during Malaysia's biggest annual sale carnival.



Festival
26th Kelantan International Kite Festival 2008
Kota Bharu,peninsula,Festivals, May,24 2008 - May,27 2008

Pantai Geting, Tumpat, Kelantan

Kelantan Tourism Association
Tel: 609 743 2457

The international event sees participation from countries such as Germany, United States, Britain, France, Australia, Netherlands, Japan, China, Thailand Singapore and Brunei. There are 11 types of kites (locally known as Wau),to be competed in three competition categories of local, national and international level. The festival will also feature expo and sales carnival, fishing competition, cultural performances, water sports and many others.



Festival
Gawai Dayak Festival
borneo,Kuching,Miri,Festivals, Jun,01 2008

Throughout Sarawak
Tel: 6082 423 600
http://www.sarawaktourism.com

Gawai Dayak is a harvest festival celebrated by the state's indigenous people, particularly the Ibans and Bidayuhs, in their tradional costumes. It features the ethnics' traditional music and dance performances. There are also ceremonial offerings of various local delicacies and "tuak", a home made rice wine for the god of the rice and prosperity.



Festival
Flavours of Malaysia or Citrarasa
Kuala Lumpur,peninsula, Jun,06 2008 - Jun,08 2008

Flavours of Malaysia or Citrarasa will be held from 6th June till 8th June at the Titiwangsa Lake Garden in Kuala Lumpur, and will then be celebrated across the nation. The closing event will take place on 20 June 2008 in Miri, Sarawak.
Citrarasa aims to introduce a wide variety of delicious authentic local cuisine and selection of exotic fruits from the different states of Malaysia.



Sports Event
Ipoh Open International Run
Ipoh,peninsula,Sports Event, Jun,06 2008

Dataran Ipoh, Perak
Ipoh City Council
Tel: 605 241 3733

The 21km course is an opportunity for both participants and observers to enjoy the city's varied landscapes and cultures.



Public Holiday
Birthday of SPB Yang di-Pertuan Agong
borneo,peninsula,Public Holiday, Jun,07 2008

Celebrating the King's birthday



Misc
23rd Sabah Dragon Boat Race 2008
borneo,Kota Kinabalu,Misc, Jun,15 2008

Kota Kinabalu
Tel: 6088 232 121 / 260 431
http://www.sabahtourism.com

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.



Sports Event
Japan GT 2008
Kuala Lumpur,peninsula,Sports Event, Jun,17 2008 - Jun,22 2008

Sepang International Circuit, Sepang, Selangor
Tel: 603 8778 2222

http://www.malaysiangp.com

The high profile and most popular racing series in Japan is brought to the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.



Sports Event
Penang Bridge Marathon
Penang,peninsula,Sports Event, Jun,22 2008

Penang Bridge, Penang
Tel: 604 262 0202

The annual marathon will take place over the third longest bridge in the world and along the island's scenic coastal highway.



Festival
Fiesta San Pedro
Melaka,peninsula,Festivals, Jun,23 2008 - Jun,29 2008

Portuguese Settlement, Melaka
JKK Portuguese Settlement
Tel: 606 281 560 / 262 0202 / 6016 611 1684

Fiesta San Pedro or Feast of Saint Peter is a major annual celebration for the Portuguese community in Melaka. It is celebrated with traditional games, cultural performances, food fair and best decorated boat contest.



Festival
Rainforest World Music Festival 2008
borneo,Kuching,Festivals, Jul,11 2008 - Jul,13 2008

Sarawak Cultural Village, Santubong, Kuching
http://www.rainforestmusic-borneo.com

Musicians from around the world will gather to perform diverse ethnic music in a living museum known as Sarawak Cultural Village.



Sports Event
Port Dickson International Triathlon 2008
peninsula,Sports Event, Jul,12 2008 - Jul,13 2008

Admiral Marina & Leisure Club, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Tel: 606 765 9870 / 647 0888
http://www.admiralmarina.com.my

Port Dickson International Triathlon 2008 will 1000 participants from 30 countries to compete in marathon, swimming and cycling.



Misc
Pesta Nasi 100 & 100 Kueh Mueh Kelantan
Kota Bharu,peninsula,Misc, Jul,12 2008 - Jul,14 2008

Stadium Sultan Mohammad IV, Kota Bharu, Kelantan
Tel: 609 743 2457

The annual Pesta Nasi 100 & 100 Kuih Mueh offers visitors a unique experience to savour the different tastes of rice culinary and delicacies in the state of Kelantan. A Malaysia Books Of Records attempt, the international event will feature 100 participants from the Asean region to compete in gastronomy. Traditional performances such as Dikir Barat and others will also be showcased during the period.



Festival
Malaysia Flora Fest
Kuala Lumpur,peninsula,Festivals, Jul,18 2008 - Aug,03 2008

Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Klang Valley
Ministry of Tourism
Tel: 603 2693 7111
http://www.motour.gov.my

Floral Run (Florathon)
Jul 20 Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur

Floral Parade
Jul 26 Putrajaya Boulevard, Putrajaya

Static Display of Floats
Jul 26 - 28 Putrajaya

Floral Photography Exhibition
Jun 28 - Jul 14

Witness splendid display of flower as Putrajaya transforms into a veritable paradise of breathtaking, colourful blossoms. Themed as "Colours of Harmony", the event will feature Floral Parade which showcases beautifully decorated floats from nationwide and the neighbouring countries. Bazaars, competitions, exhibitions and workshops are also available.



Festival
KL Samrah Festival 2008 - 1st weekend
Kuala Lumpur,peninsula,Festivals, Jul,18 2008 - Jul,19 2008

Bintang Walk, Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur Tourism Action Council
Tel: 603 2617 6272
http://www.kualalumpur.gov.my

The event showcases Arabian music and concerts at Bintang Walk to welcome the arrival of Middle Eastern tourist to Malaysia, happening in four weekend and eight nights.



Sports Event
Genting World Lion Dance Championships
Kuala Lumpur, Jul,18 2008 - Jul,20 2008

Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands
Genting - City of Entertainment
Tel: 603 6101 1118
http://www.genting.com.my

The event be held at the Arena of Stars, the for the one and only gathering of the world's best lion dance troupes, competing for the coveted title of "The World Lion King".



Sports Event
Perak International Sky Dive
Ipoh, Jul,19 2008 - Jul,20 2008

Ipoh, Perak
Aero Club Pera
Tel: 605 312 7359

The event will feature local participants from Selangor and Kelantan as well as internationl professional sky divers from Singapore, Australia and United States.



Festival
KL Samrah Festival 2008 - 2nd weekend
Kuala Lumpur, Jul,25 2008 - Jul,26 2008

Bintang Walk, Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur Tourism Action Council
Tel: 603 2617 6272
http://www.kualalumpur.gov.my

The event showcases Arabian music and concerts at Bintang Walk to welcome the arrival of Middle Eastern tourist to Malaysia, happening in four weekend and eight nights.



Festival
KL Samrah Festival 2008 - 3rd weekend
Kuala Lumpur, Aug,01 2008 - Aug,02 2008

Bintang Walk, Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur Tourism Action Council
Tel: 603 2617 6272
http://www.kualalumpur.gov.my

The event showcases Arabian music and concerts at Bintang Walk to welcome the arrival of Middle Eastern tourist to Malaysia, happening in four weekend and eight nights.



Sports Event
Sarawak Regatta
Kuching, Aug,01 2008 - Aug,03 2008

Kuching Waterfront, Kuching, Sarawak
Kuching Resident Office
Tel: 6082 243 301

The state's expert boatmen take up their paddles to prove their prowess for the event with jet ski and kayak races to add the fast paced action.



Festival
KL Samrah Festival 2008 - 4th weekend
Kuala Lumpur, Aug,08 2008 - Aug,09 2008

Bintang Walk, Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur Tourism Action Council
Tel: 603 2617 6272
http://www.kualalumpur.gov.my

The event showcases Arabian music and concerts at Bintang Walk to welcome the arrival of Middle Eastern tourist to Malaysia, happening in four weekend and eight nights.



Festival
Malaysia International Fireworks Competition
Kuala Lumpur, Aug,15 2008 - Aug,30 2008

Putrajaya
Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia
Tel: 603 2693 7111
http://www.motour.gov.my
Malaysia International Fireworks Competition

Watch the sky being lighted up impressive fireworks displays. The competition features various countries vying to create a grand theatre of pyrotechnics.



Sports Event
TM 22nd Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon 2008
Kota Kinabalu, Aug,23 2008 - Aug,24 2008

Kinabalu Park, Sabah
Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 6088 232 121
http://www.sabahtourism.com

Known as the "The World's Toughest Mountain Race", TM 22nd Mount Kinabalu Internation Climbathon 2008 is a 21km run towars the peak of Mount Kinabalu and vice versa in three hours. The climbathon features Men, Women and Veteran Men categories.



Public Holiday
National Day (Merdeka)
borneo,peninsula,Public Holiday, Aug,31 2008

Celebrating 51 years of independence



Public Holiday
Hari Raya Puasa
Public Holiday, Oct,01 2008 - Oct,02 2008

celebrating the end of Ramadan.
The Dates are subject to confirmation
Also known as just "Hari Raya" or Aidilfitri"

A day to rejoice ater a month long fast, Muslims nationwide attend special morning prayers on Hair Raya Aidil Fitri. The then celebrate in colourful traditional attire, conducting open houses which offer array of food fare and cookies. Everyone is welcomed to celebrate in harmony and joyous mood.

More Infos about Hari Raya Puasa



Sports Event
FEI World Endurance Championship 2008
Kuala Terengganu, Oct,07 2008 - Nov,09 2008

Terengganu Internatinal Endurance Park, Setiu, Terengganu
Terengganu State Government / Sultan Mizan Royal Foundation / Arif Solutions Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 09 623 1957 / 03 7713 5585
http://www.tourism.terengganu.gov.my

Participated by nearly 15 countries, this competition test the endurance of competing horses in four categories. It is also the official trial race the FEI World Endurance 2008



Public Holiday
Deepavali
borneo,peninsula,Public Holiday, Oct,27 2008

A festival of lights, Deepavali is celebrated universally by Hindus with prayers and festivities conducted during the day. They hold open houses where family and friends visit and enjoy delicious traditional cuisines.

More Info on Deepavali



Sports Event
Darwin-Bali PD-Langkawi Yacht Rally 2008
peninsula, Nov,01 2008 - Nov,08 2008

Throughout Malaysia
Admiral Marinal & Leisure Club
Tel: 606 647 0888
http://www.admiralmarina.com.my



Festival
Malaysia International Gourmet Festival
Nov,01 2008 -

Throughout Malaysia
Tel: 03-2284 2388 / 2282 8028
http://www.migf.com

Savour an array of exquisite meals in this month-long festival! Touted as Malaysia's premier gastronomic event, this festival showcases Malaysia's finest restaurants and the exclusive menus they offers. It also brings to the limelight some of the world's best chefs



Sports Event
Taman Negara Eco Challenge
Taman Negara, Nov,08 2008 - Nov,09 2008

Gunung Tahan, Pahang
Taman Negara
Pahang Tourism Action Council
Tel: 609 517 1111 / 517 1112
http://www.pahangtourism.com.my

Competed by world's top runners, the event requires participants to ascend the 2,187 metre high Gunung Tahan.



Sports Event
Powerman Malaysia
Ipoh, Nov,09 2008

Lumut, Perak
Malakoff Berhad
Tel: 603 2263 3388
http://www.powerman.com.my/

An extreme international multi sports event, Powerman Malaysia incorporates cycling, running and swimming in a duration of five hours during the day. Participants with the fastest time will emerge as the winner.



Sports Event
Paintball World Cup Series Asia 2008
Kuala Terengganu, Nov,14 2008 - Nov,16 2008

Taman Awan Batu Buruk, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
Terengganu Tourism Action Council
Tel: 609 623 1957 / 626 2946

The event is a wold class paintball championship endorsed by key paintball organisations from the United States and Europe besides other teams from Asia.



Sports Event
Monsoon Cup Terengganu 2008
Kuala Terengganu, Nov,27 2008 - Dec,01 2008

Kelab Teluk Warisan, Pulau Duyung, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
Terengganu State Government / T-Best Events Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: 609 624 6989 / 603 2142 2822
http://www.monsooncup.com.my/

Part of the prestigious Swedish Match Tour, the event will be competed by boatsailers around the world. Various activities have been lined up to promote the state's rich cultural heritage to commemorate the Monsoon Cup Terengganu 2008.



Misc
Genting International Magic Festival
Kuala Lumpur, Nov,28 2008 - Nov,30 2008

Genting Highlands Resort
Genting - City of Entertainment
Tel: 603 6101 1118
http://www.genting.com.my

The event will showcase the largest gathering of the best international magicians and illusionists in Malaysia.



Festival
Islanders Music and Dance Festival Langkawi 2008
Langkawi, Nov,28 2008 - Nov,30 2008

Langkawi, Kedah
Tourism Langkawi
Tel: 604 699 8080

Catch all the dynamic and enthralling performances from various island musical troupes and dance to pulsating rhythms.



Misc
Malaysia Year End Sale
Nov,29 2008 - Jan,04 2009

Throughout Malaysia
http://www.mymegasale.com/myes

The Malaysia Year End Sale is back with great discounts and bargains on a wide variety of merchandise. Wait no longer, this the time for ultimate shopping indulgence.



Festival
Penang International Lantern Festival
Penang, Dec,01 2008 - Dec,31 2008

Penang Auto-City Highway, Juru, Penang
Penang Tourism Action Council
Tel: 604 262 0202

The Penang International Lantern Festival is celebrated during the full moon featuring intricately designed lanterns with multiple motifs.



Festival
KL International Buskers’ Festival
Kuala Lumpur, Dec,01 2008 - Dec,31 2008

Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 603 2698 1033
http://www.malaysiabuskers.com

Watch wacky performers from various countries as they liven up the town with their antics.



Festival
Penang Island Jazz Festival
Penang, Dec,04 2008 - Dec,07 2008

The Bayview Beach Resort, Feringghi Beach, Penang
Capricorn Connection
Tel: 603 2093 4725
http://www.penangjazz.com/

The Penang Island Jazz Festival will showcase performances of over 50 local and international jazz artists.



Public Holiday
Hari Raya Qurban
Public Holiday, Dec,08 2008

also known as "Hari Raya Haji".

Celebrated about two months after Aidilfitri, on the 10th day of Zulhijah, the 12th month of the Muslim calendar, it marks the end of the haj pilgrimage period (about two weeks); hence the name Hari Raya Haji (festival of the pilgrimage).

More Info on Hari Raya Haji



Public Holiday
Christmas Day
borneo,peninsula,Public Holiday, Dec,25 2008



Public Holiday
Awal Muharram (Maal Hijrah)
borneo,peninsula,Public Holiday, Dec,29 2008

Celebrating the start of Muslim year or calendar, Muharram, coincides with Prophet Muhammad's journey from Mecca to Medina on the first of Muharram in 622AD.





STORIES
Interview with long-term hostel guest John Mansfield
by:

Automotive consultant John Mansfield from England has been a guest of Red Palm Hostel in Kuala Lumpur since August 2006, on and off. I sat down with him to talk about his vision to set up a Motorsports University at the Sepang F1 Circuit, what he likes about Malaysia, travelling the country and his outlook to the upcoming Grand Prix.
BOOK HOSTELS
RANDOM LINKS
Malaysiakini.com
independent online news magazine
AirAsia.com
Malaysian budget airline for south-east Asia
WWF Malaysia
environmental conservation organisation
DiscoverMalaysia.biz
Discover Malaysia - the backpacker's trail (documentary)
hmetro.com.my/
malay newspaper

see all links
Things to do & see
Kuala Lumpur, Masjid Jamek

Masjid Jamek is the oldest mosques in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is located at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak River and was designed by Arthur Benison Hubback. ... more
Penang, Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple & Wat Chayamangkalaram

Penangs first Buddhist temple. Construction started in 1905. Opposite of it is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha with a 33m-long reclining Buddha ... more
RANDOM GALLERY PHOTO
Kota Bahru
Batik Factory
PRESS ARTICLES
Malaysia documented “Discover Malaysia - the backpacker’s trail (The Star)

Malaysia truly features a melting pot of cultures with multi-ethnic traditions and culinary diversity. In line with Visit Malaysia 2007, film director Michael Chick has produced a TV series that focuses on the country’s rich heritage, culture and nature.  Chick was inspired to produce the independent series after hearing complaints from tourists about how fake some Malaysian tourism advertisements looked.

documentary, backpacker, micheal chick, discover malaysia

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

2007:
8.Nov - Deepavali
20.Dec - Hari Raya Qurban
25.Dec - Christmas Day

2008:
1 January (Tues) New Year’s Day
10 January (Thurs) Awal Muharam (Maal Hijrah)
7 & 8 February(Thurs & Fri) Chinese New Year
20 March (Thurs) Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday
1 May (Thurs) Labour Day
19 May (Mon) Wesak Day
7 June (Sat) Birthday of SPB Yang di-Pertuan Agong
31 August (Sun) National/Merdeka Day
1 & 2 October (Wed & Thurs) Hari Raya Puasa *
27 October (Mon) Deepavali *
8 December (Mon) Hari Raya Qurban
25 December (Thurs) Christmas Day
29 December (Mon) Awal Muharram (Maal Hijrah)

* - Subject to confirmation