Events in Malaysia for August 2013

Events in Malaysia for August 2013

There are quite a number of events happening throughout Malaysia as August is an important month for the country as the National Day (Merdeka Day) falls on the 31st of this month. Besides this special event, the month is also filled with other interesting programmes from art to sports. Some of the major tourism highlights in August include; 

 

1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Festival (1MCAT)

The 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Festival (1MCAT) continues on in August after an exciting month of art exhibitions in July. More events are scheduled this entire month of August, with art exhibitions, seminars and unique displays in art galleries around the country.

The event acts as a platform for art enthusiasts from artists to gallery owners to forge business alliances, as well as to share their ideas and information about the new contemporary art of Malaysia.

Organiser:    Ministry of Tourism & Culture, Malaysia
Date:            1 July – September 2013
Venue:         Throughout Malaysia
Contact:      +6 03 8891 751

Hari Raya Aidilfirti 2013

After fasting from dawn to dusk for a month, this is the time to celebrate! Hari Raya Aidilfitri marks the end of the Ramadan month (fasting season) and every year this festive occasion is celebrated in a grand scale in Malaysia.

The highlight of this joyous occasion is the open house where the Muslims will invite their friends from various ethnics and cultures to their house to join in the merrymaking and enjoy traditional Malay favourites such as ketupat, rendang and satay!

Date:        8 – 9 August 2013
Venue:     Nationwide 

                 Lest We Forget

Sandakan Memorial Day 2013

Sabah Memorial Day 2013 is held annually to commemorate the 2400 fallen heroes who perished on three separate torturous 240-km marches from Sandakan to Ranau, known today as the infamous Death March.

Every year, visitors will travel to the Sandakan Memorial Park, which was once the site of the Prisoners of War Camp, to commemorate these brave souls with a memorial service in their honour, ‘Lest we forget’.

Organiser:    Sandakan Municipal Council
Date:            15 August 2013
Venue:         Sandakan Memorial Park, Sandakan, Sabah
Contact:      +6 089 273 753
Website:      www.sabahtourism.com

Melaka Matta Fair 2013 (MITS 2013)

MATTA Fair is coming to Melaka town! The Melaka MITS MATTA Fair 2013 offers visitors a great selection of exciting tour packages and fares that suit their travel needs.

Besides that, visitors and consumers will also be able to find many attractive bargains and great discounts for various tourism-related products. It’s time to make plans for your holiday. Come, compare, and purchase!

Organiser:    MATTA Melaka Chapter & Melaka Tourism Promotion Division
Date:            23 – 25 August 2013
Venue:          Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC), Melaka
Contact:       +6 06 286 9668/ +6 016 630 6971 (Cik Hanitah)

Merdeka Millenium Endurance Race 2013

The biggest motorsports endurance race in Asia, the Merdeka Millenium Endurance Race (MMER) 2013, will be back for the 14th edition. Each team will have three drivers who will race for at least 70 minutes before being allowed to switch. Young motorsports enthusiasts will have a new way and new place to celebrate Malaysia’s Independence Day.

Organiser:    Sepang International Circuit (SIC)
Date:            29 – 31 August 2013
Venue:         Sepang International Circuit (SIC), Selangor
Contact:      +6 03 8778 2200
Website:      www.sepangcircuit.com.my

Merdeka Day in Malaysia 2013

“Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!” Hari Kemerdekaan or Independence Day is a national holiday which is celebrated on 31 August every year to commemorate the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule in 1957.

Traditionally, a grand and colourful parade will be held in the morning at the Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur for everyone to attend and celebrate this important occasion together. Similar parades will also be held in every state simultaneously. This year’s celebration marks the 56th anniversary of Malaysia’s independence.

Date:      31 August 2013
Venue:    Nationwide / Merdeka Square, Kuala Lumpur

For tourist visiting Malaysia in the month of August, make sure you book your accommodations and transportation to the events you want to visit. Hari Raya holidays fall on the 8th of August therefore many services may be interrupted for these 2-3 days. Otherwise, everything is per normal. For more information, you can also visit the Malaysia Tourism Center located along Jalan Ampang in Kuala Lumpur for more information about the Events in Malaysia for August 2013.

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Japanese Visa for Malaysians traveling to Japan Exempted

 
Japan to exempt visa for Malaysians traveling to Japan

Malaysians traveling to Japan for short-term holidays or businesses will soon be exempted from applying any Japanese Visas and this was confirmed by the Japanese Embassy in Malaysia on  the 14th June 2013. When this will be implemented is still pending as of writing this but it is assured to be in the very near future.

This means that it will be an easy process to visit Japan in the future and will definitely have more Malaysians wanting to visit Japan. With the availability of premium and long haul budget airlines, one can choose to fly there depending on the budgets. Families will find this convenient as the previous process of applying Japanese visas could be a hassle for some. 

Universal Studios Japan in Osaka

Personally, I find this a huge step for inter-tourism as I would like to visit Japan again having went there in 2011 and 2012. This time around, Kyoto would be on my list of places I want to visit. For many Malaysians, Osaka seems to be the top spot to visit in Japan. Having been there just last year, I have written an article about What to do in Osaka. This city is very popular with Asians at there is much Japanese food and attractions all in one area. The ever popular Universal Studios Japan is here while there are many other interesting places to visit. 

Akihabara, Tokyo

Meanwhile Tokyo is also another popular destination for Malaysians where there are many exciting places to explore here like the largest electrical city in the world where you can so some serious gadget shopping in Akihabara. If you are into Japanese brand fashion, Shibuya is the place to explore as it is one huge shopping district while for the younger generation, Harajuku in Tokyo is the place to be.  

The Japanese Embassy in Malaysia has also stated that this initiative is a part of activities to mark the fortieth anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in 2013. For additional information in regards to Japanese Visas or any other related issue, visit the Japan Embassy Malaysia Website. For the Malaysians, let us hope that this Visa Exemption will take place as soon as possible as it is not the Summer in Japan and by the next Matta Fair 2013, there will be many travelers hoping to book holidays to Japan with this Japanese Visa Exemption for Malaysians. 

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Borneo World Music Expo 2013

Borneo World Music Expo 2013

Come this 24 to 26 June, Sarawak is set to add another international-level music event to its impressive current repertoire when the state hosts the inaugural Borneo World Music Expo 2013 (BWME) in Kuching. The state currently hosts the annual Borneo Jazz Festival and the world renown Rainforest World Music Festival.

Events at the Borneo World Music Expo include conferences, workshops, networking sessions, trade fair and musical showcases. The event is targeted for musician and artists to develop new contacts and global reach. The organiser of the exposition, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), is encouraging participants from the world music industry to participate in this ‘first of its kind’ exposition in the region.

 Dancers performing a Sarawakian cultural dance

“The event is open for all professionals within the music field who want to increase their contacts, pick up new skills and exchange ideas in dynamic conference sessions. The expo also welcomes those who would like to present their wares, products or music.

STB expect delegates from all over the Asian region. Among them are 20 international world music programmers who will share their skills in conference sessions. Registered delegates will be able to meet the programmers informally and in specially-designed one-on-one encounters,” informed Angelina Bateman, STB Director of Corporate Communications.

She added that these are the professionals chosen for their interest-in and history of booking artists from all over the world to appear at their festivals and venues throughout Asia, Europe, North America and elsewhere. ”For the exhibitors at the trade fair, BWME will be assisting to reach a select group of local, regional and international professionals who work in the cultural realm with special emphasis on music,” said Bateman.

 Pullman Kuching, Sarawak

Borneo World Music Expo Venue and Time

• The BWME Conferences and Trade Fair will be held at the Pullman Hotel in Kuching and is open for registered participant from: 10:00am-6:00pm
• The Musical Showcase will open from: 8:00pm onwards (open to the public)
• Nightly concerts (showcases) will be open to the public from 8:00pm onwards at the same venue.

Musicians, managers, record labels, festival presenters, music venues, music professionals, cultural ministries, entrepreneurs, and technology companies can participate by registering through the BWME website. As this is a great build up to the World Rainforest Music Festival 2013, you can now come earlier to attend the first inaugural Borneo World Music Expo 2013 here. 

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New Theme Parks in Malaysia

New Theme Parks in Malaysia that are being developed or up and coming seem to be the tourism trend in the country. Recently in the last few years, a number of theme parks have opened around the country and a very fast pace. There is also a list of Theme Parks in Malaysia which we covered earlier this year for those traveling with kids or family travel in Malaysia. 

In June this year, I was browsing through some articles and found out that there are even more theme parks opening in 2013 and 2014 and with this, Malaysia would be well known as a Theme Park country. With the announcement of Visit Malaysia Year 2014, those parks that open by next year will hopefully see good profits with huge numbers of tourist coming in.

Splash Park in Port Dickson opening in 2015

Below is a list of New and Upcoming Theme Parks in Malaysia;

1. Legoland Malaysia (Opened 2012)
2. Hello Kitty Town & Little Big Club Iskandar Johor (Opened 2013)

3. Tiram Water Park, Johor (Sea World Themed and Indoor)

4. Melaka Bird Park (Asia Largest)
5. Jurassic Park Melaka (First in Asia and Opening in 2014/15)
6. Sea World Melaka (Opening in 2014/2015)
7. Hang Tuah Village Melaka (Supposed to be completed in mid 2013)
8. Angry Bird Theme Park, Johor (Opening in 2014)
9. Eco Marine Theme Park, Klebang Melaka (Unconfirmed on completion dates)
10. Ocean Quest marine park and Ocean Splash Water Park, Desaru Johor (Opening 2015/16)
11. Legoland Malaysia Waterpark (Opening in 2014)

12. Dinosaur Water Park at KSL Hotel and Resort Johor (Opening 2014)

13. Bukit Gambang Safari Park, Kuantan (Opened June 2013)

14. Escape AdventurePlay Theme Park Penang (Opened 2013)

15. Splash Park Port Dickson (Opening 2015)
16. Langkawi Eco Theme Park (Opening 2015)
17. Upin and Ipin Theme Park ( A Disneyland styled park, it is still rumored to be in either Sepang or Ipoh, no confirmation but speculated to open in 2015)

There are a lot of speculation and concerns about the actual opening dates at the moment but some of the parks are currently being constructed. However, you should expect delays in some of the parks opening dates as they can be delayed. We at Malaysia Asia will do our best to keep you updated on any progress and changes if there are any. You are also free to leave a comment if you hear any news about this. 

With these new massive projects, you can be sure that at any state in Malaysia, you will be able to visit at least one themed park. Tourism has been the main attraction for the country and therefore with the current good economy ongoing, we should also see many more unique hotels and resorts being build alongside these new theme parks in Malaysia.

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Helicopter Tours in PD

Helicopter Tours in PD is one of the very new niche tourism products which can be found at the new PD Waterfront district. Port Dickson is a local township otherwise known as PD that sits on the coast of Negeri Sembilan and is only an hours drive from Kuala Lumpur or Melaka. This beach side paradise was once the main highlight for local and also foreign tourism many years ago but now has started to flourish again with massive tourism development being constructed and planned here. 

During one of my visits to the PD Water Festival 2013 with Tourism Malaysia, we were introduced to this brand new tourism product which is managed from a local company that operates this tour only on weekends and public holidays. For those who have never been in a helicopter, this is a good time to experience it as it. If you have a family, it would serve as an amazing family experience.

The captain prepares to take off doe the ride

Prices for the helicopter tours are RM250 (US$80) per person and the total time for this ride is about 15 minutes. You start by signing up at the registration and information tent which is located in an open car park just next to the new PD McDonald's drive through. This is also in the PD town area for additional information. A complete 10 minute briefing and safety walk through will be conducted by the pilot before going on your tour therefore, you should listen carefully to the instructions here.

Helicopter taking off for the tour from the PD Waterfront

As the helicopter ride then takes off from the landing pad, you will see the PD Waterfront from the air and eventually as you get higher, you see the entire PD coastal area up from the air in a bird eye perspective. The chopper will fly pass some popular resorts situated along the coast before it makes a turn and head back over ground. Here, you will experience seeing the coastal roads and township from the air before you make your landing back at the landing pad. 

 View of Avilion Resort in PD from the air

 View of the PD coastal roads and township

Above are just some of the aerial photos taken during my experience. To view more pictures of the Helicopter Ride in PD, please see Explorer Lifestyle as I have shared the photos with them.

Helicopter Tours in PD
Price: RM250 per person

Duration: 12-15 minutes per ride

Ages: All ages accepted

Availability: Weekend and Public holidays, pending on weather conditions
Contact: On the spot, White Tent next to McDonald's at the PD Waterfront

Restrictions: No video or camera photography allowed

Port Dickson is one of the up and coming local tourism places in Malaysia where driving there is only going to take about one hour from the city of Kuala Lumpur. From KLIA in Sepang, it will only take you 30 minutes. The beaches there stretch for many kilometers while there are numerous kinds of hotels and resorts available. Apart from beaches, there are many beach activities, eco-tourism activities and great local food. The latest addition will be this PD Helicopter Tours.

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Events in Malaysia July 2013

Events in Malaysia July 2013

A mix of sports, art, and foreign cultural events kicks off the third quarter of 2013. Everyone is invited to come and experience Malaysia’s tourism highlights in July for an unforgettable experience and holiday throughout the nation. Love Shopping? Fear not as the month also sees the second massive nationwide sale for the Malaysian Mega Sale 2013. Plan your trips ahead as July is also the month for Ramadan which is the fasting month for Malaysia. Many Muslim eateries or even businesses may be closed in certain areas so do your research, especially if you are heading to the east coast states.

Georgetown Festival 2013

George Town Festival 2013 is a month-long celebration of art, music, theater, dance, opera and film to commemorate the capital city of Penang’s inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage listing on 7 July 2008. Every year, the celebration transforms George Town into an exciting and unique platform for the arts, heritage and culture. Do not miss this opportunity to see the unique historical architectural buildings around Penang too!
Organiser: George Town Festival Secretariat
Date: 7 June - 7 July 2013
Venue: Esplanade, Pulau Pinang
Contact: +6 04 261 6308
Website: www.georgetownfestival.com
 

1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival 2013

The 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival 2013 continues in July. For the whole month of July, you can look within and beyond shopping malls to enjoy irresistible offers and special promotions! Bookmark your calendar now to enjoy shopping and save more with all the great bargains. Shop till you drop!
Organiser: Ministry of Tourism & Culture, Malaysia
Date: 29 June – 1 Sept 2013
Venue: Nationwide
Contact: 03 – 2614 8691

Port Dickson International Triathlon 2013
Do you swim like a fish? Run like the wind? Cycle like the dogs are chasing you? How about taking up this 3-in-1 sports challenge at the Port Dickson International Triathlon 2013? As the most popular triathlon in Malaysia, the event attracts triathletes from as far as Hong Kong and Macau every year to compete in this test of endurance and stamina. Catch the live action at the most popular beach on the west coast of the peninsula!
Organiser: Triathlon Malaysia
Date: 6 – 7 July 2013
Venue: Avillion Admiral Cove / Admiral Marina & Leisure Club,
Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Website: www.triathlonmalaysia.com

Melaka UNESCO World Heritage City Celebration 2013
Similar to Penang, the Melaka UNESCO World Heritage City Celebration 2013 commemorates the historic occasion of Melaka being declared as a World Heritage City by UNESCO on 7 July 2008! Highlights of the celebration include dazzling fireworks display and cultural performances by Melaka’s unique communities such as the Baba & Nyonya, the Portuguese, and the Chitty. The night-long celebration will be a colourful display of the city’s unique culture and heritage!
Organiser: Melaka Historical City Council/ Melaka Museums Corporation (PERZIM)
Date: 7 July 2013
Venue: Bandar Hilir Melaka, Melaka
Contact: +6 06 2326411

Ramadhan Bazaar 2013 around Malaysia

Ramadan Bazaar 2013
As the Muslim fasting month begins, a long line of street-side stalls will sprout up all over the country at local bazaars offering a sumptuous array of local delicacies especially traditional Malay food for Muslims to break their fast. A jovial mood pervades these bazaars as everyone shops around for the best bargains on food, clothing, and religious items! Unique to Malaysia, the Ramadhan Bazaars can be found at most cities and towns throughout the nation, and is a sunset shopping and fasting experience for all.

Date: 8 July – 7 August 2013

Time: 5pm – 6pm

Venue: Nationwide

RUN, IPOH, RUN!
Get your running shoes ready as the Ipoh International Run (IIR) 2013 is back! This time, the event is targeting more than 13,000 runners from all over the world, from as far as Kenya, Hungary and Japan. The run will be divided into 12 categories (21km, 10km, 5km and 7km) including the 5km Fun Run event. Prizes will also be awarded to the best-dressed participants in the Fun Run! Run with us!
Organiser: Ipoh City Council
Date: 7 July 2013
Time: 6.30am
Venue: Stadium Indera Mulia, Ipoh, Perak
Website: www.ipohrun.com

Bon Odori 2013 in Shah Alam, Selangor

Bon Odori 2013
Get ready for Malaysia’s largest Japanese cultural event! Unlike the one held in Japan, this Bon Odori Summer Cultural Festival is mainly held to showcase Japanese art, dance and delicacies in Malaysia. The highlight of the event is the gathering around the yagura, a platform or stage where everyone is invited to dance to local Japanese folk tunes. Come and experience the real Japanese matsuri atmosphere.

Organiser: Tourism Selangor & Japan Club of Kuala Lumpur
Date: 7 July 2013
Venue: Matsushita Shah Alam Stadium, Selangor
Contact: +6 03 5513 2000
Website; www.tourismselangor.my

Bon Odori Penang Festival 2013
Missed the Bon Odori festival in Shah Alam? There’s another one in Penang! Here, one will have the opportunity not only to witness the showcase of Japanese culture but also to mingle with the Japanese community in Penang. As one of the signature cultural events of Penang, the festival is celebrated with dance and drum performances, stalls selling local Japanese food and souvenirs, fireworks display, and games!
Organiser: The Consulate-General of Japan &
Penang State Tourism Development and Culture Office
Date: 20 July 2013
Time: 5pm – 11pm
Venue: Esplanade (Padang Kota Lama), Pulau Pinang
Contact: +6 04 6505 136

St Anne Square - Image from www.penang-traveltips.com

St Anne’s Feast 2013
Watch as the St Anne’s Church in Penang transforms into a fairyland of lights! In July every year, Catholic pilgrims from all over the world take part in this massive St Anne’s festival and candlelight procession! The celebration includes prayer, a candlelight procession, a novena, and a nine-day prayer. Drawing up to 100,000 pilgrims from around the world every year, it is the largest such festival in South-East Asia, and one of the biggest in the world!
Organiser: St. Anne’s Church 

Date: 19 – 28 July 2013

Venue: St. Anne’s Church, Bukit Mertajam, Pulau Pinang
Contact: +6 04 5386405

 

Borneo International Yachting Challenge 2013
The Borneo International Yachting Challenge 2013 is back! Boats from all over the world including Holland and the United States are participating in this exciting regatta! Watch the teams race against one another along the coastline of Tanjung Aru beach and Kota Kinabalu city, and circling the nearby islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.
Organiser: Ministry of Urban Development and Tourism Sarawak &
Sabah Tourism Board & Labuan Corporation
Date: 1 – 7 July 2013
Venue: Labuan & Miri, Sarawak & Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: +6 085 423 033
Website: http://www.borneorace.com

1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Festival 2013

1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Festival (1MCAT)
Check out the coming 1Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Festival (1MCAT) for various art exhibitions, seminars and unique art displays in the galleries! From July to September 2013, the 1MCAT 2013 will be held at various locations and venues throughout the country. The objective of the event is to create a unique platform to promote Malaysian artists and artworks to a global audience, as well as to discover, groom and launch the careers of young Malaysian artists.
Organiser: Ministry of Tourism Malaysia
Date: 1 July – September 2013
Venue: Throughout Malaysia
Contact: +6 03 8891 7519

The above are just the main events that are happening throughout the cities of Malaysia. There are many other smaller events that one may find interesting. Hope you get to visit and experience the Events in Malaysia for July 2013.

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