Bountiful Happenings in Malaysia!

It has to be said that Kuala Lumpur is an exciting place to be, let alone Malaysia! 2009 boasts an exciting year-round calendar of world class and unique local events. Visitors and tourists will have endless opportunities to enjoy nature-based adventures, enriching cultural experiences or fabulous shopping sprees. And while you’re here you might as well partake in some of the scintillating events around KL and around Malaysia. For more information, visit www.tourism.gov.my

A list Of Events 2009:

Malaysian Grand Prix (GP) Sale 2009
28 February to 5 April 2009 
Venue: Throughout Malaysia
Website: www.malaysiamegasale.com.my
The Malaysian GP Sale is back! Make a beeline for shopping complexes nationwide as they offer irresistible bargains in conjunction with the annual Petronas Malaysian Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix. Locals and foreign guests will be spoilt for choice as they enjoy tremendous bargains in this month-long sale.

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Malaysia Food Fiestas (In conjunction with Colours of Malaysia)
13 March to 5 April 2009
Venue: Melaka, Kelantan, Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia's premier cultural extravaganza is back to dazzle and entertain locals and visitors alike. Colours of Malaysia is a cornucopia of spectacular traditional performances, colourful parades as well as exquisite arts and crafts. Don't miss the marvellous food fiestas held at various parts of the country in conjunction with this event:
* 13 to 15 March – Bandar Hilir, Melaka
* 20 to 22 March – Kota Bharu, Kelantan
* 27 to 29 March – Kuching Waterfront, Sarawak
* 27 March to 5 April – Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur

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Langkawi Water Festival 2009
10 to 11 April 2009
Venue: Chenang Beach
Come and join the locals to celebrate the festival at Pantai Chenang with more than 100 categories of sea-side and water related games.

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16th Regatta Lepa Semporna
18 to 19 April 2009
Venue: Semporna, Sabah
Website: www.sabahtourism.com
Be awed by the traditional sailboats of the Bajau people, known as Sabah’s ethnic seafarers. Lots of fun-filled matches such as tug-of-war, kayaking and boat racing will be held at this event. The highlight is the selection of the best ‘lepa’ or sailboat.

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Malaysia Flora Fest 2009
30 May 2009
Venue: Dataran Merdeka
Make your way to Merdeka Square to witness a dazzling display of flowers in a veritable paradise of breathtaking and colourful blossoms. This event will feature a floral parade which showcases stunningly decorated floats from nationwide and neighbouring countries.

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Gawai Dayak Festival
1 to 2 June 2009
Venue: Sarawak
Gawai Dayak is a harvest festival celebrated by the state’s indigenous people, particularly the Ibans and Bidayuhs, in their traditional costumes. Ceremonial offerings of various local traditional delicacies and ‘tuak’ (home-made rice wine) are made to the gods of rice and prosperity. This unique festivity is a ‘must-see’ occasion for local and foreign tourists alike.

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Malaysia Mega Sale 2009
4 July to 31 August 2009
Venue: Throughout Malaysia
Malaysia’s most popular shopping event is back! Visitors will find amazing discounts and special offers on a wide array of goods such as branded apparel, household equipment, electrical appliances, accessories and many more. Be sure to check out the bargains at shopping malls, specialty outlets and boutiques all around the country!

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National Day
31 August 2009
Venue: Throughout Malaysia
Each year on 31 August, Malaysia celebrates its Independence Day. Malaysians on this day display their love for the country by proudly flying the Jalur Gemilang or the national flag. A host of activities is held in each state including parades, exhibitions of Malaysia's history and fireworks displays, culminating in a grand parade attended by their Majesties, the King and Queen, the Prime Minister, dignitaries and the public.

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Hari Raya Aidilfitri
20 to 21 September 2009
Hari Raya marks the end of the fasting period or the holy month of Ramadhan. This festival is celebrated by Muslims around the world where they begin their day with visits to the graves of loved ones, followed by prayers and the seeking of forgiveness from their elders. Relatives and friends are invited to the many 'open houses', where they are served with a generous spread of food and traditional delicacies.

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Deepavali
17 October 2009
The triumph of good over evil is celebrated by Hindus as they observe Deepavali or the Festival of Lights in the seventh month of the Hindu calendar. Throughout the country, prayers of thanksgiving and cleansing rituals take place at temples and household altars.

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Penang Bridge International Marathon 2009
29 November 2009
This is one of the most well-known sporting events in Malaysia which takes place annually on the third-longest bridge in the world. Those who enter will put to the test their endurance and perseverance while taking in the island’s scenic coastal highway.

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Monsoon Cup Terengganu
2 to 6 December 2009
Venue: Terengganu
A prestigious sailing competition, the Monsoon Cup Terengganu is dubbed as the ‘Formula One of Sailing’. It is also the 50th event under the Swedish Match Tour leg. Locals and foreign tourists will find a range of interesting programmes held to coincide with the competition, including displays of Terengganu’s splendid arts and heritage.

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Christmas
25 December 2009
Venue: Throughout Malaysia
The Christmas spirit is made merrier with Malaysia’s tropical weather and friendly people. Visitors will be spoilt for choice as the many restaurants, bistros, shopping malls and hotels offer great promotions planned specially for the occasion. Join in the celebration and have a sunny Christmas in Malaysia!

Watch Out For These Events in 2009!

Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix 2009
3 to 5 April 2009
Venue: Sepang International Circuit
Website: www.malaysiangp.com.my
It’s a new season of blazing action at one of the best racing circuits in the world. The skills of the world’s finest drivers are put to the test with the extreme hot and wet conditions at the Sepang circuit. Don’t miss this exhilarating event!

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Selangor Water Festival
24 to 26 April 2009
Venue: Pantai Bagan Lalang, Sepang, Selangor
Get ready for a splashing time with activities such as boat racing, kayaking and underwater treasure hunts. Sandcastle building and ‘catch the duck’ contests are in the programme for families to enjoy.

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Perhentian Underwater Challenge
24 to 26 April 2009
Venue: Perhentian Island, Terengganu
Perhentian Island, a world-renowned tourist destination, is set to draw both local and international visitors at this time as it presents underwater photography competition off the island’s coasts, exciting traditional games, beach soccer and volleyball.

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Rainforest World Music Festival
10 to 12 July 2009
Venue: Sarawak Cultural Village, Santubong, Sarawak
Musicians from around the world gather to perform diverse ethnic music in a living museum known as Sarawak Culture Village. The festival is set to bring ardent fans of music from all corners of the world.

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Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA ’09)
1 to 5 December 2009
Venue: Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre, Langkawi, Kedah
Website: www.lima2009.com.my
This is a high-profile biennial event featuring the latest technologies in the aerospace and maritime sectors. Manufacturers, industry players, senior government officials and key decision makers converge here to make the best of this excellent platform. Visitors can marvel at an impressive showcase of highly advanced technology.