Malaysia as a country has 14 states. Each has a head of state either a sultan or governor for those the sultans were subsequently removed in the 19 century. So when the constitution was drawn up before independence a list of holidays were stipulated and also state sultans or governors birthday was declared state holiday. Plus federal holidays added together we have over 30 days of holidays in one year.
Being a multi racial country the different races main holidays are also recognized by the country. Since we are a blessed county economically more holidays have been added to the calendar of gazette holidays . Recently we added two more Taipusam and Malaysia day too. Most months there is definitely a public or state holiday in it for the public to take an off day off work.
January
1st January New Years Day.
On news eve the night before the cities have big parties at all Malaysia hotels. As guests book the halls for private parties and hotels organize New Year Balls for paying guests. Tourism Malaysia also take this opportunity to make it to a tourist event. During this season is an excellent time for tourist come over for a cheap vacation and get away from the winters in Europe. Hotels rooms are fully booked in advance since guests vacation here in a affordable
20th January Taipusam (An Indian religious event)
About 1000000 people converge at Batu Caves to pay homage, give thanks or do penance for vows fulfilled. Remarkably many people who made vows have been fulfilled. So penance and thanks are done. Many pierce spears and also pull chariots with chain attached by hooks to their bodies. And no hurt is caused to the devotees who execute these acts of devotion. As they immerse in their faith by following certain lifestyle before the event.
It a great tourist event as many come to witness this religious day.
23rd January to 1st February we have Le Tour de Langkawi bicycle race
To promote the island of Langkawi our visionary Prime Minister initiated this bicycle race. Today it is on the world cycling calendar because many teams participate on this course. The race is for about 10 days tours about seven states.
February
February
1st Feb City Day
Kuala Lumpur was declared a city sometime after 1970 onwards. Highlight of the event is normally a parade on the main city street in front of Dataran Medeka. Through the day many events are held for the public to interact and pass the holiday. Travel to Malaysia during these events as the city is decorated and very colorful. Kuala Lumpur is converted into a temporary fairy land city.
Chinese New Year – Normally on the 1st week of February
Well before the actual date the city and people are in a hive of activity for preparation for the turn of the lunar year. About forty percent of the population who are Chinese celebrate this lunar calendar. The celebration is for 15 days when it ends with a ritual where unmarried women who are looking for a husband throw oranges into a river. The tourism Malaysia arranges tourist to experience this event by having a major celebration in a major town.
February 15th is prophet Mohammad birthday.
The Muslims of our country which make up sixty percent of our population visit mosque to pray. Also some citizens are recognized for their outstanding service for the county on this event. Not so much colorful or the city is decorated but a more inward looking day for the religious.
National Craft Day
Come to this Craft Center during this time and see everything in one location. Crafts from all the 13 states bring their arts, handwork, dances, food, weaving, batik, textiles, silverware, bronze, artifacts, music, sports etc specially for you. Few hundred booth and stands are established around the complex. But a word of warning go early as due to the visitor thronging there and the village is in the heart of the city the roads gets congested as they are narrow. Is was build in a green lung area of Kuala Lumpur but just a stone throw from the hotel district. Attractive bargains and wide arrange of items are sold. Save time and effort going whole of Malaysia. Everything is brought for you.
Raptor Watch
This event is for eco tourists and nature lovers. About 73000 migratory birds made of eagles, hawks and buzzards land for a stopover who fly pass Malaysia on their journey home to the Northern Hemisphere from the warmer areas in the south. I guess this signifies winter is ending. You can volunteer to record the number of birds pass and protect them from being caught. The place is 10th mile Tanjong Tuan, Port Dickson. About an hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. A party atmosphere is created there while you observe the flight.
Shopping events
These are events where we encourage and invite tourist to come and shop. Malaysia hotels have special events also lined up to ensure tourist have added value for their stay. Also all shops have a coordinated sale where products are sold at some discounted to encourage shopping.
April
Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix
No official public holidays but a major sports event converges here . The F1 series annual circuit race takes place. After Malaysia took the step to have the race in Asia after Japan so many other countries have followed and has to come extent changed the whole face of formula 1 racing plus new Asian teams and drivers have emerged since. China, Singapore, Bahrain. Entertainment outlets host different teams and parties to have ensure the visitors are well entertained. F1 replicas are displayed at shopping parades. The highlight will be the race which is from Thursday and the final on Sunday afternoon.
