The mid-year months in Malaysia are commonly associated with fairs and festivities, especially as the nation gears up for its independence day celebrations at the end of August.
Among the most popular events drawing more visitors to the country each year is the Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival, during which visitors can find amazing discounts and offers on a wide array of goods from branded apparel, household equipment and electronic appliances to accessories and souvenirs.
The sale carnival is celebrated at shopping malls, specialty outlets and boutiques the country over, and will run all through to Malaysian Independence Day on August 31, 2009.
Travelers keen on enjoying the vibrant colors of Malaysia are in the right place. Why not check out the month-long KL Festival, with its variety of performances and activities?
The festivities spread throughout KL and the Klang Valley and are hosted at the capital's numerous landmarks including Istana Budaya, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, the Central Market, Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower.
For water-sport aficionados, the Putrajaya Sailing Week (taking place throughout July) combines various water-based sporting events at the stylish Tasik Putrajaya Water Sports Complex. Both local and international participants are joining the tournaments and competitions here.
Folk music enthusiasts, meanwhile, should head to the Sarawak Cultural Village museum on the island of Borneo to catch the Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival between July 10 and 12. Musicians from around the world gather to perform diverse ethnic music during this three-day event which is set to attract ardent music fans from all corners of the world.
With the rapid increase in Middle-Eastern tourists to Malaysia in recent years, it is not surprising that big cities such as KL are coming up with cultural events to make visitors from Arab countries feel more at home.
Among the lineup of festivals that begins on July 10 is the Samrah Festival KL, which is held at Lot 10 on Jl. Bukit Bintang. The cultural concert here is held on various dates from 8:30 p.m. onwards and is accompanied by singing and music.
There are also other bazaars and festivals, including Ziryab and Ahlan Wahsahlan, held at Bukit Bintang and other main parts of the city to welcome and entertain travelers from the Middle East. Get ready for an electrifying time!
Fancy a taste of the king of fruits durian? Then join the Great Durian Festival (Jom Makan Durian) at Bukit Gantang, Perak, from July 24 to 26. Visitors can sample an assortment of lip-smacking delicacies made from this unique fruit, and check out exhibitions and contests on the different varieties of durian available throughout the country.
If you happen to be a durian lover who prefers staying in the Putrajaya vicinity, do not despair for the new city is also having its own version of the durian festival. Putrajaya Fruits Fest, held between July 25 and 26 at Putrajaya's Taman Warisan Pertanian, not only lets you taste a variety of durian but also rambutan, mangosteen and langsat at reasonable prices.
Just like in Indonesia, Malaysia reserves August for its Merdeka Month Celebrations, which is celebrated in a joyous mood by all Malaysians. Highlights include parades and fireworks displays.
Once again, much of the buzz will center around Putrajaya as the city will be holding a different event almost each day in August, starting with the colorful Floria Putrajaya from August 1 to 9.
On August 2, the eighth annual Putrajaya International Heritage Treasure Hunt will be held, in which participants need to find answers to treasure hunting questions around Putrajaya's various tourist attractions.
Still in Putrajaya, a Fishing Competition will be arranged at Putrajaya Lake on August 9. The competition employs a "Catch and Release" concept, which was first introduced in 2001. From August 22 to September 19, Putrajaya's Farmer's Market will be having a Ramadan Bazaar in conjunction with the Islamic holy month. It seems that in Malaysia, the festivities never stop!
