After almost one month of Ramadhan, now comes July in which falls Syawal for Muslims to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Aside from the Hari Raya celebration, many exciting events will be taking place around Malaysia as well.
George Town and Melaka will hold celebrations to mark their 7th year anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those who are into Japanese culture and traditions must not miss the Bon Odori Festival; while Putrajaya will host a werewolf-themed urban obstacle night race – the BloodRunner. If you happen to be in Sarawak at the end of the month, you should check out the Bario Food Festival for some exotic food.
This month, we are also highlighting some interesting and unique museums and galleries around Malaysia – some are pure fun while others give a greater insight into Malaysia’s rich history.
7TH ANNIVERSARY UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE CELEBRATION
Celebrate the 7th anniversary of the inscription of the historic cities of George Town and Melaka as a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with memorable events for everyone. The twin-city celebrations will bring visitors on the ground to historic sites to enjoy cultural performances, heritage appreciation and have an overall good time.
PENANG:
Date: 4 to 7 July
Venue: Streets of Inner George Town
Organiser: Georgetown World Heritage Incorporated
Contact: +604 261 6606
Website: www.heritagecelebrations.info
MELAKA:
Date: 7 July
Venue: Dataran MBMB, Melaka
Organiser: Melaka City Council
Contact: +606 333 3333 / 1-800-88-8411
Website: www.mbmb.gov.my
NEW MUSEUM IN IPOH:
HAN CHIN PET SOO – A TIN MINER’S CLUB
Ipoh has a brand new privately-run museum which traces the history of Malaya’s grand foray into tin mining in the old days. Han Chin Pet Soo, the Hakka tin miner’s club, was established in 1893 as a recreation club for tin miners to relax after a hard day’s work at the mines. Opium smoking and gambling were among the benefits of membership. Today, this historic building has been restored to its former glory with many original exhibits dating back to more than 100 years ago. Spend an afternoon here to learn about Malaya’s glorious tin mining past, and life during those times, as you view the many fascinating artefacts from a bygone era.
Website : www.ipohworld.org/reservation
Tel : +605 249 5936 / 241 4541
Address : No. 3, Jalan Bijeh Timah (Treacher Street), 30100 Ipoh, Perak
PENANG BON ODORI FESTIVAL
For centuries, Penang has been home to communities from all over the world. This year, why not celebrate the Japanese culture and traditions on this heritage island? The Bon Odori Festival is a traditional summer festival in which the people of Japan honour their ancestors who have passed on, and celebrate their on-going presence in the lives they enjoy today. Also known as Obon, the main event is traditional music and dancing in the streets. Many festival-goers dress in Japanese Kimono, Yukata or Happi coats. Happening in the heart of George Town, this year’s event features Japanese food and refreshments, Taiko and martial arts performances, craft exhibits as well as demonstrations.
Date : 25 July 2015
Venue : Esplanade, Penang
Organiser: Bon Odori Organising Commitee
Contact : +604 650 5136 / 261 9012
Website : www.visitpenang.gov.my
PENANG MITM TRAVEL FAIR
The Penang MITM Travel Fair is back with great travel bargains for all. Attractive domestic travel packages are available to suit your needs and interests for adventure, romantic getaway, affordable family holidays, or luxury retreats!
Date : 4 to 5 July
Venue : Penang International Exhibition Centre
Organiser : Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association
Contact : +604 262 2333
Email : [email protected]
IFTAR@KL TO HONOUR RAMADHAN
The month of Ramadan is a holy month observed by Muslims all over the world. Muslims refrain from eating and drinking, but come evening, they prepare to break their fast with special meals, prayers and spiritual gatherings. Celebrated in honor of the Muslim fasting month, Iftar@KL features a variety of religious programmes such as Terawih Perdana at Dataran Merdeka (Terawih prayers); nasyid; Tilawah & Khatam Al-Quran (Quran Recital) events; food bazaars; special religious forums; talks by international Imams and many more. This peaceful mass gathering in the city is a great way to reflect on unity, spirituality and the beauty of a diverse population. All are welcome!
Date : 18 June to 17 July
Venue : Merdeka Square
Organiser : Ministry of Tourism and Culture
Contact : +603 8891 7521
Website : www.motac.gov.my
BLOODRUNNER 2015
BloodRunner is Asia’s first, werewolf-themed urban obstacle night race ready to take Putrajaya by storm. Set over a 10km urban obstacle course specially created to challenge the everyday runner, BloodRunner brings an added element of thrill and excitement. Expect obstacles that will cater to runners of all levels – be it a seasoned athlete, a first-time runner or a weekend gym warrior. Food trucks are parked at the race festival site, and a post-race party features up-and-coming local bands too!
Date : 31 July 2015
Venue : Putrajaya
Organiser : Switch Strategies Sdn Bhd
Contact : +603 2029 3194
Website : www.bloodrunner.com
BARIO FOOD FESTIVAL
The 10th Anniversary Bario Food & Cultural Festival a.k.a Pesta Nukenan & Kebudayaan Kelabit Bario will be held from 30 July until 1 August this year. The 3-day festival celebrates the unique food, farming, forest and cultural heritage of the Bario Highlands – one of the last surviving traditionally farmed and forested highland watersheds in Sarawak and East Malaysia. Enjoy the delicious organic food cooked by the various longhouse communities of the Kelabit Highlands. There will be traditional games and dances by young and old. There are plenty of trekking trails to keep your adventure spirit high and cap off a great day by catching the awesomeness of the Milky Way if the timing is right.
Date : 30 July to 1 August
Venue : Kelabit Highlands
Organiser : Rurum Kelabit Sarawak, Kaum Ibu, and the Belia Bario
Contact : +6019 8060 710
Website : www.facebook.com/pages/bariofoodfestival
TUANKU JA`AFAR ROYAL GALLERY, SEREMBAN, NEGERI SEMBILAN
The Tuanku Ja’afar Royal Gallery is a special museum that celebrates the life and times of one of Malaysia’s prominent and well-loved royals, His Royal Highness (HRH) Tuanku Ja’afar ibni Tuanku Abdul Rahman. Visitors will have an intimate look at His Royal Highness’ personal and public life, from childhood to his years as a ruler, through well-curated exhibits. His ruling vision was to provide benefits to society through community work and the preservation of culture and arts. The gallery, situated near the serene Lake Gardens of Seremban, is less than 1 km from the city of Seremban.
Website: https://www.gdtjns.com/
Tel: +606 761 9102
Address: Galeri Diraja Tuanku Ja’afar, Jalan Taman Bunga, 70100 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.
TRICK ART MUSEUM
Alive 3D Art Gallery in Port Dickson’s Dataran Segar features 50 drawings and paintings that will trick the eye! These 3D optical illusions, including several glow-in-the-dark paintings, are a perfect backdrop for “selfies” and “wefies.” Strike a pose to blend perfectly into the paintings and create a special visual effect that will boggle the mind and trick the eye!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/alive3dartgallery
Tel: +606 651 5400
Fax : +606 651 0141
Address: No. 38-40, Jalan Ds 2/1 Bandar Dataran Segar, 71010 Lukut,Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
UPSIDE DOWN HOUSE
Come and visit the unique Upside Down Gallery, situated in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan. This fun gallery exhibits a few amusing upside down scenes in show rooms, where guests can come and take memorable pictures. Everything inside, from furniture to household appliances, hover above your head, as the ceiling is actually the floor. Come for a taste of this architectural wonder that will perplex your mind. This architectural marvel is definitely a must see as there hasn’t been many of its kind. Come and make your way to the Upside Down Art Gallery now.
Website : [email protected]
Tel : +60 16 336 8751
Address : No. 13 A & 15 Jalan Coral Walk, Batu 9, Jalan Pantai Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan (Near Ostrich Farm and Politeknik Port Dickson)
All information is correct at time of publication.
Visitors are advised to contact the event organiser for the latest updates.