Visit malaysia 2007 - events, festivals, tourism year

	Floral Parade • Kuala Lumpur • 2 January 2007 Come and see beautifully decorated floats adorned with brightly coloured blooms and decorative ornaments. You will be enthralled by the riot of colours and profusion of flowers on displays. Cultural performances will keep all visitors entertained. Ministry of Tourism Tel: +603-2693 7111 Fax: +603-2694 1146 E-mail: info@motour.gov.my Website: www.motour.gov.my
	Le Tour de Langkawi • Throughout Peninsular Malaysia • 2-11 February 2007 One of the best cycling races outside Europe and the richest in Asia , the Le Tour de Langkawi promises to be an action-packed event that will keep cycling fans on edge. Catch the thrills and spills as top international riders traverse spectacular and treacherous terrain from the idyllic island of Langkawi to Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur , the capital city of Malaysia . First Cartel (M) Sdn Bhd Tel: +603-7725 6503 Fax: +603-7725 6485 E-mail: info@tdl.com.my Website: www.tdl.com.my
	Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix • Sepang International Circuit, Selangor • 16-18 March 2007 Catch the blazing action at one of the most high-tech tracks on the F1 Circuit. With its extreme hot and wet conditions, the Sepang International Circuit tests the skills and wits of the world's finest drivers to the limit! With its spectator-friendly grandstand and panoramic views of the entire circuit, this furiously fast-paced event is truly a not-to-be missed experience. Sepang International Circuit Sdn Bhd Tel: +603-8778 2222 Fax: +603-8783 1020 Email: ticket@malaysiangp.com.my Website: www.malaysiangp.com.my
	Colours and Flavours of Malaysia Parade • Merdeka Square , Kuala Lumpur • 7 July 2007 This enthralling event showcases the best of Malaysian culture, craft and cuisine over an entire month. Delight in the colourful parades, dance and music performances; savour the array of mouth watering delicacies at food festivals and visit the exquisite cultural exhibitions held nationwide. Tourism Malaysia Tel: +603-2615 8188 Fax: +603-2693 5883 E-mail: enquiries@tourism.gov.my Website: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my
	Rainforest World Music Festival • Sarawak Cultural Village, Damai, Sarawak • 13-15 July 2007 In the interiors of mystical Borneo, amidst a living museum known as the Sarawak Cultural Village , the world's musicians gather to celebrate a fusion of nature, culture and ethnic music. Incorporating workshops, ethno-musical lectures, jam sessions and mesmerizing evening performances, this magical event is set to thrill music aficionados. Sarawak Tourism Board Tel: +6082-423 600 Fax: +6082-416 700 E-mail: stb@sarawaktourism.com Website: www.rainforestmusic-borneo.com
	Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival • Throughout Malaysia • 21 July-2 September 2007 Grab the opportunity to enjoy amazing discounts and special offers during Malaysia 's biggest annual sales carnival! From designer wear to electronic items, from cosmetics to footwear, there's something for everyone at the countless shopping malls and stores nationwide. Shopping Secretariat Malaysia Tel: 1 300 88 5776 / +603-2698 1033 Fax: +603-2692 4148 / +603-2691 3122 Email: enquiries@pempena.com.my Website: www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my / www.pempena.com.my
	Merdeka Day Parade • Throughout Malaysia • 31 August 2007 Join us as we celebrate Malaysia 's 50 th year independence. A free open-air concert is held on the eve of Merdeka ( Independence ) to jump-start the celebrations, while the Merdeka Day's festivities kick off with a grand parade at every major city. Other celebrations are also held nationwide. Prime Minister's Department Tel: +603-8888 1957 Fax: +603-8888 3904 E-mail: zailani@bpk.jpm.my Website : www.tourism.gov.my

Malaysia Festival
	Chinese New Year • Throughout Malaysia • January 2007 Chinese New Year marks the first day of the lunar calendar and is celebrated over a 15-day period. Mandarin oranges and plum blossom stalks are used as decorations in Chinese homes and shopping complexes for prosperity and good luck. Animated lion and dragon dance performances accompanied by energetic drums, gongs and cymbals add to the festive air. On the eve of Chinese New Year, family members hold reunion dinners followed by ‘open houses' for relatives and friends.
	Thaipusam • Selangor, Penang , Malacca, Johor and Perak • February 2007 This day of penance and thanksgiving for Hindu devotees is held in honour of Lord Muruga. The festival is best experience in Kuala Lumpur where the deity's jewelled chariot is led in a mass procession through the streets of the city, culminating at the Batu Caves in Selangor. An unforgettable sight is the thousand of devotees in a trance-like state carrying body-piercing kavadis or ornate frames. Thaipusam is celebrated on a big-scale in Selangor, Penang , Malacca, Johor and Perak.
	Sabah Fest – Cultural Extravaganza, Sabah • May 2007 This is Sabah 's most anticipated cultural fest where ethnic groups come together to showcase all things traditional. Sabah Fest is the prelude to the Harvest Festival or Tadau Ka'amatan, the biggest annual celebration in the state. From delicious local cuisine to traditional dances, this is the perfect time to visit the Land Below the Wind, otherwise known as Sabah . Website: www.malaysiangp.com.my
	Gawai Dayak • Sarawak • June 2007 Gawai Dayak is celebrated by the Ibans, Orang Ulu and Bidayuh of Sarawak in early June, to mark the rice-harvesting season. This enchanting festival showcases traditional ceremonies and dances held in various ‘long houses' or communal home all over Sarawak . Relatives and visitors are served rice wine or tuak and chicken cooked in bamboo as well as other traditional delicacies at the many ‘open houses'.
	Deepavali • Throughout Malaysia • October 2007 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 households altars.
	Hari Raya Aidilfitri • Throughout Malaysia • October 2007 The end of the fasting period or the holy month of Ramadan culminates in Hari Raya Aidilfitri which is celebrated by Muslims around the world. Malaysian Muslims 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.
	Christmas • Kuala Lumpur • December 2007 Many Christians invite their friends and families into their homes for food and fellowship on Christmas Day. This practice known as an ‘open house' is commonly held by Malaysians during all main religious festivals. There will also be an official ‘open house' celebration in Kuala Lumpur to mark the festivities. The event is free and open to members of the public.