Malaysia
Malaysia means “land of Malays” has a population of over 31 million people which is
located of in south-east Asia. The capital is generally “Kuala Lumpur” thought there is a
newly-built city 25 kilometers away named “Putrajaya” which is called the official capital
of Malaysia since most of governmental organization such as ministries and banks and
so on are located in Putrajaya. This country gained independence from Britain in 1957.
Prime Minister
Tun Dr, Mahathir bin Mohammad is the Prime Minister of Malaysia. He previously
served as Prime Minister from 1981 to 2003, making him the office’s longest-serving
holder.
Language
The official language is Malay in English is considered the second language. So the
language used in all universities is English and it’s not surprising that most of people are
well English speakers.
Climate
After one year living in this country, you will come to the point that how much tedious
and equatorial the weather could be. It might always seem rainy and temperature is
between 20-30 degree celcious. The rain which is sometimes called “Moonsoon”
becomes heavier between July to February across this green country, western parts in
particular.
Geography
This country is formed by completely 2 separated parts. These two parts are basically
united but called western Malaysia and eastern Malaysia. Since almost all of
universities are located in western parts,it is the student’ destination as well. It also has
14 provinces as follow.
1. Terengganu
2. Selangor
3. Pulau
4. Piang
5. Perlis
6. Perak
7. Pahang
8. Negeri Sembilan
9. Melaka
10. Kelantan
11. Kedah
12. Johor bahru
13. Sarawak
14. Sabah
Major language
Malay (official), English, Chinese dialects, Tamil, Telugo, Malaylam
Major relations
Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Hinduism , Christianity , Sikhism
Currency
Ringgit UN
Flag- 14 equal horizontal stripes of red(top) alternating with white bottom there is a
dark blue rectangle in the upper hoist side corner bearing a yellow crescent and a
yellow 14 pointed star; the flag is often referred to as Jalur Gemilang (stripes of
glory)the 14 stripes stand for the equal status in the federation of the 13 member states
and the federal government; the 14 points on the star represent the unity between
these entities; the crescent is a traditional symbol of Islam; blue symbolizes the unity of
the Malay people and yellow is the royal color of Malay rulers
Note: the design is based on the flag of the US
National symbols: Tiger, Hibiscus
National anthem:”Negaraku” my country
Note: Adopt from a popular 1957: full version only performed in the presence of the
king: the tune, which was adopted French melody titled “La Rosalie was originally the
anthem of Perak, one of Malaysia’s 13 states.
Cultural Events
1. Thaipusam
One of the moat important Tamil festivals of Malaysia, Thaipusam commemorates the
victory of Lord Muruga over the evil spirit Soorapdam with great pomp and show.
Celebrated with fevour for 3 days at the famous Batu Caves shrine around the full moon
day, you can witness the grand procession that kicks off from Kuala Lumpur. Lord
Muruga is carried in a sliver chariot to the sound of chants & drums while over a million
devotees throng the temple to seek his blessings. It is a right to watch ardent devotees
carry ‘kavadis’ yoked to their body through metal spikes.
When: Late January/early February
Where: Batu Caves (Selangor); Waterfall Temple (Penang)
2. Tadau Ka’amatan Harvest Festival
This native festival of kadazan-Dusun, Sabah’s largest ethnic group is essentially a
celebration to thank the holy spirits for a bountiful harvest making it to the list of famous
festivals in Malaysia. Padi farmers congregate to honor ‘Bambaazon’, the spirit of rice
padi through traditional rites and customs followed by festivities. The headquarters of
Kadazan Dusun Cultural Organization hold ethnic dance performances as well as
display of traditional sports like arm-wrestling, blowpipe shooting etc. Free-flow of tapai
and Lihing, the local ricewines adds to the spirit and fervour of one of the most
interesting cultural festival of Malaysia
When: 30 & 31 May
Where: Sabah
3. Wesak Day
Like in all Buddhist countries, Wesak festival celebration in Malaysia gives a chance to
witness this important event in marking the three major milestones in Buddha’s life- his
birth, enlightenment and nirvana. Buddhists across the country observe fasting to
cleanse themselves and also spend time meditating at the temples all day. They also
release doves and tortoises as a symbol of liberating the soul and absolving ones past
sins. This pious festival is marked with alms giving, spiritually and positivity.
When: Full Moon of May
Where: Across the Country
4. Hari Raya Aidil Fitri (Eid)
One of the most joyful festivals in Malaysia celebrated by Muslims across the country,
Eid marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of abstinence and fasting. Muslims
working in bigger cities head back home to join the festivities and participate in special
prayers held at mosques. Hari Raya Aidil Fitri is marked with feasting and house visits a
well as asking for forgiveness from family members and friends. The most wonderful
part is the Open House where Malaysians open their door and shower warm hospitality
on all guests, with traditional delicacies and desserts.
When: June
Where: Across the Country
5. Sarawak Gawai Festival
Celebrated by the indigenous Dayak’s race of Sarawak, Malaysia’s largest state, this
harvest festival begins on 1st June and goes for whole a month. The dayak’s dress in
their traditional attire, indulge in a fascinating ceremonial offering and welcome the New
year. The best place to witness the celebrations in their full glory is a longhouse, the
traditional Dayak home with over 40 families residing under the same roof. tradional
dances, feasting and free-flowing tuak (rice wine) and vigour and charm to the
celebrations.
When: 1st June
Where: Sarawak State
6. National day
Celebrating the country’s independence from british rule on this day in 1957,hari
Merdeka is one of the most glorious festivals in Malaysia that must not be missed if you
are in Kuala Lumpur around this time. Spectacular fireworks on the eve of
independence day, a grand parade at Merdeka Square in the morning and concerts as
well as performances all through the day mark this important day in the life of Malay
people. Parades, stage shows and exhibitions are held across the country but the
fervour at Kuala Lumpur can’t beat
When: 31st August
When: Kuala Lumpur
7. Mooncake Festival and Hungry Ghost Festival
Also called the lantern festival or mid autumn festival. This celebration follows the
ancient tradition of thinking the moon ancient tradition of thanking the moon goddess for
a bountiful harvest. Colourful lantern processions and delicious mooncakes dominate
the celebrations, which also stand for unity within the community and family. Preceding
the mid autumn festival is another unique celebration called the hungry ghost festival,
wherein the spirits of the dead is appeased by food offerings and traditional puppet
shows, etc.
When: August/September
Where: Across the Country
8. The Dragon Boat Festival
One of the most interesting festivals in Malaysia, the Penang International Dragon Boat
Festival is an annual event held at the Teluk Bahang dam near Georgetown. It’s exciting
to witness more than 40 competitors from Malaysia and across the world participate in
the race with their colorful boats and the beats of the drums. You can click captivating
pictures, taste local delicacies and enjoy the performances to entertain the crowds at
the site. This vibrant festival is a huge hit amongst locals as well as tourists.
When: December
Where: Penang
9. Rainforest World Music Festival
Nothing can beat the excitement of gyrating to foot-stamping music in the rainforest f
Borneo with thousands of music enthusiasts from across the world. One of the most
spectacular music festivals in Malaysia and amongst the largest in Southeast Asia,
Rainforest Music Festival is a heady mix of live performances by top-notch international
artists, cultural experiences and workshops. Head to the Sarawak Cultural Village for an
unforgettable 3-day musical extravaganza.
When: July
Where: Borneo
Myanmar
(Union of Burma)
Geography:
Myanmar area covers 675,000 square km
Capital:
Nay Pyi Taw (Naypyitaw) – New Capital
Border:
Share border with China (2186 km), Laos (236 km),Thailand (1080 km), Bangladesh
(193 km), and India (1463 km).
Coastline:
1930 km surrounded by the Andaman Sea to the Bay of Bengal.
Currency:
Kyat. 1 USD= 1,020 kyat
Religion:
Buddhism- 88%
Christianity- 6.2%
Islam- 4.3%
Hinduism- 0.5%
Language
Burmese
Note: minority ethic groups have their own languages
Climate:
Three seasons: summer, winter, and monsoon climates.
Different climate conditions topographical situation, the attitude influences the time.
The summer season begins mid-February to mid-May
Monsoon season starts in mid-May to mid-October
Winter season starts in mid-October to mid-February
Current President:
Win Myint
Flag Description:Design consist o three equal horizontal strioes of yellow(top),green and
red;centered on the green band is a large white five-pointed star that partilly overlaps
The most popular festival held in the Shan State is the Taunggyi Tazaungding,also
known as the Festival of Lights which is usually happens around November.During the
festival you can see many hot air ballons of varying shapes and sizes that are launched
to the sky as an offering to the heavens and to fight of evil spirits.The festival is quite
popular among the locals because it’s similar to music festivals where there are loud
music and lots of beer and food.If you are travelling to Myanmar in November, make
sure to witness this awesome event.
4.Kyaikhtiyo Thadingyut Festival
Location:Kyite-hto
Although thadingyut festival is heldall across Myanmar,the Kyaikhtiyo Thadingyut
Festival is the most famous of all among the locals.People light candles during the
festival as a way to welcome the Lord Buddha back from the heavens,where he is
believed to preach to this reborn mother,before returning to earth.On the day of full
moom of thadingyut,locals offer 9,000 candles and flowers to the pagoda.Burmese
children also love this festival became it’s when elderly people give thempocket money
it’s when elderly peple give them pocket money when they visit the home of their elders
to give thanks. Traditions also reflects the filial piety nature of Burmese people.
5.Taungbyone nat festival
Locations:mount popa
Although the majority of Burmese people believe in Buddhism,there is still a significant
population that believes in nats. Nats are said to be terrestrial spirits that influence
human population that believes in nats. Nats are said to be terrestrial spirits that
influence human activity. Taungbyone nat festivals in held in celebration of these spirits
and is usually held around july and august. You will see people drinking and dancing
during this lively festival. Nat believes offer beer, fried chicken, and money to the nat
gadaws, who are like shamans that embody the spirits and act as their vessel. Nat
gadaws perform and dance in different costumes depending on the spirits they embody.
6.kyaukse elephant dance festival
Location:kyaukse
Kyaukse is located just about 44km away from Mandalay, and every year around
October, people from upper Myanmar usually come to kyaukse during the festival to
enjoy the elephant dance. There are usually two people who enter inside the paper-
elephant to dance. These dancers must completely be in sync when it comes to rhythm
and timing for the dance to be successful. This festival is held to pay homage to the
shwe tha lyaung pagoda In kyaukse.
7.shittuang pagoda festival
Location:mrank u
Usually held in april,this festivalis the most popular among rakhine people. During this
festivl, you can watch rakhine traditional dances, boxing matches,and boat rowing
competitions. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about the acient temples and
pagodas of the old mraunk u dynasty. Although the transportation acces to the mraunk
u town is currently difficult(you either take a 20 hour bus ride or take a flight to sittwe
airport and rent a private car for three-hour driver),witnessing the amazing physical
activities of the shittaung pagoda festival makes it worth the travel.
These diverse anf famous festivals in Myanmar aren’t only celebrations, but they are a
traditional way of giving an in-depth experience into its people’s culture, ideology, and
way of life, to both foreign and local tourist. This is something you would not want to
miss if you have opportunity to visit Myanmar at the right time.
