When the clock struck midnight on 31st August 1957, it was a historic day for Malaysians as the British Union Jack flag was lowered to make way for the birth of our nation. ❤️ This year, what better way to celebrate our love and patriotism than to savour all that Malaysia has to offer! ??
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Our multicultural heritage has blessed us with colourful histories, incredibly yummy local delicacies and stunning landscapes enjoyed by all ? So if you're wondering what to do this Merdeka weekend, here are 5 activities to celebrate our 61st national day the Malaysian way!
1. Celebrate loud and proud at these events on Merdeka day
Putrajaya 'Sayangi Malaysiaku' Celebration
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To mark Malaysia's new government, this year's Merdeka celebration will not be held in Merdeka Square but rather in Putrajaya.
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So bring your Jalur Gemilang and prepare to wave them with pride as we celebrate this year's theme 'Love My Malaysia' ?
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Even though the celebration's venue has shifted this year, Merdeka Square is still worth visiting for a reminiscent walkabout.
P.S. The iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Building right next to Merdeka Square will make a gorgeous backdrop for your Merdeka #OOTD ?
Royal Floria Putrajaya
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If you love admiring blooming flowers and stunning floral arrangements, then you're in for a treat ? Royal Floria Putrajaya is celebrating their 10th anniversary by bringing you the best of Floria's flower displays! Trust me, it's nothing like you've ever seen before. ?
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From bonsai trees and orchids galore to miniature gardens and herbal plants, you'll see artistic and innovative exhibits by designers and landscape architects from 10 Asian countries. There are also workshops and floral arts and crafts sessions for you to try your hand at creative floral design! ?
#HHWT Tip: Tickets are available at the venue but we recommend youbuy your tickets online to enjoy discounted prices! ?
Address: Anjung Floria Event Centre, Precinct 4 Putrajaya, Malaysia
Opening hours: 25th August to 2nd September; 9am - 10.30pm (Monday to Thursday), 9am - 12am (Friday to Sunday)
Visit their website for more info.
Kuala Lumpur International Arts Festival (KLIAF)
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Happening in various locations around Kuala Lumpur, the KL International Arts Festival is back from 31st August to 30th September 2018. Featuring local and international talents, you'll get to marvel at their creations and dabble in a bit of art yourself at their workshops! ???
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There's music, dance, theatre, visual arts and literature events - so revel in the lively (and amazing) art scene in Malaysia like never before ?
Visit their website for more info on KLIAF 2018.
2. Make the best of Merdeka with activities for the whole family
Kidzania, Petaling Jaya
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Let your kids run wild at Kidzania where they can enjoy more than 100 activities, role-playing real-life jobs complete with the uniforms to go with it! It's a fun, learning day out for kids and parents alike ?
Aquaria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur
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Learn all about the underwater creatures at Aquaria where you'll see over 5,000 different exhibits. The displays are incredibly colourful and will surely captivate you! You'd be surprised by how much you'll learn and experience at this world-class oceanarium. ?
i-City, Shah Alam
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From Waterworld theme park, Snowalk and Red Carpet exhibition, you'd need a whole day to explore what i-City has to offer. Enjoy the wild water slides of Waterworld, make snow angels in the artificial snow at Snowalk and take selfies with famous superstars (wax figures ?) at Red Carpet. There's plenty of fun for the whole family! ?
Buy your tickets online for a fuss-free entry to this city of lights!
3. Eat your way through Malaysia - in Klang Valley
Curry Laksa
Credit: Ah Cheng Laksa on Facebook
Indulge in a foodie feast of popular local dishes right here in Klang Valley! ?A recent news that got Malaysians screaming with joy is when Lonely Planet announced Malaysia's curry laksa as second best food experience in the world. ? So let's start with that ?
Head over to the nearest Ah Cheng Laksa cafe to savour a hearty bowl of mouthwatering curry laksa (laksa with mildly spicy coconut based curry). With Halal certified outlets all over Malaysia, enjoy this mix of yellow noodles and vermicelli in red broth topped with cockles, prawns, chicken strips, fish cakes and vegetables (phew!) that looks, smells and tastes delightful ? They also serve delicious pan mee and asam laksa too!
Nasi Kandar
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Another all-time Malaysian favourite is good ol' nasi kandar. And the best one in Klang Valley is Zainul Nasi Kandar located in PJ Oldtown Food Court. There's never not a queue here. What makes it so good is the steamy plate of rice drenched in a variety of flavourful curries. To complement your plate of steamed rice, go for the fish head curry, ayam kicap and famous fried chicken. ?
Check out our ultimate guide for more yummy Malaysian dishes in Klang Valley!
4. Go on a road trip to these stunning gems that's worth the drive
Taiping, Perak
There’s more to Taiping than meets the eye. This sleepy town is home to interesting attractions and historical gems. If you’re a history buff, the Taiping Museum should be your first stop there! ? Less than a 3-hour drive away, Taiping also has the Taiping Zoo and Night Safari that the kids will surely enjoy. This zoo houses more than 180 species of animal, making it one of the biggest zoos in Malaysia. See the rare Malayan sun bear and also monkeys up close! ?
Sekinchan, Selangor
If you'd like to experience a kampong life for a day, drive down to Sekinchan, Kuala Selangor. There are majestic paddy fields as far as your eyes can see ? The peaceful green setting is perfect for a photoshoot too! When in Sekinchan, we recommend you catch the sunset and wait for the stars to come out ✨ Away from all the city lights, this is truly a sight to behold.
If you need more inspiration on where to go, here are some gorgeous destinations you can check off your list ?
5. Escape the city and immerse in nature
Berkelah Falls, Pahang
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Fancy getting away from the hustle and bustle of a city? Then spend your day by the Berkelah waterfalls in Pahang. ? Just a 2-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, take in the gorgeous view of the seven-tiered waterfall with a stunning blue lagoon where you can dip in. This beautiful sight is worth the light, 30-minute hike to get to the bottom of the waterfall.
Mount Baling, Kedah
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If you're more adventurous than that, go for a 4-hour hike up Mount Baling in Kedah. ? Standing at 546 meters above sea level, challenge yourself on this straightforward trail that'll give you a panoramic view of Mount Pulai in the distance and this stunning rocky ridge ??
#HHWT Tip: Lace up your hiking boots as this rocky trek could get slippery!
Check out 7 other breathtaking hiking spots in Malaysia that's perfect for a city escapade ⛰
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There are so many ways to celebrate this historic day with our loved ones. But most important of all, remember to celebrate the love, respect and compassion we have for one another because that's what makes us truly Malaysians. ❤️ So tell us, how will you be celebrating Merdeka? ?