Pangkor events are part of the different festivals in Malaysia. In 2008 there are again plenty of activities in Malaysia. All will start off with the important Indian festival: Thaipusam. As every year the focal points for the festival are the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Malaysia is a cultural melting pot. The three different Malaysian races: Malay, Chinese and Indians all brought with them their own cultural events. So, what will you be able to attend when visiting Malaysia?

Malaysia festivals

Thaipusam, 22-23 Jannuary 2008

For a big celebration of Thaipusam, Penang is probably a better place but in Pangkor and Sitiawan Thaipusam is celebrated by the Indian Hindu population. The year it will happen on the 1st of February. If you're in Malaysia, it's an event not to be missed!

Thaipusam in Malaysia

Read my own experience at the Thaipusam Penang 2007 here ...

and have a look at a photo report of the Pulau Penang Thaipusam 2007

Thaipusam 2008 is already finished. Here's a quick photo page about this fantastic event which I followed in Penang.

Mr. Chandra and Mrs. Pearly's son, ready for his journey to Lord Muruga

Chinese New Year

A list of events in Malaysia would not be complete with Chinese New Year. Of the Pangkor events, Chinese New Year is of course important. In 2005 and 2006 I spend my CNY with families. In 2007, I went to Kuala Kurau to enjoy the 8th day of the Chinese New Year with the Hokkien people, As expected it was an great place to be. Read more about the Hokkien Chinese New Year or watch a few more photos here.

Ching Ming

Ching Ming is held on the day of the Third Moon 105 days after the Winter Solstice. It is also known as the Grave-Sweeping or Spring Remembrance Day. Ching Ming literally means "clear and bright" and is the time of the year when Chinese families visit the graves of their ancestors to clean the graveside and pay their respects. It’s common for families to make offerings of rice, fruit and wine to ensure their loved ones have enough food and drink in the afterlife. Some families burn incense and paper money by the gravesides, believing that the smoke rises to the afterworld and can be used by their ancestors

Ching Ming will be celebrated this year at 4 and 5 April and it will be interesting to see what the Chinese people do. There's no problem to go and visit these cemeteries. Pangkor has cemeteries but for the real nice ones, go to Seri Manjung and Sitiawan.

Read more here

Moon Festival

The second most important festival for the Chinese population is the Moon Festival. It's usually celebrated early October. Penang is one of the most important places to be for the festival. From 3 to 7 October your best place to be is Butterworth at the 9 Emperor Gods temple, a new temple in Butterworth and an excellent place to see the Firewalk.

During the Moon Festival the Chinese will eat Mooncakes. What is the Moon Festival? And what are Mooncakes? Read more here.

Ramadan and Hari Raya 2008

The Muslim population of Malaysia celebrates the Ramadan, the month of fasting, with late afternoon and night bazaars. The month of Ramadan is a great opportunity to sample a variety of food special made for the Ramadan. You will not be disappointed! The last day of the Ramadan is called Hari Raya and it's a great day to celebrate this important day for the Muslim population with some Muslims. It's very easy to find a nice place to find out how they celebrate the end of the Ramadan and how the Chinese and Indian join them in the celebrations.

Ramadan 2008 is from 1st September and until Tuesday, the 30th of September. Hari Raya Puasa Wednesday 1 October 2008.

Deepavali 2008

Deepavali is the Indian festival in which good triumphs evil. The Pulau Pangkor Newsletter has paid some attention to this annual event. It's one of the major events in Malaysia and thus a major Pangkor events every year. This year, 2008, Deepavali is celebrated October 27.

click here to read my article.

Christmas, 25th December

Although Malaysia is predominantly a Muslim country, Christmas is widely celebrated. Santa Claus is widely seen all over the country and the shopping centers are all full with Christmas attributes. And you will be able to attend the Christmas services in one of the many churches in the country.

A selection of other events in Malaysia in 2008

Tour de Langkawi 2008

In 2008 there will be another Tour de Langkawi, it will start at 9 February and takes 10 days. Unfortunately the Tour de Langkawi will not come to Sitiawan and Lumut like in 2006. Of the Pangkor events, the Tour de Langkawi was quite an event

Amongst the Pangkor events in 2006 the Tour de Langkawi was a major event. What did it look like in 2006 in Sitiawan and Lumut? Who were the winners. It was an enjoyable afternoon in Sitiawan and the next morning in Lumut it was fun too. Hopefully in 2008, the caravan returned to Sitiawan.

Tour de Langkawi in Sitiawan and Lumut 2006

More about the two days of the Tour de Langkawi in Sitiawan and a special photopage of Sitiawan 2008

Some of the main events of 2008

There will be a number of Pangkor events this year, but here's a schedule for some of the main Visit Malaysia 2008 activities:

Below are some of the special events which will be organized in 2008, for an extensive selection, visit the Tourism office and get the brochure "Events & Festivals 2008"

International Arts Festival

January until Augustus, national and international artists performing traditional and contemporary arts

Genting International Show 8 Feb-31 Dec

Genting International Show 8 Feb-31 Dec
with acrobats, illusionists, dancing and showcasts

Penang World Music Festival

2 - 4 May  Quarry Garden Penang, national and international artists.

23rd Sabah Dragon Boat Race 2008

The Sabah Dragon Boat Race has drawn international attention with participants from Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, China and Brunei. June 15.

Penang Bridge Marathon

Marathon on the third longest bridge in the world, 22 June

Ipoh Open International Run

July 6, 21 km course to explore the surrounding of Ipoh in a sportive way.

Perak International Skydive

Aeroclub Perak in Ipoh organizes an international event with skydivers from all over the world. From Malaysia, skydivers from Selangor and Kelantan will participate.

Genting World Lion Dance Championships

18-20 July in Genting, spectacular with international lion dance groups performing their best

Liondance in Penang

Merdeka Day Parade 31-8-2008

2008 is the 51th celebration of Malaysian Independence. A free open air concert is held on the eve of Merdeka (independence) to jumpstart the celebrations. The Merdeka starts off with a grande parade. These events will take place in Kuala Lumpur. In other cities there will be similar event take place.

Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon 2008

Some called it "the worlds toughest mountain race". Fact is that the race over 21 km up and down Mount Kinabalu is one of the most difficult runs to do.

Ruhaizad Daud of www.mount-kinabalu-borneo.com/ wrote an article, special for the Pulau Pangkor website. Click here for the full story and what will happen at Mount Kinabalu on 23 and 24 August 2008. Read more about the Climbathon at Mount Kinabalu

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