South East Asian Trips

Malaysia is a multicultural society, with a mix population of Malays, Chinese and Indian population. The Malays are basically Muslims and speak Bahasa. They are the largest community and run the government. One-third of the population is Chinese, mostly indulged into business community, follow Buddhists and Taoists religion and speak Hokkein, Hakka and Cantonese. Only 10% of the population is occupied by the Hindu Tamils from South India. They speak Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi and live on the west coast of the peninsula. Sikh community, Eurasians and indigenous tribes occupy the remaining part. Malay is the official language, but English is their main communicating language. Iban of Sarawak occupying 395000 in numbers is the main native tribe living in the eastern coast. The Bidayuh, with 107000 populations are concentrated mainly on Sarawak's Skrang River, small tribes Orang Asli, nomadic agriculturalists with 80000 populations are scattered in Peninsular Malaysia.

Malaysia is one of the colorful countries of South Asia, which is renowned for its diverse culture and is fast becoming one of the hottest tourist destinations of South Asia. The country comprises of thirteen states and two geographical regions that is separated by the South China Sea. Culture of Malaysia is eclectic; the country boasts of a heterogeneous society. Apart from the indigenous people of Malaysia, the country also boasts of citizens, of Indian and Chinese origin. Thus the culture of the country was considerably influenced by the Indian and Chinese culture. The Malaysian culture was further influenced by European, Arab and Persian culture. The multiculturalism of the country is also the result of the fact that the Malaysia was a part of the British Empire. The colonial hangover still continues in the country and English is the favored language of the middle class and upper class. Overall the Culture of Malaysia can be best described as an assorted culture that is rich in variety and truly global.

Malaysia with its multiculturalism is home to delightful festivals, celebrations and feasts all round the year. Festivals in the country are either celebrated nationwide or at the state level. For example Prophet Muhammad's Birthday and Chinese New Year is celebrated all throughout the country whereas Deepavali is celebrated in West Malaysia.

As far as cultural activity is concerned, there is no dearth of cultural activity in the country and the cultural scenario of the country is always bustling with activity. Malaysia is rich in art and architecture; there are many art colleges and art galleries in the country boasting of avant-garde paintings and sculptures. The country is also interspersed with numerous architectural marvels, which are renowned in all over the world and are major tourist attractions of the country. Crafts of Malaysia are also variegated and reflect multiculturalism of the country; some of the crafts of the country are Batik, Songket, Woodcarving and Keris.

Malaysia also boasts of a local film industry and presently the country produces 15 films and about 300-400 television dramas, serials, and other programs every year. The country is scattered with 250 theaters and cineplexes exhibiting local but as well as international films. In order to boost popularity, appreciation and film literacy the government of Malaysia also organizes the annual National Film Festival. Malaysia's theater scenario is also progressing rapidly and the plays of the country are traveling to the West and some of the plays have also received critical appreciation,

Dances

The dance in Malaysia is strongly influenced by the neighboring countries Indonesia and Thailand. Court dance and folk dance in West and East Malaysia are a major tourist attraction. Former British colony has left an impact of ballet and other modern dances. The Joget is the most popular, lively and fast dance performed by couples and has its origin from Portuguese folk dance. Another favourite native dance in Sabah and Sarawak is the bamboo dance where the dancers jump in-between back and forth moving bamboo poles. Mak Yong, a traditional and ancient dance-drama, is performed in the courts of the Sultans. Bangara, a Punjabi folk dance is also seen here with colorful costumes and lively music,

Music

Malaysian music is strongly influenced by Chinese and Islamic forms and follow a persistent tone and rhythm that comes from diverse drumming instruments like gendang i.e. drum, geduk, gedombak. Flutes, trumpets and gongs are also played. Rebana, a huge drum made of a hollowed-out log was traditionally used to communicate with the neighborhood village,

Malay Art

Malay arts and crafts include batik, silk weaving, silver filigree, brasswork, wayang kulit (shadow-puppets), silat (a stylised martial art). Batik is a traditional technique for dyeing fabric, using wax to make designs. The designs are either hand-painted or printed with carved wooden blocks. Silver filigree jewelry is created with delicate silver wires that are tightly rolled by hand and soldered onto frames. Sabah and Sarawak is famed for traditional woodcarvings, beadwork and Iban pua kumbu i.e., intricately woven ceremonial hangings featuring stylized birds, animals or plants and motifs representing spiritual significance. The Chinese community in Malaysia creates lovely huge blue and green glazed dragon jars made of porcelain,

Cuisine

Satays made out of meat kebabs in spicy peanut sauce are a specialty in Malaysian cuisine. Being a multi cultural country, one can taste a mix of Chinese and Malay food called Nyonya made with Chinese ingredients and local spices. Indian, Indonesian and Western dishes like fried soybean curd in peanut sauce, sour tamarind fish curry, fiery curry prawns and spiced curried meat in coconut marinade are the delicacies. Muslim Indian dishes have developed a distinctly Malaysian style.

In Alor Setar, Bangi, Cameron Highlands, Damai Laut, Ipoh, Jerantut, Johor Bahru, Kedah, Kedah Darul Aman, Kijal, Kota Bharu, Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan, Kuching, Kuching Sarawak, Langkawi, Malacca, Melaka, Miri, Pahang, Pahang Darul Makmur, Pangkor, Pangkor Island, Penang, Perak, Petaling Jaya, Petra Kota Bharu, Pulau Langkawi, Sabah, Sarawak, Sepang, Seremban, Sibu Island, Terengga, Terengganu, The Mines Resort City.