Colors of MalaysiaMalaysia is extremely proud of its cultural diversity, which is showcased in Kuala Lumpur each year with one of the world's most colorful extravaganzas, Citrawarna, or 'The Colors of Malaysia'. This month-long cultural celebration is packed with a kaleidoscope of events, the highlight being a grand parade involving thousands of people escorting a float bearing the Royal family. The event also marks the King's birthday. The spectacular procession is a moving mosaic of rhythm and dance. Throughout the month there are numerous offerings including art and craft exhibits,
sumptuous cuisine at food festivals, resplendently costumed music and dance performances and sports meetings.
Venue: Merdeka Square and other venues around the city center
Date: 21 March 2009
Time: 8.30pm
Website: www.tourism.gov.my
Kuala Lumpur International Tower JumpThe Menara Kuala Lumpur (better known as the KL Tower) is the fourth tallest telecommunications tower in the world, standing at 1,381 feet (421m). The tower has become a magnet for extreme sports enthusiasts, particularly 'BASE' (building, antenna, span and earth) jumpers. Every year 50 or so daredevils make repeated jumps from the tower and make three-second free falls before opening their chutes, leaving spectators breathless. Allied events on the day include a light aircraft fly past, helicopter roping, radio controlled aircraft displays and gliding exhibitions.
Venue: Menara Kuala Lumpur
Date: August 2009, TBA
Website: www.menarakl.com.my
ThaipusamMalaysia celebrates numerous religious festivals, but the best known and most popular with tourists is the Hindu test of faith and endurance, Thaipusam, held at Batu Caves during the tenth month of the Hindu calendar. This festival, involving a procession of devotees carrying yokes (kavadi), bearing offerings, up hundreds of steps, is not for the squeamish. The bearers, in a trance-like state, are pierced with skewers through tongues and cheeks, with hooks and spears pierced through other body parts. The procession follows a ceremonial decorated chariot drawn by bullocks.
Venue: Batu Caves, about seven miles north of Kuala Lumpur
Date: January 2010, TBA
Malaysian F1 Grand PrixOne of the first events in the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix motor racing season is the Malaysian Grand Prix at the impressive Sepang track. The first World Championship Grand Prix held at this new ultra-modern circuit, known for its sweeping corners and wide straights, was in 1999, and since then the event has become known as one of the most thrilling on the F1 Calendar.
Venue: Sepang Circuit
Date: 4-5 April 2009
Website: www.malaysiangp.com.my
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The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.