On August 31, 1957, at exactly 12:01 AM a new South East Asian Nation was born out of the formerly British ruled Malayan Peninsula. It would be joined six years later by Sabah and Sarawak as a result of a referendum where residents voted to help create the Federation of Malaysia.
Singapore and Brunei would later break away from the federation to chart their own destinies, but both maintaining strong cultural and economic ties with South East Asia's most vibrant nation.
Join Malaysia as it celebrates fifty years of Merdeka (Independence) and celebrate the diversity of their tri-cultural nation of Malays, ethnic Chinese, and South Asians as they present the evolution of their uniquely unifying Malaysian heritage.
An impressive lineup of events is planned beginning with an International Fireworks Competition in the government center of Putrajaya, midway between the airport and Kuala Lumpur.
Make this a whole day affair with shopping, good food, watersports, and savor the inspiring “Putrajaya Floria Festival of Blooms” a garden festival commemorating fifty years of a nation in bloom.
August 31st is the big day as Malaysia celebrates “Malaysiaku Gemilang!,” Glorious Malaysia with a myraid of parades cultural performances, street shows, and carnivals.
Although many events are scheduled in Kuala Lumpur, each of Malaysia's thirteen states have their own festivities ensuring that no matter where you'll be in Malaysia, there will be a celebration nearby.
The main events will be held in Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur along the Putrajaya waterfront. The King's Palace in Kuala Lumpur will hold an open house for visitors, followed by a grand parade attended by their Majesties, the King and Queen of Malaysia, Prime Minister Badawi, dignitaries and the public. A spectacular fireworks display is scheduled in Putrajaya, followed by a free open air concert on the eve of Merdeka.
The week after that, on September 7-9, Kuala Lumpur hosts the International Military Tatoo Exhibition. Military tatoos are precision drills by various national honor guards spread out of three thrilling nights, with many visitting dignitaries from various governments from around the world.
And if that's not enough, Malaysia's numerous theme parks operate year round: Aquaria right inside the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centrenear Petronas, Sunway Lagoon Resort midway between Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, or Genting Highlands, along the border with Pahang State. For a more genteel experience take a trip to Cameron Highlands, a plantation style resort northeast of Kuala Lumpur.
For more information on exciting year around events in the“Visit Malaysia 2007” program, visit http://www.tourism.gov.my/
Fly to Malaysia and celebrate Merdeka with Cebu Pacific's affordable flights four times a week. Cebu Pacific, the only Philippine airline flying to Malaysia, now has more seats to Kuala Lumpur with the fielding of its new 179-seater Airbus A320.
