This year, Malaysia will celebrate 50 years of independence. The month of August will be filled with a myriad of parades, cultural performances, street shows and carnivals to commemorate the country's Independence or Merdeka Day on 31st August.
It was on 31st August 1957 when history was made as the Union Jack was lowered and the Malaysian flag hoisted, with the first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj leading the people in the famous shouts of Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka! (Independence!)
For more than 30 years, Merdeka Day celebrations have been marked by parades involving uniformed personnel, corporate players, school children, cultural dancers, athletes and Malaysians from all walks of life. However, in recent years, the event has grown into a much anticipated and exciting month-long celebration nationwide.
This forthcoming Golden Jubilee celebration marks a significant milestone in the history of the nation. Join the enthusiastic crowd at the Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur on the eve of Merdeka Day for the countdown to this momentous event. Another highlight of the year will be the Citrawarna or Colours and Flavours of Malaysia parade, an annual event showcasing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the country. This will be the grandest celebration for this event yet.
Malaysia invites all visitors to share in the joy and excitement of this momentous occasion. Come and be mesmerised by a unique multicultural populace celebrating 50 years of nationhood in harmony and peaceful co-existance. You will truly be fascinated.
To accompany your visit to Malaysia, here are several books that I think suitable for foreigners (and Malaysians as well, of course) to get to know the nature beauty of this country. Don’t forget about the variety of Malaysian foods, comprising Malay, Chinese, Indian and others delicious cooking throughout Malaysia. I’m proud to be Malaysian!
Beaches of Malaysia
Beaches of Malaysia takes you on a captivating journey to the many familiar as well as seldom traversed beaches of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, some of which have been acclaimed as waters, gentle surf, long stretches of warm golden sands and quaint fishing villages invoke an ambience of supreme tranquility and rustic charm.
Over 300 pages of excellent photographs and an entertaining text capture the unique characteristics and moods of the beaches and the varied life that surrounds them.
Title: Beaches of Malaysia
Author: Johnny Ong & Leela Govindasamy
Publisher: Design Dimension Sdn Bhd
ISBN: 9838720070
Format: Hardcover
Marine Parks of Malaysia
Marine Parks of Malaysia details Malaysia's determined efforts in conserving its invaluable marine heritage by the establishment of marine parks. More than this, the book covers all aspects of marine habitats and life found in the waters of the designated parks, supported by a highly readable text and superb photographs. A most noteworthy publication for any nature-loving enthusiast and indispensable volume in any library shelf.
Title: Marine Parks of Malaysia
Author: Mohd Taupek Mohd Nasir & Nor Ainy Mahyudin
Publisher: The Department of Fisheries Malaysia
ISBN: 9838720100
Format: Hardcover
Orchids: The Living Jewels of Malaysia
This book details comprehensively the wide variety of orchid species found in Malaysia, including hybrids, in simple text comprehensible to the layperson. Combined with excellent photography, the book will provide great reading pleasure for anyone with an interest in nature.
Title: Orchids: The Living Jewels of Malaysia
Author: Fadelah Abdul Aziz, et al
Publisher: MARDI
ISBN: 967936397X
Format: Hardcover
Plants and Flowers of Malaysia
A lavishly illustrated handbook, Plants and Flowers of Malaysia captures some of the wonderful, weird, beautiful, rare and common plants that are part of Malaysia's natural heritage. The book features 170 native and naturalized Malaysian plant species, including a parade of carnivorous pitcher plants - the world's most successful vegetable trappers of insects - and extraordinary ant plants; the fantastic, giant-flowered, parasitic Rafflesia; little-known mountain rhododendrons; and beautiful orchids.
Title: Plants and Flowers of Malaysia (Revised)
Author: Polunin, Ivan
Publisher: Times Edition
ISBN: 9812328874
Format: Hardcover
