Culture & Heritage
Malaysia is one most fascinating countries in the world with its deeply vibrant and diverse culture and heritage. The eclectic mix of races and ethnic groups —all with their traditional belief systems and religion, sync in harmony. The most important festivals of each group are public holidays.
Ethnic Iban, Sarawak
The culture of ethnic Ibans of Sarawak is as colourful as their traditional outfits. There is a legend that they originated from Kapuas River in Indonesia on the island of Borneo. They are a branch of the Dayak community and were once famous headhunters. Their traditional way of life is best experienced in their ancestral communal longhouses, which are characterized by long wooden structures built on stilts. There are many festivals to celebrate their rituals and beliefs. The annual festival Gawai, a regional public holiday, is a thanksgiving harvest festival to mark the end of the harvesting season and the beginning of a new planting season.
Kadazan Dusun, Sabah
Kadazan-Dusun, the largest native group in Sabah, is recognized by UNESCO as an indigenous nation of Borneo. The majority of this group are actually Christians. Annually, they celebrate Pesta Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) to honour the customs and traditions of their ancestors. In the olden days, this festival was celebrated to give thanks to the ancient god for the bountiful harvest and to bless the new season. One of the ancient traditions practiced by the Kadazan-Dusun during the civil wars was headhunting. Today, they are predominantly wet rice and hill rice cultivators.
Culture & Heritage
“Malaysia Truly Asia”- a campaign to entice tourists to one of the world's best destinations.
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Malaysia is a melting pot of diverse cultures due to its multiracial community, indigenous tribes, centuries old traditions and variety of cuisines. Worthy of its catchphrase, the taste and culture of all things Asian can be found here. Explore the wonders that Malaysia has to offer. Enjoy the variety of food from roadside hawker local delights to authentic cuisines of the different races and multiethnic groups. The many mega malls and old traditional shops are a shopping paradise for all kinds of goods. Its breathtaking nature—sunny skies, beautiful rainforests, sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and gigantic caves are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It is culturally rich with many historical buildings and ancient sites. Old buildings and streets are starkly juxtaposed with modern landscape seamlessly integrating the past and present.
Wayang Kulit, Kelantan
The most distinct style of Wayang Kulit, an ancient form of puppet theatre, is practiced in Kelantan. UNESCO has designated Wayang Kulit as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2003. The shadows of intricately carved puppets are projected onto a screen. Of the four varieties of shadow play in Peninsula Malaysia, Wayang Kulit Siam is the most indigenous of the styles. The performances are done not just for entertainment but also for ritual purposes to salute the teachers. Ritual performances are rare and includes a host of activities such as trance.