Visit Malaysia 2014

Malaysia has announced that next year, 2014, is Visit Malaysia Year. The target is to achieve 28 million visitors next year. But have you seen the logo? The logos below are the official Visit Malaysia Year 2014 (or VMY14) logo with two different versions – blue and white background color. 

To know Malaysia is to love Malaysia - a bubbling, bustling melting-pot of races and religions where Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other ethnic groups live together in peace and harmony. Our multiculturalism has made Malaysia a gastronomical paradise and home to hundreds of colourful festivals. It's no wonder that we love celebrating and socialising. As a people, Malaysians are very relaxed, warm and friendly.

Geographically, Malaysia is almost as diverse as its culture. 11 states and 2 federal territories (Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya) form Peninsular Malaysia which is separated by the South China Sea from East Malaysia which includes the 2 states (Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo) and a third federal territory, the island of Labuan.

One of Malaysia's key attractions is its extreme contrasts which further add to this theme of ‘diversity’. Towering skyscrapers look down upon wooden houses built on stilts while five-star hotels sit just metres away from ancient reefs.

Rugged mountains reach dramatically for the sky while their rainforest-clad slopes sweep down to floodplains teeming with forest life. Cool highland hideaways roll down to warm, sandy beaches and rich, humid mangroves.

Kick off the new year in January by joining in the grand celebration of the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 promotion campaign, from January 18th to 20th at Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur – it will be the biggest tourism carnival ever! It is also a great month to participate in the Thaipusam Festival. A dazzling chariot procession will pull into the Batu Caves temple on January 27th after making a 15-kilometer, 12-hour journey from the heart of Kuala Lumpur. In addition, Langkawi waters will host the Royal Langkawi International Regatta, an exciting sailing and racing event, from January 7th to 12th.

The Chinese New Year celebration will be on February 10th. It is a great time to catch a glimpse of the 15-day long festival celebrated with joyous reunion, fabulous food, colorful lion dances, and ethnic tradition. Another tourism highlight is the Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival in Johor from February 20th to 24th, which promises to fill up the sky with colorful and innovative kite designs from international participants. Also, catch some of the world’s leading women tennis players at the BMW Malaysian Open from February 25th to March 3rd at the Royal Selangor Golf Club in Kuala Lumpur.

In March, Formula One fans can not only come for the race as it zooms into the Sepang International Circuit from March 22nd to 24th, but also take advantage of the retail discounts offered during the Malaysia GP Sale from March 8th to April 14th. Meanwhile, Langkawi will host one of the largest International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibitions from March 26th to 30th.

April is the month for a splashing time at the Water Festival, which will be celebrated in all major seaside towns in Malaysia: Langkawi, Labuan and Port Dickson. Meanwhile, the Malaysia International Shoe Festival will be held from April 5th to 7th.

Those visiting in May can join in on the Colors of 1Malaysia celebrations on May 25th, in addition to participating in other cultural events such as Sabah Fest (May 4-5), Tadau Kaamatan (May 30-31), and the World Harvest Festival in Sarawak (May 3-5).

In June, come for the Malaysia International Tourism Night Floral Parade in Putrajaya from June 22nd to 30th and watch the dazzling lighted boats cruise along the lake. For music lovers, the well-recognized Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak from June 28th to 30th is a must see.

Grab your shopping bags in July for Malaysia’s Mega Sale Carnival that runs from June 14th to September 1st! Also, meet some of Malaysia’s talented artists and purchase their artworks at the Malaysia Contemporary Art Tourism Festival, which begins in July and lasts through September. July is also the Ramadan month observed by Muslims by way of fasting from dawn to dusk. Visit the Bazar Ramadan stalls and be amazed by the array of food prepared for the breaking of the fast each evening.

In August, take part in the Hari Raya celebrations, where open houses and feasting on local delights are welcomed. Then, celebrate patriotism in August and September with the Malaysia National Day on August 31st and a festive Malaysia Day celebration on September 16th. Admire the procession of beautiful lanterns during the 1Malaysia Lantern Tourism Festival on September 19th.

Meanwhile, October kicks off the three-month Fabulous Food 1Malaysia dining feast. Enjoy fine dining in October, ASEAN food in November and delicious street food in December.

In November comes the international yacht racing teams that battle the monsoon weather and South China Sea for a chance to lift the Monsoon Cup. This month is also the start of the Malaysia Year End Sale, which begins on November 8th and ends on January 5th, 2014. In addition, don’t forget to be part of the Deepavali celebration this month and experience a true festival of lights.

Culminate the year in December with the Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia Dance Tourism Carnival and learn the various Malaysian cultural dances.  Or, continue with your Malaysia Year End Sale shopping spree well into January 2014, while enjoying local street food delights served during the last month of the Fabulous Food 1Malaysia. You can also enjoy the experience of a tropical Christmas throughout December as shopping malls and hotels light up.