THE reason why Malaysia has succeeded as a tourist destination is because it is truly Asia. Our culture comprises all the Asian elements be it Indian, Chinese, Arab, Indo Chinese or indigenous Malaysians. You will find pieces of Asia in this beautiful land and they meld into each other with ease.
Therefore, I feel that the Tourism Minister should not remove a piece of our Malaysia Truly Asia element by stopping barongan and endang dances in its promotions simply because Indonesians claim these “belong” to Indonesia. I also hope the Chinese lion dance and the vibrant Indian dances don’t suffer a similar fate for “fear” that they have originated from other countries.
Of late, Indonesia has been quite vocal in its claims that we have been using its culture, especially music and dance, for tourism promotion activities. Reog Ponorogo (barongan in Malaysia) activists even demonstrated outside the Malaysian Embassy in Indonesia against the performance of Barongan.
The Tourism Minister has been pressured to strike out these performances, which I think is not a really wise thing to do.
Culture is one thing which is never original and never will be. Go Japan and you will hear Chinese elements in its music, songs and dances. Go to Indo-China and you will experience Indian or Chinese elements in their culture. Go Latin America or even The Philippines and you will see Spanish elements in their culture.
All over the world, people influence one another and there is no one culture that is truly original. Should we all give up our cultures then?
The English language that we use, sometimes to promote our culture, is not ours too. Should we stop using it then?
If we start striking out performances or music with foreign-perceived roots, then we will have to strike out lion dances, the zapin, bharata natyam and so forth. How then are we going to justify our promotion tagline of Malaysia Truly Asia?
Even if certain performances had their roots in Indonesian culture, I am sure these would have evolved to acquire a Malaysian identity, especially in the costumes as well as the way they are presented.
Moreover, haven’t historians on both sides of the Straits tell us both Indonesia and Malaysia grew out of the same mother — the Johore Empire?
Culture is something reflective of a country’s people. As we are a multi-racial country, our culture will always reflect elements of Asia.
3 days ago, I told you that Malaysia was selected as a World class holiday destination. Still remember this..?
Today, once again Malaysia was selected as the “2008 Asia and Australasia Golf Destination of the Year” by the
International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO). (big smile) ))..
The award was given at gala dinner..held at Grand Melia Hotel in Cancun, Mexico last December.
The award was a significant recognition of Tourism Malaysia’s accomplishment in promoting Malaysia as a premier golf destination.
With more than 210 courses found in a variety of settings around the country, Malaysia is set to be a popular year-long golf-friendly destination in the Asia region.
IAGTO is a global trade organisation for the golf industry. Its Golf Destination and Golf Resort awards are voted by its specialist golf tour operator members based on standard criteria of customer satisfaction, quality of golf courses and accommodation, value for money, support from suppliers, tourist boards and airlines, professional conduct of suppliers and accessibility to tee times.
CONFIRMED…Malaysia, World’s BEST Holiday Destination!
3 days ago, I read a local newspaper. I shocked and excited. You know what? Read this..
Malaysia was selected as the Best International Holiday Destination by the Global Traveler’s magazine for the second time.
WOW!! What a great news.. The award giving ceremony was held at New York. Malaysia has ‘defeated’ the other big..big countries in the world.
I’m so proud of this ’victory’ and I want to share it with you. The government has spent a lot of money just to make sure..not me but YOU..100% enjoy and satisfy when you’re on holiday to Malaysia. In short, all we have done is for YOU.
5 days ago, I gave you the great video about the overview picture of beautiful beaches and a little bit of culture in Malaysia generally. It might give you some view of wonderful Malaysia…isn’t it..?
Today, I have one more thing for you. Guess what..? Hmm..it’s not a video but a great..great song composed specially for you. Yeah..I mean YOU who are planning visiting my country. The songs will be sing by two great singer in Malaysia. They have a beautiful and powerful voice.
In short, this song is all about some of the flowers of Malaysia, an extension of the renowned naturally colourful, warm and attractive facet of Malaysians.
And I believe, after listening to this songs, you’ll surprised and your decision to choose Malaysia as your perfect destination for holiday is 100% correct. Don’t wait anymore! Sit properly and click play now button below to listen and feel the amazing Malaysian musical. Enjoy yourself……
Hi all..see you again.
Oh my God man. I don’t know what happened to me. I plan to tell you this earlier. But..hmm I forgot! Sorry friend.
I don’t want YOU to missed this big..big chance. I want you to get it..grab this golden opportunity NOW! Here it is..
What I mean here is, Malaysian Airlines System (MAS) offered the ‘boom’ price in history for those who wanted travelling to Malaysia. This offer is starting..RIGHT NOW till 23rd January 2008.
The special price is only available for domestic flight and ASEAN countries. For domestic flight, the price starting from MYR39 for one way and MYR79 for ASEAN countries, MYR199 to China and MYR399 to India.
This special promotion is only for holiday in Malaysia from 14 January 2008 to 21 March 2008 (domestic) and ASEAN countries from 9 January to 15 March 2008.
This is your time now to come to Malaysia for holiday. It’s very..very cheap. So, get it now!
Today, I have no intention to write any tips and articles. I just want to show you something very interesting.
If you’re planning spend your holiday in Malaysia, don’t forget to watch this amazing video. This video is short, but I think it can give you the overview picture about beautiful beaches and a little bit of culture in Malaysia generally.
Don’t worry, I try my best to provide you with more videos about Malaysia later. Click play to watch the video NOW..
I got a great..great news for you. You know what? Here it is;
2008 promises to be a very exciting year with the EXTENSION of Visit Malaysia year 2007 (VMY 2007) to August 2008.
The year 2007 is over but the country’s much talked about event, VMY 2007, is not. The campaign, with the theme Celebrating 50 Years of Nationhood, has been extended to August with a new theme, One Golden Celebration.
The extension is also in line with the celebration of Malaysia’s 50th year of independence which ends on August 31 this year.
While the VMY 2007 campaign has been more event-driven, with over 200 national and international-level events and activities, the One Golden Celebration campaign will focus more on enticing tourists to come and visit our many wonderful destinations.
These promotions are further enhanced by three visit -State-year campaigns by Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu - each with its own theme and campaign.
Malaysia, a land of ready smiles and incredible contrasts beckons the visitors with a rich diversity of experiences. A charming, fascinating land of warm, friendly people. Here you get a taste of all of Asia in a single destination.
The country’s social, political and economic stability have ensured a well structured development. Malaysia today is a cosmopolitan, progressive nation of great opportunity which has managed to retain its rich heritage of culture and traditions despite modernisation.
The country’s rich character unfolds from the moment the visitor clears the state-of-the-art KL International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang. You will soon discover that Malaysia is a fascinating kaleidoscope of interesting and colourful places, peoples, customs, festivals, art and delightful cuisine. The country is also endowed with verdant rainforests, beautiful dive sites and marine parks containing fascinating animal life and a diversity of flora and fauna unique to this part of the world.
In Malaysia, you can choose to city-hop to experience the incredible variety of shopping opportunities, entertainment and accommodation or lie back blissfully on white sandy beaches as you gaze upon the rustic charms of the countryside.
Bring the family along for the Malaysian holiday adventure is a well-rounded experience. In the words of British novelist and playwright, Somerset Maugham, “if you haven’t seen this place, you haven’t see the world”.
