Malaysia: A delightful fusion of lifestyle and culture

A Malaysian dancer performs a routine during the full dress rehearsal of the opening ceremony of Citrawarna Malaysia (Colours of Malaysia). AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Want to visit a Southeast Asian neighbor with a delightful fusion of lifestyle and culture? Try Malaysia.

The Ministry of Tourism Malaysia unveiled Friday its latest holiday packages for 2011 at the Tara na sa Malaysia Travel Fair at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Ibrahim Saad led the launch.

The tourism ministry spends hundreds of million ringgit to entice foreign tourists to visit the multicultural society.

Aside from its beaches and rainforests, Malaysia is a destination for shopping, architectural marvels, historic sites and theme parks.

Some of Malaysia’s tourist attractions include the Taman Negara National Park, Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls and Petronas Twin Towers.

Staying true to its tourism slogan, “Malaysia Truly Asia,” the country’s culture is a blend of Asia’s oldest civilizations – Malay, Chinese, Indian and other ethnic groups on the Borneo Island.

Malaysia's landmark Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur. AFP

In 2010, Malaysia had 24.6 million tourist arrivals, with Singapore residents as top visitors and Filipinos in the fifth place.

The holiday packages, which will be available yearlong, offer special tours to different destinations.

Nature lovers may try the beautiful beaches of Kota Kinabalu and Langkawi. Tourists may also feast on modern skyscrapers and heritage building in cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Penang and Melacca.

A fun time awaits visitors at theme parks such as Genting Highlands and Sunway Lagoon.

Special arrangements at great discounts are offered for the Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix this October.

Art enthusiasts may attend festivals from July to September. These festivals are supported by private groups, including shopping malls, hotels, art galleries and cultural and convention centers.

Some of the events include a month-long art festival at Resorts World Genting throughout August, and a two-day festival and an art contest that will be held at the Taman Tasek Raub, Pahang.

Other special tour packages for as low as P3,388 are exclusively offered at the travel fair, which will run from July 15 to 17.