Come Lunar New Year 2025, majestic temples dressed in red finery like the world-renowned Kek Lok Si with thousands of glittering lanterns await to bring good fortune and joy. Historic Chinatowns like Jonker Street bustle with festive snacks bursting from food carts as vibrant lion dancers prance down the roads accompanied by crashing cymbals. There are a lot of places to visit in Malaysia during Chinese New Year such as Sabah River Safari, Maxwell Hill, Central Market and many more. To assist you, here’s a list of some amazing places to visit in Malaysia during Chinese New Year! C HINESE New Year (CNY) is a time of excitement, family gatherings and cultural richness, and Malaysia, with its diverse traditions, offers some of the best places to celebrate the festive season. When it comes to celebrating Chinese New Year in Malaysia, a visit to Chinatown's Jonker Street is a must. With numerous Malacca eateries along the way, you are in for one of the greatest food adventures. Chinese New Year celebrations in Malaysia are a vibrant tapestry of cultures, traditions, and mouth-watering food scenes. Especially Penang is a great place to visit during Chinese New Year. There are many beautiful temples in Georgetown, and all are crowded with Chinese Malaysians that come there to pray (mostly for health and prosperity during the new year). Best Places to Celebrate Chinese New Year in Malaysia 1) Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Melaka Visitors will be enthralled by the Chinese New Year celebration in Malaysia. Discover the top 12 best Chinese New Year activities to do in Malaysia. From family traditions to festive events, make the most of the Lunar New Year celebrations This guide will take you through the best places to experience Chinese New Year across Malaysia, along with top accommodation options to enhance your stay. Kuala Lumpur, the bustling capital of Malaysia, offers a spectacular array of events and activities during Chinese New Year. For those celebrating at home, elevate the festivities with Lai Po Heen’s signature Poon Choi (Treasure Pot) for takeaway. The Chinese New Year Treasure Pot serves six and is priced at RM1,288, while the Chinese New Year Supreme Treasure Pot, which also serves six, is priced at RM2,988. Each order comes with a complimentary Yee Sang. But one thing you don’t want to miss during CNY in Singapore is the Chingay Parade, a dazzling multi-cultural event that showcases vibrant floats and performers, making the island one of the top places to spend Chinese New Year. 4. Malaysia. If you’re wondering where to travel during Chinese New Year, Malaysia is your go-to. Tips for Traveling in Malaysia During the Chinese New Year 1. Book Your Malaysia Tour as Far in Advance as Possible. Around Chinese New Year, Malaysia can enter Balik Kampung (many Malaysians return home at the same time). As such, a heavy jam across the country would be expected. As the joyous celebrations of Chinese New Year (CNY) unfold, Malaysia becomes a tapestry of vibrant colors, festive cheer, and cultural richness. You can embrace the spirit of the Lunar New Year by exploring the enchanting destinations that come alive with traditional performances, delicious cuisines, and captivating festivities. There are two main temples worth a visit during Chinese New Year. The first is Thean Hou Temple situated on Lorong Bellamy on top of Robson Heights. Every year the beautiful temple is decked out in literally thousands of red lanterns and visitors can enjoy free performances such as lion dance, cultural festivals and religious ceremonies. Chinese New Year is the most important celebration for Chinese people all over the world. Also known as the Lunar New Year as it is based on the lunar calendar as opposed to the Gregorian calendar, Chinese New Year starts with the new moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon, 15 days later, with the celebration of the Lantern Festival (or Chap Goh Mei). Here are 10 great places to visit in Malaysia during Chinese New Year: Kuala Lumpur : The capital city hosts numerous events, including vibrant street decorations, lion and dragon dances, and the famous Thean Hou Temple, beautifully adorned for the celebrations. Yes, you can expect some places to be shut during New Year’s Day, and potentially the New Year weekend, but overall there’s still things to do and places to eat. All the main Penang attractions will be open to cater for tourists and the Malay wanting to make the most of the public holiday. This auspicious day not only marks the start of the Year of the Dragon but also sets the stage for an amazing array of happenings in Kuala Lumpur. The city, decked out in festive decorations and bathed by the warm glow of traditional lanterns, invites you to celebrate the Chinese New Year with us. 10 Places to Visit in KL during Chinese New Every Chinese New Year, the Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur comes alive as thousands of red lanterns are lit to celebrate the holiday. If you’re in the city with your family during this festive occasion, visiting the Thean Hou Temple is one of the best ways to celebrate, with free performances of lion and dragon dances to watch. Chinese New Year is the most important celebration for Chinese people all over the world. Also known as the Lunar New Year as it is based on the lunar calendar as opposed to the Gregorian calendar, Chinese New Year starts with the new moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon, 15 days later, with the celebration of the Lantern Festival (or Chap Goh Mei). One of the best times to visit Malaysia to experience the vibrant festivals up close is during the Chinese New Year celebrations. Typically falling in January or February based on the Chinese Lunar Calendar, the colourful festivities can be witnessed for 15 days, with a special focus on the first three and the last day.
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