Image Credit: TheSmartLocal Malaysia. The annual light display at Kek Lok Si Temple is a must-go during Chinese New Year in Malaysia, especially for Penangites as they would gather to watch thousands of illuminated and neon lights shrouded the whole vicinity of the temple. Chinese New Year is a festival celebrated for the beginning of a new year on the traditional Chinese Calendar. 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 CHINESE 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. Chinese New Year 2025 is fast approaching, and Malaysia is ready to embrace the celebrations with plenty of excitement. From preparing mouthwatering feasts that bring the whole family together to giving our homes a thorough clean for that extra touch of good fortune, we’re gearing up for a memorable start to the year. The first day of the lunar month is the Chinese New Year. It is also called the Spring Festival. The Chinese New Year 2025 Malaysia falls on 29 January. It is the year of the snake. It is one of the significant festivals in Malaysia. Thousands of sparkling lanterns fill the world-famous Kek Lok Si temple. Traveling during Chinese New Year in Malaysia can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to plan ahead. Accommodation tends to fill up quickly, so booking in advance is recommended. Public transportation may be crowded, so consider alternative travel options or explore on foot where possible. 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. Malaysia, a melting pot of cultures, offers a unique and vibrant celebration of Chinese New Year. This festive season, also known as Lunar New Year, is a time of joy, family reunions, and cultural festivities. Join us as we explore the traditions, events, and must-visit destinations during Chinese New Year in Malaysia. Penang, known for its rich cultural heritage, hosts a variety of events during the Chinese New Year. The Penang Chinese New Year Celebration is a highlight, featuring street parades, food stalls, and cultural exhibitions. Visitors can also explore the city’s historic sites and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Malaysia often celebrates the Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year in a big way, with vibrant celebrations that honour the country's rich traditions and festive spirit. This holiday is one of the most important cultural events of the year for the Chinese community. During the traditional 40-day period that runs before, during and after the Lunar New Year holidays in mainland China, about nine billion interprovincial passenger trips on all forms of transport are expected to be made. Train and air travel are expected to “hit record highs” during this year’s migration, state news agency Xinhua said. The holiday, which can last for up to 15 days, is marked by vibrant parades, dragon dances, lion dances, fireworks, family gatherings, and feasts. Its date varies each year, depending on the lunar calendar, but typically falls between January 21 and February 20. Preparations for the Chinese New Year begin weeks in advance in Malaysia. 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. Politicians, including current Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (left) and Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (third from left), mix a plate of yusheng as part of Lunar New Year Family Activities and Attractions 5. Enjoy Cultural Performances at Central Market. While the Chinese New Year is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Chinese culture, you can also take the time to explore other cultures in Malaysia by visiting the Central Market to watch cultural performances. As part of promoting the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, this year’s Chinese New Year celebration also featured yee sang tossing, lion dance and the appearance of VM2026 mascots, Wira and This day marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations and is often referred to as the Chinese Valentine’s Day in Malaysia. Traditionally, Chap Goh Mei is celebrated with lantern displays, fireworks, and sometimes, the practice of young women throwing mandarin oranges into rivers while wishing for a good spouse. What to do during Chinese New Year in KL, Malaysia. You can stroll around town as the city will be rid of the traffic and crowds; Chinatown (Petaling Street) would be a great place to explore ; Catch a lion or dragon dance at various places around the city and smaller towns; Visit a Chinese New Year Open House (check with the newspapers on
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