Malaysia travel info
Guide to Malaysia
Malaysia Events
- Kuala Lumpur Buskers Festival
- Chinese New Year in Malaysia
- Penang Dragon Boat Festival
- Events Archive
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Malaysia travel facts
| Area (sq km): | 328,550 | |
| Population: | 23,953,136 | |
| Nationality: | Malaysian | |
| Local Name: | Malaysia | |
| Language: | Malay, Chinese, Tamil, English |
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| Time Zone: | +8 GMT | |
| Currency: | 1 ringgit = 100 sen |
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| Rate: | www.xe.com | |
| Capital: | Kuala Lumpur | |
| Dialling Code: | +60 | |
| Electricity: | 240V/50Hz | |
| Internet Code: | .my | |
| Religion: | Muslim, Buddhist, Daoist, Hindu, Christian |
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| Climate: | Tropical Equatorial | |
| Government: | Constitutional Monarchy | |
| Inoculations: | None | |
| Driving: | Left | |
| Int'l License: | Not Required | |
| Banking: | M-F 9.30-16.00 | |
| Major Airports: | Kuala Lumpur(KUL), Kuching(KCH), Langkawi(LGK), Penang(PEN) |
Penang Dragon Boat Festival and villas in Malaysia
The Penang Dragon Boat Festival is one on many dragon boat races in Malaysia, but it is easily the most impressive. Imagine in late May or early June the Teluk Bahang Dam packed with boats and lined with thousands of cheering fans. The drums beat rhythmically as the long colourful boats glide across the surface led by enormous dragon heads. Book your villas in Malaysia to join in the spectacle.
Villas in Malaysia
As you may have guessed, the Penang Dragon Boat Race originated in China over 2000 years ago. Qu Yuan was a well loved and respected Chinese poet. He became deeply saddened when the king would not heed his advice.
In his great despair he threw himself into the Mi Lo River. Word of his actions rapidly spread through town and his friends rushed to his aid. Unfortunately Qu Yuan was already dead. To distract the fish from devouring his body and as a sacrifice to his spirit, the people threw rice balls wrapped in reed leaves into the water. This sad legend is commemorated today with dragon boats.
Penang Dragon Boat Festival history
The Penang Dragon Boat Festival began in 1979, although dragon boats races in Malaysia have been happening since 1934. The boats are about 10 metres long and manned by a crew of about 20 rowers sitting in pairs. The drum beats emanate from the cox (drummer) to keep the rowers in sync.
The boats are painted in bright colours and typically have a huge dragon head off the bow and a tail off the stern. Races take place throughout the day on the Teluk Bahang Dam in late May or early June. The winners are crowned as kings.
Sabah Dragon Boat Race
The Dumpling and Dragon Boat Festival in Kuala Lumpur is on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, usually in June. The Sabah Dragon Boat Race is held toward the end of June at Teluk Likas and Kota Kinabalu. Peruse the VillasPeople.com website for villas in Malaysia for the Penang Dragon Boat Festival or another dragon boat race that catches your fancy.