25 – 31 July 2007Travel E8 • The Epoch Times

The three-day Penang World Music Festival drew more than 7,000 revellers despite persistent rain. Thousands including tourists clapped, tapped their feet and enjoyed the rich ethnic music delivered by 20 Malaysian and international acts from South Africa, Afghanistan, Singapore, Britain and Italy at Taman Kuari in the Botanic Gardens.

Among the performing musicians and groups were Asika, Mas Y Mas, Khaled Armanm, Dizu Platt Jies Ibuyambo and Singapore’s Wicked Aura Batucada.

As the multi-cultural music echoed through the majestic quarry hills, the raincoat-clad, umbrella-totting crowd huddled together in front of the stage to cheer the performers. Ankle-deep puddles failed to dampen the spirits of the crowd, with revellers partying in a downpour.

However, the show had to be interrupted for about 20 minutes for sheets of plastic

to be placed over the sound and lighting equipment.

Present at the festival were state Tourism Development and Environment Committee chairman Teng Chang Yeow, festival chairman Muhamad Farid Saad and 133 foreign journalists.

Speaking at a press conference, Teng said the festival was a great success and would be held again at the same venue next year.

He said the festival might not be held in July next year due to the rainy season up north and “because we normally face the haze problem at this time of the year.”

The festival, one of the main entertainment events of Visit Malaysia 2007, was jointly organised by the Tourism Ministry, Tourism Malaysia, the Penang Tourism Action Council and the Sarawak Tourism Board.

Penang world music party in the rain

Michael Ozaki / The Epoch Times

Performers of Penang World Music Festival

VISIT MALAYSIA YEAR 2007 CALENDAR OF EVENTS AUGUST 2007SULTAN’S CUP TERENGGANU ENDURANCE CHALLENGE03 August-04 AugustVenue: Setiu, TerengganuTel.: 09-616 9194upen@tourism.terengganu.gov.mywww.tourism.terengganu.gov.myThis competition tests the endurance of competing horses in four categories, the 120km, 80km, 40km and 26km. Some 15 countries such as Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei, Australia, UAE and US will participate.

50 YEARS OF NATIONHOOD - WORLD LION DANCE INVITATION03 August-05 AugustVenue: Genting Highlands, PahangTel.: 03-6105 2143Veron.loo@genting.comwww.genting.com.myEnjoy spectacular performances by the best lion dance troupes invited from all over the world, held especially in conjunction with Malaysia’s 50th Anniversary and for the Visit Malaysia Year 2007 campaign.

MALAYSIA INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS COMPETITION15 August-30 AugustVenue: PutrajayaTel.: 03-2693 7111 info@motour.gov.my www.motour.gov.myWatch the sky being lit up with impressive firework displays! The competition will feature various countries vying to create the most brilliant display.

MOUNT KINABALU INTERNATIONAL CLIMBATHON25 August-26 August Venue: SabahTel.: 088-212 121 I 232 121balwant@sabahtourism.comwww.sabahtourism.comTouted as “The World’s Toughest Mountain Race,” this is a race to ascend and descend the majestic Mount Kinabalu (4095.2m). The total distance is 21km for all categories. The average climber takes two days to climb the mountain but participants of the race can make it in less than three hours.

50 YEARS OF NATIONHOODMERDEKA MONTH CELEBRATION31 AugustVenue: Putrajaya and throughout MalaysiaTel.: 03-2615 8188 /03-8888 1957enquiries@tourism.gov.mywww.tourismmalaysia.gov.myAugust 31, 2007 commemorates Malaysia’s 50th year of independence or Merdeka. This historic event is celebrated in a joyous mood by Malaysians from all walks of life over a one month period. A host of activities are held in each state including parades, exhibitions of Malaysia’ history and fireworks displays, culminating in grand parade attended by Their Majesties; The King and Queen of Malaysia, the Prime Minister dignitaries and the public.

World Lion Dance Invitation at GentingColourful and acrobatic “lions” are set to usher in a roaring good time as Malaysia celebrates its 50th year of independence in August.

Thirty lion dance troupes from 16 countries including Malaysia, Japan, China, Vietnam, the US and Australia will be prancing on stilts, climbing poles and performing other complicated stunts at the “50 Years of Nationhood — World Lion Dance Invitation” competition at the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands Resort.

Organised by Resorts World Bhd, the competition will see three teams from Malaysia taking part.

The event, from Aug 3 to Aug 5, is supported by the Selangor and Federal Territory Dragon and Lion Dance Association in conjunction with the Merdeka celebrations and Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

“The lion dance is an exhilarating a c r o b a t i c t r a d i t i o n a l dance that requires speed, stamina and concentration, as well as being in sync with the rest of the team members,” said Resorts World executive vice-president Alan Teo.

The first two days of the competition are the preliminary rounds, with the finals scheduled for the last day.

Blast in store at Malaysia fireworks contestMalaysia will hold one of the world’s largest pyrotechnic exhibitions displaying shows produced by world-renowned fireworks manufacturers.

The two-week International Fireworks competition will kick off on Aug 18 at Putrajaya Lake with teams from Italy, Japan, Canada, Australia and Malaysia competing. The winner will walk away with the “Golden Merdeka” trophy.

The opening ceremony will see a display from the Australian team, which has won contracts supplying fireworks to Disneyland. The Malaysian team will have its show on Aug 22, followed by Italy on Aug 25 and Japan on Aug 30.

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor said the highlight of the event would be the countdown to midnight to mark the arrival of Merdeka or Independence Day on Aug 30, which will culminate in a grand finale on Sept 2.

Prior to the final night, a panel of international judges will select the grand winner based on concept, scale of display, originality and co-ordination between fireworks and music. Fun parks and amusement rides by the lakeside are also a highlight of the festival.

The grand finale featuring shows by a team from Canada and a closing gambit by the organiser Global2000 Sdn Bhd.

Michael Ozaki / The Epoch Times

Quarry Garden – the festival venue

Michael Ozaki / The Epoch Times

A section of the crowd at Penang World Music Party

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