Page 23 - The Guide To Sarawak
P. 23
THE GUIDE TO SARAWAK
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Fatt Tze Mansion in Penang, the Moorish-style Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Kuala Lumpur, and the town centres of Melaka and George Town (Penang), both of which hold UNESCO World Heritage status. Fine examples of traditional architecture
can be seen in many old Malay kampung houses,
the wooden palace (Istana Kenangan) in Kuala Kangsar and the native longhouses of Sarawak and Sabah.
A wide variety of handicrafts also reflects Malaysian diversity and includes woodcarvings, ceramics, beadwork, metalwork, textiles (batik, kain songket, and the Iban pua kumbu from Sarawak), decorated giant kites
(wau bulan), and spinning tops (gasing). Traditional motifs and materials
are also reflected in Malaysian fashion; kebayas, cheongsams and saris
are given a modern twist, while modern fashions take advantage of ethnic designs and natural materials.
This multi-cultural heritage has given birth
to dance, music, theatre, storytelling and other performing art forms unique to Malaysia. Many modern performers have borrowed from traditional styles to create remarkable new music, dance, drama and literature forms.
Festival & Events
Due to its wide variety
of cultures and religions, Malaysia celebrates many festivals, the most important of which are Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Malay/Muslim), Chinese New Year, Deepavali (Hindu), Christmas, Gawai Dayak (harvest festival, Sarawak) and Kaamatan (harvest festival, Sabah).
Many other major festivals take place throughout the year during which people
practice the Malaysian tradition of “open house”, inviting anyone and everyone into their homes to enjoy traditional food and warm hospitality.
There are also frequent pop, rock, folk and jazz concerts by famous local and international artists and classical concerts and recitals by the renowned Malaysian Philharmonic
Dancers of many races perform together during the 2013 Malaysia Day celebrations in Sarawak.
This exquisite watercolour painting by Hisham Salmin depicts a traditional Malay village house in Banting, Selangor.
