Thaipusam Festival
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Kuala Terengganu

Kuala Terengganu is located at on at the east coast of the peninsula at the mouth of the Sungai Terengganu river. It’s the capital of the state of Terengganu which forms together with Kedah and Kelatan the heartland of malay culture. KT is good stop for one or 2 days before moving on along the eastcoast or towards the National Park / Tasik Kenyir. There are also day trips available to Pulau Rendang (Island) and Tasik Kenyir (Lake)

Kota Bharu

Kota Bharu is the state capital of Kelantan.The name means ‘new city’ or ‘new castle/fort’ in Bahasa Malaysia. Kota Bharu is situated in the northeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia. In 2005, it had an estimated population of 425,294, making it the largest town on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.It’s known for its colourful markets and the muslim culture.

Hawker Stalls in Penang

Thaipusam Festival

Every year end of January / beginning of February it is time for the spectacular Thaipusam Festival which is expected to draw more than one million devotees and visitors to the Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur but there are also precessions in Georgetown/Penang and Singapore. Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community. Especially images of devotees piercing their cheeks, tongue, face or other suitable body parts with sharp objects make this event memorable.

Thaipusam is a celebration of the birthday to the Hindu deity Subramaniam.
The highlight of this celebration is the kavadi procession. More than one million people are expected to throng Batu Caves (just north of Kuala Lumpur) for this celebration. There is also a big parade in Georgetown, Penang and Singapore (procession is a 4km walk from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple in Serangoon Road to Sri Thendayuthapani Temple on Tank Road).

Story about a german born kavadi-carrier wich gives a few interesting insights of Thaipusam at Batu Caves and Hindu culture:


Thaipusam in Malaysia, Batu Caves 2007:




more information
Wikipedia Thaipusam
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STORIES
Thaipusam Festival
Every year end of January / beginning of February it is time for the spectacular Thaipusam Festival which is expected to draw more than one million devotees and visitors to the Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur but there are also precessions in Georgetown/Penang and Singapore. Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated mostly by the Tamil community. Especially images of devotees piercing their cheeks, tongue, face or other suitable body parts with sharp objects make this event memorable.
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RANDOM LINKS
Malaysiakini.com
independent online news magazine
Utusan.com.my/
malay newspaper
Malaysian Nature Society
study, appreciation, conservation and protection of Malaysia's natural heritage
MalaysiaForum.de
German Malaysia Portal
Waterfalls of Malaysia
website is dedicated to the beautiful waterfalls of Malaysia

see all links
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Article about the charms of the jungle train and the on-going deforestation around it.

BOOK HOSTELS
RANDOM GALLERY PHOTO
Along the East Coast
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DID YOU KNOW?
Abbreviations

Malaysian like to use abbreviations. So if you wanna belong you call Kuala Lumpur KL, Johor Bahru JB, Kota Kinabalu KK.