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. Amid lively lion dancers and smashing cymbals, historic Chinatowns such as Jonker Street are bustling with festive foods bursting from food carts. Explore these Top Chinese New Year Destinations Malaysia for a memorable experience.
Highlights of Celebrations in Malaysia
Malaysia is home to a large Chinese community. The Chinese New Year in Malaysia is celebrated in a big way in cities, including Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Malacca, and Penang. Families come together to share love and well wishes on the eve of the new year. They welcome visitors into their tidy and well-decorated houses while wearing new outfits. A lavish supper is arranged to celebrate a new beginning with special foods.
Another noteworthy day is Chap Goh Mei, which falls on the 14th. On this day, unmarried ladies throw mandarins with their phone numbers into the water, hoping to find their husbands among the people who collect these oranges on boats.
Best Places to Celebrate Chinese New Year in Malaysia
1) Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Melaka
Visitors will be enthralled by the Chinese New Year celebration in Malaysia. With more than a thousand lanterns, ornamental lights, a huge copy of a dragon, and gateways, Melaka transforms into a vibrant spectacle. Important Chinese New Year ceremonies will be held at the oldest traditional Chinese temple, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. The temple will serve as a center for ceremonies and prayers on the first day of the lunar year, ringing in the new year with optimism and reverence.
Opening Hours – 7 am to 5 pm
2) Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang
The annual light display at Kek Lok Si Temple is a must-go during the Chinese New Year celebration in Malaysia. The ancient monastery is illuminated by over two thousand lights and ten thousand lanterns. Witness the thousands of neon and lighted lights engulf the entire temple area. Kek Lok Si is a must-attend event during Chinese New Year since it is the biggest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia.
Operating Hours – 8.30 am to 5.30 pm
3) Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur
The Pavilion in Kuala Lumpur is one of the largest shopping centres in Malaysia. It is a popular destination for families to spend the New Year evening in Malaysia. People gather to observe the numerous Chinese New Year displays or shop in the shopping complex. Get your family to view Zodiac of the Year on the latest 3D LED screen.
Operating Hours:- 10 am to 10 pm
4) Dhammikarama Burmese Temple, Penang
Spend a staycation in Penang and see the Dhammikarama Burmese Temple, located in George Town. It is the oldest Burmese temple in Penang. The pleasant scent of joss sticks flows through the air as you pass through the entrance, framed by elaborate red and gold lanterns.
Operating Hours – 9 am to 1 pm
5) Kuah Town, Langkawi
Kuah Town in Langkawi is a perfect place to witness the Chinese New Year festivities on the island. You may eat special Chinese New Year meals at several restaurants. Many stores, cafes, and hotels are decked with red lanterns. Shopping malls in Kuah Town are also a great place to take in the festive atmosphere. They feature holiday discounts, displays, and events. A visit to Dartaran Land and deep-sea diving in Langkawi are among the popular things to do in Malaysia.
Operating Hours – Throughout the day
6) Langkawi Parade Megamall
One of the biggest malls on the island, Langkawi Parade Megamall, is situated in Kuah and features themed events, unique Chinese New Year specials, and seasonal decorations. Shopping for holiday-themed items at the mall is a terrific way to see the festive decorations and lion dances. Parade Megamall boasts more than forty duty-free shops. This is the place to go if you want to shop for duty-free wine, chocolate, and cigarettes.
Operating Hours – 10 am to 10.30 pm
7) Gaya Street, Sabah
The Sabahans celebrate Chinese New Year by gathering on Gaya Street. It has over 200 stalls. There will also be competitions lined up for visitors. This competition features Wushu and singing performances, a fashion show, and, lion dancing from many competing groups.
Operating hours – 6 pm to 11 pm
Tips for Traveling in Malaysia During the Chinese New Year
1) Make reservations for lodging, airfare, and any other long-distance transportation well in advance. Be prepared for increased prices and shortages, if making last-minute reservations.
2) Arrive early for events like the dragon dance in Kuala Lumpur or the lighting ceremony at Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang to secure a good spot.
3) Take public transportation to stay away from the holiday traffic.
4) Go to public gatherings like lantern festivals, fireworks shows, and lion and dragon dance performances.
5) Sample foods like nian gao, pineapple tarts, and yee sang. Due to holiday crowds, make reservations at restaurants.
6) Dress modestly and pay attention to temple decorum.
7) Avoid using flash cameras when praying, and abide by any rules that may be stated.
8) Schedule your trips to popular marketplaces for festive buying at off-peak hours.
9) Bring a small gift or red envelope as a token of goodwill.
10) Learn basic greetings, like Gong Xi Fa Cai, which means Wishing You Prosperity.
11) Refer to local schedules to find the best times to see fireworks and lantern displays.
12) Exercise caution when handling personal items, especially in public places and crowded marketplaces.
13) Follow any local regulations and other safety precautions unique to the festival.
14) Bring cash when you are shopping in rural and local marketplaces.
15) Avoid wearing dark clothing. Wear red since it symbolizes wealth and good fortune. Given that it symbolizes wealth and elegance, golden apparel is also a fantastic choice.
Conclusion
Before your journey, make sure to check the Malaysia travel requirements. Have a great holiday season by making plans in advance and embracing regional customs.
FAQ’s About Chinese New year In Malaysia
Shop for crafts and clothing on Jonker Street. The night market, open every Friday and Saturday are the best places to buy souvenirs, clothing, home decor items, kitchenware, etc. Some family-run businesses might close on the first day of the Chinese New Year. Several cafes and shops stay open throughout the holiday. Some shopping malls often have extended hours. Popular locations during Chinese New Year are Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang, and Cheng Hoon Teng Temple in Malacca. These temples are renowned for their intricate decorations and unique rituals. Popular dishes include pineapple tarts, dumplings, nian gao, and yee sang. Many of these dishes symbolize luck and success. Families can take part in lantern-making classes, view the vibrant fireworks displays in locations like Penang and Kuala Lumpur, or watch lion and dragon dance performances. Visiting temples with kids is also popular as many temples offer kid-friendly activities.Which are the best places to visit for shopping at the Chinese New Year Festival?
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