In need of a break from the winter chill? Somewhere you can be sure of sunny weather, delicious food, sensational shopping and friendly locals? Then it’s hard to go past Malaysia. And this July is definitely a great time to plan your trip to one of South East Asia’s favourite holiday destinations. There are some great events and attractions taking place right around the country, sure to appeal to every taste. Here are our top picks.

7TH ANNIVERSARY UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE CELEBRATION 

Celebrate Malaysia’s rich colonial history in Penang and Melaka state. This July marks the 7th anniversary of the listing of twin-cities, George Town and Melaka City as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. At the start of the July a huge array of memorable events and activities will take place in and around the historic centre of each city including cultural performances, heritage tours – and of course a chance to sample some of the amazing local cuisine for which both are rightly famous.  

Penang – 4 to 7 July. Visit www.heritagecelebrations.info.

Melaka – 7 July. Visit www.mbmb.gov.my.

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NEW MUSEUM IN IPOH:

Ipoh’s latest museum pays homage to Malaya’s colonial tin mining history. Han Chin Pet Soo, the Hakka tin miner’s club, was established in 1893 as a recreational club for tin miners to relax after a hard day’s work at the mines, with opium smoking and gambling among the key benefits of membership. Today, this historic building has been restored to its former glory, with many original exhibits dating back 100 years or more. Spend an afternoon here taking many fascinating artifacts from a bygone era and learn about Malaya’s glorious tin mining past.

www.ipohworld.org/reservation

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PENANG BON ODORI FESTIVAL

Over centuries, Penang has emerged as veritable melting pot of peoples from all over the world. This July the Island state acknowledges the heritage and culture of its Japanese community. The Bon Odori Festival is a traditional summer event where the Japanese honour their ancestors. Also known as Obon, year’s event features Japanese food and refreshments, Taiko and martial arts performances, craft exhibits as well traditional music and dancing in and around the streets of Georgetown. A highlight is the colourful display of exquisite Japanese Kimono, Yukata and Happi coats  worn by many of the festival-goers.

25 July 2015

www.visitpenang.gov.my

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BLOODRUNNER 2015

Those harbouring more ghoulish desires, should head to Putrajaya.  BloodRunner is Asia's first, werewolf-themed urban obstacle night race that is ready to take Malaysia’s Garden City by storm. Held over an especially designed 10km urban course, BloodRunner is sure to thrill and excite contestants. Expect obstacles that will cater to runners of all levels – from seasoned athletes, to first-time runners to weekend gym warriors. Food trucks featuring delicious Malaysian Hawker cuisine and a post-race party featuring up-and-coming local bands are an added attraction.

31 July 2015

www.bloodrunner.com

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BARIO FOOD FESTIVAL 

For food lovers, the 10th Anniversary Bario Food & Cultural Festival will be held from 30 July until 1 August this year. The 3-day festival celebrates the unique food, farming, forest and cultural heritage of the Bario Highlands – one of the last surviving traditionally farmed and forested highland watersheds in Sarawak and East Malaysia. Enjoy delicious organic food cooked by the various longhouse communities of the Kelabit Highlands as well as traditional games and dances. Plus there are plenty of trekking trails to keep your adventure spirit high.

30 July to 1 August

www.facebook.com/pages/bariofoodfestival

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TRICK ART MUSEUM, PORT DICKSON

For an art experience with a difference visit Alive 3D Art Gallery in Port Dickson. This unique gallery features over 50 drawings and paintings designed deliberately to deceive the eye! These 3D optical illusions, including several glow-in-the-dark paintings, are the perfect backdrop for “selfies”. So strike a pose and blend into each painting to create some amazing visual effects that will boggle the mind and trick the eye!

www.facebook.com/alive3dartgallery

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UPSIDE DOWN HOUSE 

Also in Port Dickson is the extraordinary Upside Down Gallery. Each room in this astonishing space features is filled with amusing upside down scenes, enabling visitors to take some memorable pictures of themselves alongside everything from furniture to household appliances, ‘suspended’ above them. Come for a taste of this surreal architectural marvel that will totally perplex your mind.

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Tel : +60 16 336 8751