Come Lunar New Year 2024, majestic temples dressed in red finery like the world-renowned Kek Lok Si with thousands of glittering lanterns await to bring good fortune and joy. Historic Chinatowns like Jonker Street bustle with festive snacks bursting from food carts as vibrant lion dancers prance down the roads accompanied by crashing cymbals.
Make your pick from this list of 10 stunning destinations to fully immerse in Malaysian-Chinese culture and hospitality this Lunar New Year. There’s no better way to soak in the beauty of vibrant traditions and hopeful community spirit!
Where is the Most Popular Place to Take Pictures During Chinese New Year?
The most popular place to take pictures during Chinese New Year is Jonker Street in Malacca, where historic charm and lively celebrations create a picturesque backdrop. The vibrant street comes alive at midnight with firecrackers, echoing cheers of “Gong Xi Fa Cai”, and playful lion dancers bouncing from shop to shop, offering numerous Instagram-worthy moments.
What Fun Activities Can You Join for This Upcoming Chinese New Year?
Fun activities for the upcoming Chinese New Year include witnessing the annual light display at Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang, enjoying the whimsical Darul Hana Musical Fountain in Sarawak, and partaking in festive celebrations at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur with lion and dragon dances, fireworks, and the vibrant atmosphere of Gong Xi Fa Cai cheers.
What Transportation Options Are Accessible?
For transportation to these places, utilise various options such as personal vehicles or public transportation, depending on the location. Plan to ensure convenient and efficient travel, especially during the festive season when popular spots may experience increased traffic. Here are the sites you can visit depending on your locations:
Get ready for your Chinese New Year with us here:
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10 Best Places To Visit in Malaysia During Chinese New Year 2024
1. Watch The Magical Lights At Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang
The annual light display at Kek Lok Si Temple is a must-go during Chinese New Year in Malaysia, especially for Penangites as they would gather to watch thousands of illuminated and neon lights shrouded the whole vicinity of the temple. This marks a cultural highlight in Penang and is celebrated widely. The fact that Kek Lok Si is also the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia made it a must-gather during Chinese New Year. The entrance fee is free for the public, so feel free to go with your family and enjoy the magical scenery on Chinese New Year.
Operating Hours: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm (Daily)
Address: Kek Lok Si Temple, Jln Balik Pulau, 11500 Air Itam, Penang
Phone No: 04-828 3317
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Check Info On Website2. Take A Look At The Whimsical Darul Hana Musical Fountain, Sarawak
The iconic White Cat Statue, donned with festive attire, has been a tradition in Kuching, Sarawak. During this vibrant festival, you’ll catch the cat wearing a red Sam Fu, waiting to be shot in a picture with its visitors. Not far from this spot is also one of Kuching’s main attractions, Darul Hana Musical Fountain, at the waterfront, a top spot for tourists and locals alike to gather around and enjoy the night view of the Rajang River. So when you drop by Kuching or whether you are from the area, do not forget to visit this timeless spot for a timeless celebration.
Operating Hours: 24 hours (Daily)
Address: 82, Jln Padungan, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
3. Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur
As Chinese New Year approaches, the vibrant Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur comes alive with festive celebrations welcoming the Year of the Dragon. Bright red and gold lanterns adorn temple grounds while lion and dragon dancers perform to thrumming drums, believed to bring good fortune in the new year. When midnight strikes, be awestruck by spectacular fireworks above the iconic temple rooftops in a dazzling display while friends and families cheer “Gong Xi Fa Cai!” in open plazas.
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 65, Persiaran Endah, Taman Persiaran Desa, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Phone No: 03-2274 7088
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theanhoutemple
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theanhoutemple_kl/
Website Info4. Pavilion, Kuala Lumpur
Pavilion Kuala Lumpur is one of the biggest centres in Malaysia, where people gather to either shop in the shopping complex or just watch the abundant decorations for the Chinese New Year. Gather your family to watch the first-of-its-kind 3D LED screen showcasing Zodiac of The Year. You can also stay at one of these serviced apartments and enjoy the Chinese New Year performances and events in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. While in the Klang Valley, check out these activities in Selangor and treat your family to some of the best Chinese restaurants in Kuala Lumpur.
Operating Hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 168, Bukit Bintang St, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Phone No: 03-2118 8833
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PavilionKL
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pavilionkualalumpur/
View website5. Gaya Street, Sabah
Gaya Street is where Sabahans gather together to celebrate Chinese New Year. With more than 200 stalls opening up for the crowd, it is the centre of attention during this vibrant festive. During Chinese New Year, you will also see various competitions lining up for you to cheer on. This competition includes Wushu and singing performances as well as a fashion show and, not to forget, lion dancing from several groups that will compete with each other, which will liven up your night in Gaya Street.
Operating hours:
6:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Friday – Saturday)
6:00 am – 1:00 pm (Sunday)
Closed on Monday – Thursday
Address: Jalan Gaya, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
6. Toss Yee Sang At The Brasserie, St Regis Kuala Lumpur
You can stay at the St Regis Kuala Lumpur and enjoy their Prosperity Yee Sang, served at the hotel’s restaurant, The Brasserie. Yee Sang is a famous Chinese New Year Dish that symbolizes good fortune. You can also enjoy other items on The Brasserie’s menu, reinvented with an innovative take on the Modern European cooking style and exceptional techniques and quality ingredients. You and your family would be in for a treat with its robust flavours, reigniting your tastebuds.
Operating Hours: 6:30 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: The Brasserie, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Phone No: 03-2727 6666
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebrasseriekl/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brasseriekl/
View website7. Light A Candle At Dhammikarama Burmese Temple, Penang
Travel To Penang for a staycation and visit the Dhammikarama Burmese temple, a Burmese Temple in George Town. It is the sole and oldest Burmese temple in Penang and has become a focal point for Chinese festivals such as the Mid-Autumn festivals. As the longest operating Burmese temple outside of Myanmar, its Chinese New Year celebrations blend customs from both cultures into a vibrant display. Pass through the entrance framed by ornate red and gold lanterns as the sweet aroma of joss sticks fills the air.
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 24, Jalan Burma, Pulau Tikus, 10250 George Town, Penang
Phone No: 04-226 9575
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
8. Sunway Pyramid
As the Year of the Dragon dawns, Sunway Pyramid shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur transforms into a splendid Chinese New Year wonderland. From vibrant red and gold décor to bursts of auspicious orange-blooming peach blossoms, the mall ushers in prosperity and new beginnings. In the central courtyard, talented dancers parade in traditional Chinese attire and regalia, performing Dragon and Lion dances accompanied by crashing cymbals and deafening drums. Before heading home, families and friends gather to toss yee sang as high as possible, laughing together as they wish one another Gong Xi Fa Cai and set optimistic intentions for the year ahead.
Operating Hour: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 3, Jalan PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Phone No: 03-7494 3100
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunwaypyramid/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunway_pyramid/
View website9. Enjoy Chinese New Year Treats At Jonker Street
Look no further than the historic Majestic Malacca Hotel overlooking the hoppin’ Jonker Street celebrations. Come midnight, cheers of “Gong Xi Fa Cai!” echo through the festive street as firecrackers burst, welcoming the Year of the Dragon in style. Enjoy the charming lion dancers playfully bouncing shop-to-shop. However you choose to usher in prosperous new beginnings in this UNESCO World Heritage destination, Majestic Hotel and Jonker Street deliver an abundance of festive cheer, fortune…and Instagram ops! Just make sure to showcase your noble dragon persona for good measure – it is the auspicious Year of the Wood Dragon!
Operating Hours:
6:00 pm – 12:00 am (Friday – Sunday)
Closed on Monday – Thursday
Address: Jonker Street Night Market, Jalan Hang Jebat, 75200 Malacca
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
10. Watch Cultural Performance at The Exchange TRX
The Exchange TRX Mall offers a vibrant Chinese New Year celebration, making it a great place to spend the holiday. The “Silk Story” theme showcases the cultural importance of silk with captivating displays and decor. Visitors can enjoy acrobatic dances, crafts, and festive activities on weekends. The mall also gives back through charitable initiatives during this season. With exclusive rewards and cultural immersion, The Exchange TRX provides a unique and community-oriented Lunar New Year experience.
Operating hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Persiaran TRX, Tun Razak Exchange, 55188 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Phone No: 03-8682 9888
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Review: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TRXtheexchange/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/theexchangetrx
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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.asia. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
