Dinesh Patairya is a seasoned traveler. He has been writing on travel and tourism for years for several online and offline publications. Currently he is associated with YourAsianVacations.com
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Posts Tagged ‘Arts’
Arts & Crafts in Malaysia
December 19th, 2009Malaysia is the dwelling place of so many ethnic groups. And this diversity is reflected in the arts and crafts. Music, dance, paintings and sculpture are the mirror of the society. The arts and crafts signify what Malaysia is all about. You have a good look at them and they will tell you a lot about the country.
Music
So many influences make the music of Malaysia distinct. Influence of Indonesia, Thailand, Portugal and China is obvious. Popular music varies from region to region. Ghazals are popular in almost whole of Malaysia where as folk music is more popular in Malacca. Zapin music is another music which is popular throughout the region.
Heritage in Museums
Malaysia has rich heritage and artefacts related to the past have found place in museums. There are various museums in Malaysia where you can witness the glorious past.
The National Museum, located outside Perdana Lake Gardens in Malaysia, gives one glimpses of the country’s rich art and culture. When you visit the museum, you can see exhibits of the local culture and tradition, currency and the economic activities of the place. There are various galleries in the museum and each gallery has its own theme.
The Islamic Arts Museum is Southeast’s Asia’s largest Museum of Islamic art. The Museum is located in Jalan Lembah Perdana in Malaysia. Islamic art from Persia, Middle East, Asia, China and the Malay World can be seen in the Islamic Arts Museum. Another highlight of the museum is its building, which gives an Islamic feeling by its details and not by its structure.
Philharmonic Hall
Classical music can be best enjoyed in the Philharmonic Hall which is located at the Petronas Twin Towers. The hall has modern sitting arrangements, and is the home to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. Programs are conducted both by local and international artists. Its an ideal place for spending some leisure time.
National Art Gallery
National Art Gallery is located in Jalan Temerloh and you can see the various exhibitions here which reflect the art and crafts of Malaysia. The art gallery has various amenities such as sculpture gardens, graphics studio, library, book shop, cafe etc.
Famous Crafts
Major arts of the country are Batik, Songket, Woodcarving, Menkuang, Kite Making, Keris, Boat Making and Ratan Weaving. Batik are colored designs on cotton or silk, produced by using wax on the uncolored part of the textiles. Songket is a form of craft which is generally used during special occasions. It is said to have descended from the Pattani courts. Known as cloth of gold, it is created by weaving threads with gold and silver strands.
Woodcarving is the oldest traditional crafts which is applied in the designs of pilars, window shutters, doors, shutters and furniture of houses and palaces. Menkuang has become a full fledged cottage industry in Malaysia. Tall thorny leaves are used to make colorful mats, hats, fans, purses etc. Other popular crafts of the country are kite making, boat making, keris and rattan weaving.
Dinesh Patairya is a seasoned traveler. He has been writing on travel and tourism for years for several online and offline publications. Currently he is associated with YourAsianVacations. com
The Central Market: an assortment of arts and craft merchandise
December 15th, 2009Kuala Lumpur has gained accolades over many years for its amalgamation of old and new architecture. Rich with the influence of Victorian, Neo Moorish, Grecian, Spanish and Modern Architecture, it is visible to any visitor how great constructions belonging to different eras grace and add opulence to Kuala Lumpur skyline. Among such splendor is an air conditioned arts and crafts market which could very well be the final stop of a long walking tour through this splendid city. The Central Market in Kuala Lumpur will say out a loud Selamat Datang! (Which means Welcome in Malaysian) to any visitor in typical Malaysian fashion.
Situated at the boarder of Chinatown, the Central Market is on Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, opposite the Klang Bus Stand. The Pasar Seni train station is right outside the Central Market so it will be the ideal way to reach to pick up a host of local handicrafts and other souvenirs. This deco market is filled with every imaginable curiosity from old Craven cigarette tin boxes, oil lamps to century-old Nyonya tea sets, charcoal irons and hairpins. It is also possible for one to see live demonstrations conducted by the very hands that create rich cultural artistry. Not only can you purchase items with a genuine local feel but they are price friendly too, although a little bargaining would be rewarding. This treasure trove also has outlets where you could buy richly woven silk and batik, priced according to their workmanship.
One can find charming souvenirs to take home as keep sakes from your travels such as a Kelantanese tea set, antique silver dining ware, jewelry or an authentic Malaysian kite. The Central Market would also satiate the need for refreshments or a tasty Asian meal as there are many eateries and pubs in and out of the complex. Rich cultural experiences are to be awaited as there are performances, demonstrations and hands-on batik painting as well as cultural performance such as Bangsawan (Malay Traditional Theatre), Wayang Kulit (Shadow Play), Chinese Opera and Nadagam (Indian Traditional Theatre). Moreover, heritage activities like Chinese fortune-telling can also be experienced.
At the end of a long day of touring round the city, it is convenient to retire to a Kuala Lumpur hotel which is closer to the Central Market as well as other attractions of the city such as the Petronas Twin Tower, the night markets and the shopping malls. Citrus Hotel Kuala Lumpur is conveniently placed hotel in Kuala Lumpur, located off Jalan Raja Laut.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.
Arts & Crafts in Malaysia
November 27th, 2009Malaysia is the dwelling place of so many ethnic groups. And this diversity is reflected in the arts and crafts. Music, dance, paintings and sculpture are the mirror of the society. The arts and crafts signify what Malaysia is all about. You have a good look at them and they will tell you a lot about the country.
Music
So many influences make the music of Malaysia distinct. Influence of Indonesia, Thailand, Portugal and China is obvious. Popular music varies from region to region. Ghazals are popular in almost whole of Malaysia where as folk music is more popular in Malacca. Zapin music is another music which is popular throughout the region.
Heritage in Museums
Malaysia has rich heritage and artefacts related to the past have found place in museums. There are various museums in Malaysia where you can witness the glorious past.
The National Museum, located outside Perdana Lake Gardens in Malaysia, gives one glimpses of the country’s rich art and culture. When you visit the museum, you can see exhibits of the local culture and tradition, currency and the economic activities of the place. There are various galleries in the museum and each gallery has its own theme.
The Islamic Arts Museum is Southeast’s Asia’s largest Museum of Islamic art. The Museum is located in Jalan Lembah Perdana in Malaysia. Islamic art from Persia, Middle East, Asia, China and the Malay World can be seen in the Islamic Arts Museum. Another highlight of the museum is its building, which gives an Islamic feeling by its details and not by its structure.
Philharmonic Hall
Classical music can be best enjoyed in the Philharmonic Hall which is located at the Petronas Twin Towers. The hall has modern sitting arrangements, and is the home to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. Programs are conducted both by local and international artists. Its an ideal place for spending some leisure time.
National Art Gallery
National Art Gallery is located in Jalan Temerloh and you can see the various exhibitions here which reflect the art and crafts of Malaysia. The art gallery has various amenities such as sculpture gardens, graphics studio, library, book shop, cafe etc.
Famous Crafts
Major arts of the country are Batik, Songket, Woodcarving, Menkuang, Kite Making, Keris, Boat Making and Ratan Weaving. Batik are colored designs on cotton or silk, produced by using wax on the uncolored part of the textiles. Songket is a form of craft which is generally used during special occasions. It is said to have descended from the Pattani courts. Known as cloth of gold, it is created by weaving threads with gold and silver strands.
Woodcarving is the oldest traditional crafts which is applied in the designs of pilars, window shutters, doors, shutters and furniture of houses and palaces. Menkuang has become a full fledged cottage industry in Malaysia. Tall thorny leaves are used to make colorful mats, hats, fans, purses etc. Other popular crafts of the country are kite making, boat making, keris and rattan weaving.
Arts & Crafts in Malaysia
November 25th, 2009Malaysia is the dwelling place of so many ethnic groups. And this diversity is reflected in the arts and crafts. Music, dance, paintings and sculpture are the mirror of the society. The arts and crafts signify what Malaysia is all about. You have a good look at them and they will tell you a lot about the country.
Music
So many influences make the music of Malaysia distinct. Influence of Indonesia, Thailand, Portugal and China is obvious. Popular music varies from region to region. Ghazals are popular in almost whole of Malaysia where as folk music is more popular in Malacca. Zapin music is another music which is popular throughout the region.
Heritage in Museums
Malaysia has rich heritage and artefacts related to the past have found place in museums. There are various museums in Malaysia where you can witness the glorious past.
The National Museum, located outside Perdana Lake Gardens in Malaysia, gives one glimpses of the country’s rich art and culture. When you visit the museum, you can see exhibits of the local culture and tradition, currency and the economic activities of the place. There are various galleries in the museum and each gallery has its own theme.
The Islamic Arts Museum is Southeast’s Asia’s largest Museum of Islamic art. The Museum is located in Jalan Lembah Perdana in Malaysia. Islamic art from Persia, Middle East, Asia, China and the Malay World can be seen in the Islamic Arts Museum. Another highlight of the museum is its building, which gives an Islamic feeling by its details and not by its structure.
Philharmonic Hall
Classical music can be best enjoyed in the Philharmonic Hall which is located at the Petronas Twin Towers. The hall has modern sitting arrangements, and is the home to the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. Programs are conducted both by local and international artists. Its an ideal place for spending some leisure time.
National Art Gallery
National Art Gallery is located in Jalan Temerloh and you can see the various exhibitions here which reflect the art and crafts of Malaysia. The art gallery has various amenities such as sculpture gardens, graphics studio, library, book shop, cafe etc.
Famous Crafts
Major arts of the country are Batik, Songket, Woodcarving, Menkuang, Kite Making, Keris, Boat Making and Ratan Weaving. Batik are colored designs on cotton or silk, produced by using wax on the uncolored part of the textiles. Songket is a form of craft which is generally used during special occasions. It is said to have descended from the Pattani courts. Known as cloth of gold, it is created by weaving threads with gold and silver strands.
Woodcarving is the oldest traditional crafts which is applied in the designs of pilars, window shutters, doors, shutters and furniture of houses and palaces. Menkuang has become a full fledged cottage industry in Malaysia. Tall thorny leaves are used to make colorful mats, hats, fans, purses etc. Other popular crafts of the country are kite making, boat making, keris and rattan weaving.
Dinesh Patairya is a seasoned traveler. He has been writing on travel and tourism for years for several online and offline publications. Currently he is associated with YourAsianVacations.com
