For those who wish to have a hometown to head back to but don’t have, you can head over to Jenjarom for a day trip. It is a village made up of around 95% Chinese people, so you can experience how it feels to celebrate 🏮Chinese New Year in a Chinese kampung.
The biggest attraction in this village is Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple (佛光山東禪寺), a Buddhist temple with lively and colourful illuminations at night. People often come here during CNY as the decorations are changed every year according to the year’s zodiac.
This is one of the most basic activities that many Chinese do during the Chinese New Year. During the CNY, many beautiful temples in Malaysia are full of festivities. These merry and festive sights usually can only be seen during festive seasons like these.
Some of the famous temples in Klang Valley that people often flock to during CNY include Thean Hou Temple, Kuan Ti Temple, Sin Sze Si Ya Temple and many more. Do not miss out on the opportunity to embrace the traditional Chinese cultures by visiting any Chinese temple in Malaysia before the 15th of February!
The weather tends to be hot during Chinese New Year (for some reason) so going for some 💦splash at water parks seems to be a good idea! Malaysia has many water parks, big and small, indoor and outdoor. Kids will definitely have their portion of fun splashing around while adults can go for the thrilling slides.
Every Chinese New Year, Lorong 2 of the lively village of Machap Baru turns into a spring splendour where plum blossom trees will line both sides of the street! For 1 month, villagers will gather and tie fake plum blossom branches to tree trunks which will only be displayed until the 15th day of Chinese New Year.
This year, they have decided to go for a vintage theme between the 70s and 90s. In addition to that, there is also a tiger park where visitors can take photos! At night, the pink plum blossom trees will be illuminated with tiny lights giving them a magical vibe!
Each year, many films and movies related to CNY are released in the cinema. In Chinese, these movies are called 贺岁片 (he sui pian). It is a modern tradition that started in Hong Kong almost 30 years ago, where Chinese people flock to the cinema with family and friends for a Chinese New Year-themed movie during the Chinese New Year.
This year, Malaysia has some interesting Chinese New Year films as well. These locally produced films include Small Town Heroes (英雄假期) and Kongsi Raya. Then, there is also Nasi Lemak 1.0 by Namewee, which is not a CNY themed movie but is still worth the watch for its comedic touch.
If you have no hometown to go to, why not take a week-long leave by holidaying in Pulau Langkawi! There are many activities and food that you can explore on this beautiful island.
You can join in a yacht cruise to tour the island or challenge yourself with exciting activities like sky biking, flying fox and many more. Then in the evening, you can relax at one of the many beautiful beaches of Langkawi while watching the 🌅sun set.
Paying a visit to a relative or friend’s house has been a tradition for the Chinese during Chinese New Year. However, this tradition was forced to be halted during the COVID-19 outbreak.
This year, the Chinese are finally allowed to continue the tradition of bringing 🎁gifts and visiting relatives and friends! Spend quality time with your close ones by chit-chatting over CNY cookies & treats like kuaci, love letters and pineapple tarts or by playing 🃏🀄games (😏if you know it, you know it).
Kuala Sepetang is a perfect place for families with kids and elderlies to visit because the activities here are pretty relaxing. It is a fishing village where you can get 🦑🦞fresh seafood and at the same time tour around in a boat to further understand the fishing industry in this village.
Kuala Sepetang is also well known for its charcoal production, thanks to its big mangrove forest, which provides relentless supplies. Don’t forget to grace your tastebuds with the famous 🦐mee udang too!
Many malls are decorated with 🏮festive decorations for the Chinese New Year. This CNY, why not head over to one of these malls and do a 📸photoshoot! Dress in the most impressive traditional Chinese wear and pose beautifully.
Moreover, malls in Malaysia often organise festive activities during Chinese New Year, such as dragon dance performances, calligraphy shows, fan dance and many more.
Since many people will be taking a week (or two) leave, why not utilise it for a short course. Begin the year of the 🌊🐯water tiger by learning how to 🥽dive with PADI at Pulau Tioman.
They have the beginner course and the advanced course. So if you think you want more after you are done with the beginner level, you can proceed to the advanced level.
Be adventurous by trying out ATV rides! ATV stands for all-terrain vehicle, and it is an exciting and thrilling activity where you will ride across the rough terrains in the jungle.
Get ready to be muddy (oh! it rhymes!😏) and tossed around as you saddle on the tough ATV! This activity is suitable for youngsters who are looking for something different from the usual Chinese New Year activities.
We hope that this list of 11 things that you can do during Chinese New Year if you are not going back to your hometown proves to be useful for you. What are you waiting for, hurry and plan how to spend the rest of your Chinese New Year holiday meaningfully.
