The Dewan Bandaraya building, located at the Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia is preparing one huge party to celebrate 50 years of independence with a year long string of events.

The year long celebration features events and festivals all over the country starting soon. “We are extremely excited to announce the official 50 events,” said Abdul Haris Hadi, Vice President of Tourism Malaysia Vancouver.

“Malaysia offers visitors a truly Asia experience in just one destination. Whether it’s for adventure, relaxation, or just the food, our beautiful country has it all. And with our 50th anniversary next year, there’s no time better than 2007 to explore Malaysia.”

This Golden Anniversary honors Malaysia’s past, present and future. Visit Malaysia Year 2007 recognizes the rich melting pot that is Malaysia’s culture and history, and celebrates the country’s astounding growth and development in the last 50 years and beyond. In addition to the exciting events and festivals happening throughout the year, the month of August, 2007, will be filled with a myriad of parades, cultural performances, street shows and carnivals. Other major events include:

- Flora Fest Floral Parade This yearly parade takes place on Jan. 27, 2007 in Putrajaya and Klang Valley.

 - Le Tour de Langkawi

The annual race puts world-class cyclists to the test, with a race on the island of  Langkawi that lasts from Feb. 7 - 11, 2007.

- Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix

The heart-pounding action of F1 racing, at one of the world’ s best tracks, will leave visitors breathless from April 6 - 8, 2007 in Kuala Lumpur.

- Colours of Malaysia

This brilliant festival is one of the biggest and brightest Malaysia celebrations. All of Malaysia’s cultures will unite on May 26, 2007 to celebrate the event in Kuala Lumpur.

- Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival

Shoppers can go wild in Kuala Lumpur from July 1 to Sept. 2, 2007. Visitors will get the chance to shop. Their hearts out in everything from designer wear to trinkets, all at specially marked prices.

-Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix

Action-lovers will be thrilled with this annual race, which lasts from Sept. 7 - 9, 2007 in Sepang, Selangor.

 -  Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebration and Open House

The ending of the Ramadhan fasting month brings wonderful food and open houses in Kuala Lumpur and throughout Malaysia from Oct. 27 to Nov. 26, 2007.

- Deepavali Celebration and Open House

The traditional Hindu Festival of Lights is celebrated on Nov. 17, 2007 in Kuala Lumpur and throughout Malaysia.

 - Malaysia Year End Sale Carnival

Visitors can enjoy low prices and huge varieties of items at this annual shopping extravaganza, which takes place from Dec. 1 - 31, 2007 in Kuala Lumpur and all major Malaysia cities.

In preparation for Visit Malaysia Year 2007, the entire country is putting in a significant effort to make tourists feel as welcome as possible.

Malaysia has created awareness programs designed to help taxi drivers, hotel staff, tourist guides and other such personnel provide the best experience for travelers.

Beyond its unique cultural mix, Malaysia offers an abundance of experiences and attractions for every kind of traveler. City-lovers can take in the shopping, sites and nightlife in Kuala Lumpur, the country’s bustling capital and home to the world’s tallest twin structures, the Petronas Twin Towers. Eco-tourists can explore the lush rainforests of Sabah or climb the peaks of Mount Kinabalu -  The tallest mountain in Southeast Asia. For more information on Visit Malaysia Year 2007 and how to join in the celebration, please visit: www.tourism.gov.my/vmy07/index.htm.