KL celebrates Wesak Day

Tomorrow is Wesak Day, the day that Buddhists commemorate the Birth, Enlightenment and the Passing of the Buddha. Various temples will be holding their religious activities. If you are in town, you are welcomed at all temples. You may do a good deed by helping out or just by donating to the needy.

Jejarom's Buddhist Temple - Fo Guang Shan

The arch of creeper plants that greets visitors is the main entrance to the temple

ONE of the most beautiful Buddhist Temples in the country lies in the district of Jenjarom in Selangor, roughly 60km from the city centre towards the south. Called the Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen, it is a hive of activity during weekends and the Chinese New Year. On Wesak Day, it is a centre of activities as Buddhist pay homage to Lord Buddha.

To get there, simply head use the Shah Alam Expressway in the direction of West Port or Pulau Indah (follow the signboard) until you see the Banting-Pulau Indah sign. This is the Pandamaran interchange. Keep left and go up the ramp and left.

Keep going in the direction of Morib, passing through Bangi Town, then industrial township of Teluk Panglima Garang, and then junction to Pulau Carey (Carey Island). Keep left and head towards Morib. The next town is Jenjarom.

Watch out for the police station on the right. This is where you turn right into Sg Buaya, where the temple is located. After entering the road, drive straight for about one kilometre when the Dong Zen building will come into sight on your right.

Lots of parking are available outside the temple. If you cannot find your way or are lost between KL and Morib, just give them at call at 03-3191 1533.

Red lanterns give this temple an Oriental touch.

One of the Arahat statues along the courtyard of the temple.
There are more than a dozen of them all over.

The dragon urn lies outside the main shrine of the temple. Visitors are only
given a joss stick to offer their prayers to the Buddha. The joss stick is to be
planted in this main urn outside the shrine.

This is the main shrine where the largest Buddha statue is housed.

Bukit Tinggi - Good for Day Trip

Entrance gateway welcoming you to Bukit Tinggi Village, Bentong.

Bukit Tinggi, Bentong, lies off the East Coast Highway north of Kuala Lumpur. The village lies to the right if you are coming from Kuala Lumpur, roughly about 50km from city centre. If you are driving from KL, look out for the signboard that says Bukit Tinggi and Selesa Hillhomes. Go off the expressway to your left and you will come to a T-junction. Take the road to your right and go underneath the expressway into a tunnel and you will emerge at the otherside of the expressway.


Village view, Bukit Tinggi. There is a steep incline of about 25 degrees for the roads. Make sure you are fit to walk.

Roads of newly built restaurants and hawker stalls will greet your eyes. Keep driving till you come to the bend in the road where it moves uphill to a settlement. This is the Bukit Tinggi Village. You should park your car at the foothill and walk.


Plenty of hawkers selling fruits and local vegetables. Try their watercress. Young and crunchy. Passion fruits are plentiful too. And all are quite cheap.

There is nothing much here, except for a reservoir tank and a police station. It's a small Chinese village where you can get cheap food and vegetables, particularly local fruits like passion fruit, guava and jackfruit - believed to be grown here and in Janda Baik.


Ever seen red bananas? Plenty in Bukit Tinggi.

Bukit Tinggi is famous for their cheap food, but many restaurants are now run by foreigners employed by locals. On our trip here recently, we refused to stop at the traditionally crowded ones. We spoke to locals and were duly informed that the food of these are no longer prepared by their original owners. And could be quite expensive because of the crowd.


Cheap food found here in Bukit Tinggi. Service good, too.

We stopped by a small restaurant, ordered a plate of fried watercress (speciality here), asam cuttlefish, wild boar curry and steamed towfoo. The bill came to only RM40. Would have cost at least RM60 downstream at the more popular restaurants. If you are going here, and wish to try their speciality - freshwater fish - please confirm the price first. They can cost quite a bomb depending on the season.

Vegetables are also very cheap - three bundles of various vegetables cost only RM5.


Steamed/boiled groundnuts. Good to eat, healthy too.


Gourd vine with its yield.

Kuala Gandah

A rogue elephant's skull being displayed at the information centre.

Elephant's Sanctuary

KUALA GANDAH is located within two hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur in the vicinity of the Krau Forest Reserve in Pahang. If you a back-to-Nature adventure, especially if elephants are your favourite animals, this is definitely a not-to-be-missed place on your tour itinerary. There are quite a number of tour operators that provide day trips to this place, so call them.

If you are planning to go there on your own, unless you are familiar, we suggest you hire a chauffeured car. It will be easier for locals to navigate.

Elephant Conservation Efforts
Kuala Gandah gained its famed via its elephant conservation efforts and the elephant conservation center was established in 1989 by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.



An elephant relocation team has been operating from here since 1974, relocating pachyderms displaced by development, rehabilitating elephants injured by traps, as well as bringing up abandoned baby elephants.



There is an information center here to promote awareness on its activities, especially public awareness of the Malaysia elephants as well as to conduct and support research into elephant and subsequently environment conservation


With guided tours, you will get an idea of hos the place operates and what it is for.

Among activities conducted at the center are feeding and bathing elephants as well as elephant rides. The centre is very popular during school holidays catering to school groups.

NOTE: Opening times have been revised from 8.00am to 5.00pm daily. Activities with the elephant start at 2pm daily and at 2:45pm on Fridays to allow Muslims to conduct their prayers. Visitors can book elephant rides and bathe the elephants. However, participation is limited to 120 persons daily. For details, call 09-2790391.

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Che' Wong Orang Asli Village at Kuala Gandah

The Che Wong tribe is one of the smallest Orang Asli groups.

Within walking distance from the elephant sanctuary is a small Orang Asli village inhabited by the Che' Wong tribe, one of the smallest groups of indigenous people living on the perimeters of the Krau Forest Reserve in Pahang.

There are about 25 houses here, simple and built on stilts with bamboo, rattan, attap and hard wood as the main components of the structure. Some of the houses house more than one family unit while others support only one.



You will see some fascinating handiwork of the orang asli, utilising jungle produce in their day-to-day living.

Some of them still live off the jungles, collecting forest products such as rattan and barks. However many, especially the younger generation, have found work in the plantations and factories nearby the settlement.


On special occasions, the villagers make handicraft for sale such as head gears and other small souvenirs.

The orang asli villagers here are quite shy. The elders may be more chatty than the womenfolk or the children.

If you were to visit this place, please mind your manners. Their customs may vary from yours vastly and could be offensive. It helps to have a local take you around, though.

Check with your guide on this if a tour is conducted here.

Pulau Ketam

Crab Island - Village on Stilts

Pulau Ketam or Crab Island is on the itinerary of most major city tour companies. But if you decide to go at it alone, then it is really not diffcult.

You can either drive to Port Kelang and take the ferry to Pulau Ketam from there or use the more convenient KTM Komuter train.

Pulau Ketam got its name from crabs - or rather the main activity there (crab catching) in the 1800s.



The village on stilts was believed to have been set up by crab catchers in the swamplands that is now the island proper.



Actually, there are two islands here - Pulau Ketam and Sungai Lima which are divided by mangrove swamps.

The population is almost entirely Chinese, comprising a majority of Hokkiens, Teochew and some Hainanese. There are also Malays on the island.



Villagers are mostly fishermen and some of them traders dealing in marine products. There is also a police station, bank and numerous seafood restaurants.

Pulau Ketam is well-known for its seafood and floating fish farms. The latter attract scores of anglers during weekends. There are also some hotels on the island and even the floating fish farms have rooms for rent.

There are several seafood restaurants but shop around if you are looking for bargains. If money is of no restriction, then any will do. Simple rule of thumb is to head for the more popular ones.



There are also many shops selling marine produce such as dried shrimps, fish and prawn crackers, and the likes.

Pulau Ketam residents travel on bicycles and motorcycles. Some use motorised bicycles. Keep an eye out for them when exploring the island.

There is a lovely temple about 300 metres from the jetty.



Getting there:
The KTM Komuter operates from Sentul Station to Port Kelang end-to-end. Train fare from Sentul costs RM9.60 (adult/return fare) and half for children below 12. If you board the Komuter train from KL Sentral, the fare is cheaper.

Take this train till Port Kelang. Then walk to the jetty to Pulau Ketam located about 100 metres from the train station.




Travel to Pulau Ketam is by 'jet ferry' which services the mainland and the island at regular intervals of about 40 minutes.

The ferry is airconditioned and quite comfortable if you don't mind the noise and some boneshaking.



Fare is RM6 per adult one-way (half price for children below 12) and tickets are sold on board.

Happy Deepavali In Kuala Lumpur

Deepavali is celebrated annually in the seventh month of the Tamil lunar calendar. This year, Deepavali falls on Oct 27, Monday, which is a national public holiday. The festival ymbolises the triumph of good over evil when, according to one legend, Lord Krishna defeated the evil King Narakasura. Hindus light oil lamps in their homes as a victorious symbol of light over darkness.

In Malaysia, Deepavali is celebrated on a grand scale at the national level with an open house concept where people from all races are invited to join in the celebration, to partake in a day of food, fun and culture.

In Kuala Lumpur, during the run-up to the festival, Jalan Masjid India and Lebuh Ampang areas, better known as Little Indias of Kuala Lumpur, are abuzz with activities.

Household items and festive decor line the streets as traders pit their prices against each other to attract festive buyers. If you are looking for things related to the Indian culture, this is a good time to pay Jalan Masjid India and Lebuh Ampang a visit.

There may be a little traffic congestion during peak hours (evenings between 5 to 8pm) and if you wish to do your shopping during that period, take public transport. Cab fares should not cost more than RM7 from Jalan Sultan Ismail where major hotels are located. If you decide to take the LRT, get down at the Masjid Jamek station. Lebuh Ampang and Jalan Masjid India is just a five-minute walk from the station.

You may also use the KTM Komuter and get down at the Bank Negara stop. You will need to walk a bit (about 20 minutes) from here, crossing Jalan Raja Laut, and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman (Jalan TAR). Masjid India is located parallel to this thoroughfare. Lebuh Ampang is located about 10 minutes' walk from Masjid India.


Map to Masjid India

View Larger Map


Map to Lebuh Ampang

View Larger Map

October Happenings in Kuala Lumpur

OCT 11, LIRE EN FêTE (BOOK FAIR)
Created twenty years ago, Lire en Fête is a book festival that spreads to more than 150 countries throughout the French Cultural network. The Alliance Française de Kuala Lumpur invites you to three "Rendez-vous" to discover the French literature": a French bookfair, tales reading in French for kids and an exhibition on Paul Claudel.
Venue: Main Hall of the Alliance Française Kuala Lumpur, 15 Lorong Gurney, Off Jalan Semarak
Time: Noon to 4:00pm
Admission: free
Details: Call 03-2694 7880

TILL 12 OCT 2008, WALLSCAPES - THE MERDEKA PAINTING BY WANG LAN, WANG XU AND SHEN JIAWEI
The Merdeka Painting by Wang Lan, Wang Xu and Shen Jiawei, commissioned to commemorate Malaysia's 51st year of Independence, is a masterwork of mural conception and design that figures historical and contemporary protagonists in the shaping of modern Malaysia. The mural illuminates on the enduring relationship between history and the vocation of art while presenting a contrasting narrative of the acknowledgement and affirmation of historical roles in the making of Malaysia's history. Presented in a continuum of figures reaching into the year of pre-Independence, the mural explores the possibilities offered by art for the renewal of perceptions concerning history.
Venue: Bustle Gallery, Galeri Petronas, Level 3, Suria KLCC
Time: Daily, 10am to 8pm
Details: Call 03-2051 7770

OCT 13-NOV 12, 18@8-VICE AND VIRTUE
Wei-Ling Gallery’s fourth installation of their annual 18@8 exhibition, takes on a new twist with the introduction of the theme ‘ Vice & Virtue‘. Nine participating artists have been selected on grounds of significant contribution to the local arts scene in the preceding year, or, in terms of pronounced artistic development. The exhibition’s premise is to explore the characteristics of commonly perceived values.
Venue: Wei Ling Gallery, No. 8 Jalan Scott, Brickfields
Time: Mon-Fri 12pm-7pm; Sat:10am-5pm (Sun : By Appointment)
Details: Call 03-2260 1106/7

OCT 15 – NOV 1, YASMIN SISON: THE WEIGHT OF WAITING
Yasmin Sison refers to blotting as an act that describes how images are altered through a play on light and darkness. By painting over her figures, she erases their individuality, creating ghostly portraits that form a critique against the longings and desires engendered by media and an acceptance of its power.
Venue: Valentine Willie Fine Art, 1st Floor, 17 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar Baru
Time: 12 - 8pm Monday to Friday, and 12 - 6 pm Saturday. Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Details: Call 03-2284 2348

OCT 27, DEEPAVALI
The Hindu Festival of Lights, known also as Deepavali, celebrates the day when good prevailed over evil when Narkansura was defeated by Lord Krishna. The day is marked with prayers and other festivities. Open house are also held to invite friends from other religions to partake in the festivities.

TILL OCT 31, SHANGHAINESE HAIRY CRABS
Feast on the legendary culinary delight, hairy crabs from Shanghai.
Time : 12.00noon to 2.30pm for lunch (Mondays to Saturdays)/6.30pm to 10.30pm for dinner (Mondays to Sundays)
Venue : West Lake Garden Chinese Restaurant, Sunway Hotel
Details: Call 03-7492 8000 ext 3181 ( David Pang )

NOV 4 - JAN 18, IMAGING SELFS
Imaging Selfs – Portraits by Soraya Yusof Talismail
Venue: Main Gallery, Galeri Petronas, Level 3, Suria KLCC
Time: Daily, 10am to 8pm
Details: Call 03-2051 7770

NOV 25 - JAN 18, DRAWING THE LINE: SCULPTURES BY AMIN GULGEE
Venue: Bustle Gallery, Galeri Petronas, Level 3, Suria KLCC
Time: Daily, 10am to 8pm
Details: Call 03-2051 7770

Kuala Lumpur Thieves' Market

The Thieves' Market are not named out of novelty and the goods may have a tainted past. If you wish to check out the place, go early between 7am to 10am where business is at its peak.

This is one sleazy corner of Kuala Lumpur I would not like to be on the tours' itinerary simply because of the dangers it pose. But again, which nation in the wordly doesn't have it - a Thieves Market, where you are constantly unsure whether the goods are stolen or just scavenged from the rubbish dumps.

Then again, there are people who beg to differ in that here in lies some things that you are not likely to find in established shopping malls or even junk stores.

Things like old VCDs, books, loud speakers, rare amplifiers, coconut scrapers, radios, screws and bolts, rusty saws, one or two rare paintings, and the likes. Or even shirts and shoes that have been used that cost large fractions of their original prices, and whish with a little bit of cleaning, can still be used.

Kuala Lumpur's Thieves Market lies along Jalan Sultan. You can't miss it simply because it is located behind the row of shops that front Petaling Street. The place is a hive of activities from early mornings, sometimes as early as midnight when prying eyes of the authorities take their daily rest.

The best time to visit this place is in the wee hours of the morning and the crowd peaks at about 7am. You can find plenty of second-hand goods here, but don't ask about how the traders got them. Just get the best bargain and if it seems worthwhile, get it. Otherwise move on and come another day.

While browsing here, you might want to take care of your wallet. No, not that you will be fleeced by the traders or be tempted to spend more than you actually need. This place is the haunt of pickpockets and these faceless hoods move in and out of the crowd quite easily. If you are not too careful, your wallet might end up being on of the items being sold here over the next couple of months - after its contents have been relieved, of course.

Mooncake Festival in Kuala Lumpur

The Mooncake Festival, otherwise known as the Mid Autumn Festival in a grander name, is celebrated on the eighth lunar month in the Chinese Lunar Calendar.

The celebration comes on the heels of the Hungry Ghost Festival, which is the Seventh Month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. While the latter is one month the Chinese considered inauspicious, the Eight Month is considered very auspicious, particularly on the Fifteenth Day.

Garfield immortalised in a lantern!

On that day, it is believed that the moon is at its loveliest and largest, and it is also the day the Chinese give thanks to the Goddess of the Moon for a bountiful harvest.

During this time, the Chinese plan all sorts of auspicious events, especially weddings, and particularly on the Fifteenth Day.

The Mooncake Festival, also known among the Cantonese as the Chung Chow Cheet (Mid Autumn Festival), is actually celebrated from the first day of the eighth month to the fifteenth day. During the final day of celebration, the Chinese will hold feasts outdoors and enjoy mooncakes. Children will also be allowed to sleep late that night to enjoy the full moon and in villages, even today, they go around the neighbourhood parading paper lanterns.


Superman lantern.

The pictures you see here are lanterns of various types, ranging from the candle-lit glass paper lanterns to battery powered types. These range from RM3 (USD1) to RM10 (USD3).


Plastic mouse shaped lantern with music. These are battery powered.

Although traditional lanterns, ie the paper made ones, are not easy to find in cities, rural sundry shops stock them and they are quite a sight to watch during the day. There are lots of designs although traditional ones sport mythical creatures such as the unicorn or dragon. Today, you find comic characters and cartoon superheroes instead.


Accordion lantern carrying a cartoon superhero.

Mooncakes are rice flour cakes with sweet fillings such as red bean paste or lotus paste for the cheaper ones. More expensive ones contain mixed nuts and salted egg yolks and even meat stuffed within.


This one is expensive, just look at the metal box in which the four mooncakes are kept in.


The cheaper ones, only a fraction of the price of the metal box packaged one above.

Mooncakes range from RM5 a pack of four for cheap ones to RM50 per box of four of expensive ones. Of course, it is easy to discern the more expensive by looking at the packaging - more expensive ones have grander, usually metal, packaging boxes.


Plain rice flour mooncake. This one does not contain any filling. It is not eaten either. It is usually used as a prayer item among offerings to the Goddess of the Moon.

September Happenings

TILL SEPT 7, MERDEKA PHOTO EXHIBITION
Featuring pictures from the past and present that highlights the country’s 51 years of independence.
Venue: Ground Floor, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya
Details: Call 03-7710 8118
Time: Sun - Thu : 10am - 10pm / Fri and Sat : 10am - 10.30pm

SEPT 8-30, ICONS

A solo exhibition and re-launch of the iconic contemporary Malaysian artist Zulkifli Yusoff. It has been eight years since Zulkifli Yusoff held a solo exhibition of his works in Malaysia and this exhibition promises to deliver some of his most provocative artworks to date. Using a combination of media in a layered format, including a blend of silk-screen, painting, photographic transfers, drawings, embossing and fibreglass, Zulkifli’s new works draw direct reference to historical and current events that have made a mark on Malaysian society. He was particularly inspired by the book written by Frank Swettenham in the 19th century entitled ‘Malay Sketches’, and has expanded on a number of the themes in the book in his new paintings.
Venue: Wei Ling Gallery, No. 8 Jalan Scott, Brickfields
Time: Mon-Fri 12pm-7pm; Sat:10am-5pm (Sun : By Appointment)
Details: Call 03-2260 1106/7

SEPT 12 - OCT 5, HARI RAYA PROMOTION
Sale and promotion of stuff related to the festive occasion
Venue: Ground Floor, 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya
Details: Call 03-7710 8118
Time: Sun - Thu : 10am - 10pm / Fri and Sat : 10am - 10.30pm

TILL SEPT 14, MOONCAKE FESTIVAL
Promotion of mooncakes and things related to the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Time: 10am to 10pm
Venue: Berjaya Times Square, 1 Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur
Details: Call 03-2144 9821

TILL SEPT 15, INDONESIAN MODERN ARTS
Indonesian artist Wayan Gede Susana features his work.
Venue: Art House Gallery, Desa Sri Hartamas, 20-1, Jalan 24/70A, Kuala Lumpur
Time: 10:30am - 7:00pm (Mon - Sat)/ 1:00pm - 6:00pm (Sunday and Public Holidays)
Details: Call 03-2300 1343

SEPT 18-28, BROADWAY PARODIES LAGI LAH!
Comedy by local group.
Time: 8.30pm (Tuesdays - Saturdays) / 3pm (Sundays) / NO SHOWS ON MONDAY
Venue: Pentas 1, KLPac, Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, off Jalan Ipoh
Admission: Tickets at RM60 / RM40 / RM20 (students)
Details: 03-4047 9000/2094 9400

SEPT 19-21, AIDIL FITRI CARNIVAL
Sales promotion related to the Hari Raya Puasa or Aidil Fitri celebrations.
Venue: Putra Concourse, Putra World Trade Centre, Jalan Putra
Time: 10am to 10pm
Details: Call 019 358 0890/014-638 0090 (Melissa)

SEPT 21-28, BACK TO NATURE

Exhibition by artists from Tieling China and Malaysian Artists. This exhibition will display more than a hundred pieces of exquisite artworks by 14 artists from China and 11 artists from Malaysia.
Venue: Ground Floor Exhibition Hall, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, Bukit Bintang
Time: 11.00am to 6.00pm
Admission : Free
Details: 03-9075 6876 (Ms. Chan Yin Kwan)

TILL SEPT 27, DREAMS, HOPE AND PERFECTION
This is the third solo by Bangkok artist Natee Utarit in Kuala Lumpur. The artist here conjures the birth of Thai democracy and so modern Thai political history as a means of commenting on actual and pressing political issues.
Time: 12 - 8pm Monday to Friday, and 12 - 6 pm Saturday. Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.
Details: Call 03-2284 2348

TILL SEPT 28, SWEET FLAVOUR BY MOHD FAUZI SEDON
After completing his PhD in Hobart, art lecturer and printmaker Mohd Fauzi Sedon, returns for his second solo exhibition.
Venue: NN GALLERY, 53A - 56 Jalan Sulaiman 1, Taman Ampang Hilir,
Time: Mon-Sat (9am-6am); Sun & Public Holiday (Closed)
Details: Call 03-42706588

TILL OCT 25, BEYOND ORIENTALISM: HOW THE WEST WAS WON OVER BY ISLAMIC ART
The exhibition looks further than Orientalist art. Instead of being about how European and American artists depicted the Islamic world, it shows how the Islamic world changed aesthetics in the West. This is most visible in the decorative arts, especially glass and ceramics, but it also applies to architecture and ‘fine’ art.
Venue: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, Jalan Lembah Perdana
Time: 10am - 6pm
Details: Call 03-2274 2020

PC Fair off to a lukewarm start

PC starts today and judging from the crowd between 11am to 4pm, it was a bit disappointing - there appeared to be more sales assistants than visitors the first two hours and the crowd only picked up sometime into 2pm.


After 2pm

There were bargains, without doubt, and the street smart would yet again walk off with a good deal. Anyone buying anything without bargaining is foolish to say the least.


Hard sell?

Pitching against each other this time around are the miniature laptops known variously as e-laptops and e-pcs (the latter's name culled from Asus's model no doubt). Some antivirus with a funny name - Kapersky - were seen being unloaded at almost any stall. Prices vary from RM70 to slightly more. Real cheap if you asked me.

August Happenings in Kuala Lumpur

AUG 1-3, PC FAIR 2008
Largest computer exhibition and sale. Bargains galore.
Time: 11am - 9pm
Venue: KL Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur
Details: Call 03-7955 2922; 03-7955 2933

AUG 2, MTV ASIA AWARDS 2008 The highly anticipated pan-regional music event is back for the 6th year running, bringing music excitement to all music fans in over 9 markets in Asia. Hosted by Jared Leto (30 Seconds to Mars) this event will be the most exciting and happening musical event yet!
Venue: Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands
Details: Call 03-2718 1118

TILL AUG 3, WORLD MARCHING BAND COMPETITION



TILL AUG 3, PATRIOT - A MALAY MUSICAL
About a patriot named Yahya and his love Sapura.
Time: 8:30pm (Nightly) and 3pm (Aug 2)
Venue: Istana Budaya (National Theatre)
Admission: Tickets at RM30, RM50, RM80, RM100, RM130 & RM180
Bookings: Call 03-4024 8715/4026 5558

TILL AUG 5, PORTRAITS OF PARADOX
Yau Bee Ling holds her first solo exhibition ‘Portraits of Paradox’ after an illustrious career spanning nearly thirteen years. Born in Klang in 1972, she studied painting at the Malaysian Institute of Art(MIA),graduating in 1995. Since then she has exhibited her works extensively both locally and abroad, and is a well-known artist on the Malaysian art scene.
Venue: Wei Ling Gallery, No. 8 Jalan Scott, Brickfields
Time: Mon-Fri 12pm-7pm; Sat:10am-5pm (Sun : By Appointment)
Details: Call 03-2260 1106/7

TILL SEPT 1, MEGA SALE CARNIVAL
Enjoy astounding discounts and special offers during Malaysia’s biggest annual sale carnival! There’s value for money for everyone out there at the countless shopping malls and stores nationwide.
Venue: Participating shopping complexes.
Details: Call 03-2698 1033

AUG 11-SEPT 4, CONDITIONAL LOVE - PAINTED STORIES
Features nearly twenty new works by artist Anurendra Jegadeva. Venue: Wei-Ling Gallery, No.8 Jalan Scott, Brickfields
Time: Mon-Fri (12-7pm); Sat (10-5pm). Closed Sundays
Details: Call 03-2260 1106/07, 012-3025302

AUG 15-31, INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS COMPETITION
Watch the sky being lighted up with impressive fireworks displays. The competition features various countries vying to craete a grand theatre of pyrotechnics. Be part of this magical, glittering evening.
Venue: Putrajaya
Details: Call 03-26937111
Website: www.motour.gov.my

TILL AUG 16, ART EXHIBITION - 'THE GARDEN' BY KEN YAU
Ken Yau explores the relationship between earth and humanity. His works are dominated by strong colours, flowers, animals, human expressions in the form of dancing, meditation, crying and laughter. Happiness and sadness, wealth and poverty, success and failure, clarity and confusion, what is real and what is not? Can one truly experience one without the other? The artist invites us to question and explore this theme.
Venue: Alliance Française de Kuala Lumpur, 15, Lorong Gurney,
Time: Monday to Saturday; 9am to 8pm
Details: Call 03-2694-7880

17-24 AUG, NANYANGISM 2008
Art Exhibition in Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts & the 25th Anniversary of Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Alumni Association Malaysia
Venue: Ground Floor, Wisma Kebudayaan SGM, 243, Jln Bukit Bintang
Time: 11.00am-6.00pm
Details: Call 03-2141 2003 / 2143 9236

TILL AUG 24, DISCLOSURE
This solo exhibition features the works of Ahmad Zakii Anwar, one of Malaysia's leading figurative painters. A major influence on the development of figurative realism within painting in contemporary Malaysian art practice, this exhibition traces the development as well as future direction taken by Ahmad Zakii Anwar in his career as an artist.
Venue: Main gallery, Galeri Petronas, KLCC
Time: 10am to 8pm
Details: Call 03-2051 5930

AUG 31, MERDEKA MONTH CELEBRATION
Malaysia celebrates its 51st year of Independence. Highlights include parades, fireworks displays and much more! Join in the merriment!
Venue: Kuala Lumpur
Details: Call 03-2615 8188/8888 1957

TILL OCT 25, BEYOND ORIENTALISM: HOW THE WEST WAS WON OVER BY ISLAMIC ART
The exhibition looks further than Orientalist art. Instead of being about how European and American artists depicted the Islamic world, it shows how the Islamic world changed aesthetics in the West. This is most visible in the decorative arts, especially glass and ceramics, but it also applies to architecture and ‘fine’ art.
Venue: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, Jalan Lembah Perdana
Time: 10am - 6pm
Details: Call 03-2274 2020