Malaysia is a bountiful and diverse nation rich in history and culture. You may instil a deeper patriotic spirit in your kids by teaching them these fun facts about our home country.
Here are the Seven Wonders of Malaysia that every Malaysian child should know about.
It Is Home to a Diverse Population
Malaysia’s inhabitants consist of a whopping 32 million people from all sorts of ethnic backgrounds. And this figure does not only include the three majority racial groups: Malays, Chinese and Indians.
We also have the various indigenous groups like the Kadazan, Dusun and Iban, and the creoles like the Peranakans and the Kristangs (Malaccan Portuguese).
Additionally, there’s the various foreigners too. Expats and foreign workers who have called Malaysia home. If you’re truly looking for a melting pot of colours, Malaysia is where it’s at.
It Is a Melting Pot of Diverse Cultures
Where there is a diverse mix of people, there is bound to be a mix of cultures, beliefs and traditions. Malaysians practice a variety of religions like Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, and Hinduism.
From those customs and religions, also arises various celebrations and observations. Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali, Christmas and Hari Gawai, to name a few.
Among one of the things that Malaysians are known for, it’s undoubtedly our various cultural and religious celebrations.
Sometimes, they may even overlap. And we then get to enjoy double celebrations like Gong Xi Raya (or Kongsi Raya)—no one else is doing it quite like us!
It Is the Food Capital of Asia
If food isn’t enough to get your children excited about their own country, then I don’t know what will.
If you have an adventurous palette, then your children may share this trait with you. Especially if you’re not shy about taking them to experience different cuisines and dishes from other cultures.
Malaysia has some of the best food in Asia. It is often called ‘the food capital of Asia’, and for good reason.
Places like Penang and Malacca are some of the popular hotspots for culinary tourism—for both foreigners and locals.
It Is Home to Diverse Flora and Fauna
Growing up, we all loved reading fun facts about the natural world. Your parents may even still keep your old baby books about interesting animals and bizarre plants.
Well, if your child loves nature, here are some exotic wildlife that will your child will surely love learning about:
- Rhinoceros Hornbill (a beautiful bird native to Sarawak)
- Dugong (majestic, mermaid-like creatures related to hippos)
- Rafflesia (or corpse flower, it blooms only once a year)
- Pitcher Plants (carnivorous plants that love to eat insects)
It Is Full of Natural Wonders
There is nothing better than actual physical evidence to show a child just how special Malaysia is.
You can teach them all about the diversity, the language, the food. But at the end of the day, nothing beats experiencing the wonders of the land right at nature’s doorstep.
Some of the natural wonders that exist in Malaysia include:
- Taman Negara (one of the oldest rainforests in Malaysia)
- Mount Mulu (largest cave systems in the world)
- Cameron Highlands
- Batu Caves
It Is Full of Manmade Miracles
On the flipside, we have amazing buildings and locations created by humans too. Some of the greatest achievements in the architectural arts exist in Malaysia.
Here are the structures, monuments and buildings that could only have been built by the proud and innovative dwellers of this land.
Some man-made wonders you might want to check out with your kids include: The Petronas Twin Towers, First World Hotel (largest hotel in the world), The Floating Mosque and The Crystal Mosque.
Malaysia, One in A Million
Mummies, if possible, do treat your kids and show them these amazing facts in real life. Take them to experience the amazing culture, places and people of Malaysia so they can a truly fall in love with their birthplace.
This Malaysia day, you may take your kids to embrace the various ethnicities, to savour the local delicacies, and to embark on an adventure in the wilderness.
There are so many amazing things about Malaysia; and they are all right here on our shores! Malaysia Boleh!
From all of us here at Motherhood, we wish you and yours a happy Malaysia Day!
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