Malaysia is an art and culture mosaic, which has shaped itself under the influence of many a culture. Ancient Malay culture forms the platform while the two prominent influences are the Chinese and the Indians.
Music and Dance
Malaysian music is sweet blending of Chinese, Islamic and native forms. Traditional Malaysian music is based largely on a drum and also includes percussion instruments like flutes and trumpets. Indonesian, Thai, Indian and Chinese influences can be recognized on Malaysian music and dance. Some Arabian forms are also popular in Malaysia. Malay people are fond of Arabian style ghazals. In Malay peninsula, Kertok is a popular form of music. Swift and rhythmic xylophone music, it is played in small bands. If you happen to holiday in Malaysia at the time of festival, chances are you would be able to see Malaysian music and dance in its true form.
You can satisfy your creative urge enjoying visual art of Malaysia. National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur is the best place in the country to see traditional and contemporary art. The permanent collection in the gallery has more than 2500 pieces of artwork. Pucuk Rebung Gallery also houses an extensive collection of Malaysian artifacts including antique fabrics, metalwork, jewelry, wood and fibre, crystal, photos, glass, porcelain, and pottery.
Other places to see contemporary art in Capital Kuala Lumpur are Artcase and Artfolio at Jalan Tun Razak, Art Salon at Bangsar Baru, Galeri Patronas at KL City Centre, Galleriwan at Jalan P. Ramlee, and Isetan Art Gallery at KL City Centre.
Culture
Malaysia has been the meeting ground of people since centuries. People of an array of ethnic groups visited Malaysia during the course of history. A good number of these people settled in Malaysia. They came in close cultural contact with the native Malay people. Malaysia became a melting pot of many a cultural stream. This vigorously reflects in its traditions and community structures.
In any Kuala Lumpur colony, you can see the intriguing mélange of cultures. In a house, you could listen Chinese Opera being watched on television, in a neighboring house you could hear a girl practicing classical Indian music, and in another house same locality you could hear a person offering his namaz. This cultural tolerance and inclusiveness of Malaysia is something appreciated all over the world.
Malaysia is an art and culture mosaic, which has shaped itself under the influence of many a culture. Ancient Malay culture forms the platform while the two prominent influences are the Chinese and the Indians. 