21/08/2026

FRIDAY | AUG 21, 2026

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Rustic charm of Bagan Datuk

BAGAN DATUK: For those seeking a relaxing getaway away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Bagan Datuk offers a memorable experience, including exploring fishing villages and visiting the picturesque Sky Mirror. Located about three hours from Kuala Lumpur by road, this coastal district in Perak offers visitors the chance to experience rural life, enjoy various recreational activities and take photos at scenic locations. Recently, several media representatives and 55 Muslim-friendly tourist guides participated coastal district in Perak offers visitors chance to explore fishing villages and other picturesque attractions o Located about three hours from Kuala Lumpur by road,

KUALA LUMPUR: Distance was no barrier for the Malaysian community in Auckland, New Zealand, to come together to celebrate National Month. The staging of Hikayat - Malam Teater Malaysia 2026 , featuring the play Biru, themed around the spirit of struggle and patriotism, enlivened the atmosphere at the Glen Eden Playhouse Theatre in Auckland on Aug 15. Malaysian High Commissioner to New Zealand Abu Bakar Mamat said the theatre production was organised by the Auckland Malaysian Liaison Bureau, a student organisation in Auckland. “This was a collaboration with the High Commission of Malaysia in New Zealand and carried a message closely connected to the identity and spirit of Malaysians. “As one of the colours of the Jalur Gemilang , enjoy the blooms almost all year round. Apart from its vast sunflower fields, which are favourite spots for selfies, the garden also offers a heart-shaped arch, swings, colourful bridges and a “Stairway to Heaven” for photography buffs. Children can also enjoy feeding ducks and fish, Bernama reported. At Sungai Burung Aquarium, visitors can see various freshwater fish species such as giant arapaima, arowana and gar as well as animals such as rabbits and peacocks. They can also experiment with different poses and photo angles against 3D illusion murals. A 15-minute boat ride from the Bagan Datuk jetty is another favourite attraction – the Beting Beras Basah, the venue for the Sky Mirror phenomenon which occurs on a shallow sandbank several times a month when the tide recedes and creates a mirror-like surface that reflects the sky and clouds. Tourist guide Rozy Sibon, who participated in the familiarisation trip, said Bagan Datuk has the potential to be promoted as a short getaway destination through well-planned travel packages, given that its various attractions are located relatively close to one another.

blue symbolises the unity of the Malaysian people. “In the context of the National Day celebrations, the production also highlights the meaning of independence and liberation, safeguarding dignity and national identity as well as the aspiration to build a better future for Malaysia,” he said in a statement. Programme director Ikram Abdul Rahim said the play tells the story of the struggle to defend the homeland from colonial rule in order to preserve harmony and unity while also facing the challenge of betrayal. The event was enlivened by shouts of “Merdeka” as well as kompang and dikir barat performances. Representatives from the University of Auckland, the Malaysian diaspora and the local community attended the event. – Bernama “What makes Bagan Datuk unique is the variety of products it offers such as the Sunflower Garden, Tuminah Hamidi Mosque, Sungai Burung Aquarium and Sky Mirror, which can be combined into a single tourism package.” She said the availability of parking facilities for large vehicles is also an advantage for tour operators bringing in groups, although more three and four-star hotels would be needed to strengthen the reputation of the district as a holiday destination. The Tuminah Hamidi Mosque, a floating style mosque situated along the banks of the Perak River, offers a tranquil setting that is particularly enchanting at sunset. The architectural beauty of the mosque is reflected in its spacious main prayer hall with a high ceiling adorned with intricate Islamic calligraphy and decorative motifs. Natural lighting further enhances the bright and serene atmosphere inside the building. The mosque can accommodate up to 5,000 individuals and features an air-conditioned prayer hall and ample parking space, making it a comfortable stop for Muslim tourists while also offering visitors an opportunity to appreciate Islamic architecture.

in a media familiarisation trip organised by the Islamic Tourism Centre to explore the diverse tourism products and attractions in Bagan Datuk. The programme started in the Bagan Sungai Burung area, from where one can explore the coastal fishing village by buggy, gaining a closer look at the lives of the local community and the fishing activities that have shaped the identity of the area. It highlighted how the village atmosphere and daily activities of the local residents can be developed as community-based tourism products. Local tourism operator Khor Weng Kiang said efforts to develop tourism in Bagan Sungai Burung began in 2014 and later expanded with the introduction of attractions such as the Sky Mirror, Sunflower Garden and Sungai Burung Aquarium. “As a fisherman’s son, I saw many young people leaving the village for jobs in the cities after finishing school. We felt this needed to change, so we began developing our own tourism products.” The 1.5ha Sunflower Garden, featuring more than 2,000 sunflower plants, was developed in stages to ensure that visitors can

Performance enlivens National Month celebrations in Auckland

Ikram said Biru tells the story of the struggle to defend the homeland from colonial rule in order to preserve harmony and unity while also facing the challenge of betrayal. – PIC COURTESY OF HIGH COMMISSION OF MALAYSIA, WELLINGTON, FACEBOOK PAGE

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