The Pearl of the Orient is set to celebrate another milestone of self-standing at the end of August with a list of things to do, see, and sense.

Malaysia celebrates its 67th Independence Day on August 31, 2024 and one can expect the entire nation to brim with stripes of red and white, earnestly called Jalur Gemilang. And Penang has been raising the bar each year. The state’s history has always been one reason to come, but on the national day, it’s double the reward. We have scouted some of the best things to do to make the day extra memorable.

FULL-OF-LIFE PARADE

If you ask the elders what the first thing is that comes to their mind for the Merdeka Celebration, they will say the parade. In their day, no one had to remind them to carry the Malaysian flag and head to the procession. The Penang state government now organises the annual Merdeka Parade at the Esplanade, where thousands of visitors watch the flag-raising ceremony, followed by the walking contingents from various departments, along with state and federal agencies. Pay special attention to armed forces and their combat vehicles, as well as a number of choral and drum performances.

The layout of the Esplanade (or Padang Kota) reminds one of Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) in Kuala Lumpur, where the country’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, cried out in high spirits the joy of new independence: “Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!” It resonated across the country over Radio Malaya, setting up a fresh chapter for the country. Tap on the nostalgic sentiment, sing the National Anthem and cheer “Merdeka” as the march goes on. Or bring your picnic mat, find a spot on the greenery and witness the spectacle in a relaxed manner.

FREEDOM AND FITNESS GO HAND IN HAND

With processions and celebrations competing for our time, it can be easy for our fitness goals to slip down our to-do list for a couple of days. Fret not, as you can celebrate freedom and fitness in one go at Bertam for the Merdeka Night Run. This run measures up to 6.7 km and flags off at 8pm. Join like-minded friends and complete the length, with the spirit of unity, harmony, and patriotism. Bring home a Merdeka-themed t-shirt and medal, and put your fortune to the test at the lucky draw.

If you call yourself an early bird, the Merdeka Hike 2024 should be on your to-do list. Under the stewardship of Panther Hiker, this communal hike takes place at Bukit Bendera. It is also the first colonial hill station developed in Peninsular Malaysia, leaving traces of history and heritage to discover. The hike begins at 7.30am and the trek to the top is worth every huff and puff. Embrace the rewarding views at the summit like a victory, emulating the spirit of what Merdeka is all about.

BERTAM FOOD FESTIVAL

You may have to frequent Bertam more times than you initially planned, as the Ambang Merdeka Food Festival is held from August 29 to September 1. This food fare is expected to draw over 50,000 hungry visitors. From juicy burgers and shawarmas to oden noodles and fried snacks, there is something for all palates. The food stalls are lined as a long stretch; therefore, there’s plenty of walking to build up an appetite while rubbing shoulders with local artists and influencers.

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

Museums in Penang also make an appreciative nod to the country’s history. Not only do these galleries leave behind collections that tell stories of the past, but they also prompt the people of Malaysia about their cultural upbringings that make the country what it is today. Penang Indian Heritage Museum has collections that date back to the 1900s, offering a window into the arrival of Indians to Malaya, their lifestyle and time-honoured musical instruments. Lift the weight of the charcoal iron box, understand how ice cream was made in the 1920s, go through old-school cinema posters and even spot Penang’s Pre-Independence flag.

You can’t fully understand Penang’s heritage until you have uncovered the Peranakans (Babas and Nyonyas). Make your way to Pinang Peranakan Mansion, a museum in the heart of George Town that showcases the Peranakan culture and wealth. The expansive mansion, built at the end of the 19th century by a Kapitan Cina mining businessman, is filled with Peranakan old-timey collections. That notwithstanding, the main appeal here has to be the interior designs and architecture, which distinctively combines a Chinese-style courtyard, English floor tiles, Scottish ironworks, and Glasgow marble pillars.

Freedom is the essence of independence. Satisfaction turns into gratefulness when we uncover the rough paths the former generations have trodden. The Penang War Museum may creep up on you considering the punishments and prosecutions during the Japanese occupation of Malaya, but it also paints a picture of the military environment. Recognised as the largest war museum in Southeast Asia, it was initially a military fortress designed by the British in the 1930s, yet fell into the hands of the invading Japanese during World War II in 1942. Today, most of the museum has stood the test of time and houses a cannon-firing bay, lockups, anti-aircraft firing pits, and a command centre.

MATCH THE ENERGY OF THE STREETS

In order to really feel Penang’s heartbeat, you will need to take to its streets on foot. Sited within the core region of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Armenian Street is one of the streets that holds the pulse of the town. The narrow street is lined with quaint, colonial-era shophouses, which many cafés and souvenir shops call home today. If you can’t tear yourself away from its charm on regular days, you’ll find it even tougher on the nation’s greatest day. Be amazed by Malaysian flags festooned along façades, trishaws and bicycles, and of course, in the hands of the locals.

Juxtaposed to Armenian Street in size is Beach Street, which was created between 1786 and 1787, making it one of the oldest roads in Penang. The Jubilee Clock Tower marks the beginning of the road, and the entire length is flanked by banks. Keep your eyes glued onto the buildings as you’ll find a variety of architectures that are beautiful in their own way. From the Palladian style former Standard Chartered building to the Neoclassical Penang State Islamic Council, the Victorian Logan Building from the 1880s and the Art Deco structure of India House – discover the crossover of cultures and designs on a significant scale. Around the corner, pedestrians can cross the road and head to Fort Cornwallis.

GREET THE ROCKSTARS

If the word ‘celebration’ to you revolves around music, then Spice Arena is the place to be on August 30, 2024. Konsert Ambang Merdeka (Mahardika) will see some of the best Malaysian singers and rock bands in action. Among the big names are Spider, Ella Aminuddin, and Masdo. While stimulating music acts as the main reason to gather, other luring points include patriotic songs and the “Merdeka” chants together with thousands of people under one roof!

MSIA MERDEKA CELEBRATION

Hosted by Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA), this annual dinner is held at G Hotel Gurney on the 26th of August. Apart from celebrating Malaysia’s Independence Day, the dinner also serves as an opportunity to bring together industrial leaders and members for moments of networking and brainstorming. A nation’s progression lies in its freedom for development, and this is one event that attests to it – and celebrates it.

UNCOVER YOUNG TALENTS

Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) is back for its fourth edition of the Merdeka Talent Show. Since 2021, this show has drawn over 200 talented youths who use this platform to stand out by singing, dancing, playing instruments or performing comedy. The competition comprises two categories: the school category for those aged between 15 to 18, while the open category for youth covers ages 15 to 35. Eligible participants who are selected by the judges will perform in the final round of the show at Mydin Mall in Bukit Mertajam on September 15. Watch how the younger generations make full use of the stage and celebrate their creative freedom.

MIDNIGHT COUNTDOWN

While Independence Day has its lure, one can never discount Merdeka Eve night. You’ll undeniably spot a huge crowd at Padang Kota since this field has been the Merdeka countdown spot for many years. It’s hard to nail down a better thing to do than simply soak up the celebratory atmosphere here. Closer to midnight, gleeful expressions find their way onto each person’s face, showing anticipation that honours another anniversary of independence. There will be music, neon lights, games for kids and a variety of food to overpower the night’s ability to stay dark.

If you call Malaysia home, or did at one point, or have put up here for a long time, being part of the Merdeka celebration is as meaningful as it is interesting. For locals and resident expats alike, few public holidays bring the country together as joyfully as Merdeka!