Before the start of the Hariraya holiday, I received a special invitation. A Malaysian couple of my friend invited me to his hometown, where he hosts an annual open house, inviting over a thousand guests! It was the perfect opportunity to experience traditional Malaysian culture. Along with my girls and some of my closest Korean friends, we set off for Taiping for a 2-night/3-day adventure.

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🏞️ Taiping: A City of Tranquility

The name “Taiping” is derived from Chinese, meaning “peaceful” in English. True to its name, Taiping is a calm, peaceful city known for its clean waters and excellent quality of life. Unlike the major cities in Malaysia, Taiping is a place where there is less discrimination, and the Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities live harmoniously together.

We stayed at the Novotel in the center of Taiping. The view of Maxwell Hill from our room was absolutely serene, and we couldn’t wait to explore this peaceful city over the next couple of days.

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🏡 A Warm Welcome at a 100-Year-Old Traditional Home

After a short rest at the hotel, we visited my friend’s in-law’s home. Their traditional kampong (village) style house, over 100 years old, was surrounded by a beautiful garden filled with colorful flowers. The front yard was being prepared for the next day’s event, with canopies, tables, and chairs being set up. Relatives and close friends had already gathered the day before to spend time together before the celebration.

In the evening, my friend who is an excellent cook, prepared a table full of traditional Malaysian dishes: Beef Rendang, Chicken Rendang, Nasi Lemak, and Bamboo Coconut Rice. The Bamboo Coconut Rice, in particular, was extraordinary—it was made by placing rice inside bamboo and roasting it over fire for 24 hours, making it rich in flavor that can’t be replicated by quick cooking methods.

During dinner, I couldn’t help but notice her mother in law’s youthful skin despite her age. When someone asked her secret, she replied, “There’s no special secret—just tending the garden and staying active.” My friend whispered to me that she massages her face with lemon every evening. “Good water, lemon massage, and consistent activity” were the secrets to her glowing health and youthful appearance.

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🎉 Hariraya Open House: A Festival of Sharing with Over a Thousand Guests

The next morning, we returned to my friend’s parents in-law’s house. By then, hundreds of people had already arrived. The atmosphere was so warm and welcoming, like a village feast from 1970s-80s Korea. People were chatting, eating, and sharing food with one another.

What struck me most was a couple of my friend generosity. Her husband shared that he started this open house to give back to the community, having benefited so much himself. Hosting an event for over a thousand guests every year for 10 years is no small feat, especially when most of the food is prepared by my friend herself. Their spirit of sharing and kindness left a deep impression on me.

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🌿 Exploring Taiping’s Attractions: Orangutan Sanctuary, Spritzer Eco Park & Night Safari

After the Hariraya Open House, we decided to explore some of Taiping’s famous attractions. First, we visited Spritzer Eco Park, where we learned about the history of Spritzer and how water is purified. Behind the facility, there was a lovely park, which provided a nice opportunity for a brief stroll.

We then headed to the Night Safari, but unfortunately, many of the animals were resting and not as active at night. 🦁 We decided that next time, we would visit during the day to catch a better glimpse of the animals.

we supposed to visit the Orangutan Sanctuary. This place is dedicated to the conservation and research of orangutans. Unfortunately, we did not have the chance to observe these incredible creatures up close in a natural environment and the guided tour to provide valuable insights into the orangutans’ habitat and the ongoing conservation efforts. If you have a plan to visit Orangutan Sanctuary, you need to check the open hour to avoid holidays.

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💛 The Meaning of Sharing at the Hariraya Open House

Through this trip, I was able to experience Malaysia’s rich traditional culture and strong sense of community. Above all, a couple of my friend’s warm spirit of sharing left a lasting impression on me. For them, the Hariraya Open House was not just an annual event—it was a practice of “giving back and living together.”

It was a journey that taught me so much about Malaysia’s culture of sharing and community. If given the chance, I would love to visit again!