Released on = April 24, 2007, 2:02 am

Press Release Author = Weena Carullo

Industry = Entertainment

Press Release Summary = The scenic island of Penang in Malaysia promises to become
festive once again this coming June as the 28th Penang International Dragon Boat
Festival kicks off on June 8, 2007. Though held annually, this year's festival will
be extra special as it coincides with Malaysia's 50th anniversary of independence.
The said festival has become a tradition for the people of Penang to welcome
tourists to the island, which is known for its pristine beaches and colonial
buildings.

Press Release Body = Come June 8 to 10, the whole townsfolk of Penang Island will
gather once more at the Teluk Bahang Dam to witness the dragon boat race - the main
event of the festival - where teams from around the world race through the waters of
Penang in traditional, colorful boats to reach the finish line. The Penang
International Dragon Boat Festival is a series of races consisting of different
categories such as the Penang Closed Race, the Malaysian Race, and the international
race.

Twenty-one teams from ten countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Hong
Kong, Australia, Vietnam, Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, Brunei, and Germany
will compete in the international race category. Under this category, 17 events have
been lined up, of which six are new.

Each participating team is led by a coxswain who beats a rhythm on ceremonial drums
to urge his group of rowers towards the finish line. To the pulsating beat of the
drums, the colorfully painted boats race against each other amidst the cheers of the
spectators.

The first dragon boat race in Penang happened in 1956 as part of the celebrations of
the municipality of Georgetown's 100th year anniversary. This however, turned into
an international event in 1979 when Singapore and Hong Kong participated in the boat
race.

It's not too late for visitors to Penang to make plans and watch the upcoming boat
race.
There are a lot of accommodations nearby that visitors can check out such as the
Taiping Golf Resort. This affordable resort hotel in Perak, Malaysia is just 165 km
away from Penang via the North-South Highway. For online reservations, visitors can
visit: http://www.taipinggolfresort.com.


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About Taiping Golf Resort

The Taiping Golf Resort consists of intertwined havens of luxury hotel and clubhouse
equipped with respective facilities and amenities. It is an oasis for ultimate rest
and recreation as well as for concluding businesses with a touch of leisure.

For more information about Taiping Golf Resort, visit:
http://www.taipinggolfresort.com



Web Site = http://www.taipinggolfresort.com

Contact Details = Taiping Golf Resort
Jalan Bukit Jana, PO Box 4
34600 Perak, Malaysia

Tel. No.: 6 05 883 6700
Fax No.: 6 05 883 6780
E-mail: reservations@directwithhotels.com