Things to do in and around KL over the Raya break

IT'S the Raya long weekend!

Even if you don't celebrate the holiday, you would still have a long weekend — and that alone is reason enough to rejoice.

Aside from vegetating at home, here are five things you could do this weekend:

 1. Get out of town

The Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary promises fun for the whole family. — peaceonearth.com pic

Granted this is not in Kuala Lumpur but with most of the balik kampung crowd gone, the first day of Raya would be a good time to head off for day or short trip. Get up close with one of nature's most magnificent beasts at the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary in Lanchang, Pahang, marvel at the natural wonders of the fireflies at Kuala Selangor, or take in a good seafood meal or two at Sekinchan fishing village.

2. Commune with nature

The lush surroundings of Lake Gardens make for an escape from the city without leaving the city. — ncsustudyabroad pic

If the weather is good, take a picnic basket to one of the city's scenic parks, such as Taman Titiwangsa, the Lake Gardens, the KLCC Park. If you want to get out of the KL city area, you could check out the Botanical Gardens in Putrajaya.

3. Hit the mall

Go for some retail therapy at the recently opened Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA. — rikilee.wordpress.com pic

Take advantage of the relatively lighter traffic to check out the ongoing mega sale at a major shopping malls. Even better, check out the recently opened Mitsui Outlet Park KLIA in Sepang, which offers branded goods for up to 70% off normal retail prices.

4. Take in some local indie music

Catch Brian Gomez and the Have-Nots on Fridays this month at Merdekarya. — YouTube pic

Head over to Merdekarya for some homegrown indie talent as musician and founder Brian Gomez and the Have-Nots take the stage on Friday. Soak in the relaxed atmosphere, and check out the independent Malaysian books, music and other "random cool things" that are sold there.

For details, visit http://www.merdekarya.com/

5. Stock up on reading material

Set aside at least a few hours to trawl through the selection of books at the Popular BookFest @ Malaysia. — Star2 pic

The 10th Popular BookFest @Malaysia is currently happening at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre now until Sunday. The fair boasts "the largest collection of English and Chinese titles" from leading publishers from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Belgium, Singapore and Malaysia. It will feature workshops and talks as well as a cosplay festival.

For details, visit http://www.bookfestmalaysia.com/

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