Shoppers exploring Sunway Carnival Mall’s colourful ‘EIDisi Manis’ kampung setting for Hari Raya. — Photos by KT GOH, LIM BENG TATT, ZHAFARAN NASIB and JEREMY TAN/The Star
Heritage and modern ideas decorate spaces for photo ops in malls, hotels across northern states
ONE of the best parts of festive seasons in Malaysia is taking in the mesmerising decorations at shopping centres.
The photogenic displays add to the celebratory atmosphere, allowing visitors from all walks of life to gather and capture precious memories.
After featuring whimsical and auspicious themes for past celebrations, many malls have turned to more homely and localised concepts for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
While some are steeped in tradition, others feature creative contemporary twists so shoppers get fresh experiences.
StarMetro explored some notable ones in the northern region.
In Penang, a delightful Hari Raya celebration awaits at Sunway Carnival Mall’s vibrant “EIDisi Manis” set-up inspired by Malaysian sweet treats.
Children checking out the majestic zebra at Sunshine Central’s ‘Seruan Rimba Raya’ display which is meant to educate and instil appreciation for nature.
This kaleidoscopic kampung wonderland reminds one of layered cake – better known as kuih lapis – thanks to its colourful hues.
Shoppers can climb steps to take photos at the homes’ verandahs or pose with an illuminated crescent moon bench. Be sure to check out the tray of larger-than-life kuih and biscuits too.
Mall general manager Chai Wen Yew said the idea was to celebrate the culinary heritage that connected generations and continued to bring people closer.
“Remember family gatherings in the good old days when everyone would enjoy homemade kuih-muih together? These sweet flavours were the essence of togetherness.
“We hope this theme will allow whole new generations to create lasting memories – because Hari Raya is a time of love, forgiveness and cherished moments with loved ones,” he said.
At Aman Central’s ‘Raya OpenHouse’ display in Kedah, shoppers can stroll down a flower and sculpture-lined walkway to reach a Persian-style gazebo.
Notably, parts of the display were fashioned from materials recycled from previous celebrations – like the coconut trees which trunks are made up of old flower pots.
Chai said this was in line with Sunway Malls’ commit- ment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and illustrated how a little ingenuity could give discarded materials a new lease of life.
“Besides creating a festive atmosphere, we took the opportunity to raise awareness of waste reduction and environmental responsibility,” he added.
Gurney Plaza’s “Kemilauan Aidilfitri” backdrop centres around a traditional Malay home surrounded by glowing, golden padi fields.
It is the harvest season and joyous preparations are underway. Bamboo rice steams away at one corner, while multiple giant wau bulan sway gracefully above.
1st Avenue Penang’s ‘Sinarnya Raya’ decorations using intricate patterns and dazzling lights to celebrate tradition.
Five-pointed star and rattan lanterns illuminate arches and raised walkways which lead to several gazebos where one can pose with traditional music instruments and games like congkak.
Try to spot several playful cats around the home or the resident owls that keep watch over the serene heartland scene.
CapitaLand Investment Malaysia northern region general manager Peter Chan said it underscored the richness of Malaysia’s cultural heritage.
“We wanted to capture the spirit of a kampung brimming with festivity and receiving abundant blessings for the season,” he said.
“With this being a time of joy, gratitude and reunion, few things will warm the heart more than the nostalgia we feel for home.”
Natural wonders
Some shopping centres are taking visitors on adventures with decorations that whisk the imagination away.
Go on a coastal vacation with Queensbay Mall’s breezy “Eksplorasi Raya” scene inspired by the idyllic beaches of Terengganu and Kelantan.
The huts often seen there are reinterpreted with striking colours and neon lights, and accompanied by gazebos, beach chairs, coconut trees, camping tents and even a real sand pit.
Oil lamps, stars, giant wau bulan and glowing crescent moons further embellish the scene. But the stars of the scene are undoubtedly the pair of life-sized leatherback turtles.
Iconic Marjorie Hotel’s sales staff touching up the festive display of oversized tiffin carriers at the hotel lobby.
Sculpted from foam, they are accompanied by several dozen plush toy hatchlings that seem to be trying to make their way to the sea.
Chan said the theme was in anticipation of Visit Malaysia 2026, which will partly focus on increasing tourism to peninsular Malaysia’s idyllic and beautiful east coast.
“These states are rich in cultural and natural heritage. Terengganu is also synonymous with turtles.
“We wanted to show shoppers what beautiful creatures they are and hopefully inspire more to aid in their conservation,” Chan explained, adding that the family of reptiles also reflected the mall’s direction as a family- oriented space.
Sunshine Central celebrates its first-ever Hari Raya with “Seruan Rimba Raya”, an immersive showcase combining the joy of festive traditions with the wonders of nature.
Visitor Teoh Pei Zhi, 37, (front) from Sungai Ara, Penang, taking a wefie with his family at Straits Quay Retail Marina’s festive decorations.
At its heart stands a vibrant yellow kampung house, a tribute to the balik kampung ritual. Traditional festive elements such as ketupat and other delicacies set the scene for joyful reunions.
Adding magic to the display are mechanical animals such as Malaysia’s own Bornean elephant and the extinct Sumatran rhino. These were carefully selected to serve as reminders of the nation’s rich biodiversity.
Meanwhile, others like giraffes, zebras and lions were also added to give children the unique opportunity to learn about species they rarely saw in real life.
Sunshine Central marketing communications manager Bryan Wong said the display was not only meant to be a festive spectacle but also an educational experience.
Visitors taking in the lovely illuminated flowers and diamond-shaped ketupat at Gurney Paragon Mall's 'Retro Nostalgia Raya' garden.
“Hari Raya is not only a time of togetherness, but also one of discovery and appreciation.
“Seeing families and children excitedly taking photos with the animals shows how celebrations can be both fun and meaningful,” he said.
“We hope our engaging theme will spark curiosity and awareness about the beauty of nature, both in Malaysia and beyond..” said Wong.
Stylish elegance
Classic aesthetics are given a charming contemporary twist at Gurney Paragon Mall’s picturesque “Retro Nostalgia Raya” floral garden.
There are glowing, diamond- shaped ketupat alongside intricate lanterns, torch lights and a golden geometric arch, all surrounded by oversized batik flowers and other pastel-hued blooms.
Mint green floors and panelling are a nod to the season’s most popular colour, while a vintage-inspired chaise longue allows visitors to kick back and relax between all the shopping.
“Our aim was to evoke the enchanting glow of Raya nights, especially during one’s childhood when everything felt full of wonder.
“We hope this nostalgic decor will transport shoppers back to those cherished moments.
“More importantly, as every corner was designed to be a photo backdrop, it will also allow them to create lots of new memories,” said its marketing communications head Loo Ai Leen.
1st Avenue Penang’s “Sinarnya Raya” embellishments also bring a vibrant modern touch to cherished traditions.
Staff of Shangri-La Rasa Sayang setting up the traditional Malay house at the entrance of its Spice Market Cafe.
In an oasis-like courtyard, there are lush plants and golden fountains surrounded by intricate tilework.
Glowing lanterns also illuminate an archway with purple, blue and pink hues, symbolising the hope and goodwill that comes with the season.
Across state borders in Kedah, decorations also have a contemporary feel at Aman Central.
Its “Raya OpenHouse” display starts with a giant arch which leads one down a patterned walkway lined by floral bouquets and chrome sculptures, culminating in a Persian-style gazebo.
Up above, a giant crescent moon descends alongside light features.
Emerald green and yellow – colours featured on the state flag – are the predominant hues.
Aman Central marketing communications assistant general manager Ken Chin said the bold and inviting space was meant for families and friends to immerse in the joyful spirit of Hari Raya.
“We want shoppers to feel the festivity the moment they step inside our doors.
Children taking a closer look at the pair of nesting turtles and their little hatchlings which are main attractions of Queensbay Mall’s ‘Eksplorasi Raya’ festive backdrop.
“After all, this is the season of togetherness, tradition and family.
“There are several other crescent moon backdrops strategically placed throughout the mall to give everyone more photo-taking opportunities,” said Chin.
Straits Quay Retail Marina brought the timeless joy of traditional Malaysian games to life with its interactive “Raya! Game On!” display.
Visitors can stroll around a garden setting to play the mega-sized congkak and hopscotch, or chill out on the rustic raised pavilion and remember what life was like at a slower pace.
Further enlivening the area are wau bulan and batik fabrics in various shades, which senior manager Wong Siew Hui said paid tribute to local cultural heritage.
“These are all part of our Malaysian identity. Such games have been enjoyed for generations and we hope it’ll continue to give visitors a fun experience as they celebrate the spirit of unity and tradition,” she added.
Spreading cheer
With lots of Malaysians set to return to their hometowns for Hari Raya, most hotels have also dressed up their spaces to bring joy to guests.
Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Penang, turned the entrance of its Spice Market Cafe into a traditional Malay house, complete with the iconic Minangkabau roof which the resort is known for.
Communications director Datuk Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman said it took housekeeping staff several days to build the structure out of recycled materials. Its purpose transcends mere aesthetics.
“This decor tells stories of Malay cultural heritage and gives foreign visitors a fascinating glimpse into our traditional way of life.
“It highlights the simplicity and beauty of kampung houses, which were traditionally built using mostly natural materials and still retain a timeless charm.
Golden splendour: Gurney Plaza’s ‘Kemilauan Aidilfitri’ decorations depict a traditional Malay house surrounded by glowing padi fields. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star( March 16, 2025 ) — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
“For Malaysians, it also evokes the nostalgic feeling of balik kampung for Hari Raya celebrations and all the warmth that comes with being with family and community,” he said.
Guests at Iconic Marjorie Hotel will also be impressed by a pair of oversized tiffin carriers.
These feature gold leaf detailing on an emerald green background.
Accompanying it are flowers and chandeliers.
Hotel marketing communications director Jeanize Low said the lobby decor reflected the hotel’s unique Peranakan-inspired interior design.
“Penang is a melting pot of communities, including the Peranakan who were descendants of Chinese immigrants who adopted local Malay culture,” she said.
“Back in the day, ornate tiffin carriers were cherished possessions. This was our way of highlighting local stories while adding festive cheer to our spaces.”
