 |
||
 |
 |
 |
|||||
| 2008 | |||||
| Please
note the dates of some of the events may change and some events last
many months and are listed from the date they start |
|||||
| |
|||||
| EYE
ON MALAYSIA Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur |
January 1 - August 31 | ||||
Experience a breathtaking 360 degree panoramic view of the Kuala Lumpur city! This unforgettable 30-minute ride reaches a height of 60 metres and offers a magnificent view of over 20km of the city. |
 |
||||
| |
|||||
| THAIPUSAM Batu Caves, Selayang |
January 23 | ||||
Thaipusam, a colourful and spectacular annual Hindu festival, draws huge gathering of both locals and foreigners. Witness the devotees carry Kavadis by piercing shiny steel rods onto their body to honour a vow, overcome bad Karma or as penance. In Selangor, the festival is celebrated at the Batu Caves temple. |
 |
||||
| FEDERAL
TERRITORY DAY Kuala Lumpur, Labuan & Putrajaya |
February 1 | ||||
| The federal territories of Kuala Lumpur, Labuan and Putrajaya celebrate Federal Territory Day with exciting parades, fireworks display, exhibitions and cultural shows. Most events are open to the public and do not charge any entrance fees. |  |
||||
| MALAYSIA
INTERNATIONAL SPECTACULAR Putrajaya |
February
1 - August 31 |
||||
| This international event promises to be a wonderful celebration of both Malaysian and international artists. The festival offers a unique program throughout 2008, ranging from the traditional to the contemporary giving rise to new forms and ideas. Theatrical spectacles will be created specifically for the program with over 120 artists taking part. |
 |
||||
| |
|||||
| CHINESE
NEW YEAR Kuala Lumpur & throughout Malaysia |
February 7 - 8 | ||||
Chinese New Year marks the first day of the lunar calendar and is celebrated over a 15 day period. Mandarin oranges and plum blossom stalks are used as decorations in Chinese homes and shopping complexes for prosperity and good luck. Animated lion and dragon dance performances accompanied by energetic drum, gong and cymbals add to the festive air. On the eve of Chinese New Year, family members hold reunion dinners followed by ‘Open house' for relatives and friends. |
 |
||||
| |
|||||
| LE
TOUR DE LANGKAWI Peninsular Malaysia including Langkawi |
February 9 - 17 | ||||
World’s finest cyclists will meet at Asia’s Le Tour de Langkawi. An action packed event that promises thrills and spills. The route starts from the idyllic island of Langkawi to Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, involving spectacular and treacherous terrain. |
 |
||||
| |
|||||
| PETRONAS
MALAYSIAN F1 GRAND PRIX Kuala Lumpur |
March 21 - 23 | ||||
Catch the 10th edition
of F1 action in Malaysia! Witness the blazing action at one of the
most high-tech circuits in the world. With the extreme hot and wet
conditions at the Sepang International Circuit, the skills of the
world’s finest drivers will be tested to the limit! Don’t
miss it, be there in Sepang! |
 |
||||
| |
|||||
| HANDICRAFT
EXHIBITION AND SALE 2008 Kota Bharu |
March 28 - 30 | ||||
The three day events features local handicraft exhibition and sale as well as a showcase of cultural performances to entertain visitors.
|
 |
||||
| |
|||||
| LANGKAWI
WATER FESTIVAL 2008 (MALAYSIA WATER FESTIVAL) Langkawi |
April 9 - 16 | ||||
Langkawi Water Fest is a three-day event which promises more than 50 exciting water sports and beach games. Top prizes and lucky draws await participants and bystanders for the event.
|
 |
||||
| |
|||||
| 11th
INTERNATIONAL MALAY ARCHPELAGO DRUMS FESTIVAL Melaka |
April 9 - 16 | ||||
|
 |
||||
| |
|||||
| PENANG
WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL Botanical Garden, Penang |
May 2 - 4 | ||||
Music lovers get to revel in a potpourri of music by well-known international and local musicians, amid the resounding rhythms of nature. Be enchanted by the festival in Penang. www.penangworldmusicfestival.com
|
 |
||||
| |
|||||
| SABAH
FEST 2008 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah |
May 3 - 4 | ||||
The state’s most
anticipated event, Sabah Fest 2008 features spectrum of cultures
and traditions through dance, music fashion and food. The festival
is a prelude to the Harvest Fest celebration happening statewide. |
 |
||||
| WESAK
DAY Throughout Malaysia |
May 19 | ||||
| On this day, Buddhists observe the birth, enlightenment and passing of Lord Buddha. Religious offerings and rituals such as 'bathing of the Buddha', chanting of holy scriptures, lighting of joss sticks and ordination of monks usually take place in Buddhist temples. Come nightfall, there will be grand processions in cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Seremban, Melaka and Georgetown. |  Kek Lok Si Temple - Penang |
||||
| MALAYSIA
MEGA SALE CARNIVAL Throughout Malaysia |
May 24 - August 3 | ||||
Grab the opportunity
to enjoy astounding discounts and special offers during Malaysia’s
biggest annual sale carnival! There’s value for money for
everyone out there at the countless shopping malls and stores nationwide. |
 Suria
KLCC - Kuala Lumpur |
||||
| TADAU
KAAMATAN Sabah |
May 30 - 31 | ||||
| The Tadau Kaamatan or harvest festival is celebrated by Sabah's largest ethnic group, the KadazanDusun. Thanksgiving gatherings are held in honour of Bambaazon, the spirit of the paddy for a good harvest. Highlights of the celebrations include the drinking of rice wine or tuak, delicious ethnic cuisine, traditional dances, a Harvest Queen beauty pageant, buffalo racing and traditional merry-making. |  |
||||
| GAWAI
DAYAK Sarawak |
June 1 - 2 | ||||
| Gawai Dayak is celebrated by the Ibans, Orang Ulu and Bidayuh of Sarawak in early June to mark the rice-harvesting season. This enchanting festival sees traditional ceremonies and dances held in the various 'long houses' or communal homes all over Sarawak. Relatives and visitors are served rice wine or tuak and chicken cooked in bamboo as well as other traditional delicacies at the many 'open houses'. |  |
||||
| FIESTA
SAN PEDRO Portuguese Settlement, Melaka |
June 23 - 29 | ||||
| Fiesta San Pedro or Feast of Saint Peter is a major annual celebration for the Portuguese community in Melaka. It is celebrated with traditional games, cultural performances, food fair and best decorated boat contest |
 |
||||
| |
|||||
| RAINFOREST
WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL 2007 Sarawak Cultural Village, Damai, Sarawak |
July 11 - 13 | ||||
| Musicians from around the world gather to perform diverse ethnic music in a living museum known as Sarawak Culture Village. The festival is set to bring ardent fans of music from all corners of the world. |
 |
||||
| |
|||||
| MALAYSIA
FLORA FEST 2008 Putrajaya & Klang Valley, Putrajaya |
July 18 - August 3 | ||||
| Witness splendid display
of Flowers as Putrajaya transforms into a veritable paradise of
breathtaking, colourful blossoms. Therned as ‘Colours of Harmony’,
the event will feature Floral Parade which showcases beautifully
decorated floats from nationwide and the neighbouring countries.
Bazaars, competitions, exhibitions and workshops are also available. |
 |
||||
| |
|||||
| SARAWAK
REGATTA Kuching, Sarawak |
August 1 - 3 | ||||
The state’s expert boatmen take up their paddles to prove their prowess for the event with jet ski and kayak races to add to the fast paced action. |
 |
||||
| |
|||||
| 22nd
MOUNT KINABALU INTERNATIONAL CLIMATHON Kota Kinabalu, Sabah |
August 23 - 24 | ||||
A celebration by the largest ethnic group in Sabah, comprising the Kadazan Dusun and Murut communities. Held annually to give thanks for a bountiful harvest of rice, this event culminates at the state level in the district of Penampang. Here, visitors can witness and experince the Kadazan Dusun culture at its grandest scale. Join the locals as the sing, dance, feast and play traditional games! This is also the time Harvest Quenn (or Unduk Ngadau) is selected. |
 |
||||
| MERDEKA
DAY CELEBRATION Throughout Malaysia |
August 23 | ||||
| August 31, Malaysia's year of independence. This historic event is celebrated in joyous mood by Malaysians from all walks of life over a one-month period. Malaysians display their love for the country by proudly flying Jalur Gemilang or the national flag. A host of activities is held in each state including parades, exhibitions of Malaysia's history and fireworks displays, culminating in a grand parade attended by their Majesties, the King and Queen, the Prime Minister, dignitaries and the public. |  |
||||
| HARI
RAYA ADIL FITRI Throughout Malaysia |
October 1 - 2 | ||||
A day to rejoice after a month long fast, Muslims nationwide celebrate in colourful traditional attire, having open houses offering an array of delicious food fare and cookies. Everyone is welcomed to join in the harmonious celebration and revel in the joyous mood. |
 |
||||
| INTERNATIONAL
GOURMET FESTIVAL Throughout Malaysia |
November 1 -30 | ||||
Savour an array of exquisite meals in this month-long festival!Touted as Malaysia's premier gastronomic event, this festival showcases Malaysia's finest restaurants and the exclusive menus they offer. It also brings to the limelight some of the world's best chefs. |
 |
||||
| |
|||||
| PENANG
INTERNATIONAL LANTERN FESTIVAL Selangor |
November 1 - December 31 | ||||
The Penang International Lantern Festival is celebrated during the full moon featuring intricately designed lanterns with multiple motifs. |
 |
||||
| |
|||||
| ISLANDERS
MUSIC DANCE FESTIVAL LANGKAWI 2008 Langkawi |
November 28 - 30 | ||||
Catch all the dynamic and enthralling performances from various island musical troupes and dances to the pulsating rhythms you would not easily forget! |
|||||
| |
|||||
| CHRISTMAS
CELEBRATION Kuala Lumpur & throughout Malaysia |
December 25 | ||||
The Christmas spirit is very much alive and made merrier with the tropical warmth and welcoming nature of Malaysians. Like their brethren around the world, Malaysian Christians attend midnight masses, hold family dinners and exchange gifts. Visitors will find ample restaurants, bistros and hotels with special events planned for the occasion. Yuletide joy prevails in this multi-cultural country. |
 |
||||
|
|||
