“Eight Unmissable Festivals” — The Best Time to Explore Malaysia

Reporter Chen Ziyin / Comprehensive Report

Malaysia’s multicultural fusion has created a rich history and culture, making it the country’s most unique tourism asset. In June, various festive events take place across the nation, including eight spectacular highlights that travelers planning a trip to Malaysia should not miss.


Sunset Music Festival (SUNSET MUSIC FESTIVAL)
Located at the northernmost tip of Borneo in Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, where the night falls over the Sulu and South China Seas, top artists present a perfect blend of classical masterpieces and modern music. The outdoor performance venue at the northernmost point of Borneo is truly one of a kind.
Dates: June 5–6, 2015
Location: Tip of Borneo, Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, Kudat, Sabah
Contact: +6088-232 121


Malaysian Dance Festival (MALAYSIAN DANCE FESTIVAL)
The 16th Malaysian Dance Festival brings together dance designers, performers, and students from around the world, featuring stunning choreography and dazzling stage designs. Participating teams will compete in areas such as stage presence, choreography, creativity, and costume.
Dates: June 4–6, 2015
Location: Kuala Lumpur City Hall
Contact: +603-2614 8200 / 8283 / 8203

1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival (1MALAYSIA MEGA SALE CARNIVAL)
The Malaysian Shopping Carnival is a two-month-long shopping extravaganza and one of the country’s three major shopping festivals. Retail stores, malls, and shops offer significant discounts and promotions on luxury goods, electronics, collectibles, and souvenirs during the event.
Dates: June 27 – August 31, 2015
Location: Malaysia
Contact: +603-8891 8000



Kuantan160 Century Ride (KUANTAN160 CENTURY RIDE)
The Kuantan160 Century Ride is the largest recreational cycling event in Pahang on Malaysia’s east coast. Participants will tackle a challenging 160-kilometer route passing through Kuantan town and various tourist attractions, with the region’s hot weather and high altitudes testing their endurance.
Date: June 7, 2015
Location: Kuantan Town, Pahang
Contact: +609 517 1111


Sarawak Indigenous Harvest Festival / Sarawak Gawai Dayak Open House Celebration (MALAYSIAN GAWAI DAYAK OPEN HOUSE CELEBRATION)
Over time, the Gawai Dayak festival has become a symbol of unity, hope, and aspiration for the Dayak people. People pay tribute to the gods, giving thanks for the blessings of the past year that brought a bountiful harvest, while also praying for favorable weather and prosperity in the coming year. The festival is a joyous occasion for all, with dancing, singing, sharing of traditional food, homemade rice wine, and a collective celebration of life. Immerse yourself in Sarawak and revel in its culture and cuisine.
Dates: June 5–6, 2015
Location: Sarawak
Contact: +6082 246 575


Sabah Indigenous Harvest Festival (MALAYSIA’S TADAU KA’AMATAN OPEN HOUSE CELEBRATION MRTM- TADAU)
The month-long Harvest Festival is the most grand traditional celebration of the Kadazan-Dusun people in Sabah. During the festival, people worship the rice god, give thanks to the deities for their blessings over the past year, and pray for an even more bountiful harvest in the coming year. The celebration features a variety of festive activities, cultural performances, and traditional competitions, with the Harvest Queen Competition being the highlight of the event.
Date: June 6, 2015
Location: Ranau, Sabah
Contact: +603- 8000 8000

Penang Bridge International Marathon
The Penang Marathon gathers thousands of running enthusiasts every year, allowing them to enjoy the panoramic view of Penang at dawn while running. The biggest highlight is the opportunity to cross the iconic bridge that connects Penang to the Malay Peninsula. This year’s race includes a full marathon, half marathon, 1/4 marathon, and a 10-kilometer fun run specially designed for children under 13.
Date: June 14, 2015
Location: Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, Penang
Contact: +60 016 411 0000

Iftar@Kuala Lumpur
Ramadan is a time of celebration observed by Muslims around the world. During the day, Muslims fast from food and drink, but after sunset, they prepare special Ramadan snacks and gather to recite prayers, making it one of the most lively festive occasions in Kuala Lumpur. At 7:30 PM, Jalan Raja is temporarily closed to traffic, and special prayer mats are laid out in the middle of the road for people to enjoy free Ramadan snacks together. From 5 PM to 10 PM, the community comes together to recite the Quran, offer prayers, serve bubur lambuk (a traditional porridge), and listen to special religious talks.
Dates: June 20, 21, 27, and 28, 2015
Location: Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603 2614 8200