Fly away from Taipei! Malaysia’s Putrajaya Light & Motion Festival Shines on New Year’s Eve

Light projections are more eco-friendly than fireworks and also bring a touch of sci-fi and creativity. (Photo / Tourism Malaysia)

Major Asian cities have bid farewell to 2017 in various ways, and this year, Putrajaya in Malaysia is not letting Taipei 101’s fireworks steal the spotlight. The city still hosted its Light & Motion Festival, an incredible spectacle combining projection mapping, lights, music, and sound effects that deliver top-tier visual and auditory experiences — rivaling fireworks and being far more environmentally friendly.

In fact, Putrajaya’s Light & Motion Festival has entered its fifth year. Each year, it shines brightly for four consecutive nights from December 28 through New Year’s Eve on December 31. This year’s festival will take place at Putrajaya’s central hub, Dataran Putra, transforming the Palace of Justice — formerly home to the Ministry of Justice and the courts — into a massive projection screen displaying vibrant lights and images. The surrounding area will also be filled with colorful lights, accompanied by sound effects and music, immersing visitors in a futuristic sci-fi movie-like atmosphere.

Over the four-day festival, Putrajaya transforms into a glittering city. The increasingly grand Putrajaya Light & Motion Festival has become one of Malaysia’s most renowned events. With free admission, it draws large crowds every year. Beyond the thrilling light and sound shows, there are 23 themed programs this year, including food truck markets and street performances. Running for just four days, the festival kicks off each night at 7:30 PM and continues until midnight. If you're tired of the Taipei 101 fireworks, why not fly south this year-end to experience this art-meets-energy-saving light show? It’s sure to help you ring in 2018 with a fresh perspective.