MALAYSIA’S TOURISM HIGHLIGHTS – MAY 2013

Malaysia Water Festival

Some of Malaysia’s most colourful festivals have already taken place in May, whilst others are still to feature. These will welcome local and international tourists to immerse in truly unique and memorable experiences. I am looking forward to attending the Colors of Malaysia Festival on 25 May. Here are some of the highlights in May 2013:

MALAYSIA WATER FESTIVAL LANGKAWI 2013
This is the final stop of Malaysia Water Festival series! The annual water festival in Langkawi has always been one of the most anticipated events. It will be celebrated along with dance, music and food. More than 30 exciting activities from slippery pole challenge to underwater treasure hunt await visitors!

Organiser:    Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia
Date:        3 – 5 May 2013
Venue:        Pantai Chenang, Langkawi, Kedah
Contact:    +6 03 8891 7000

SABAH FEST 2013 – A CULTURAL EXTRAVAGANZA
This annual cultural extravaganza in Sabah is back! Sabah Fest 2013 is a cultural event that presents a wonderful blend of traditions and natural heritage in Sabah through a grand presentation of song, dance, and drama. Through this event, visitors will get to unravel the history and tales of different ethnics in the mystical land of Borneo. Let’s join the celebration of Sabah’s Natural Charms!

Organiser:    Sabah Tourism Board
Date:        3 – 5 May 2013
Venue:        Auditorium, Department of Culture and Arts Sabah (JKKNS), Sabah
Contact:    +6 088 232 121
Website:    www.sabahfest.com

SARAWAK WORLD HARVEST FESTIVAL 2013
In conjunction with the Gawai celebration, the Sarawak World Harvest Festival 2013 is held to commemorate the unique Gawai or Harvest festival. It is an ethnic festival which provides opportunity for others to understand the cultures, traditions and aspirations of the Dayak community.Highlights of the event include theme play, “Miss World Harvest Festival 2013”, “Ironman WHF 2013” and cultural performances by international troupes. The typical Sarawakian hospitality awaits you!

Organiser:    Sarawak Cultural Village
Date:        3 – 5 May 2013
Venue:        Sarawak Cultural Village, Sarawak
Contact:     +6 082 846 108
Website:    http://www.scv.com.my/

GET, SET, RUN!
Runners, strap on your running shoes! Whether you want to run 10km, 21km or take on marathon (42.5km), do it at the Borneo International Marathon 2013! As one of Sabah’s flagship sporting events, the Borneo International Marathon 2013 targets to attract about 5,000 runners.  Through the event, the organiser hopes to inspire more Sabahan youths to take up their athletic passion to another level.

Organiser:    Kinabalu Running Club (KRC)
Date:        5 May 2013
Venue:     Likas Stadium Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact:    +6 088 218 833
Website:    http://borneomarathon.com/

IT’S ALL ABOUT JAZZ
Previously known as the Miri International Jazz Festival, the Borneo Jazz Festival 2013 is making a return! The jazz extravaganza will be offering a diverse range of jazz styles, as well as other musical genres for the fans.Highlights of the event include performance of local and international bands, Craft Bazaar, Borneo Jazz Store and Village Mart. The event is targeting to attract at least 9,000 local and foreign festival-goers this year.

Organiser:    Sarawak Tourism Board
Date:    10 - 11 May 2013
Venue:    Miri’s Parkcity Everly Hotel, Sarawak
Contact:    +6 082 423 600
Website:    www.jazzborneo.com

COLOURS OF 1MALAYSIA 2013

The Colours of 1Malaysia is back! This fascinating annual event gathers all the heritage and cultures from all the states, as well as delicacies of various ethnic groups in Malaysia. Highlights of the event include traditional performances, colourful parades and exhibitions that showcase the country’s arts and crafts. It is an ideal platform to learn more about Malaysian people and their diverse cultures. Be sure not to miss this exciting event!

Organiser:    Ministry of Tourism Malaysia
Date:        25 May 2013
Venue:        Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur
Contact:    +6 03 8891 75(13) / (24)


INTERNATIONAL BEAUTY EXPO 2013
One of Malaysia’s largest international beauty trade expos is back to conquer the beauty industry! The International Beauty Expo 2013 provides an extensive platform for local and international exhibitors to showcase their latest products, trends and technologies all under one roof! Highlights of the event include the Premier B2B Beauty Annual Event, Congregation of International Pavilions, Industry Professional Workshops and Conferences and Gathers of World-Class Competition and Shows. Don’t miss it!

Organiser:    Elite Expo Sdn. Bhd.
Date:        18 – 21 May 2013
Time:        11am – 7pm
Venue:        Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur
Contact:    +6 03 5891 1157
Website:    www.elite.com.my


PUTRAJAYA YOUTH FESTIVAL 2013
In conjunction with the National Volunteer Year, Malaysia’s largest youth gathering is back in Putrajaya! Previously known as the One Million Youth Gathering, Putrajaya Youth Festival 2013 will feature about 500 events to attract visitors! Highlights of the festival include power boat exhibition, scuba pool diving and big bike show. The event is held with the concept of helping youths to develop their potential, expanding creativity and building up unity among themselves.

Organiser:    Ministry of Youth and Sports
Date:        23 – 26 May 2013
Venue:        Putrajaya Boulevard, Presint 1-6, 18, and 20, Kuala Lumpur
Contact:    +6 03 8871 3632
Website:    http://www.festivalbelia.gov.my/

TADAU KAAMATAN HARVEST FESTIVAL 2013
The annual ‘Tadau’ (festival) ‘Kaamatan’ (after harvest), is one of the most important events in Sabah. It is mostly celebrated by the Kadazan-Dusun community for their bountiful harvest. Besides traditional dances and musical performances, the main highlights are the crowning of Unduk Ngadau (State Harvest Beauty Queen) and Sungdoi (Kadazan Idol). Do not miss this interesting festival to experience the warm hospitality of Sabahans!

Organiser:    Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association
Date:        30 – 31 May 2013
Venue:        Throughout Sabah and Labuan
Contact:    +6 088 713 696