Traveloka SG
25 Apr 2016 - 9 min read
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When visiting Malaysia, don’t just see the Petronas Twin Towers. That’s our pride of course, but come and join some of the country’s fun and exciting local events this May! Check out some of the events below!
1. BREAK A SWEAT
The body should not be overworked and should always be put to good use - exercised in whatever ways possible!
Borneo International Marathon
Happening along the mesmerising coastal roads of Kota Kinabalu on 1 May 2016, all sports enthusiasts are encouraged to join the event and sign up for any one of its main categories - 10km, 21.1km (half marathon) and 42.2km (full marathon). It’ll be a fun one - especially when you are joined by your friends and family!
For more info:
Championship Sports Event Sdn Bhd
Tel: 6088-218 833
E-mail: info@borneomarathon.com
Website: www.borneomarathon.com
Mount Stong International Climbathon
Many will be flocking Stong Hill, one of Kelantan’s most attractive tourist spots, on 7 May 2016, to join the international climbathon. Did you know that Mount Stong is the highest cascading waterfall in Southeast Asia? Do check it out!
For more info:
Kelantan Tourist Information Centre
Tel: 609-747 5534 / 3543
Website: www.tic.kelantan.gov.my
KL Tower International Towerthon Challenge
Save your breath for the KL Tower International Towerthon Challenge, happening on 21 May 2016. Participants will have their strength put to the test as they run 800 metres uphill, taking 2,058 steps prior to reaching to the top level at 283 metres above ground. So are you up for it?
2. Do you like to dance?
Get your groove on! Some of the music events below will add flares to the beat of your heart.
Cak Lempong Xtravaganza
Come over to Kompleks JKKN in Negeri Sembilan from 7 - 8 May 2016 to watch musical performances by 100 local musicians who will be playing ‘caklempong’, a traditional instrument used for traditional and modern genre. Curious about traditional Malay music? This exciting event is one of the ways to learn more about it.
For more info:
Cultural Arts Development Division, JKKN
Tel: 603-2614 8200 ext. 8222 / 603-7676 793
E-mail: rosli@jkkn.gov.my / radzi@jkkn.gov.my
Borneo Jazz Festival
This is the event that brings in all the jazz music fans. It will be held from 13 - 14 May 2016 at ParkCity Everly Hotel. If you haven’t been to Miri (home to the world’s biggest network cave - Mulu Caves) yet, perhaps this is the best time to do it.
For more info:
Sarawak Tourism Board
Tel: 6082-423 600
Website: www.sarawaktourism.com
Citrawarna
The yearly event that showcases the colourful cultures of Malaysia, Citrawarna, is set to happen again this year, on 14 May 2016 at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur. Travellers come to Malaysia to experience its unique local cultures - and witnessing this event is just one way to do it.
For more info:
Ministry of Tourism and Culture
Tel: 603-8000 8000
Website: www.motac.gov.my
Tadau Ka’amatan
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Every year, the Kadazan community in Sabah celebrate this Harvest Festival from 30 to 31 May 2016. This year it is at Hongkod Koisaan in Penampang, where you can experience the joy of singing, dancing, eating, and playing traditional games with the locals.
For more info:
Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia
Tel: 603-8000 8000
Website: www.motac.gov.my
Festival Lesung Berirama
Mark your calendar from 28 - 29 May 2016 if you want to experience the event’s cultural activities that will occur after the harvesting season in Kedah. This is where one can hear unique sounds from pounding the mortar to produce rice flakes.
For more info:
Cultural Arts Development Division, JKKN
Tel: 603-2614 8200 ext. 8222 / 604-731 5930
E-mail: rosli@jkkn.gov.my / mutalib@jkkn.gov.my
3. Get Your Binoculars Ready
Events that are thrilling to the heart are always the most memorable. The ones below are also enticing to the eyes.
SBK Superbike (FIM World Championship)
If you don’t mind the noise, then the race is definitely for you - and it is happening from 13 - 15 May 2016, at the Sepang International Circuit, Sepang. You may want to bring along a set of binoculars with you to catch a glimpse of the super-fast bikes. Apart from the race, an impressive display of superbikes will also be the highlight of the day.
For more info:
Sepang International Circuit
Tel: 603-8778 2200
E-mail: inquiries@sepangcircuit.com
Website: www.sepangcircuit.com
Xterra Asian Championship
Taking place at Pantai Kok, Langkawi, the Xterra Asian Championship is an event that is best-known for its series of off-road triathlons. Contact Radius World now if you’re curious to know more.
For more info:
Radius World
Tel: 603-7968 8844
E-mail: enquiry@xterramy.com
Website: www.xterramy.com
Penang International Dragon Boat Festival
If you are in Penang sometime between 28 - 29 May 2016, why not stop by at the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival at Mengkuang Dam, Bukit Mertajam? Dragon boat promotes teamwork and the sport puts great emphasis on discipline, harmony, physical fitness and mental strength. For the locals, it’s another great way to get together as a community.
For more info:
Penang International Dragon Boat Festival Committee
Tel: 604 650 5136 / 604 261 9012 / 6016 411 0000
Website: www.penangdragonboat.gov.my
Kelantan International IMT-GT Kite Festival
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Kites take us us back to our childhood - and for Kelantanese, kite-flying is a traditional pastime, that is still practised till this day. Back then it was merely a local sport, but today it’s taken its name to an international level. From 27 - 30 May 2016, Kelantan opens its doors to thousands of spectators to witness its upcoming kite event in Pantai Geting, Tumpat.
For more info:
Kelantan Tourist Information Centre
Tel: 609-747 5534 / 3543
Website: www.tic.kelantan.gov.my
4. Eat Like the Locals
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Malaysia, eat as the Malaysians do. Some of the events below will expose you to some of the country’s best local dishes, and before you know it, you’re already eating like the locals.
Pesta Air Chenor
Malaysian cuisine is amazing, thanks to its multi-cultural communities, and just like all the other states around the country, Pahang takes its local dishes seriously. For that, Pahang is calling everyone to join its Chenor Water Fiesta, happening from 21 - 22 May 2016, in Pahang. At this event, visitors will get to learn about Pahang’s unique local food which are made from river and local plants. Apart from the food exhibition, there will also be cultural and art activities as well as performances.
For more info:
Cultural Arts Development Division, JKKN
Tel: 603 2614 8200 ext 8222 / 609 517 8466
E-mail: rosli@jkkn.gov.my / samsuring@jkkn.gov.my
Malaysia Tadau Ka’amatan Open House Celebration
Got space for lots of food in your stomach? Malaysians aren’t afraid to shove food into their stomachs when special occasions come along (“bukan selalu mah!” they say). You’d understand why when you make your way to the Malaysia Tadau Ka’amatan Open House Celebration, happening on 14 May 2016, in Sandakan, Sabah.
For more info:
Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia
Tel: 603-8000 8000
Website: www.motac.gov.my
Langkawi International Laksa Carnival (LILAV)
Langkawi is regularly flocked by both local and foreign tourists, typically for its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. However, the Langkawi International Laksa Carnival, on the 27 - 29 May 2016, at Laman Padi, gives visitors another good reason to spend their holidays at the island. What to expect there: sampling of traditional rice-noodle delicacy and laksa recipes from local and international laksa experts, as well as fun activities.
For more info:
Langkawi Development Authority (LADA)
Tel: 604-960 0600
Website: www.lada.gov.my
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