Sarawak Annual Events, Festivals & Celebrations in Malaysia

o        Chinese New Year (January/February)

This is a jolly festival event when friends and relatives give each other "ang pows" or in other words, red packets with a gift of cash as a token of prosperity and a celebration with lots of great food and lion dances to ward off evil spirits .Family reunion dinners are a must among Chinese on the eve of the New Year.

o        Kaul (mid March -  early April)

Kaul is meant to soothe the spirits of the sea as it is the start of the fishing season. This celebration is celebrated the Melanau community. One of the interesting rituals is the launching of miniature wooden boats containing offerings such as food for the sea spirits. The river mouths are closed and boats are not allowed to put out to sea for several days. The festival’s main event is “Tibou”, a high-spirited but dangerous game where young men compete to see how many can swing from the end of a single 10-metre rope.  Mukah , one of Sarawak’s coastal town is the center of the Kaul celebrations.

o        Gawai Dayak (May/June)

This is the country’s very own festival which marks the end of the rice harvest season. This is a celebration for great feasts, exotic dancing and spending good time. It is also a traditional time for weddings and betrothals. Visitors are made welcome and this is the best time to see traditional longhouse life and ceremonies with the women dressed up in their exotic costumes.

o        Sarawak International Triathlon (August)

Highlight of this event is to be held at Damai Beach, Santubong.

o        Rainforest World Music Festival  (August)

Highlight of this event is to be held at Sarawak Cultural Village.

o        National Day (31 August)

Malaysia celebrates Independence Day on 31 August with parades and shows. Towns and cities throughout Malaysia will be colourfully decorated with lights for this grand occasion.

o        Sarawak Regatta (Late August/early September)

Held on the Kuching Waterfront, this is a popular event.

o        Battle of Borneo (Last week in September)

This is a stage event showcasing a reenactment of the Battle of Borneo, entertaining all locals and visitors.

o        Malaysia Fest (September)

All Major Hotels and shopping malls will feature the culture, foods and crafts of the various states in Malaysia. This event will last for two weeks.

o        Rainforest Cup Mountain Bike Challenge (Mid October)

Highlight of this event is to be held in Kuching. This event is held annually attracting competitors and spectators from all over the world.

o        Pesta Meow (November)

Calling all cat lovers! Highlight of this event is to be held in Kuching.

o        Bau International Raft Race (1st week in December)

Highlight of this event is to be held in Bau.

o        Borneo Cup Motorcross Championship (December)

If you are into active sports activities with great noise, be sure not give this one a miss!

o        Christmas (25 December)

This joyous festive season is celebrated by all fellow Christians.

o        Hari Raya Aidil Fitri 

This festive season is celebrated by Muslims after the month-long Ramadan (fasting month).