EVENTS

Public Holidays

4 Jun - Prophet's Birthday
1 Jan - New Year's Day
Mar - Awal Muharram (Muslim New Year)
31 Aug - National Day
Jan/Feb - Chinese New Year
25 Dec - Christmas Day
1 May - Worker's Day
first Sat in Jun - Yang di-Pertuan Agong's (King's) Birthday
1 Feb - Federal Territory Day

FEBRUARY

LE TOUR DE LANGKAWI
The Malaysian version of le Tour de France, this prestigious race featuring top class international bicycling teams, starts at the pristine island of Langkawi in northen Peninsular Malaysia. The gruelling 2000 km route, which ends in Kuala Lumpur, tests the physical and mental endurance of the cyclists as they travel over country roads and mountain tracks. Spectators get to enjoy demonstrations on making handicraft and various entertainment during this event.

KL INTERNATIONAL MARATHON
The Kuala Lumpur International Marathon is an activity held annually in conjunction with the Kuala Lumpur City Day celebrations. The Kuala Lumpur International Marathon 2004, which is the 13th ever been organized, will be held next year as part of the activity to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Kuala Lumpur City Day. This activity is collaboration between Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and the Federal Territory Amateur Athletic Association (FTAAA).

MARCH

MALAYSIA'S MEGA SALE CARNIVAL
Malaysia is fast turning into a Southeast Asian shopping heaven, with sales and bargains all year round. Not only that, the numerous ultra-modern shopping malls, designer boutiques and international stores all over Malaysia are now participating in the Mega Sale of Malaysia, held three times a year.

KL INTERNATIONAL TOWER JUMP
This annual event is popular among Building, Antenna, Span and Earth (BASE) jumpers, who free fal for three seconds to clear the tower head before deploying chutes.

KL GRAND PRIX CITY
Sepang International Circuit, one of the newest tracks in the world, provides a weekend of F1 grand prix racing.

APRIL

BORNEO MOTORCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP
Annual motocross race event whose course is in the wilderness of Borneo. Many international participants also compete in the race.

KL INTERNATIONAL WATER FESTIVAL
From jet skiing to kayaking, this month long festival caters to serious competitors aas well as family excursions.

MAY

LABUAN INTERNATIONAL SEA CHALLENGE
Water sport enthusiasts converge upon the beautiful island of Labuan, off the coast of the state of Sabah, to take part in three exciting competitions in the surrounding pristine waters. Participants from around the world compete keenly the Underwater Treasure Hunt, Big Game Fishing Tournament and Jetsport Challenge. Held over ten sun-soaked days, the Labuan International Sea Challenge provides participants and spectators alike with fun and excitement, not to mention attractive prizes.

LAUNCH OF COLOURS OF MALAYSIA
A celebration of Malaysia's many vibrant multi-racial cultures, arts and traditions extend over a month throughout the country, with dance and music perfomances as well as food festivals and cultural exhibitions. A major highlight is the gilthering parade in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, involving a cast of thousands of Malaysians, young and old, who show off their ethnic price showcasting the colourful costume and dances of the various states of Malaysia.

JUNE

GAWAK DAYAK-MALAYSIAN OPEN HOUSE
The annual Gawai Dayak celebrates the rice harvesting season. It is observed by the Ibans, the largest ethnic group in the state and others such as the Ornag Ulu and the Bidayuh. Tuak and other traditional delicacies are offered at 'open houses' in 'longhouses' around the state. There's no better time to get to know native Sarawakians as they host family and friends during this fun-filled celebration.

PENANG INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
A fiesta of colour and noise, in which traditionally-built boats race through the waters of Penang's scenic Mengkuang Dam, cheered on by enthusiasts spectators. The race begins with a slow beating of the drums by the helmsmen. The beat increases steadly, going faster and faster, and then rising to a crescendo as the boats cross the finish line. The ornate and beautifully painted 'dragons' on the boats' prows add to the gaiety of the festival.

JULY

RAINFOREST WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Rainforest World Music Festival is a unique festival that brings together on the same stage renowned world musicians from all continents and indigenous musicians from the interiors of the mythical island of Borneo.Its formula of afternoon interactive workshops, ethno-musical lectures, jamming sessions and mini concerts, followed by evening performances on the main stage has proven to be a hit with the audience, a hodgepodge of locals, expatriates and a growing number of tourists from near and far.

FOOD & FRUITS FIESTA TASTES OF KUALA LUMPUR
Malaysian culinary fare is a delightful mix of flavours and sensations, reflecting the influences of the many races and ethnic groups in the country. Locals and visitors are spoilt for choice when it come to food and fruits. During this fiesta, there is plenty of opportunity to try out the fabulous range of Asian and international cuisine, as well as sample a variety of fruits, from tropical to temperate. The launching will be held in Kuantan, Pahang Darul Makmur.

LAMAN
Laman is a landscape,horticultural garden & floral festival,the largest of its kind held within Malaysia.It is an initiative of The National Lanscape Department,Ministry of Housing and Local Goverment Malaysia.

AUGUST

MALAYSIAN MEGA SALE CARNIVAL
A shoppers' dream come true - a month long shopping carnival in Kuala Lumpur and urban centres throughout Malaysia Fantastic discounts and unbelieveable bargains are on pffer at shopping centres, emporiums, retail outlets as well as exclusive boutiques, Hotels and restaurants also get in on the act, offering patrons attractive rates and prices. There's no better time to pick up that lovely gold bracelet, exquisite designer dress or state-of-the-art camera. Check out the many activities at the bazaars, fairs and ehibitions that will be held all over town. This is also the time when the various Malaysian states showcase their traditional arts and culture.

MERDEKA EVE CELEBRATION
Although the main venue of the Merdeka Day celebration is Kuala Lumpur, nevertheless, all the individual states will have their own state-level celebrations. In Kuala Lumpur, the highlight is a huge, grand parade that brings the streets of the city to a standstill. Join Malaysians from all walks of life as they gather at Merdeka Square on Merdeka Eve on 30 August and prepare to count the seconds away into Malaysia's Independence Day, when the Jalur Gemilang, the National Flag will be hoisted on the world's tallest flag pole.

SEPTEMBER

SARAWAK REGATTA
This boat race dates back to bygone days when tribal groups would hold contest in huge war canoes to settle local rivalries without resorting to war or head-hunting. a flagship event of Kuching, the capital of Sarawak. The race is now held on the Sarawak River off the city's waterfront, a favourite place for locals and visitors alike delight in this event that has won international design awards for the boats. Other than traditional longboats, hornbill boats, balok boats, powerboats and jetski races add to the excitement.

OCTOBER

CITY OF ARTS
A whole month of art, music and dance presented by international artists, musicians and dancers.

CAMERON EQUATOR RACE
The cool highland town of Brinchang in Cameron Highlands is the starting point for the Cameron Equator Race, already being dubbed as the 'World's Wildest Race'. This 224km endurance race traverses the Titiwangsa Range, with a challenging climb up Peninsular Malaysia's highest mountain, Gunung Tahan.

MALAYSIAN MOTOCYCLE GRAND PRIX
The Sepang International Circuit in Selangor, an increasingly popular venue for world class motor sport meets, plays host to this premier event in international motocycle racing. Fans will have the opportunity to watch the world's top bikers and to cheer on their idols as they pit their riding skill on high powered machines.

DECEMBER

CRAFT SALE - MALAYSIAN MEGA SALE CARNIVAL
A shoppers' dream come true - a month long shopping carnival in Kuala Lumpur and urban centres throughout Malaysia Fantastic discounts and unbelieveable bargains are on pffer at shopping centres, emporiums, retail outlets as well as exclusive boutiques, Hotels and restaurants also get in on the act, offering patrons attractive rates and prices. There's no better time to pick up that lovely gold bracelet, exquisite designer dress or state-of-the-art camera. Check out the many activities at the bazaars, fairs and ehibitions that will be held all over town. This is also the time when the various Malaysian states showcase their traditional arts and culture.

CHRISTMAS
Christians in Malaysia celebrate Christmas by decorating Christmas trees, attending church services and carolling. 'Open houses' are also held on Christmas Day, during which guests are treated to food and drinks.