Le Tour De' Langkawi - Peninsular Malaysia 26 Jan - 6 Feb

Modelled after the famous ‘Le Tour De France’, this top notch race sees the world’s best cyclists test their mental strength and physical endurance to the limit. The gruelling multi-stage route is flagged off in Langkawi and traverses the length and breadth of Peninsular Malaysia before reaching the finishing line in Kuala Lumpur. Spectators can also look forward to exciting cultural dances, parades, performances and many other shows and displays.

Motorised Paraglider Tour of Malaysia - Sabah 11 - 21 February

 

A bird’s-eye view of picturesque and breathtaking scenery for world-class pilots as they soar to staggering heights over various parts of Sabah in motorised paragliders. The highpoint of the tour must surely be the majestic Mount Kinabalu, one of the highest mountains in South East Asia.

Tourism Malaysia
Tel : 088-248 698
Fax : 088-241 764
 
 
 

Johor Kite International Festival - Pasir Gudang, Johor February

It is the best of both worlds as traditional Malaysian giant kites or wau and their more modern and sophisticated versions from around the world fill the sky in a riot of colours as they compete for honours in this international kite-flying festival.

Johor State Government
Tel : 07-223 4935
Fax : 07-223 7554
 
 
 
 

Malaysia Sevens International Rugby Tournament - PJ Stadium, Selangor 3 - 5 March

Catch your favourite rugby great in action at the inaugural Malaysia Sevens! Set to be at par with the infamous Hong Kong Sevens, the Malaysian tournament sees the participation of world-class teams including the New Zealand All Blacks.

Rugby Events Promotions Sdn. Bhd.
Tel : 03-443 2277
Fax : 03-445 4445
 
 
 

Shopping Carnival - Nationwide 7 March - 7 April
7 August - 7 September
7 December - 7 January 2001

A galore of shopping opportunities where local and foreign emporiums, designer boutiques and other retail outlets offer fantastic bargains and discounts. The carnival features highlights such as a Made-In-Malaysia exhibition, Malaysia Fashion Week, Midnite Sales and gold and jewellery promotions.

Tourism Malaysia
Tel : 03-293 5188
Fax : 03-293 5448
 
 
 
 

Baleh - Kapit Raft Safari - Kapit, Sarawak 3 - 4 April

Top rafters will pit their skills mentally and physically as the negotiate the numerous rapids down the 50-km stretch of the Baleh River to Kapit in this extremely rigorous and demanding competition. Spectators will not only be thrilled by this challenging and exciting outdoor event but will also catch a glimpse of the local culture and lifestyle portrayed through the handicraft exhibition, cultural shows and local games.

Melaka Historic City Celebration - Melaka 15 April

Melaka’s glorious past and centuries-old history is re-enacted on a day that will capture your imagination. There is much merriment and gaiety with cultural shows, dances and songs performed by the various communities of Melaka including the Baba-Nyonya, Chettiars and Portuguese.

Melaka Municipal Council
Tel : 06-232 6411
Fax : 06-232 5616
 
 
 
 

World Amateur Inter - Team Golf Championships - Nationwide April - August

 

An enjoyable and unique way of discovering Malaysia’s tourism delights through golf. Team up with other golfers and experience the sheer delight of playing on some of the most challenging and magnificent courses around Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia
Tel : 03-293 5188
Fax : 03-293 5448
 
 
 

Labuan Sea Challenge - Labuan 20 May - 31 May

Those who find the call of the sea irresistible will enjoy the Labuan Sea challenge which consists of three exciting events held over a 10-day period in the month of May every year. In the Underwater Treasure Hunt, divers retrieve tokens spread over the sites of the four shipwrecks near Labuan and surrounding reefs. Anglers will not want to miss the Labuan International Big Game Fishing Tournament and the chance to catch marlin, sail fishes, tuna, dorados that swim in close proximity to the island. For enthusiasts, the Labuan jet Sport Challenge promises to be a festival of speed as local and international participants race at breakneck speed on their high-powered machines.
 
 

Colours of Malaysia 2000 - Kuala Lumpur 27 May - 25 June

 

A month-long celebration of the unique centuries-old culture, arts and traditions of the multi-racial and multi-ethnic communities of Malaysia marked by a spectacular parade bearing the theme "Citrawarna Malaysia" or "Colours of Malaysia" in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city. The parade will feature the various states and ethnic groups of Malaysia in colourful costumes performing their traditional dances to the melodious strains of traditional music.

4th World Lion Dance Championship - Genting Highlands Resort, Pahang 7 - 9 July

Watch a dazzling display combining Chinese culture, martial arts and mythology at this lion dance championship as teams from China, Macau, Japan, Vietnam and Singapore vie for top honours. Performed in the past only as a private ritual for the Chinese Emperor, the lion dance today is a must during Chinese New Year festivities, opening ceremonies of major events and launching of new business.

Kuala Lumpur International Towerthon - Kuala Lumpur 30 July

The highest staircase run in Asia begins with runners making an 800-metre steep uphill dash to the base of Menara Kuala Lumpur before running up 2058 steps and finally ‘conquering’ the world’s fourth tallest communication tower at the Tower Head.

Menara Kuala Lumpur Sdn Bhd
Tel : 03-208 5421
Fax : 03-232 8409
 
 
 
 

Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture & Agrotourism Show (MAHA) 2000 - Kuala Lumpur July - August

This annual event celebrates the cultural diversity and richness of Malaysia from an agricultural perspective. It’s the national ‘farmer’s day’ as agriculture-related activities, exhibitions, seminars, competitions and festivals are held throughout the country. The event also presents and opportunity for entrepreneurs, farmers and government bodies to showcase their products and services as well as to exchange ideas and experiences.

Merdeka Eve Celebration 2000 - Kuala Lumpur 30 August

Join in the fun on the eve of the anniversary of Malaysia’s national day. A carnival-like atmosphere pervades on this night of mesmerising dances, dazzling colourful fireworks display and performances by local artistes, culminating in the Merdeka countdown for the raising of the Jalur Gemilang at the midnight amidst patriotic Malaysians and tourists cheer the hearty shouts of ‘Merdeka’.

Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism
Tel : 03-293 7111
Fax : 03-291 0951
 
 
 

Eco-Challenge 2000 Borneo - Sabah August

This challenging expedition will take teams of competitors through mysterious Borneo via ancient headhunter trails, remote rivers and surrounding tropical seas. As the competitors navigate their way through primitive caves, paddle along winding rivers in indigenous Murut canoes, trek and mountain bike along dense rainforest trails, wildlife such as elephants, the native proboscis monkeys and even Orangutans might be spotted. They will also sail to magical coral-fringed islands on the native outrigger canoes and dive to an underwater coral reef.

Eco-Challenge Productions
Tel : 310-399 3080
Fax : 310-399 3584
 
 
 

Kelantan Cultural Carnival - Kota Bahru, Kelantan 2 - 11 September

Traditional games like top spinning and kite flying as well as batik and silverware handicraft are among the cultural heritage distinctive of the East Coast state of Kelantan. While enjoying these activities, treat your taste buds to the sweet Kelantanese delicacies and dishes.

Kelantan Tourist Information Centre

Tel : 09-748 5534 / 748 3543
Fax : 09-748 6652
 
 
 
 

Mt. Kinabalu International Climbathon - Mt. Kinabalu, Sabah 7 - 8 October

Race with leading climbers from around the world to the summit of Malaysia’s highest mountain, Mount Kinabalu. The prize money is not what attracts climbers to the race but the fun and sheer exhilaration of surviving the toughest mountain race in the world. The climbathon covers a distance of 21 km to and fro. Starting from an altitude of 1,800 metres, the route ascends to a staggering height of over 4,000 metres.

Sabah Tourism Promotion Board
Tel : 088-212 121
Fax : 088-212 075 / 219 311
 
 
 
 

Telom Descent - Cameron Highlands, Pahang 14 - 15 October

It’s thrills and spills for those game enough for the Telom Descent white-water kayaking adventure. Aboriginal settlements, steep gorges and some of the world’s oldest rainforests are just some of the amazing sights the adventurous canoeists will see as they make their way along the route from Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lipis in Pahang.

Pahang State Development Corporation
Tel : 09-513 5566
Fax : 09-513 0510
 
 
 
 
 

F1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix - Sepang International Circuit, Selangor 22 October

The world’s best drivers will keep you on the edge of your seat with heart-stopping action in the penultimate round of the Formula One Grand Prix at the Sepang F1 Circuit. The inaugural race in 1999 saw the participation of the world’s best drivers.

Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS)
Tel : 03-206 5000
Fax : 03-206 5055
 
 
 
 
 

Hari Raya Aidilfitri 8 - 9 January & 27 - 28 December

The most joyful of Muslim celebrations, Hari Raya Aidil Fitri is celebrated after Ramadhan, the fasting month. During this occasion, Muslims working in the towns and cities make an exodus for their kampung or villages. Special prayers are held in mosques and it is a season when Muslims ask for forgiveness from their family members and friends. Muslims will be dressed in new clothes for the occasion and hold open houses for their relatives and friends. Open houses are also held by the King and government leaders for the public.
 
 
 
 

Thaipusam 21 January

This day of penance and thanksgiving for Hindus begins with a grand procession of the magnificent silver chariot bearing the statue of Lord Subramaniam, the God of Prosperity. In an atmosphere electric with drumming and chanting, holy water is sprinkled on the deity’s route and thousands of fresh coconuts are smashed, symbolising the washing away of sins. Devotees bearing kavadis is another spectacular sight. The gaily decorated wooden or steel yoke is anchored by hooks pierced into the body and the devotee’s tongues and cheeks are also skewered with long metal needles -–all without spilling a single drop of blood !
 
 
 
 

Chinese New Year 5 - 6 February

A celebration lasting for 15 days beginning from the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar. The Chinese community ushers in the new year with a joyful family reunion dinner, a visit to the temple to seek the blessings of the God of Prosperity and giving of ‘ang pow’ or red packets containing money by parents to their children or among relatives and well wishers. This practice coupled with the giving away of mandarin oranges is intended as a symbol of prosperity and good luck for the recipients. Another feature is a traditional lion dance.
 
 
 
 
 

Hari Raya Aidil Adha 16 March

The conclusion of the pilgrimage in Mecca is marked by the Hari Raya Aidil Adha celebrations. Sacrifices of cattle or goats are made by Muslims to commemorate Prophet Abraham’s test of faith by God when he was asked to sacrifice his son. The meat from the sacrifices is distributed to the poor and needy. Special prayers and sermons are held at mosques in conjunction with the occasion. Like Hari Raya Aidil Fitri, most Muslims make it a point to return to their hometown for the celebration.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Awal Muharram (Ma’al Hijrah) 6 April

Maal Hijrah, the first day of the new Islamic calendar year, is celebrated on a moderate scale with gatherings at public halls and mosques where special prayers, sermons and Quranic recitals are held to usher in the Muslim new year. A ‘Tokoh Ma’al Hijrah’ is awarded to a Muslim personality to honour his contribution to Muslims and Islam.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wesak Day 18 May

Wesak is celebrated by Buddhists to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha – all three events having taken place on the same lunar date according to Buddhist reckoning. Buddhists observe a vegetarian diet to ‘cleanse’ themselves prior to the occasion. Thousands of devotees gather before dawn at temples for prayers, offerings, meditation, chanting and alms giving. Dives and tortoises are also released in a symbolic gesture of liberating the soul and forsaking past sins.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sabah Kaamatan Festival 30 - 31 May

Ancient traditions, rites and customs are the order of the day as the indigenous Kadazan-Dusun of Sabah offer thanksgiving for a beautiful harvest. The ‘Magavau’, a cleansing and blessing ritual performed by the Bobohizan or high priestess will keep you spellbound. Highlights include a cultural dance and a beauty pageant.
 
 
 
 

Sarawak Gawai Festival 1 - 2 June

The end of the padi harvesting season in Sarawak is cause for joyous celebration as the indigenous Ibans and Bidayuhs indulge in much merry-making, traditional dancing and the drinking of tuak, a potent rice wine.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Birthday of SPB Yang Di Pertuan Agong 3 June

The official birthday of SPB Yang Dipertuan Agong, the King of Malaysia is celebrated with much gladness and affection by Malaysians from all walks of life. An investiture ceremony is held at the Istana Negara, the royal palace during which the King confers awards on those of His citizens who have rended distinguished or meritorious service to the country. Various activities such as exhibitions, traditional entertainment and cultural event6s are usually held as part of the celebration.
 
 
 
 

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday 15 June

The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad or Maulidur Rasul is an important event in the Muslim calendar marked by processions to demonstrate solidarity of believers. Prayers, sermons and religious discussions are held at this time to strengthen the faith and consolidate the spirit of the Muslim community.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Moon Cake Festival September
 

The mooncake festival had its origins during the Mongolian dynasty in China. The event is celebrated on the 15th day of the eight moon (August/September) with colourful lantern processions and the partaking of mooncakes.
 
 
 
 
 
 

National Day 31 August

Malaysia’s National Day is celebrated on 31st of August in a show of patriotism, unity and rejoicing by Malaysians of all races and creeds. A spectacular parade is held in the morning at the Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur to mark the occasion. His Majesty, the King and government leaders are joined by a mammoth crowd in witnessing the parade. The ‘Jalur Gemilang’ (Malaysian flag) is proudly flown at office buildings, private homes and on vehicles. Stage shows, competitions and exhibitions are held in the various states.
 
 
 
 

Deepavali 26 October

For the Hindus, Deepavali or the Festival of Lights signifies the triumph of good over evil. Celebrated during the 7th month of the Hindu calendar, a traditional oil bath precedes the festivities. The celebration includes visits to temples and prayers at household altars. Hindu homes are adorned with lights or oil lamps to symbolise the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon, Ravana.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Christmas 25 December

There is much joy and gaiety as Christians celebrate the birth of Christ with parties, carolling and evening mass. Streets, hotels and shopping complexes are decorated with brilliant lights and ornaments to create a yuletide atmosphere – the Malaysian way. The spirit of giving extends beyond homes and individuals as hotels, shopping complexes and corporate companies hold concerts and shows as well as organise charity drives.