Check precise dates before you leave, as the timing of Malaysia’s many festivals tends to vary each year.
January/February. New Year’s Day is a national public holiday.
Chinese New Year is a 15-day celebration accompanied by red banners and lion dances in Chinatown. KL, Penang, Kuching and KK are the best places for watching.
Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival.
Thaipusam is the Hindu festival celebrated with a procession of penitents seeking absolution at his shrine. The biggest is from KL to the Batu Caves (for more information, click here).
March/April. Easter: Eurasians and indigenous Christian converts celebrate with Good Friday processions, most famously the Portuguese community of Melaka at St Peter’s Church.
PETRONAS F1 Malaysia Grand Prix: catch the second race of the season in Sepang.
May. Kadazans celebrate Tadau Kaamatan (Sabah Rice Harvest Festival).
Borneo Jazz in Miri is an international festival for jazz lovers.
Sabah Fest is a cultural extravaganza in KK featuring food, handicraft and dance performances.
Colours of 1Malaysia, a national celebration of cultural diversity.
June. Dayaks in Sarawak celebrate Hari Gawai Dayak (Rice Harvest Festival).
Festa de San Pedro (29 June): Christian tribute to Peter, patron saint of fishermen, in Melaka.
July/August. Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak.
Hari Raya Aidil-Fitri celebrations mark the end of Ramadan.
Hari Merdeka (Independence Day; 31 August) is a national public holiday.
September. Hari Malaysia (Malaysia Day; 16 September) is a national public holiday.
October/November. Deepavali (Festival of Lights): Major Indian celebration, with candles lit, family feasts and prayers in the temple.
Kota Belud Market Festival, with spectacular movements by Bajau cowboys.
December. Street Food and Restaurant Festival throughout December.
Monsoon Cup attracts sailing competitors to Pulau Duyong.