If one of your 2013 resolutions is to travel more, we’d recommend to start with a Malaysian state that’s just across the South China Sea: Sabah. The East Malaysian state that’s also known as the ‘Land Below the Wind’ is located on the northern part of the island of Borneo. Sabah is a popular destination for international tourists as it offers a huge variety of attractions from gorgeous islands to the breath-taking Mount Kinabalu to interesting cultural activities.
The state of Sabah organizes a variety of events, festivals, meetings and conferences throughout the year to cater to adventure addicts, foodies, music lovers, art enthusiasts, culture aficionados and more . We’ve chosen 12 events that we’re looking forward to this year, so remember to note down the dates in your calendar for a trip to the oft underrated side of Malaysia!
1) KK City Run 2013: 3 March 2013
The City Run is held in conjunction with the City’s 13th anniversary celebration. Some 10,000 city folks are expected to participate in this year’s run, which offers attractive prizes and a fun lucky draw.
For further info: jainab.saidi@dbkk.sabah.gov.my
2) KK Food Fest : 1-30 April 2013
The annual Kota Kinabalu Food Festival (KKFF) returns for its third year after making its successful debut in 2011. This delectable celebration of all things to do with wining and dining is set to take place from the 1st to the 30th of April.
For further info: alfred@maxxmedia.com.my
3) Anzac Day: 25 April 2013
A memorial day to honour the Australian, British, New Zealand and local soldiers who perished during the Second World War in Sabah.
For further info: Charlotte.Sarossy@dva.gov.au, Catherin.Chua@sabah.gov.my
4) Borneo International Marathon 2013: 5 May 2013
Strap on those running shoes and head over to Sabah this May for the 6th Borneo International Marathon. The run will be held along the scenic coastal roads of Kota Kinabalu with three main events – 10km, 21.1km (Half Marathon) and 42.2km (Full Marathon).
For further info: info@borneomarathon.com
5) Tadau Ka’amatan Celebrations – Grand Finale: 30-31 May 2013
This month-long Harvest Festival celebration will culminate at Hongkod Koisaan, the Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Hall in Penampang. Join in the merriment as local folks sing, dance, eat and play traditional games. This is also the main stage for the final round of the Unduk Ngadau (Harvest Beauty Queen) pageant.
For further info: bovis@asia.com
6) Pertandingan Tugu Budaya Ke-5 (Local Folk Dance Competition): 26-27 June
Witness teams showcasing their finest dance skills at the Local Folk Dance Competition during the Tugu Budaya. During the 5th installment of this event, dance troupes from all over Malaysia, Brunei and other BIMP-EAGA countries come together for a dazzling display of folk dancing.
For further info: yanpian04@yahoo.com
7) Sunset Music Fest at the Tip of Borneo, Kudat: 28-29 June 2013
Embark on a musical journey at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau in the northern-most district of Kudat. Be serenaded with classical favourites and contemporary tunes as the sun sets in the horizon. You won’t want to miss this amazing musical experience at one of Sabah’s most breathtaking locations, the Tip of Borneo.
For further info: francesca@sabahtourism.com / www.sunsetmusicfest.my
8) Pesta Moginakan Nunuk Ragang: 6-7 July 2013
This event is held at Kg. Nunuk Ragang, Ranau to mark the installation of the Huguon Siou (Paramount Leader) and to commemorate the original settlement of the Kadazandusun community. Visitors can scour for bargain finds at the Tamu (open air market) or enjoy events such as the traditional sports and cultural performances.
For further info: minudin05@hotmail.com
9) Borneo Eco Film Festival: 27-29 September 2013
The Borneo Eco Film Festival (BEFF) is a unique annual event celebrating Borneo’s biocultural diversity through showcasing environmental films and nurturing local community film-making. The event aims to educate through new knowledge on ecological and cultural issues as well as stimulate discussion via environmental films and engage storytellers through the community film-making platform. A series of talks and workshops conducted by renowned filmmakers are also a highlight of the festival.
For further info: info@beff.org.my / www.beff.org.my
10) Mt. Kinabalu International Climbathon – Adventure Series: 20 October 2013
The Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon – Adventure Series is a challenging 23km route, taking competitors up the summit trail to Layang-Layang (2,072m) before descending down to Mesilau and onwards to the finish line in Kundasang town. The race course offers spectacular views of Kinabalu Park’s tropical and sub-tropical montane forest with vistas of the summit peaks and river valleys.
For further info: zachary@sabahtourism.com / www.climbathon.my
11) Bamboo Music Festival: 24 November 2013
Celebrate the versatility of the bamboo in the form of musical expression. A day filled with cultural activities such as traditional music performances by the Bamboo Music Orchestra, traditional sports, bamboo product exhibits and sales.
12) Gaya Christmas Carnival
Celebrate the Christmas season at Lintasan Deasoka. A fun-filled event featuring an evening of Christmas caroling and a variety of stalls to visit. Stroll along the brightly-lit street with family and friends as you enjoy the season’s activities.
For further info: elizabeth@dbkk.sabah.gov.my
To find out what other exciting events that are happening this year in Sabah, head over to www.sabahtourism.com! Let us know if you’re planning a trip to the ‘Land Below the Wind’ and share your travel stories with us in our forum!
