Giant ‘pandas’ are among the inflatable kites at Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival 2025.
THE skies above Bukit Layang-Layang became a canvas of vibrant colours and interesting designs as Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival took flight for the 27th time.
International kite enthusiasts from across the globe gathered once again to share their passion, showcasing aerial artistry and enjoying Malaysia’s renowned kite culture.
Bieck specialises in kite aerial photography.For 73-year-old Wolfgang John Peter Bieck from Hamburg, Germany, this was his second visit to Pasir Gudang, Johor.
“The first time was a brand new experience.
“This year, we are lucky to have the sun and wind, making it even better,” he said when met at Bukit Layang-Layang.
Bieck, along with Pierre Lesage from Tahiti, specialises in kite aerial photography that involves lifting cameras with kites instead of drones to capture breathtaking perspectives.
“Our passion lies in using different types of kites – delta kites, rokkaku and foils – depending on weather conditions, to document the festival,” said Bieck.
Having ventured into kite flying in 1988, he praised the uniqueness of the Pasir Gudang festival.
“You won’t find a kite museum or a village of tents at other kite festivals. The organisation here is outstanding,” he said, adding that the Pasir Gudang festival was the only one providing kite helpers.
Lesage, 71, echoed the sentiments and shared his observation of the festival’s evolving landscape.
“This year, I feel there are fewer vendors but more kite flyers. I found participants from Brazil, Canada, the US, Germany, France, Spain and Italy,” he said.
He also proudly displayed his collection, including a blackbird kite and a train of small deltas, at the Tahiti booth.
Pasir Gudang International Kite Festival in Johor is a flagship annual event held since 1995.
Returning for its 27th edition at Bukit Layang-Layang in Taman Bandar, the annual event encourages visitors and the community to maintain cleanliness while appreciating the art of kite flying.
Weider, who specialises in sport kites, is back in Johor.Scott Weider, 62, from Washington, US, who specialises in sport kites, was back for his second time at the festival.
“The locals seem keen on learning to fly sport kites, so I believe that is why the organisers brought me back,” he said.
Weider, a competitive kite flyer for over 30 years, said he once performed at Walt Disney World and on Broadway in New York.
“We choreograph our flights to music, synchronising movements to create an aerial dance. The appreciation from the audience here is phenomenal,” he added.
His kite partner, Linzy Abbott, 40, from Oregon, US, made her debut at the festival, aiming to showcase women’s professional involvement in the sport.
“For her, it is an opportunity to experience the international kiting scene. We have flown our kites in China and other places, but performing here is something special,” said Weider.
Colin Wilson, 57, from Victoria, Canada, was enthralled by the warmth of the people and loved the tropical weather.
“This is my first time here, and the hospitality is amazing. The local kite culture is unlike anything I’ve seen before,” he said.
Wilson and his team performed choreographed kite flying routines to music, creating intricate patterns in the sky.
Wilson (left) with his kite partner Dilucca loving the local kite culture in Pasir Gudang.
“Four people dancing with kites is even more beautiful than one. That’s the magic we bring,” he said.
Mario Dilucca, 70, from Argentina, returned for his second year, adding that he was grateful for another invitation.
“I was thrilled to come back. Right before this, we participated in Berck-sur-Mer in France as part of the Canadian national team in the World Kite Cup,” he said.
Representing Indonesia, Ni Wayan Ratni Vertini, 42, from Bali, first attended the festival in 2017.
“This year feels livelier, and for the first time, we have an exhibition,” she said, adding that she showcased her intricately crafted bamboo kites inspired by Balinese culture, including a Garuda-Vishnu design.
“It takes about a month to make each kite, and I aim to promote Balinese culture through my craft,” said Ni Wayan who plans to go to Serbia in April to share her kite tradition.
Brassington is back in Pasir Gudang after 15 years.
Returning to Pasir Gudang after 15 years is Robert Keith Brassington, from Tasmania, Australia.
“I have been kiting for the past 50 years. This year, the group is bigger and the festival is livelier,” he said.
Brassington brought about 50 standing kites and deltas, noting the difference between his smaller kites and the larger ones featured by other participants.
First-time visitor to Pasir Gudang, Corrine Galadie, 58, (standing, left) from Saint Pierre in Reunion Island, teaching participants how to make paper kites with sea turtle design.
“The big kites bite harder! The weather is a bit fickle this year – good wind comes and goes. And of course, it’s always hot, so it is a lot of work for all of us,” he said.
This year’s festival also attracted visitors eager to experience the spectacle.
R. Vimalan Raman, 39, from Kedah, brought his three-year-old son Ranadhieran R. Vimalan to enjoy the colourful kite displays.
“We moved to Masai two years ago, but this is our first time at Bukit Layang-Layang.
Local kite makers Muhammad Nasru Aiman Mohamed Zu, 35, (right) and Mohd Zunaidee Umar, 40, demonstrating their wau-making skills at a kite workshop in Bukit Layang-Layang.
“We have seen online updates on the festival, and we decided to drop by since we live nearby,” he said.
Michael Yong, 55, made an impromptu visit after seeing videos of the event online.
“My family is from Muar, so we decided to stop by after visiting relatives. My son also wanted to buy a kite before heading back,” he said, and hoped organisers would improve traffic management around the festival area.
Ni Wayan showcasing her intricately crafted bamboo kites that are inspired by Balinese culture.
Lovel Ralph Fineza, 55, from Manila, the Philippines, flew in with his family after learning about the event online.
“I wanted to bring my wife and children to the kite museum. In the Philippines, we don’t have this kind of museum.
“This is my first time in Johor. I have been working in Singapore for a few years, so I decided to fly my family here for a vacation.
“We love the vibrant kite displays and the local culture,” he said.
