One of the joys of living in Malaysia is the chance to share in the many celebrations held by its diverse communities. Along-side the festivals most widely recognised across the country are those observed by ethnic and Indigenous communities, each with its own stories, customs and significance.
For travellers, these gatherings offer a lively way to explore different parts of the country and learn about traditions passed down through generations. Greater awareness can also bring wider appreciation for the communities that keep these traditions alive.
Here are five festivals to look out for.
Kedah Folk’s Festival
Also going by the name Temasya Orang Kedah (TOK), Kedah Folk’s Festival showcases the state’s traditional sights, sounds and flavours in a lively celebration.
Launched in 2024, the festival’s second edition was held from July 31 to Aug 3, 2025 at Darul Aman Stadium in Alor Setar, which attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors, according to Kedah Tourism.
The cultural programme aims to keep Kedah’s traditional arts and heritage alive while giving younger generations a chance to experience them.
During the festival, you can watch traditional music performances and dance shows, try folk games, explore heritage exhibitions, watch silat performances and sample local food.
The latter includes mouthwatering dishes like the fish-based laksa Kedah, serabai (rice flour pancakes) and gulai ikan temenung (mackerel cooked in curry).
This year’s festival was held from July 30 to Aug 2. So next year, keep your days in late July to early August free to attend the fourth edition.
Alor Setar is 435km from Kuala Lumpur (pretty much a one-hour flight), so consider TOK for your northern getaway when the festival returns next year.
Selangor Festival at Batu Laut
Selangor may be known for its busy towns and cities, but in Batu Laut, the state’s rich cultural traditions come to life.
The Selangor Festival at Batu Laut was created to showcase the diverse cultures and ethnic heritage found across the state. The inaugural edition took place in 2024 at Dataran Pantai Batu Laut in Tanjung Sepat, Kuala Langat.
The festival brings together cultural influences from various communities, including Malay, Orang Asli, Jawa, Bugis, Mandailing, Chinese and Indian.
There’s plenty to see and do, from traditional food demonstrations and folk games to cultural performances, ethnic wedding simulations and a traditional market.
Visitors can also take part in a “ghost” fun run.
This year’s festival will be held from Sept 16 to 20 at the Dataran Pantai Batu Laut, which is about 90km from central KL.
Terengganu Peranakan Festival
Terengganu may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Peranakan culture, but the state has its own festival dedicated to this heritage – the Terengganu Peranakan Festival.
Their culture has evolved over generations, bringing together Chinese traditions and local Malay influences in their language, clothing, food and way of life.
First held in 2014, the festival has since grown into an annual celebration featuring traditional food, performances and other activities. It has also drawn visitors from beyond the local community, becoming one of Terengganu’s major cultural and tourism events.
The Terengganu Peranakan Festivan has been held at different times in recent years, including in early October in 2023, late September in 2024 and late November in 2025.
This year’s date has yet to be announced, so keep an eye on Discovery Terengganu website or the Terengganu Peranakan Facebook page for updates.
You can either fly to Kuala Terengganu from KL, or drive (about five hours) there.
Kalimaran Festival
The Murut people are the third largest Indigenous group in Sabah. While they also celebrate Kaamatan (the harvest festival jointly celebrated with the Kadazandusuns), the Murut community has its own cultural celebration called the Kalimaran Festival.
Also known as Irau Kalimaran, it has typically been held at Tenom’s Murut Cultural Centre since 2003. At this year’s district- level celebration in Nabawan, it was announced that future festivals will be held in each district that has a strong Murut presence, including Tawau and Keningau. This means you’ll soon have more destinations to visit for Kalimaran.
The festival showcases the Murut people’s creativity – through chequered weaving and beaded accessories – and agility.
Magunatip, the traditional bamboo dance, requires quick hops between bamboo poles (or risk getting your ankle or feet caught). Then there’s the lansaran, described as a “traditional trampoline”, on which you play a game to jump as high as you can to reach a target hung above it.
To reach the districts in Sabah’s interior region, fly in to Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Then take a three- to five-hour drive to your destination. You can also fly from KL to Tawau or Sandakan if the festival is held on the east coast.
Bario Food Festival
Also known as Pesta Nukenen (“food festival” in the Kelabit language), this annual three-day event in Bario, Sarawak celebrates the cultural and culinary heritage of the Indigenous community in the Kelabit Highlands.
A visit to the Bario Food Festival means that you’ll get a taste of traditional dishes like nuba laya or mashed Bario rice wrapped in isip leaf (a tropical plant leaf); labo payau or dried venison; and luang senaag, which is chopped fish.
You’ll also get to watch cooking demonstrations, enjoy traditional song and dance performances, and check out some traditional handicrafts. The Kelabit people are known for their intricate beadwork, Peta hat (colourful beaded hat) and basket-weaving.
The festival is usually held towards the end of July. We’ve missed this year’s 19th edition, but we can always look forward to the 20th edition next July.
To get to Bario from KL, you’ll need to first fly to Miri. From there, take another flight to Bario (duration: around 50 minutes).
