Nanyang Wushu Golden Lion Dance Festival & Chinese New Year Show - Kuching (18th January)
The perfect place to see Lion Dance at its best, the annual Golden Lion Dance Festival is a dazzling display of the combined Chinese culture, martial arts and mythology as teams vie for top honors in this competitive event. Featuring acrobats dressed as mystical lions that make gravity defying leaps and bounds, they climb on swaying poles to the hypnotic rhythmic beating if drums and cymbals. A must during Chinese New Year, the Lion Dance is a unique display of the wonderful ancient art that is still widely practiced until today.

Law Enforcement Torch Run (20th January)
Special Olympics is an international organization which runs year round sports training and competition for intellectually disabled people, helping them to achieve self-independence and to be accepted and respected citizens in the community. In continuing the effort to help people with disabilities in the integration process, approximately 700 participants including athletes from all over the state is expected to join the Run.

March

Malaysia Mega Sales Carnival (1st - 30th March)
The shoppers' dream come true, the launching of the 2003 Malaysia nationwide Mega Sales Carnival is a galore of shopping opportunities where all participating departmental stores and commercial complexes, designer boutiques and retailing outlets offer fantastic bargains and unbelievable discounts. The one-month-long carnival provides all round excitement especially to shoppers and bargain hunters.

Bukit AUP Jubilee Run - Sibu (31st March)
Home of legends about fairies bathing in a pool on the slopes of the famed Bukit AUP, the run is a challenging event fit for runners who slog up to the summit to finish the journey and to enjoy the panoramic views of Malaysia's longest river, the Rejang, from the top of the hill. For leisure seekers, they can opt to just mingle with the local crowds and buy souvenirs at the handicrafts sales and exhibitions held in conjunction with the annual event.

May

Malaysia Water Festival (12th April - 10th May)
Although this festival officially takes off with a splash in Lumut and Perak, visitors will have the opportunity to experience thrilling kayak, canoe and Jet Ski races that add to the excitement and fun of water based activities throughout Malaysia. Visitors can take part in 'catch the duck' and 'log walking' competitions with great prizes up for grabs! More leisure-minded guests could just, lie back and enjoy long white, sandy beaches, while diving and snorkeling enthusiast explore natures bounty in crystal clear waters. Cultural activities, concerts and boat parades add a touch of gaiety to this already fun filled month!

Nanyang Wushu 'Kung Fu' Festival - Kuching (3rd - 10th May)
An annual event where great and skillful exponents of Wushu - one of Chinese martial arts, meet every year and give the people the golden opportunity to watch veteran masters and youthful adherents practice the ancient art of self-defense originated from the temples of China. The festival is a wonderful show of the traditional martial arts are still alive and thriving among the Chinese communities settling in Sarawak, making it very popular in Asia and throughout the world.

Gawai Carnival & Cultural Fest 2003 - Sibu (10th - 12th May)
A colorful showcase of the prelude to Gawai Dayak, the Gawai Tourism Night held annually at the Sarawak Cultural Village - the Living Museum, highlights Sarawak's ethnic groups and their unique cultures as well as traditions. It is the prefect venues for those wanting to savor local traditional music and dances as the drama based on the life and legends of the Dayaks unfolds. Guests are also invited to visit the respective traditional ethnic homes at the village where local drinks and delicacies are served.

Colors of Malaysia (24th May- 21st June)
This month long celebration brings out the best of Malaysia and provides visitors with a wonderful overview of the nation's multi-cultural diversity, its arts and traditions. A colorful and glittering parade in Kuala Lumpur comprising a cast of thousand starts off celebrations that include dance and music performance as well as food festivals and cultural exhibitions throughout the country. Possibly one of the best times to be in Malaysia, this event provides visitors with an insight into the unique and warm people that make up this amazing country. It is a truly convenient and fun-filled time to visit Malaysia!

June

Irau Aco Lun Bawang - Lawas (1st - 2nd June 2003)
Immerse yourself in Lun Bawang culture as this proud and hospitable people celebrate the harvest in their own unique style embracing their special customs and traditions. The Lun Bawang inhabits the upper reaches of Baram but, these days, the focus of their festival is the town of Lawas, in the north of Sarawak. During Arau Aco you can witness the traditional music competition featuring bamboo instruments and dances. You can also find fascinating souvenirs of your visit at the handicraft exhibition where everyday items become works of art thanks to colorful and intricate designs.

Malaysia Open House: Gawai Festival - Sibu (14th June)
A holiday throughout Sarawak, Gawai Dayak is the start of the harvest and month long celebrations in longhouses and villages state wide. This is the ideal time to visit a longhouse and share in the local customs, dances and traditions. Be prepared to consume copious amount of 'Tuak', the potent rice wine that plays an important part in the celebrations. In the towns local people traditionally have open house during this festive season. The celebration is fervently felt by the people of Sarawak making all towns almost comes to a standstill when the Ibans, the largest ethnic group in the state, and other ethnic groups such as the Orang Ulu and Bidayuh celebrate Gawai. Relatives and friends are treated to Tuak (rice wine) and traditional delicacies at 'open houses' in the longhouses. There is music and dancing and many take the opportunity to show their lovely ceremonial costumes during this fun-filled celebration.

July

Food & Fruits Fiesta (4th - 26th July)
Malaysian culinary fare is delightful mixes of flavors and sensations, reflecting the influences of the many races and ethnic groups in the country. Locals and visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to food and fruits. During this fiesta, there is plenty of opportunity to try out the fabulous range of Asian and international cuisine, as well as sample a variety of fruits, from tropical to temperate. This fiesta held throughout Malaysia, takes off in Kota Kinabalu on 4th July 2003.

Rainforest World Music Festival - Sarawak Cultural Village (11th - 13th July)
The popularity of world music as the universal language of emotion is featured in this music festival that brings together singers and musicians from all over the world to the Island of Borneo, in a unique festival set against the backdrop of one of the world's oldest rainforest. First introduced in 1998, this event is about world music celebrated in the creative spirit of musicians of different ethnicities, backgrounds and musical traditions. The presences of international guest musicians add their talents to those of local Sarawak groups whose music, friendship and hospitality transcend beyond boundary. The longhouses and traditional native dwellings reproduced in the unique Sarawak Cultural Village will feature musical workshops, mini concerts, jam sessions, ethnomusicology lectures, dance workshop and children workshops by musicians from around the world.

Sarawak Similajau Nature Challenge - Similajau National Park, Bintulu (19th July)
Pitting man against nature, the event is one of the toughest outdoor sporting adventure in Sarawak with the venue - Similajau National Park near Bintulu, is the home of the world's biggest reptiles, the saltwater crocodiles. For the daring few, participating in this challenging event requires keeping up with the vigorous race and face the other challenges of this wild park. The challenge includes mountain biking and running in its jungle trails and canoe along its rivers with the start and finishing point is as the Park headquarters. While the national park trails are well marked, the jungle treks are renowned to be some of the world's best.

August

Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival 2003 (2nd - 31st August)
A shopper's dream come true - a month-long shopping carnival in Kuala Lumpur and urban centers throughout Malaysia! Fantastic discounts and unbelievable bargains are on offer at shopping centers, emporiums, retail outlets as well as exclusive boutique. Hotels and restaurants also get in on the act, offering patrons attractive rates and price. There's no better time to pick up that lovely gold bracelet, exquisite designer dress or state-of-the-art camera. Check out that many activities at the bazaar's, fairs and exhibition that will be held all over the town. This is also the time when the various Malaysian States showcase their traditional arts and culture.

Merdeka Month Celebration (17th August - 16th September)
Malaysians celebrate Merdeka Day or Independence Day this month. A proliferation of Malaysian flags can be seen everywhere - on vehicles, buildings and homes - as citizens give in to the fervor of national pride. Visitors should look out for fireworks displays, historical and patriotic exhibitions in shopping centers and hotels. Cultural shows highlight in the diversity of the Malaysian people and parades across the country beginning on 17th August with a grand celebration to kick off the festivities. The official Merdeka Day parade is held on the morning of 31st August.

September

Jet Ski and Kayak Meet - Kuching Waterfront (5th September)
The festival which Jet Ski experts or kayak enthusiasts come and take up the challenge in competing in the ace are held in conjunction with the annual Sarawak regatta. On the way to the finishing line, thousands of cheering and anxious spectators lining up at the Kuching Waterfront are all there encouraging the competitors. Catching the imagination of the local fanfare at the venue, the jet skies and kayak races are set to steal the limelight of the day.

Sarawak Regatta - Kuching Waterfront (6th - 7th September)
Started over one and a half centuries ago, this event was a means of determining the victor of a confrontation without having to resort to war. Held annually in Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, the popular Kuching Waterfront becomes the gathering venue of thousands of people from all walks of life who come to witness this flagship event of Kuching City.

It is an offshoot of the Baram Regatta that was originally a contest between traditionally huge war canoes bringing ferocious daring warriors traveling upriver. They were first held on the Baram River to settle local rivalries between disputing tribes without resorting to war and headhunting. The excitement of those warlike, bygone days is rekindled as the state's expert boatmen take up their paddles to prove their prowess. Much awaited by the locals, these days though, the race takes place on the Sarawak River, off the city's award winning waterfront. Traditional longboats have today been joined by hornbill and balak boats with modern powerboat and there is the added excitement of jet skies and kayak racing with the exception of the traditional ferry boats or Perahu Tambang race that will definitely attract the crowd.

October

Deepavali (15th October)
It is easy to spot the Hindu home during Deepavali with the multitude of lamps that light up each house. This 'festival of lights', which symbolizes the triumph of good evil, celebrated in seven month of the Hindu calendar. Cleansing rituals and thanksgiving prayers take place at temples and household altars. The traditional 'open house' welcomes relatives and friends to join in celebrating a truly remarkable day. The Malaysia Open House for this festival will be held on 24th October in Penang.

Ramadan Bazaar (27 October - 20 November)
A phenomenon that occurs during the fasting month of Ramadan is the abundance and variety of food and street vendors that appear in Kuala Lumpur and elsewhere. Both tourists and locals (Muslims and non-Muslims alike) take that opportunity to savor authentic 'hard-to-get' Malay dishes not often found at other times. Look out for the many locations that usually start around 3 or 4 o'clock in the afternoon. And keep an eye open for the famous bubur lambuk (rice porridge), which is distributed free to public from mosques.

November

Borneo X-Treme Games Challenge 2003 - Kuching (1st November)
The center stage for experts in skateboarding, BMX riding and inline skating, the event venue is at the Kuching Waterfront, the popular address where people from all walks of life gathers to enjoy good company and watching good events. Extreme as it seems, the gravity defying moves by the competitors who will very much reveal the hidden talents of this modern day sports. So popular among the younger generation, the event is participated by enthusiasts from all over Sarawak and attracting entries from neighboring countries.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri (26th - 27th November)
Hari Raya Aidilfitri marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan for Muslims and specials prayers are held in mosque throughout the country. Family reunites and opens house for friends. His Majesty the King of Malaysia and Muslim government leaders also hold 'Open House' for the public at their official residences to which all are welcome. Queues can be quite long, so go early. The Malaysia Open House will be held on 6th December in Kuching, Sarawak.

Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival (8th November 2003 - 3rd January 2004)
Indulge in your every fancy with Malaysia month-long shopping carnivals in Kuala Lumpur and other urban centers in the country! Check out fantastic discounts and unbelievable bargains in a nation already famous for its great shopping deals! Make your rounds of the multitude of world class shopping centers and browse the Sunday bazaars, fairs and exhibitions held across the country for that very special thing you have always wanted!

December

Malaysia Open House: Hari Raya Aidilfitri (6th December)
Marking the end of the fasting month, Hari Raya Aidilfitri ushers in special prayers, family gathering, feasting, visiting relatives and friends. A grand time which Malay cultural shows and performing arts are taken to the stage.

Borneo Cup International Motorcross Championship - Bau (21st December)
An annual event where local and visiting enthusiasts of motorcross racing gather to pit their skills and guts in conquering the demanding Krokong dirt track and rugged course. The shattering roar of the competing racers will set the pulse of even the onlookers themselves. The locals and their visiting competitors will have more than just a hard time conquering the rough and undulating track much as the intensity of the race gets, there is still the friendly hospitality of the local Bidayuh people to welcome visitors.

Christmas Day (25th December)
Christians in Malaysia celebrates by decorating Christmas trees, attending church services and caroling. 'Open Houses' are also held on Christmas Day, during which guests are treated to food and drinks. The Malaysia Open House will be held on 27 December in Johor.