KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia is entering 2026 with great expectations. As part of the Visit Malaysia Year, the country invites visitors to a colorful and multifaceted celebration of cultures that brings together traditional ceremonies, music festivals, major sporting highlights, and modern large-scale events. Throughout the year, this creates an atmosphere that reflects Malaysia’s impressive cultural diversity, its vibrant festival culture, and the warm hospitality of its people.

At the same time, Tourism Malaysia is presenting the new campaign “2026 Surreal Malaysia Tourism Experience,” which bundles inspiring travel packages and showcases Malaysia in all its facets under the slogan “Asia in One Destination.” The event calendar for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 features several highlights that make Malaysia’s cultural depth and diversity uniquely tangible.

Thaipusam – Colors, Faith, and Devotion

On 1 February, one of the most impressive Hindu festivals in Southeast Asia draws visitors to Malaysia. Thousands of pilgrims and guests experience a ritual that combines spirituality, strength, and deep faith. Many devotees carry elaborately decorated kavadis (ornately adorned burdens)—some several meters high and weighing up to 100 kilograms—as expressions of gratitude, penance, or fulfilled vows.

Accompanied by drums, chants, and prayers, the procession moves toward the iconic Batu Caves with their golden Murugan statue. On this day, Lord Murugan, the youngest son of Shiva and Parvati, is asked for blessings, forgiveness, or healing. The subsequent ascent of the 272 brightly painted steps, surrounded by intense colors and profound spirituality, is an experience that leaves a lasting impression and reveals Malaysia’s mystical side.

Chinese New Year – A Festival of Joy and New Beginnings

Immediately following the Hindu festival of Thaipusam comes Chinese New Year, during which Malaysia shines for two weeks in red and gold. The celebrations, also known as the Spring Festival, begin on 17 February and are considered the most important event in Chinese culture. The entire country turns into a stage filled with colors, aromas, and a joyful atmosphere. Families gather for festive meals, fireworks light up the sky, and impressive lion and dragon dances parade through the streets. Symbolic rituals and lively processions usher in the new lunar year. For travelers, this is one of the most beautiful ways to experience the country’s strong Chinese-Malaysian culture.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri – The Festival of Community

On 30 March, the fasting month of Ramadan comes to an end, and all of Malaysia celebrates Hari Raya Aidilfitri—one of the country’s most important festivals. It is a time of open doors and open hearts. Families visit one another, ask for forgiveness, and share traditional dishes such as rendang, ketupat, lemang, and sweet kuih. Homes are festively decorated, children receive small envelopes of money as a sign of blessing, and celebrations begin in mosques with a communal morning prayer. Hari Raya stands for togetherness, hospitality, and appreciation, offering travelers a deep insight into Malaysian Muslim culture, which is shaped by warmth and community spirit.

Harvest Festival Kaamatan & Gawai – Gratitude, Culture, and Joy of Life

In May and June, two of the country’s most important cultural festivals take place in East Malaysia: Pesta Kaamatan in Sabah and Gawai Dayak in Sarawak. Both celebrations honor the end of the rice harvest and reflect the deeply rooted traditions of indigenous communities. Kaamatan, held on 30 and 31 May, is characterized by ritual ceremonies, colorful dance performances, and gratitude to the rice spirit. Competitions such as the elegant Sumazau dance or the election of the Unduk Ngadau (festival queen) attract numerous visitors each year.

Just one day later, on 1 and 2 June, Gawai Dayak begins in Sarawak—a joyful festival featuring traditional dances, music, blessing rituals, and the sharing of rice wine. The longhouses of the Dayak communities are festively decorated and open their doors to guests. Together, Kaamatan and Gawai demonstrate how vibrantly cultural heritage is preserved in East Malaysia and offer travelers a unique insight into these traditions.

Rainforest World Music Festival – Soundscapes in the Heart of Nature

From 26 to 28 June, the Sarawak Cultural Village in Kuching transforms into a stage for global sound cultures. The Rainforest World Music Festival is one of Asia’s most extraordinary music events and attracts artists from around the world each year.

Against the backdrop of the tropical rainforest, traditional rhythms of indigenous communities meet modern world music. During the day, workshops, dance sessions, and interactive programs invite visitors to experience musical traditions up close, before major open-air concerts begin in the evening. This festival uniquely combines nature, culture, and music, offering travelers an experience that resonates long after it ends.

Malaysia MotoGP – Speed Meets Passion

When engines roar at the Sepang International Circuit in late October 2026, Malaysia becomes a hotspot for motorsport fans from around the globe. The Malaysia MotoGP is one of the most exciting races of the season, thrilling audiences with top-class rider teams, spectacular overtaking maneuvers, and an adrenaline-charged atmosphere. In addition to the race itself, fan events, meet-and-greets, and a dynamic festival vibe ensure an unforgettable experience. The Malaysia GP is a highlight for everyone who loves speed, technology, and pure excitement.

Deepavali – The Festival of Lights

On 8 November 2026, Malaysia glows with thousands of oil lamps as Deepavali is celebrated nationwide. Particularly in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, colorful kolams, festively decorated temples, and fragrant spices transform the streets into a vibrant sea of lights. The day begins with ritual cleansing and prayers, followed by families opening their doors to share traditional dishes such as laddu, murukku, or curries.

Music, temple visits, and colorful markets shape the festive atmosphere, celebrating light as a symbol of hope, joy, and the triumph of good over evil. For travelers, Deepavali offers an impressive insight into Malaysia’s spiritual diversity and warm festive traditions.

“2026 Surreal Malaysia Tourism Experience” – Malaysia’s Diversity at a Glance

With the brochure “2026 Surreal Malaysia Tourism Experience,” Tourism Malaysia officially launches Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Under the slogan “Asia in One Destination,” it demonstrates how nature, culture, adventure, and wellness blend harmoniously in Malaysia. The brochure provides inspiration for authentic and sustainable travel experiences—from rainforest and island adventures to cultural festivals, culinary highlights, and hidden gems.

The campaign is accompanied by the sun bears Wira and Manja, who stand for nature conservation and responsible travel. Structured into various experience worlds—such as Nature & Adventure, Culture & Heritage, Shopping & Lifestyle, or Wellness & Health—the brochure presents diverse travel packages for every taste. As a result, 2026 becomes a year in which Malaysia can be rediscovered in a new and immersive way.

Further information at www.malaysia.travel

Photos © Tourism Malaysia