Malaysia will be packed with festivals, challenges, and fun events this November. We found so many great events that we’ve decided to present them to you in two articles. In this article, we look at events outside the Klang Valley including Penang, Borneo, Langkawi, and Perak.
If you’re looking for events in KL or Selangor, check out this article:
Penang
1. Georgetown Literary Festival 2016
The only literary festival funded by the state government, this festival celebrates the literary world of poetry, prose and spoken words. Every year, the festival hosts various writers, novelists, spoken word artists and more from diverse backgrounds and this year is no exception. For GTLF’s sixth year, the keynote speakers include Malaysia’s leading feminist activist, Zainah Answer, National Laureate of Malaysia Muhammad Haji Salleh, Tash Aw, Faisal Tehrani, Dina Zaman, and Karim Raslan.
Venue: Wisma Yeap Chor Ee; Black Kettle; and The Canteen at ChinaHouse in Georgetown
Date: 25th November – 27th November
Tickets: All events are free, with the exception of the writing workshops
Website: www.georgetownlitfest.com
2. Penang Bridge International Marathon
Every year, the Penang Bridge shuts down for a while as thousands of athletes run across it for the Penang Bridge International Marathon. This year, there will be four categories: Full marathon, half marathon, 10km, and 5km fun run. Registration to participate is now closed but spectators are welcomes to cheer on the runners.
Venue: Penang Bridge
Date: 27 November
Website: www.penangmarathon.gov.my
3. In-between Arts Festival (IbAF), Penang
The IbAF is a three-day festival tucked between two other festivals – hence the name. The festival offers a cacophony plethora of events such as film screenings, a pop-up market, photography contests, workshops, traditional shows, and doodling artists at work. For a full list of events, check out the IbAF website below.
Venue: ChinaHouse and the area around Lebuh Victoria, Penang
Dates: 30 November – 2 December
Tickets: You’ll need to RSVP for individual events – links can be found on the website.
Website: georgetownfestival.com/in-between-arts-festival
Borneo
4. Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta
This event which take places in the Sarawak River will see foreign and local teams competing in various race categories. Apart from the Dragon Boat Race and Sarawak Regatta races, visitors can enjoy local food and handicraft exhibitions. There will be plenty of other events as well including a duck catching competition, tug-of-war, canoeing, and singing presentations by local singers.
Venue: Kuching Waterfront, Kuching, Sarawak
Date: 11th – 13th November
Tickets: Free
Website: www.malaysia.travel
5. Bamboo Music Festival, Sabah
Happening only an hour away from Kota Kinabalu, this festival celebrates the versatile, strong plant with a day full of music and cultural activities. The festival will feature traditional music performances by the Bamboo Music Orchestra, traditional sports involving bamboo, and bamboo product exhibitions and sales.
Venue: Tun Hamdan Community Hall, Tamparuli, Sabah
Date: 23rd November
Tickets: Free
Website: sabahbah.com
6. Labuan Remembrance Day
Also known as Poppy Day, Remembrance Day is observed at the 11th Hour on 11th November each year in some Commonwealth countries to commemorate soldiers who gave their lives in the Second World War. In Borneo, Remembrance Day is observed at the Labuan World War II Memorial ground where there will be laying of wreathes among other symbolic gestures.
Venue: Labuan World War II Memorial
Date: 13th November, 8.030am
Tickets: Free
Website: www.facebook.com/events/542919982564517/
Pahang
7. RFC Rainforest Challenge
One of the toughest motor races in the world, the RFC Grand Final is a 4×4 off-road event involves participants from over 30 nations. In this special 20th Edition, tough men and women with their machines will go against the odds and race through the rainforest.
Venue: KL, Pahang
Date: 25th Novembe – 5th December
Website: www.rainforest-challenge.com
Johor
8. Johor Bahru Film Festival 2016
Under the patronage of YAM Tunku Tun Aminah, the Johor Bahru Film Festival is back – this time with 14 feature films and 10 short films from 13 countries as well as 3 masterclasses over 3 days. Join film-maker and film-enthusiasts for a weekend that celebrates cinema, storytelling, and conversations. Malaysian filmmaker Hassan Muthalib curated the selection of films for this year which includes award-winning films from Nusantara, Asia, South Asia, Europe, all exploring the essence of humanity. Find a list of films and the schedule on the website.
Venue: Mall of Medini, JB
Date: 10th – 13th November
Ticket: RM10 per film
Website: allevents.in/johor-bahru-film-festival-2016
Melaka
9. Melaka art and performance festival
Returning for the 8th time, the MAPFest brings together world-class artists from around the globe to showcase their internationally recognized works. St. Paul’s Hill will be filled with 40 artists from 10 countries performing contemporary dances, displaying visual and multimedia arts, and more. The collaboration will see artists from France, Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, India, America, and Malaysia come together at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Venue: St. Paul’s Hill, Melaka
Date: 25th November – 27th November
Tickets: Free admission
Website: melakafestival.com
Langkawi
10. Ironman Langkawi
One of the world’s most challenging endurance test is back in Langkawi. The triathlon consists of a 3.8km swim, 180km cucle, and 42.4km run. Beginning at the white sandy Pantai Kok, athletes must them make their way through a gruelling bike course long the hills of Datai and Kuah Town before enduring a scenic run along the Langkawi International Airport towards the finish line at Cenang Beach.
Venue: Pantai Kok, Langkawi
Date: 12 November
Tickets: Free for spectators
Website: ap.ironman.com
Perak
11. Ipoh Food Festival
The Ipoh Food Festival is a annual project with a vision of enriching the lives of Malaysians through community-building and cultural programs. The program spans a range of ticketed and free events, including Cooking Demonstrations, Workshops and Masterclasses, Special Events, Food Forums, Film Screenings, Food Tours, and much more.
Venue: 16, Jalan Raja Dihilir, 30350 Ipoh, Perak
Date: 25th-28th November 2016
Tickets: TBA
Website: ipohfoodfestival.com
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