What it lacks in number of days, February makes up for in fun and excitement. Catch Journey live in Malaysia, oogle at fantastic light displays and giant balloons, and take part in a number of different festivals around the country.
1. Kek Lok Si Display of Lights
A beautiful sight any time of the year, Kek Lok Si Temple is especially mesmerising during Chinese New Year as it is lit up with over 10,000 lights. Particularly impressive is the illumination of the 99-foot high statue of Kuan Yim, the Goddess of Mercy. The 125-year old temple’s annual lighting display is believed to bring peace, luck, and prosperity for the coming year.
Date: 27th Jan to 11th February 2017
Venue: Kek Lok Si Temple, Ayer Itam, Penang
Tickets: Free
Website: mypenang.gov.my
2. Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
Back for the third time, the Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta will be held at the Padang Polo (Polo Ground) in Penang on the 8th and 9th day of Chinese New Year. This will be a fantastic way to celebrate the festivity and enjoy some fun, games, and spectacular views. There will be 15 hot air balloons on display during the fiesta. Also, 10 free flying hot air balloons will take to the sky on 3rd February at Sungai Jawi. There will also be tethered balloon rides, a Night Glow show each night, Cold Inflation activities, entertainment, F&B stalls and more.
Date: 4th & 5th February 2017, 7am – 9.30pm
Venue: Padang Polo, Greorge Town, Penang
Tickets: Entry is free. Tethered balloon ride, RM50; and Cold inflation, RM5.
Website: www.penanghotairballoonfiesta.com
3. Journey Live in Malaysia
Iconic band, Journey, is coming to Malaysia for the first time ever as part of their Journey 2017 World Tour. The band comprises of Neal Schon, Ross Valory, Jonathan Cain, Steve Smith, and Arnet Pineda who joined as the new vocalist in 2007. After a few decades in the industry, Journey has sold over 80 million albums and played in sold-out arenas around the globe. Fans in the region can finally catch this band live in what is promised to be an epic night.
Date: 11th February 2017, 8.20pm
Venue: Stadium Malawati, Shah Alam, Selangor
Tickets: RM480, RM530, RM430, RM290, RM140 | ticketcharge.com.my
Website: fb.com/Journey
4. Pitas Chinese New Year Festival 2017
Last year, the Pitas Chinese New Year Festival was awarded the record of ‘Longest Non-stop Chinese New Year Event’ by the Malaysia Book of Records. Based on that, it’s safe to say that you can look forward to another epic CNY festival in Pitas with the local community.
Date: 11th & 12th February 2017
Venue: Dataran Salimpodon Laut, Pitas
Tickets: Free
Website: sabahtourism.com/events
5. Kuching Heritage Race 2017
This team event of 2 to 6 members is a race through Central Kuching where teams will be tested on their knowledge and agility. The race aims to bring some fun into learning about Kuching’s heritage and traditions. Proceeds from the race will be channelled into heritage projects and under-funded charities. Only in its second year, the race promises to be exciting, challenging, and illuminating.
Date: 25th February 2017, 7.00am – 12.30pm
Venue: Kuching
Tickets: RM60/person | Registration is currently closed, but you will be placed on a wait-list in case a team pulls out
Website: kuchingheritage.com
6. Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race
The event is organised by the Fraser’s Hill Development Corporation of Pahang and co-sponsored by the Malaysian Natura Society and the Malaysian WWW for Nature. Local and international birdwatchers gather on Fraser’s Hill to watch more than 260 species of birds, both endemic and migratory birds. Bird enthusiasts will probably know that there is a wide spectrum of birds to be seen at Fraser’s Hill, from the common to the exotic and extremely rare. Have fun and try to be one who spots the most number of bird species!
Date: 25th & 26th February 2017
Venue: No 33 & 33A, ICT Hub, Indian Town, Jalan Putra Square 4, 25200 Kuantan, Pahang
Tickets: Free
Website: visitpahang.com/events
7. Miri Country Music Fest 2017
For the first time since its inception, the Miri Country Music Fest will be held over two days at the ParkCity Everly Hotel. Festival goers can attend workshops, dance to an impressive line up of performances by country musicians from around the world, and take part in the biggest line dance in Malaysia.
Date: 25th & 26th February 2017, 12pm – 12am
Venue: ParkCity Everly Hotel, Miri, Sarawak
Tickets: One day pass – RM80 (Adult), RM40 (Child); Two day pass – RM150 (Adult), RM70 (Child) | miricountrymusic.com/index.php/tickets
Website: miricountrymusic.com
Celebrations
Thaipusam
The festival is about faith, endurance, and penance, and is celebrated in Malaysia over a span of three days. It is celebrated on the tenth day of the Tamil month, known as Thai, depending on the alignment of the sun, moon and planets, and takes place in the sacred Hindu shrine at Batu Caves.
The dynamic, colourful and devotional event was first celebrated at the Batu Caves in 1888 and has since become an important expression of cultural and religious identity to Malaysians of Tamil origin. It is now by far the largest and most significant Hindu public display in the country and attracts more than one and a half million people each year.
Date: 9th February 2017
Venue: Batu Caves, Selangor
Chingay Parade
The Chingay Parade is an annual street parade held as part of Chinese New Year Festivities in Penang and JB, a tradition that started in the 19th century. In recent times, the Chingay procession has grown from a small town street affair to a massive parade with dancers, giant floats, percussionists, lion dancers, and more. In Johor, Chingay is when devotees carry the five deities from JB Old Temple around on an annual ‘tour’ so that the Gods will bless the city with peace, prosperity, and harmony.
The parade is on the 17th but festival starts on the 14th with a lighting ceremony. The next day is when the streets are cleaned and the day before the big night parade is a daytime prelude. Finally, on the day after the night parade, is the finale when the deities are returned to the Old Temple.
Date: 17th February 2017
Venue: Old Temple, Johor Bharu
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