Malaysia’s Best Festivals in May: Cultural Events You Shouldn’t Miss

If you plan to take a trip to Malaysia in May, you are going to have an amazing cultural experience. Vibrant festivals from different countries herald the arrivals of festivals to the month, there are festivals which show the heritage, the traditions and the multicultural spirit of the country. There is food festival, grand, religious celebration, lively street parade, something for every traveler to enjoy. If you’re visiting Malaysia for the first time or a returning explorer, May is the best time to see the country’s dynamic festivities.

If you are from UAE, the first thing you want to do is to secure your Malaysia visa from Dubai or Malaysia visa from Abu Dhabi before you travel. There is plenty of exciting events happening all across the country such as Buddhist celebrations, thrilling sea sports and delicious food festivals in Malaysia and this means a cultural adventure. Therefore, pack your bags and prepare to get lost in the festive spirit of Malaysia this May!

Here are the Malaysia’s Best Festivals in May: Cultural Events You Shouldn’t Miss

1. Waisak Day (Vesak Day) – A Celebration of Buddhist Culture

One of the most important Buddhist festivals in Malaysia is Waisak Day celebrated in May. It was commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and death of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha). In fact, this day is celebrated with serene and spiritual processions, especially at Buddhist temples like the famous Kek Lok Si Temple in Penang. You will see devotees praying, lighting incense and doing peaceful rituals.

Tip: Waisak Day in Malaysia is a time of beauty, therefore you might want to consider the best places to visit in Penang. If you are traveling from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, don’t forget to apply for your Malaysia visa in advance.

2. Hari Raya Aidilfitri – The Joyous End of Ramadan

Hari Raya Aidilfitri (or Hari Raya) is one of the most celebrated festivals in Malaysia, especially among the Malay Muslim community. Ramadan is the month of fasting, and this is the end of it. Decorations light up the streets of Kuala Lumpur, Penang and other cities and the celebrations include open houses, in which locals invite friends and family to enjoy traditional Malaysian delicacies. Ketupat (rice cakes), rendang (spicy beef stew), and lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo) are an absolute highlight of the food.

Tip: If you’re flying to Malaysia from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, plan ahead for the festivities as it is a peak travel season. Ensure that you have your Malaysia visa through Dubai, or your Malaysia visa from Abu Dhabi!

3. Labuan International Sea Challenge – An Adventure by the Sea

The Labuan International Sea Challenge has to be for the adventure lovers! This is a thrilling event on the beautiful island of Labuan and has competitions like jet ski races, boat races and other water sports. From whether you are a participant or are just there to watch, the festival atmosphere is so lively and adrenaline pumping that you will not root that you ever forgot.

Tip: Labuan is easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur and if you are travelling from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, don’t forget to apply for your Malaysia visa way ahead of time. This is a great chance to experience another side of Malaysia while indulging in this action packed event.

4. Penang International Food Festival – A Feast for Your Taste Buds

Naturally, food lovers are in for the best! It is an annual event that celebrates Penang’s world renowned culinary scene. As Penang’s food scene is from street food stalls to fine dining experiences, therefore you will have a food that shall please. There will be the opportunity to taste some of Penang’s most iconic dishes such as Char Kway Teow (stir fried noodles), Nasi Kandar and the famous Penang Laksa. During the festival one often gets cooking demonstrations and workshops which provide a sneak peek into how these dishes are actually made.

Tip: Penang is a food paradise and a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you’re coming from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you should get your Malaysia visa in advance so you can fully taste and see Penang.

5. Gawai Dayak – A Glimpse into the Iban Culture

For travelers who are going to the East Malaysian states of Sarawak or Sabah, you might also get the opportunity to experience Gawai Dayak, a festival celebrated by the Iban community. Gawai Dayak is the celebration of the end of the rice harvest, held in early June, sometimes spilling into May, and a time to feast, sing and dance. Other local delicacies, such as rice wine and other such things, can be tasted, and visitors can enjoy traditional Iban dances such as the Ngajat.

Tip: Most especially, don’t forget for your trip to Gawai Dayak doesn’t need much of excitement but planning early. If you’re coming from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you’ll need to get your Malaysia visa before you begin your journey.

Conclusion:

May is certainly the best time to visit Malaysia as the country is filled with many cultural festivals and celebrations. It depends if you are at the Earthly Penang International Food Festival, at the Labuan International Sea challenge watching the water sports, the beautiful happening of Waisak Day or whatever the specific event is – you get a certain glimpse of how they are culturally different in Malaysia. Owing to the fact that these festivals bring communities together, apart from being an incredible experience for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in local traditions, these festivals contribute to a large extent in preserving the same.

For travelers from the UAE, it’s best to apply for your Malaysia visa from Dubai or Malaysia visa from Abu Dhabi before your trip to avoid any inconvenience during your journey. For those who want to explore Malaysia’s cultural wonders, May is the best time to do so. Therefore, begin planning your journey, get your visa and prepare for the memories of a lifetime at Malaysia’s best festivals!