Malaysia’s cultural diversity is often reflected in our stories, the music that moves us together, and the art that encapsulates our experiences. Throughout the year, several festivals are meant to spotlight and amplify the voices of homegrown talents in various creative arenas. So, mark your calendars and experience the arts and cultural festivals that put Malaysia on the world map!
1. Borneo Jazz Festival
As one of Southeast Asia’s longest-running jazz festivals, the Borneo Jazz Festival (BJF) brings together an eclectic mix of jazz, reggae, pop, and tribal musicians from around the world onto one stage. Originally known as the Miri International Jazz Festival, this annual musical extravaganza was renamed in 2011 to reflect its growing popularity and acclaim as a leading jazz festival in the region. Since 2006, the festival has drawn in a crowd of some 7,000 spectators annually to Miri, Sarawak, looking to partake in a celebration of culture, community, and tradition through music.
2. Rainforest World Music Festival
Since 2005, the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) has been wowing audiences with a diverse range of unique sounds from around the globe. Held on the grounds of the Sarawak Cultural Village nestled against the base of Mount Santubong, about 35 km north of Kuching, this annual three-day festival draws a crowd of some 30,000 who come for music workshops, cultural displays, and food stalls during the day, and for concerts in the evening.
The festival features performances from traditional, contemporary, and world-fusion music, emphasising acts that incorporate acoustic instruments with electronic accompaniment. So, RWMF is a must-experience for those looking to expand their music horizon.
3. Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest)
Established in 2016, the Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) has been a platform for creative talents in the film industry to showcase their work and connect with other industry professionals. With a commitment to promote cinematic diversity, MIFFest proudly presents both international and local films in over 30 different languages from a wide range of genres.
The week-long festival is a public exhibition where film screenings are held at several participating local cinemas and outdoor spaces. The event also includes forums and masterclasses on the art and craft of filmmaking. Budding filmmakers will want to keep tabs on MIFFest because, in addition to being an excellent networking opportunity, the festival also welcomes submissions each year for feature films to be screened in the following iteration of the event.
4. Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW)
From budding talents to veterans, Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week (KLFW) showcases and celebrates the best of Malaysia’s homegrown designers and brands with glitz and glamour. On top of being the must-go event for aspiring designers, couture lovers, and fashion trend observers, KLFW was awarded the accolade for Best Fashion Event in Malaysia at the Southeast Asia Business Awards 2024. As an annual platform for designers that bring a dazzling array of styles and aesthetics, you can be sure there is never a dull moment.
5. Royal Floria Purtajaya
As Malaysia’s leading flower and garden festival since 2007, the Royal Floria is an event where nature meets imagination and artistry. The public is invited to marvel at a plethora of flora species, rare and common, on display in fairytale-like garden settings along with sculptures and art installations.
Besides being immersed in a vibrant and colourful wonderland of flowers, visitors can anticipate singing and dance performances, fun runs, and art contests among the activities. The festival will especially delight plant parents and gardening enthusiasts, as there will also be a marketplace offering horticultural goods and plant babies for adoption.
6. Penang International Food Festival (PIFF)
When it comes to experiencing the best in Malaysian cuisines, Penang is the place to be. In fact, you can explore the island’s gastronomical wonders at the annual Penang International Food Festival (PIFF). This state-wide month-long food festival takes place at several hotspots across the island and mainland, with live performances taking place at some venues for festival goers to enjoy between feastings.
Whether it is traditional cuisines, street food, or innovative Michelin star-calibre offerings, PIFF is an event that is sure to satiate the most adventurous of foodies. The festival will take you to different locations around Penang, allowing you to get acquainted with the island’s history and heritage too.
7. George Town Literary Festival
For bookworms, authors, and aspiring writers, the George Town Literary Festival (GTLF) is the event to look forward to. It is, after all, the first literary event in Southeast Asia to receive the Literary Festival Award at the London Book Fair International Excellence Awards.
The festival brings local and international writers of all disciplines and genres for readings, book launches, and panel discussions in selected hubs within the historic city. Typically taking place on the last weekend of November, GTLF is where one can stay current with the literary landscape, network, be inspired, meet and mingle with your favourite writers, and of course, buy more books for your to-be-read pile.
