This annual event sees jazz groups from around the world converging at the Miri Resort City. Around 7,000 spectators and participants, comprising of locals, expatriates and visitors, are expected at this exciting musical galore.
TADAU KAAMATAN
30 May 2012 - 31 May 2012
Tadau Kaamatan is a harvest festival celebrated in Sabah and Labuan. The festival marks the end of the harvesting season and the beginning of a new season. Visitors can watch traditional dances, musical performances and participate in other interesting activities.
1MALAYSIA MEGA SALE CARNIVAL
15 June 2012 - 2 September 2012
Shop, Eat and Celebrate! The 1Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival 2012 is all set to woo shoppers with a string of promotions and tempting discounts for 7 whole weeks. Kicking off on 15 June till 2 September, the sale carnival this time around brings you even more bargains with the onset of the Hari Raya Puasa festivities and the 1Malaysia Unified Sale which runs concurrently with the 1MMSC 2012, to offer you more than just retail goods. So look within and beyond shopping malls this year and experience a wholesome shopping spree.
PUTRAJAYA FLORIA
30 June 2012 - 8 July 2012
After successful shows in 2007, 2009 and with over 600 000 visitors from all over the world in 2010, FLORIA returns and is set to be even more spectacular and colourful. The festival showcases the best of the Malaysian and international landscape and horticulture industry; from commercial landscape products to garden design showcase and flower displays. Exhibitors from Malaysia and foreign countries will create exceptional displays and presentations in a park-setting environment.Come and be part of the excitement!.
Invitational Artists Exhibition
Date : 15 March - 27 April 2012
Established and known artists to the Sabah Art Gallery are invited to showcase their most recent art works at the gallery. The exhibition honours the efforts of active artists who have contributed to the development of Sabah art throughout the years.
Tour Of Borneo
Date : 27 April - 01 May 2012
Sabah is hosting an international cycling event for the first time ever, covering 757.7 kilometers in five days. Inspired by the famous Le Tour de Langkawi, Tour of Borneo 2012 will be seeing participation from countries such as Spain, Greece, Hong Kong, Japan, Iran, Indonesia, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and also cyclists from all over Malaysia.
It is also an event listed in the Union Cyclist International (UCI) Road Calendar which lists prominent cycling events throughout the world.
To flag off in Semporna, the tour will move on to Tawau, Lahad Datu, Sandakan, Kundasang and culminates in Dataran Bandaraya, Kota Kinabalu with a ceremony scheduled to be officiated by Tour of Borneo Honorary Patron, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
MAY 2012
Harvest Festival, Sandakan
Date : May 2012
Get into the Kaamatan mood by joining the people of Sandakan in celebrating the Harvest Festival with various cultural activities such as the Unduk Ngadau (traditional beauty pageant) and sugandoi (singing competition).
Crafts Exotica Date : 02 - 27 May 2012
Master artisans from the various ethnic groups in Sabah will come together to display their finely-tuned talents for the public to appreciate. View the arts and crafts demonstrations and participate in clinics to gain hands-on experience in producing some of Sabah's exclusive traditional craftwork.
Sabah Fest 2012 - A Cultural Extravaganza
Date : 03 - 05 May 2012
This prelude to the statewide Harvest Festival celebration is a superbly entertaining cultural extravaganza that incorporates dance, music, fashion, food and more. Sabah Fest 2012 presents a wonderful blend of cultural and natural heritage that is richly embedded in folklore.
The Sabah Fest 2012 presents: The Adventures of Ngarayang Synopsis:
The charms of a beautiful princess capture the heart of a young and mischievous barter trader on his travels along the old trade routes of west coast Sabah
While tales of mystical rituals, captivating dances and mesmerising music in land of exotic people and cultures fascinate Ngarayang, his heart still yearns to see his princess again.
Will Ngarayang's adventures finally lead him to her?
Wesak Day
Date : 05 May 2012
Wesak Day marks the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha. Devotees gather at temples from the crack of dawn to conduct prayers and provide offerings such as flowers and incenses.
Borneo International Marathon
Date : 06 May 2012
The 5th Borneo International Marathon will be held along the scenic coastal roads of Kota Kinabalu with three main events - 10km, 21.1km (half marathon) and 42.2km (full marathon).
Patterns & Colours of Sabah Exhibition
Date : 10 May - 22 June 2012
An exhibition that highlights a unique combination of fine art works and handicrafts where multi colored woven mats, baskets, fabric and bead works are featured alongside 2D paintings. This showcase of creative and contemporary art is aimed at increasing public awareness and understanding of the progressive development of local visual art and handicrafts.
Kadazan Mock-Up Wedding
Date : 12 May 2012
Witness a traditional Kadazan wedding with ceremonial rites such as the miohon pinisi, the exchange of vows by the couple which is presided over by the bobohizan (high priestess), and other equally fascinating rituals.
Kota Kinabalu City Harvest Festival
Date : 17 - 18 May 2012
The Kaamatan or harvest festival is celebrated by the Kadazandusun and Murut communities in Sabah to give thanks to the bambaazon (rice spirit) for a good harvest This city-level celebration includes the much-anticipated Unduk Ngadau (Harvest Queen) pageant, Sugandoi (singing) competition featuring Kadazandusun songs, traditional food and drink competition, local food tasting and much more. All are welcome to join in the merriment, Sabahan style!
World Museum Day
Date : 18 May 2012
A variety of traditional arts and cultural performances, demonstrations and exhibitions will be held at the Sabah Museum as it recognizes the role of museums worldwide in enhancing heritage awareness and social identity. Public entrance is free on the first day.
District 87 Toastmasters Annual Convention
Date : 18 - 20 May 2012
Toastmasters District 87 comprises of clubs in Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia. Some 500 delegates and their families from these clubs are expected to attend the convention with delegates from the USA, Singapore, the Philippines and other ASEAN countries expected to be present as well.
Pitas Bengkoka Festival
Date : 18 - 20 May 2012
A colourful event held in conjunction with the Harvest Festival to showcase Pitas and its attractions. Various events will be held such as sea sports, a decorative boat competition, agriculture and commercial expos, and crowning of the Unduk Ngadau or Harvest Festival Queen to cap off the day.
Sabah International Fishing Tournament
Date : 25 - 27 May 2012
This off-shore fishing competition not only promotes the sport, but also aims to encourage conservation of marine resources.
Harvest Festival Open Regatta
Date : 26 - 27 May 2012
Kinabalu Yacht Club takes the opportunity of the holiday season to organize this annual event that aims to promote sports tourism in Sabah. The regatta's objective is also to promote sailing as a sport that builds up self-discipline among youths.
Tadau Ka'amatan Celebrations - Grand Finale
Date : 30 - 31 May 2012
This month long Harvest Festival celebration will culminate at Hongkod Koisaan, the Kadazandusun Cultural Association Hall in Penampang. Join in the merriment as local folks sing, dance, eat and play traditional games. This is also the main stage for the final round of the Unduk Ngadau (Harvest Beauty Queen) pageant!
JUNE 2012
Sandakan Festival
Date : June 2012
Sandakan is fast becoming a vibrant modern city and is the gateway to amazing nature and wildlife destinations on the east coast. This annual event aids the city in promoting itself as one of the most-visited tourism cities in Malaysia.
USIA's Legacy and Role In Sabah
Date : 18 March - 17 June 2012
The United Sabah Islamic Association or USIA is a combination of several Islamic associations throughout the state and has been instrumental in propagating Islam in Sabah since the 1970s. Its legacy and role in the spreading of the Islamic faith in Sabah will be displayed and exhibited in chronological order in an exhibition open to all.
Patterns & Colours of Sabah Exhibition
Date : 10 May - 22 June 2012
An exhibition that highlights a unique combination of fine art works and handicrafts where multi colored woven mats, baskets, fabric and bead works are featured alongside 2D paintings. This showcase of creative and contemporary art is aimed at increasing public awareness and understanding of the progressive development of local visual art and handicrafts.
KK International Film Festival
Date : 02 - 08 June 2012
Coming into its 4th year, the KKIF will be screening a variety of selected international films as well as a competition for filmmakers. Budding filmmakers will be taking this opportunity to meet and show their movies to the public.
Fresh Water Fishing Tournament
Date : 02 June 2012
Another fishing competition that calls for all fishing enthusiasts to take part at this district level Membakut Lake Tomman Challenge, its 4th Series for the year 2012 Edition.
Remembering Double Six
Date : 06 June 2012
An annual event held at Grace Point, Sembulan to commemorate the 'Double Six' tragedy which took the lives of some of the state's top leaders in a plane crash on 6th June 1976.
Flower Festival
Date : 09 - 10 June 2012
Sabah's rich floral heritage is celebrated with a flower sale, competitions, games and the Ratu Bunga (Flower Queen) beauty pageant to entertain visitors.
Local Brews Exhibition
Date : 09 June 2012
Local brews are a favourite during the festive seasons such as the Harvest Festival, weddings and other social gatherings. Get to know how the more popular local brews like lihing and tapai (rice wine) are made traditionally.
Kota Kinabalu City Tourism Treasure Hunt
Date : 10 June 2012
One of the activities in the City Day celebrations calendar of events, the Tourism Treasure Hunt is a fun and challenging way to get to know Kota Kinabalu better. It can also be very competitive as participants stand to win attractive prizes at the end of the hunt.
6th KK Jazz Festival
Date : 15 - 16 June 2012
A much anticipated jazz musical extravaganza that features a line-up of international and local artists performing together on the same stage. The KK Jazz Festival is a fundraising event benefitting various charities in the state.
27th Sabah Dragon Boat Race
Date : 16 - 17 June 2012
Organised in conjunction with the Duan Wu festival, this Chinese tradition has evolved throughout the years into one of the main sporting events in Sabah. Watch in excitement as local and international teams beat their drums and synchronize their paddling, while racing for the finish line.
Sandakan Founding Day
Date : 21 June 2012
The founding of Sandakan on 21 June 1897 ushered in a period of development that turned this coastal village into a booming center of trade, industry and tourism. Get an insight into Sandakan's fascinating history and its modern-day accomplishments.
Malaysian Craft Promotion
Date : 23 June - 01 July 2012
A host of activities which includes a craft demonstration, an exhibition of new items, cultural performances and sale of handicraft items by some 65 craft producers will take place at this event aimed at promoting Malaysian handicraft in Sabah.
3rd Gambus Plus
Date : 23 June 2012
Gambus Plus is a music presentation which combines traditional and modern musical instruments. The blend of gambus (a short-necked lute) and modern orchestra music is both entertaining and spiritually uplifting.
Sunset Music Fest at the Tip of Borneo, Kudat
Date : 29 - 30 June 2012
Embark on a musical journey at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau in the northern-most district of Kudat. Be serenaded with classical favourites and contemporary tunes as the sun sets in the horizon. You won't want to miss this unique experience at one of Sabah's most breathtaking locations!
Brian Brake: Lens on the World
Rotorua, 10 December 2011 – 22 April 2012
Featuring more than 150 photographic reproductions from Te Papa's collection, this exhibition is the first comprehensive retrospective of this notable Magnum photographer's work, spanning his forty-year career.
Brian Brake: Lens on the world gives an unprecedented insight into Brake's life and his view of the world. As well as prints, the exhibition includes images displayed in digital presentations, and examples of magazines in which Brake's work appeared.
Luminate Festival 2012, Golden Bay, 1 February 2012 – 8 February 2012
Luminate is an earth-friendly festival of music, dance, art and culture with a focus on environmental sustainability, intentional community, knowledge sharing, creativity and inspiration.
Music: The line up includes The Barons of Tang, Wild Marmalade, Oka, Ganga Giri, (all from Australia), Newtown Rocksteady, Pacific Curls, Taos, the Nomad, Nigel Gavin & Richard Adams, Emeralds and Greenstone, Amiria Grenell, and many more live acts.
Many more acts are to be announced soon. The genres include a range of live music from World Grooves, Gypsy, Celtic, Roots, Reggae, Folk, Soul, to Funk & Fusion, plus Dub, Breaks, Psytrance, Minimal Tech, House, Progressive, Glitch, Dubstep, Ambient, Esoteric beats and more...
With a solid reputation for delivering a stunning line up of international and New Zealand artists, offering a broad diversity of live & electronic genres, its safe to say that music and dance is an important feature of the atmosphere at Luminate. However the vision for Luminate runs even deeper and manifests as an incredible array of activities on offer throughout the week, providing an authentic and diverse festival experience for all ages.
New Zealand International Arts Festival Wellington
The 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival brings 24 extraordinary days of arts events to Wellington from 24 February to 18 March 2012.
With more than 300 incredible performances to savour, the Festival takes audiences from fairy tales to opera, from Shakespeare to salsa, from the Sahara Desert to a circus tent – and beyond.
Around 300,000 festival-goers will converge on Wellington, one of the world’s great festival cities, to enjoy the best music, theatre, dance, literature and visual arts from New Zealand and the world.
2012 Wellington Summer City Festival
It’s going to be a long, fun summer in the city with the 2012.
The Summer City Festival is Wellington's summer in the city festival of outdoor fun and entertainment - and with a wide array of events and concerts over three months, there are heaps of reasons to get out and join in the action in Wellington.
The Winery Tour 2012 - Martinborough - 3rd Feb - 3rd March
The annual Winery Tour has quickly established itself as a highlight of the summer and 2012 promises to be no different. With another sizzling summer on the horizon, this yearly mix of wine, music and stunning scenery will again provide a perfect day out throughout February.
Now in its sixth year, the Winery Tour is a firmly established and much-loved national touring event. In 2012 it will include 16 shows in 14 venues nationwide.
SIFA OJU Judo World Cup – 11th Nov
For the third year in a row Samoa will be hosting the annual OJU Judo World Cup. Held at the Faleata Sports Complex Gymnasium 2, the event is a qualifier for the 2012 Olympics in London. At least 40 nations are expected to descend on Samoa for the Cup so come on over and join in on the action!
G'day Samoa Fun Walk/Run – 11th Nov
The Australian High Commission, in partnership with the Government of Samoa, proudly presents the G'day Samoa Fun Walk/Run. Supporting healthy lifestyles in the lead up to Samoa's 50th anniversary of independence. A monthly 3km walk or 5km fun run for all ages and sizes.Come on down, exercise and have fun!
Palolo Rise – 16th Nov & 17th Nov
Twice a year, summoned by the waning moonlight, the palolo reef worm rises from the coral to spawn. Fetching a high price and regarded as a delicacy by the locals, twice a year Samoans will rise early and wait diligently before dawn with their lanterns and their nets to catch the worm spawn, which floats to the surface. The palolo is so deeply embedded in the Samoan cultural and culinary history that its short-lived annual appearance during spawning is celebrated during the last quarter of the moon in October and/or November. Come on over and enjoy this uniquely Samoan delicacy!
The Rising of the Balolo – Nov (various dates)
Sail out in a canoe with nets and torches to catch the 'Caviar of the Pacific' - millions of writhing Balolo sea-worms that rise to the surface to spawn. Locals in Fiji scoop and eat, saving the majority to take home.
Ori Tahiti - Tahitian Dance training course - Nov. 28 - Dec. 3
Tourists and amateurs are welcomed to the "Ori Tahiti" training course which main objective is to develop and transmit the Art of the traditional Tahitian dance.
Moorea Great Prize - Nov. 5-6
Experienced golfers' competition at the Tema'e Golf Course in Moorea.
Tattoonesia (6th edition) - Nov. 11-13
In Moorea, where Polynesian and foreign tattoo artists comes together and share with each other and visitors their designs, techniques and materials used in this ancestral art form.
20th Hawaiki Nui Va'a - Nov. 9-11
In the Leeward Islands. Va'a (canoe racing) is one of the traditional sport of Tahiti. Over 100 canoes will race between the islands of Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a and Bora Bora. The finishing line will be at the Matira Point in Bora Bora.
Mamallapuram Dance Festival
The open air Mamallapuram Dance Festival is held against a background of rock sculptures in the beach town of Mamallapuram, just south of Chennai. It runs for a month and showcases a range of classical and folk dances from all over India.
When : During January. Dates to be confirmed. Daily from 6-8 p.m.
Where : Arjuna's Penance, Mamallapuram, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Bikaner Camel Fair
As its name suggests, the focus of this festival (organized by the Rajasthan government's Department of Tourism, Art & Culture), is camels -- and plenty of them. The festival kicks off with a procession of camels decorated in their finest attire, and continues on with camel beauty pageants, camel races, and camel dancing. Who ever thought camels could dance? It's worth attending the festival just to see that performance! The festival ends with entertainment by Rajasthani folk artists, and fireworks.
When: January 8-9, 2012.
Where: Bikaner, Rajasthan
International Kite Festival
See millions of brightly colored kites take over the sky from sunrise until sunset at this festival, which marks the occasion of MakarSankranti (the transition of the sun into the northern hemisphere) and celebrates life and fertility. The event attracts kite flyers from many different countries. In addition to kite flying, there's aerial acrobats, kite painting competitions, and kite making workshops. Great fun for kids!
When: January 14 every year.
Where: Ahmedabad, Gujurat. Also at Jaipur and Jodhpur.
Hampi Festival
Dance, drama, music, puppet shows, fireworks, and spectacular processions all take place against the ruins of Hampi at this lively festival. The idea behind the festival is to recreate the grandeur of the time when Hampi was the capital of Vijayanagar, one of the greatest Hindu kingdoms in India's history.
When: January 27-29, 2012.
Where:Hampi, Karnataka.
Surajkund Crafts Mela
Into its 25th year this year, the Surajkund Crafts Mela showcases the finest handloom, handicrafts, and Indian cuisine. Over 400 artisans display and demonstrate their crafts from all over India. There are also cultural programs, and an amusement zone for children. The mela has a different theme every year, with this year's being Andhra Pradesh.
When: February 1-14, each year.
Where:Surajkund, in the Faridabad district a short distance from South Delhi. It's around 35 minutes drive from Delhi airport.
Indian Derby Weekend
Indian Derby Weekend is one of the biggest events on the Mumbai social calendar. A huge lifestyle sporting weekend, it attracts around 25,000 people. In addition to horse racing, there's international aerial ballet, professional salsa dancing, and live bands playing tributes to The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Cliff Richard.
When: February 5-6, 2011.
Where:Mahalaxmi Race Course, Mumbai
Jaisalmer Desert Festival
This exuberant desert festival is a wonderful opportunity to experience the sandstone city of Jaisalmer at its magical best. A parade of camels and fancily dressed locals, camel races and polo matches, turban tying competitions, competitions for the finest facial hair, acrobats, puppeteers, and jugglers are all part of the festival. You're sure to be amused!
When: February 16-18, 2011.
Where:Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
TajMahotsav
The TajMahotsav takes place at Shilpgram in Agra, right near the eastern entry gate to the TajMahal. The focus of this festival is on arts, crafts, Indian culture, and recreating the Mughal era. It gets underway with a spectacular procession that includes elephants, camels, and drummers. Elephant and camel rides are on offer, and there are also games for the kids, and a food festival. The venue has special significance, as it's apparently located on the site where the artisans who built the TajMahal once lived. A full program of events is available on the website.
When: February 18-27 each year.
Where: Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
Cost: Free for foreign tourists. Normal entry fees apply to the TajMahal.
Khajuraho Dance Festival
The Khajuraho Dance Festival takes place against the alluring backdrop of one of India's top historical destinations -- the Khajuraho erotic temples. The festival, which has entertained audiences since 1975, showcases classical dance style from all over India. The dances are performed in the Western group of temples, mainly at the Chitragupta Temple (dedicated to Surya the Sun God) and the Vishwanatha Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva).
When: 25 February-March 2, 2011.
Where:Chitragupta Temple and Vishwanatha Temple, Kharjuarho, Madhya Pradesh.
International Yoga Festival
The International Yoga Festival is a must for anyone interested in yoga! With more than 400 people from over 30 countries, it's grown to become one of the largest yoga gatherings in the world. The festival offers yoga classes from world class Yoga teachers, evening discussions with some of India's leading spiritual leaders, and other events including vegetarian cooking classes and the Yoga Aid Challenge charity fundraiser. More information and a detailed festival program is available on the website.
The colorful Goa Carnival, which started as a local feast by the Portuguese in the 18th century, has developed into the state's most famous event. During the festival, the streets come alive with parades, floats, music, and masked dances. It culminates with the Red and Black Dance, a formal ball in Panaji, where the dress code is red and black.
When: March 5-8, 2011.
Where: The carnival moves from city to city (Panaji, Margao, Vasco and Mapusa) in Goa.
Photo Credits:Eric Madeja, Jollence Lee, Prakash Tilokani, Sabah Tourism Board,
