What’s on in March

Here comes March! How time flies by! If it’s March, it must be time for the Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix and 1Malaysia GP Sale – a great month for lots of action on Malaysia’s racing and shopping circuits! Besides these two signature tourism events, March is also the month for multi-coloured hot air balloons in various shapes and sizes to take to the Putrajaya skies in the annual Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Meanwhile, the Le Tour de Langkawi race from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur will keep cycling fans on the edge of their seats. Besides sports, culture enthusiasts will have plenty to fill their days with events such as the Mah Meri Ancestors Day Festival, Chap Goh Mei Celebration, and Chingay Parade Festival. To give you some ideas of what to do this month, here’s a line-up of well-balanced events for tourists, both local and foreign, to enjoy in Malaysia. Plan your trip well, or engage the services of a licensed tour operator/travel agent.

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Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (HABF)

Enjoy a spectacular scenery as beautiful helium balloons decorate the Putrajaya’s skyline during the Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. Photo enthusiasts and selfie lovers will have the time of their lives snapping away during this colorful spectacle, while other visitors can experience viewing Putrajaya from a bird’s eye view with the ‘Helicopter Joy Ride’ attraction! Don’t forget to bring your picnic mats to the picnic area, where you can pick up a bean bag and choose a spot to laze with a stunning view of the Putrajaya lake, while enjoying your preordered meal from the ‘Balloon and Breakfast’ menu!

Mah Meri Ancestors Day Festival

This annual festival of the aboriginal Mah Meri attracts many international visitors. The Mah Meri tribe of Selangor celebrates Hari Moyang (Ancestor’s Day), a celebration about giving thanks to the spirits for all the good things that had been bestowed upon the villagers. It is celebrated by offering prayers and blessings to their ancestors especially to Muyang Gadeng, a female spirit guardian. Mah Meri people are skilful with craft work, their weaving skills are seen showcased in the neatly woven skirts, headbands and sashes worn during the celebration. This three-day festival features a special dance called Mayin Jo-oh, to invite the ancestral spirits to join the festivity. The men would wear wooden masks and perform with movements to reflect their daily routine which includes fishing and farming, while the women make music from bamboo, viola, drum, and brass gong.

Le Tour de Langkawi

Asia’s premier cycling event, Le Tour de Langkawi is back! Featuring 22 international teams, the race goes through states namely Kedah, Perak, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan in one of the biggest events on the UCI Asia Tour Calendar. Organised by Human Voyage Sdn Bhd, the 20th edition of Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) from 8 to 15 March is set to cover more than 1,000km over 8 stages. The race will kick off from Malaysia’s legendary island of Langkawi on 8 March for an eight-day journey to Kuala Lumpur via the east coast and Genting Highlands.

Penang Sports Club International Soccer Tournament

This is the Veterans 7-aside football tournament that attracts footie stars of yesteryears including former international players who are still actively involved in the game. A total of 44 teams around the world will participate in this tournament, including teams from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Australia, Maldives, China, Brunei, Hong Kong and Europe.

Chap Goh Meh Celebration

Chap Goh Meh is celebrated on the 15th night of the Lunar New Year and it is also known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day. On this night, with the full moon shining down, young ladies of marrying age venture out to popular sea promenades to throw oranges into the sea, wishing for a good soul mate. In Penang, the celebration takes place at the Esplanade waterfront. Enjoy delicious Penang Street food as well as games, performances and a grand fireworks display.

Raptor Watch Week

Raptor Watch is an exciting event for birdwatchers. Enthusiasts converge at Tanjung Tuan to watch the annual migration of these birds of prey on their journey back to the northern hemisphere.

LIMA’15 Tourism Carnival

The biennial event organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Malaysia and is held in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA), a dedicated exhibition for defence, civil and commercial applications.

International Drum Festival

Drums are one of the signature products in Malaysia’s tourism products. This festival showcases various drum performances and drum-making workshops to share this art of craft-making and playing to the new generation. This programme not only promotes Malaysia’s great culture but is also a platform to hand down drum-making knowledge to the younger generation. Without this effort, Malaysia may lose the art and know-how of this craft that is popular amongst tourists.

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