Nine Emperor Gods Festival
Where: Penang
When: Oct 1 – 9
For the ultimate cultural experience, check out the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. Taking place on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month at various temples across Penang, this Taoist festival honours the nine sons of Tou Mu, controller of the books of life and death. Devotees adhere to a strict vegetarian diet to cleanse their body and soul. One can find a variety of vegetarian stalls along the roads and lanes around Penang with delicious and creative vegetarian cuisines. A must for all foodies! Other highlights include self-mutilation rituals like Spear Skewing Ceremony, Hot Oil Ceremony and Fire Walking Ceremony. The celebration reaches its climax on the ninth day with a procession to send the deities back home, from Nine Emperor Gods Temple in Butterworth to the beach.
More information: http://www.tourismpenang.net.my/
Image: Devotee during the Spear Skewing Ceremony
30th Mt. Kinabalu International Climbathlon
Where: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
When: Oct 15 – 16
Thousands of people try to conquer Mount Kinabalu every year. It normally takes them two days. At this event, professional mountain runners from around the world will attempt to scale the iconic peak in just under four hours. Amazing! It’s a high level adventure and a perfect opportunity to discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinabalu Park.
More information: www.sabahtourism.com
Image: Contestant ascending the steep slopes of Mt Kinabalu
CIMB Classic 2016
Image: CIMB Classic 2013 and 2014 winner Ryan Moore
Where: TPC Kuala Lumpur (formerly Kuala Lumpur Golf Country Club)
When: Oct 20 – 23
Catch the world’s best players in action at the only official PGA TOUR FedExCup event in Southeast Asia. It features a limited 78-player field, with a prize purse of US$7 million (RM28.4 million) and no cut, making it one the richest professional golf tournaments in the region. USA’s Justin Thomas will be hoping to defend his crown against a field including two-time champion at TPC Kuala Lumpur, American Ryan Moore.
More information: Tickets can be purchased at www.CIMBClassic.com or call +603 7880 7999
International Aborigines Arts Festival
Where: Titiwangsa Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur
When: Oct 21 – 23
This unique arts festival features cultural works of the Orang Asli of Malaysia as well as indigenous people from around the world including Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines. There are various activities and stage performances, exhibitions and interactive demonstrations to be enjoyed. Organisers say the three-day event helps to showcase the uniqueness, heritage, traditions and customs of indigenous people across the world.
More information: rosli@jkkn.gov.my
Image: The festival includes traditional Orang Asli performances
Image: Be sure to feast on the banquet served at MIGF
- Ancient Shadows: World Shadow Puppet Exhibition
Where: National Museum, Kuala Lumpur
When: Oct 25 – Nov 30
The World Shadow Puppet Exhibition comes to KL with the best exponents of shadow puppetry from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, China, India and Taiwan set to enthral audiences. Shadow Puppet plays, also known as wayang kulitin Bahasa Malaysia, is an old tradition and has a rich history in Southeast Asia. Puppets are made primarily of leather and manipulated with sticks or buffalo horn handles; shadows are cast using an oil lamp or more commonly halogen lights. The exhibition lasts for over a month, so there’s plenty of time to take the family.
More information: www.jmm.gov.my
Image: KL will greet Shadow Puppet masters from all over Asia.
- Terengganu International Islamic Arts Festival 2016
Where: Taman Tamadun Islam (TTI) Convention Centre, Terengganu
When: Oct 29 – 31
You will find Khat writing workshops, musical performances, Muslim fashion and much more at the International IslamicArts Festival of Terengganu. It’s a beautiful way to discover more about the Islamic culture and arts and maybe learn a new skill while listening to beautiful music. Such rich heritage has something to offer for all visitors.
More information: www.motac.gov.my