Kuantan Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia)

The multi-ethnic Pahang province has many religious festivals organised according to the lunar calendar, with their respective dates changing slightly from year to year.

What doesn't change is the joy and enthusiasm with which the Malaysian people celebrate these noisy and colourful events. Pahang region's stunning natural wonders have also encouraged the setting up of outdoor and adventure challenge events, some of which now attract international contestants. Notable things to do and enjoy each year in the area include the Pahang International River Rafting Expedition each April, the fun-packed Kuantan Beach Run in June, and the Pahang International Billfish Challenge every August.

Kuantan Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• Gems of the World - showcasing a huge collection of uncut gemstones at the Genting Highlands Resort in Pahang

February

• Kuantan Challenge - a major windsurfing contest held in early February at the Komplex Pelancongan
• Chinese New Year - celebrated in February by Chinese communities all across the region, with spectacular parades, fireworks, traditional lion and dragon dances, and temple worship

March

• Hari Hol Negeri Pahang - early May, a public holiday in the city
• Malaysian Food Festival - admittedly geared to tourists, this takes place all over the country and is a great way for visitors to experience the best and most delicious local cuisine

April

• Kuantan Music Festival - held first weekend of the month. The first outing of this festival was in 2014 at the Holiday Villa Beach Resort and Spa Cherating. approximately 47 km / 29 miles north of Kuantan, with performances from national and international artists
• Pahang International River Rafting Expedition - held annually from Pekan on the Pahang River. This popular event runs over 329 km / 204 miles and involves teams of six per raft. Nights are spent at villages, with feasts in honour of the rafters

May

• Wesak Day - celebrated by Kuantan's Buddhists to mark the Buddha's birth, death and enlightenment with prayers, merit making and chanting

June

• Kuantan Beach Run - part of the annual beach fest, this run starts at Taman Gelora, on the edge of the city, and ends at Pantai Belok. Locals and internationals participate in large numbers
• Tioman Island Mega Dive - an annual four-day event for scuba divers, held on the beautiful Tioman Island
• Fraser's Hill International Bird Race - held annually at this hill station, attracting birders from all over the world for a team competition based on the number of species identified in a given time

July

• Mohammed's Birthday - one of the holiest days in the Muslim calendar, offering a unique chance for visitors to glimpse the reverent aspects of Islam

August

• Pahang International Billfish Challenge - bringing international fishing enthusiasts to Kuala Rompin for the annual catch and release tussle with members of the spectacular sailfish species
• Bera Ironman Challenge - an annual endurance race held in Tasik Bera. Only the fittest need apply for this contest
• Merkada Day Celebrations - held all over the region, beginning at midnight on August 30th, marking the birthday of the nation of Malaysia. On August 31st, grand Independence Day festivities break out, with parades, music, dancing, parties and fireworks

September

• Ramadan Bazaar - staged during the Holy Month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and then take to the darkening streets for a festival of culinary delights, with food stalls and bazaars everywhere serving the best of everything
• Lantern and Moon Cake Festival - another traditional Chinese event which spreads out to the rest of the community and features cultural performances, lantern displays, fireworks and free moon cakes

October

• Hari Raya Aidil Fitri - marking the end of Ramadan and celebrated joyously by all races in the region, with lots of colour, racial harmony and spirituality. Everyone is welcome at Hari Raya Aidil Fitri
• Nine Emperor Gods Festival - at the Pekan Ampang temple, this annual gathering honours these nine gods, who live in the sea and the river. This is a very popular event with all the traditional Chinese trimmings and runs for nine days
• Hari Keputeraan Sultan Pahang - October 24th, a public holiday celebrating the birthday of the Pahang state ruler

November

• Taman Negara Eco-Challenge - a tough four-day adventure race through the ancient rainforest, starting at the Relau River and ending at the Kuala Tahan National Park
• Deepavali - the Hindu Festival of Lights, to which everyone is welcome. Expect lots of street festivities, open house family gatherings and delicious traditional curries

December

• Monsoon Cup - the Formula One of sailing, held at the beginning of December in Pulau Duyong, Kuala Terengganu. Those attending will find lots of stunning boats and their wealthy international owners, as well as art and heritage events
• New Year's Eve - December 31st, celebrated here, as in the rest of the world, with huge gatherings, street parties, revels and fireworks. This Malaysian public holiday lasts three days