Go Section
What is on in Malaysia, and where to go, stay and eat: events checked with their organisers, and places ranked on what anyone can check, from published prices and opening hours to the best months to go and JAKIM halal certification. No bars, no casinos; rankings are never for sale and sponsored spots are always marked.
Last updated 31 Oct 2026
Fairs, sport, culture and food events across Malaysia in the coming months, each checked on the organiser's own page. Dates last checked 31 Oct 2026; always confirm with the organiser before you travel.
Islamic events · Kuala Lumpur
A long-running exhibition drawn from the museum's own collection, showing 19th to 21st century Palestinian embroidery in two galleries, with workshops and talks planned. Good for textile and heritage lovers, and easy to combine with a day in the Lake Gardens area.
19 Jun – 25 Apr 2027Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Nature · Sandakan, Sabah
Guided birdwatching walks, identification and conservation workshops, a photography competition and the Sabah Bird Race, held annually since 2008. Suits birders, photographers and families who want a gentle rainforest outing.
7–8 Nov 2026Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok
Family · Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
A family-friendly festival of cultural performances and activities at the Sabah Museum's heritage village, open from 9am to 10.30pm both days.
7–8 Nov 2026Heritage Village Phase II, Sabah Museum ComplexFrom RM2
Sport · Kuala Penyu, Sabah
A community fun run on the coast of Kuala Penyu, in western Sabah. Best for runners combining a race with a short trip outside Kota Kinabalu.
8 Nov 2026Pantai Sawangan
Business · Kuala Lumpur
The national design summit run by the Malaysia Design Council: an exhibition with 80+ booths, keynotes and panels, and the R&D Design Award. Useful for designers, manufacturers and students. Programme is provisional.
13–15 Nov 2026Legar Putra Hall, World Trade Centre Kuala LumpurFree visitor admission
Food · Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Culinary and hospitality exhibition and competition with chefs and hospitality professionals, organised by MAH, ATI and SICC. Mainly for the trade, with some public interest for food lovers.
20–22 Nov 2026Sabah International Convention Centre
Business · Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
A business summit on tourism investment and hospitality in Borneo, held at the same venue and dates as the Sabah Hospitality Fiesta. Aimed at operators and investors.
20–22 Nov 2026Sabah International Convention Centre
Sport · Langkawi, Kedah
Half-distance triathlon: 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike and 21.1 km run on Langkawi. For competitors, and spectators who want a weekend on the island.
21 Nov 2026Kedawang
Culture and heritage · George Town, Penang
The 16th edition of Penang's literary festival, with 50+ writers and thinkers from 20 countries on the theme of cities and identity. Most sessions are free; some workshops need registration.
27–29 Nov 2026Wisma Yeap Chor Ee and Bangunan UABMost programmes free
Sport · Batu Kawan, Penang
Penang's flagship road race over the Second Penang Bridge, with full marathon, half marathon and 10 km. Half and 10 km entries have closed; the full marathon had limited places as of early October.
13 Dec 2026Aspen Vision City, Batu Kawan (start)
Sport · Kuala Lumpur
Season opener of the BWF World Tour, now an 11-day event with the new 3x15 scoring system. Top singles and doubles players from around the world.
21–31 Jan 2027Kuala Lumpur (venue to be confirmed)
Fairs and expos · Kuala Lumpur
Asia's major furniture trade fair, over 17 halls and two venues, with design showcases and a Made-in-Malaysia hall. Mainly for buyers and the trade; check visitor rules on the organiser's site.
1–4 Mar 2027MITEC and World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur
Sport · Kundasang, Sabah
An annual organised climb promoting high-altitude training at Mount Kinabalu, run by Global Expedition Club. For fit hikers; fees on the organiser's pages.
9–12 Apr 2027Mount Kinabalu
Listings are chosen by the editors and free. Organising an event in Malaysia? Tell us about it, or ask about a sponsored spot, which is always marked as such.
LifestyleRanking
Langkawi, Tioman, Perhentian, Redang and six more, scored on what you can check: how to get there from KL, whether the island is open all year, and whether its reefs are protected.
LifestyleRanking
Eight luxury hotels with a current MOTAC five-star grading, scored on what you can check yourself: a JAKIM halal certificate, the walk to the train, the year they opened and their latest inspection.
LifestyleRanking
Eight places in central Kuala Lumpur, from the Petronas Twin Towers to the National Mosque, scored on what you can check: published price, walking distance from a station, shelter from rain, opening hours and wheelchair information.
LifestyleRanking
Ten places on Penang island, from the George Town murals to Penang Hill and the national park, scored on what you can check: entry price, the bus that gets you there, published hours and UNESCO status.
Every place scored in the 6 rankings of this section, 52 in all. A dot carries its rank in its own list and its colour tells you which list it comes from. Each ranking uses its own criteria, so a number 1 in one list is not compared with a number 1 in another. Zoom in on a city to separate the dots, then tap one to open its scored card.
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors · tiles OpenFreeMap.
