Events in Sabah 2011 April to July

Events in Sabah 2011 is a compilation of happenings around the Malaysian state of Sabah. This year focuses on a number of interesting events which are well spread throughout the coming months. Among them are some of Sabah’s unique festivals which can only be experienced here in North Borneo.

Below are a list of the major events and festivals located around ‘The Land Below the Wind’ for the months of April, May, June and July. If you are traveling there during this period, you should make it a point to catch some of these unique festivals.

Regatta Lepa

While most of the festivals do not require an entrance fees, there are some music events that do so take note and double check on this matter. One of the must-see events would be the Harvest Festival or Kaamatan which takes place throughout the month of May. Multiple events will be held state wide and one unique event to catch is the Unduk Ngadau 2011 or Harvest Beauty Queen Contest that will be held at the KDCA center just a short drive from Kota Kinabalu city.

A myriad or colours welcome you while the many different cultures and tribes of Sabah will be there showcasing their specialties in the form of attire, culture and lifestyle. Apart from that, catch the amazing and colourful Regatta Lepa 2011 in Semporna town where stunning decorations on local traditional boats are showcased by the sea town here. These are just some of the many festivals available during Events in Sabah 2011.

regatta-lepa-lepa Events in Sabah 2011 April to July

Lepa Boat

Regatta Lepa, Semporna

The Regatta Lepa unique regatta where the traditional Bajau (Sea Gypsies) compete with their authentic sailboats for the grand prize here. Also known as the Regatta Lepar, this is the 18th year the event is being held here. Each family will send in their best looking traditional boat all prepped up and with a female representative on board.

The boats pass a panel of judges to determine the overall winner. Apart from this, other activities are included in this bustling town which serves as the main gateway to the islands of Mabul and Sipadan for scuba diving. If you love the unique culture of Sabah, this is one of the events you should not miss.

Date: 22-24 April 2011
Organiser : District Office of Semporna
Contact Person : Mr. A.M Ibnu Hj. A.K Baba (District Officer)
Telephone : +60 89 781518
Fax : +60 89 781472 / +60 88 265540
Email Contact : AMIbnu.Baba@sabah.gov.my

Sabah Adventure Challenge 2011

The 12th year and this extreme challenge goes through the famed Crocker Range with contestants participating from all over. Here, they go through various activities like mountain biking, hiking, trekking and bamboo rafting. If you are an extreme sport lover, this is one you should not miss in Sabah.

Date: 22-24 April 2011
Organiser : Sabah Adventure Challenge
Contact Person : Mr. Aman Avtar S. Sandhu, Race Director
Telephone : +6013 8811757
Fax : +6087 414199
Email Contact : info@sabahadventurechallenge.com

Sandakan War Memorial

Anzac Day in Sabah 2011

This annual event commemorates servicemen from Australia and New Zealand who fought in Sabah Borneo during World War II, particularly prisoners-of-war (POW) who took part in the Death March from Sandakan to Ranau in 1945. The Sandakan War Memorial Park and Kundasang War Memorial are two of the places where activities will be held at.

Date: 25th April 2011

Organiser : Sandakan Municipal Council / Office of Australian War Graves, Canberra
Contact Person : Mdm. Catherin Chua / Mdm. Charlotte Sarossy
Telephone : +60 89 273753
Fax : +60 89 272112
Email Contact : Catherin.Chua@sabah.gov.my / Charlotte.Sarossy@dva.gov.au

Sabah Fest 2011

Presenting Sabah’s magnificent cultural and natural heritage that are richly embedded in folklore, the Sabah Fest 2011 prelude to the statewide Harvest Festival celebration is bound to bedazzle spectators with a cultural extravaganza that incorporates dance, music, fashion, food and more. Held over a month long throughout the state of Sabah, it is the opening day that is filled with much myriad of cultures in Kota Kinabalu city.

Date: 30th April to 1st May 2011

Organiser : Sabah Tourism Board Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd
Contact Person : Ms. Susan Shahira, Event Manager
Telephone : +6088 232121, 212121
Fax : +6088 265540, 212075
Email Contact : shahira@sabahtourism.com

Kota Kinabalu City Harvest Festival 2011

The Kadazandusun and Murut community offer thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest during this significant celebration at the KDCA Cultural Center in the district of Penampang. Join in the merriment and enjoy a variety of cultural dances, traditional sports competition, traditional fare and the highly anticipated Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant. Something out of the ordinary for the tourist.

Date: Throughout May – KDCA end of May.

Organiser : Kota Kinabalu City Hall
Contact Person : Mr. Joannes Solidau
Telephone : +6088 521800
Fax : +6088 219175
Email Contact : joannes@dbkk.sabah.gov.my

BorneoMarathon2011 Events in Sabah 2011 April to July

Borneo International Marathon 2011

Marathon runners from all over Malaysia and across the globe will traverse the scenic coastal roads of Kota Kinabalu for a chance to win attractive prizes during this exciting fund raising event.

Date: 1st May 2011
Organiser : Championship Sports Events Sdn Bhd
Contact Person : Mr. Andrew Voon, Director
Telephone : +6088 218833, +6012 8036333
Fax : +6088 217833
Email Contact : andrew@borneomarathon.com
Event Website : http://borneomarathon.com

Sabah International Fishing Tournament 2011

Big Game Fishing Tournament in Sabah for 2011. This off-shore fishing competition not only promotes the sport, but also aims to encourage conservation of marine resources. Expect some massive catches from the many teams taking part in this competition.

Date: 27-29 May 2011
Organiser : Sabah Angler’s Association
Contact Person : Mr. Albert Yong / Mr. Richard Leong
Telephone : +60 14 8651060 / +60 19 8818015
Fax : +60 88 235825
Email Contact : sabahanglers@gmail.com

unduk-ngadau-sabah Events in Sabah 2011 April to July

Unduk Ngadau Finalist Kota Kinabalu Sabah

Tadau Kaamatan Finals (Unduk Ngadau)

The Kaamatan month long celebration will culminate at Hongkod Koisaan, the Kadazandusun Cultural Associaiton Hall (KDCA) in Penampang. Join in the merriment as the local folks sing, dance, eat and play traditional games. This is also the main stage for the final round of the Unduk Ngadau (State Harvest Beauty Queen) pageant! Travelers should make their way to catch this unique celebration held once a year. Something totally different and out of this world.

Date: 30-31 May 2011
Organiser : Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA)
Venue : Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA), Penampang
Contact Person : Dr. Benedict Topin
Telephone : +60 88 713696
Fax : +60 88 713350
Email Contact : bovis@asia.com

KK Jazz Festival 2011

Calling all Jazz lovers to the Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival 2011. The fifth installation of the jazz festival promises to be another ground breaking experience with a great line up of local and international artistes. This fund raising event will support various community projects in Sabah.

Date: 17-18 June 2011
Organiser : SPArKS & Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu
Contact Person : Datuk Adeline Leong / Mr. Frankie Fu
Telephone : +6019 8539922 / +6016 8106438 (Frankie Fu)
Fax : +6088 222985
Email Contact : sparksmalaysia@gmail.com

Sabah Dragon Boat Race 2011

For the 26th year running and organised in conjunction with the Duan Wu Festival, this Chinese tradition has evolved throughout the years into one of the main highlighted sporting events in Sabah. This exciting race has attracted teams from as far as Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, China, Indonesia, China, Brunei and the Philippines. Rest assured there will be lots of photo opportunities here.

Date: 18-19 June 2011
Organiser : Sabah Tourism Board / Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd / Sabah Chinese Culture Association
Contact Person : Mr. Zachary Mobijohn
Telephone : +6088 232121
Fax : +60 88 265540, 219401
Email Contact : zachary@sabahtourism.com

Nunuk Ragang Festival, Ranau 2011

Held at Kampung Nunuk Ragang, Ranau to mark the installation of the Huguan Siou (paramount leader) and commemorate the original settlement of the Kadazandusun community. Visitors can scour for cheap finds at the tamu (open-air market) or enjoy events such as an adventure challenge and culture performances.

Date: 2-3 July 2011
Organiser : KDCA, Nunuk Ragang Cultural Festival Committee
Contact Person : Dr. Othman Minudin
Telephone : +6088 713696 / +6019 8828817
Fax : +6088 713350 / +6088 238751
Email Contact : kdchang@yahoo.com / Minudin05@hotmail.com

agnes-keith-house-sabah-colonial-bungalow Events in Sabah 2011 April to July

Agnes Keith House in Sandakan

Agnes Keith Day Sandakan

Agnes Keith Day is held to commemorate the American writer of the famous non-fictional novel Land Below the Wind that made Sabah a world renowned destination of interest. The author’s romantic experience with the local people, environment and culture inspired her to create this book. The general public including school children can participate in the various programs and activities that will be lined up at the Agnes Keith House in Sandakan.

Date: 6th July 2011
Organiser : Sabah Museum / Sandakan Municipal Council
Contact Person : Mr. Joanis Ogak (Agnes Keith House Curator) / Ms. Catherin Chua (Sandakan Municipal Council)
Telephone : +60 88 253199 / +60 89 273994
Fax : +60 88 240230 / +60 89 272112
Email Contact : Joanis.Ogak@sabah.gov.my / Muzium.Sabah@sabah.gov.my / Catherin.Chua@sabah.gov.my

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park Open Day 2011

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is located 25km from Kota Kinabalu and is one of the largest wildlife parks in Malaysia that is home to the rare Sumatran Rhinoceros, Borneo Pygmy Elephants, Orangutans and Proboscis Monkey. If you want to see some of the unique wildlife that Sabah has to offer, then make your way to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park.

Date: 7th July 2011
Organiser : Sabah Wildlife Department
Contact Person : Ms. Siti Nur’ain Acheh
Telephone : +6088 215353
Fax : +6088 222476
Email Contact : nurain.acheh@sabah.gov.my

Tip of Borneo Music Fest 2011

Tip of Borneo Music Fest 2011 will be held at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau in the northern 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 musical experience at one of the Sabah’s most breathtaking locations!

Date: 16-17 July 2011
Organiser : Sabah Tourism Board / Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd
Contact Person : Ms. Susan Shahira
Telephone : +6088 232121
Fax : +6088 265540
Email Contact : shahira@sabahtourism.com

Pesta Gambus Papar 2011

The gambus (lute) is one of the oldest stringed musical instruments made by the Brunei Community in the west coast of Sabah. A myriad of activities will be held for three days to celebrate the significance of the gambus to the local community at the 12th Pesta Gambus in Papar, Sabah Borneo.

Date: 21-23 July 2011
Organiser : Persatuan Masyarakat Brunei Sabah
Contact Person : Mr. Hazmaini bin Haji Awang Damit / Mr. Mahmood Kalong
Telephone : +6016 8401758 / +6019 8515846
Fax : +6088 381950
Email Contact : pmbspusat@gmail.com

sabah-international-folklore-festival-2011 Events in Sabah 2011 April to July

Sabah International Folklore and Art Festival 2011

One of the festivals not to be missed, this is a chance to get to know the different cultures from across the globe while enjoying a variety of ethnic dance and musical presentations during the sixth edition of this annual festival. The highlights include the Grand Folklore Competition. This event also aims to introduce the State’s unique visual products and talents while promoting tourism amongst the international participants.

Date: 22-24 July 2011
Organiser : Sabah Cultural Board
Contact Person : Mr. Joisin B. Romut
Telephone : +6088 259457 / +60198218718
Fax : +6088 264235
Email Contact : Joisin.Romut@sabah.gov.my / jromut@yahoo.co.uk

You can also follow MalaysiaAsia on Facebook and Twitter for information about travel and events around the region. Some times at major events that I am attending, I will be doing live updates about it.

For the full list of many other unique events and festivals, you can visit the Sabah Tourism Event Website for all other details and timings. There are numerous smaller events that are featured on a smaller scale while the general list here are featuring the more prominent Events in Sabah for 2011.

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