Langkawi Events and Festivals

New Year's Day: Langkawi parties late into the night thanks to some of the most relaxed alcohol policies in predominantly Islamic Malaysia. From Kuah to Pantai Cenang, visitors will find celebrations organised at every resort.

Le Tour de Langkawi: one of the most prestigious cycling races outside of Europe pits top riders against each other. The challenging course covers the island in 10 stages, offering every kind of terrain imaginable.

Langkawi International Water Festival: innovative water sport exhibitions and competitions of all kinds are the focus of this fun festival. Everything from sand castle building to an island to island kayak races are among fun and festive events.

Langkawi International Festival of Art: this 10-day art extravaganza includes exhibitions, workshops and other events held at the mythical sites around the island. Local artists showcase their talent and show how crafts such as batik are done.

Wilderness Langkawi Challenge: adventure racers from all over the world converge on the island to participate in this famous stamina race. Kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and running are among the different sports which competitors participate in.

Fire Extinguishing Contest: one of the most unique, bizarre and entertaining festivals of Langkawi’s festivals pits locals against the fire department to see who can put out a fire the fastest.

Langkawi Food and Fruit Fiesta: myriad exotic food and fruits of Langkawi and Malaysia are celebrated, appreciated and eaten in mass quantities at events organised around the island. From cooking competitions to local produce markets, foodies will be in heaven during this week-long extravaganza.

Merdeka: to celebrate independence, all of Malaysia holds social, cultural and sporting events in a spirit of goodwill and patriotism. Langkawi celebrates by hosting water sport competitions and cultural fairs.

Langkawi Ramadan Bazaar: the Muslim holy month of fasting brings an amazing food bazaar to Kuah which comes alive each evening after the sun sets. Muslims and non Muslims alike converge on the massive market every night to enjoy specialties not often seen during the rest of the year.

Hari Raya Aidil Fitri: to mark the end of Ramadan, the island embarks on a two-day holiday that sees locals open their houses. Friends, family and curious visitors are encouraged to partake in a non-stop banquet of food and meet some of the locals.

Langkawi International Fishing Tournament: held in the deep waters off Tukun Perak Island, anglers from around the world come to the island to try and catch the biggest fish. The event runs throughout the night, making it one of the most intense fishing competitions in the region.

Deepavali Celebration: the Hindu Festival of Lights is an important tradition in multicultural Malaysia. Langkawi adds a unique twist to the festival by opening festivities to visitors who want to experience local culture.

Langkawi Craft Festival: each year the Craft Complex at Kedah comes alive in a celebration of the island’s traditional handicrafts. Visitors are offered shopping opportunities, as well as the chance to learn how to do amazing arts such as batik painting.

Langkawi Harvest Festival: local non farmers and visitors are encouraged to participate in fun traditional games related to the harvest season in conjunction with the annual rice harvest. Visitors can see how rice is harvested while enjoying the happiness local farmers experience at the end of their hard year of work.