Pahang Events and Festivals

New Year's Day: if you find yourself in one of the resort areas along the beach or in the highlands, there will definitely be some form of New Year celebration. Kuantan is another good spot to see in the New Year. In this mainly Islamic nation, New Year celebrations are more subdued than in other more alcohol-friendly nations.

Chinese New Year: the Chinese make up a sizable portion of Pahang’s community, so when their new year rolls in things get crazy. Lion dances parade through Kuantan to ward off evil and firecrackers pop throughout the night. Kuantan is the place to be if you want to experience the joyous spirit of this major Asian event.

Mentakab-Temerloh Run: each year the town of Dataran Temerloh attracts local and international participants to compete in this running race. The course is nine miles (15kms) long and winds through the beautiful Pahang countryside. Even if you don’t participate, the towns at either end of the race are festive places to be during this event.

Hari Raya Haji: this important holiday marking the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca is an interesting event to witness. Pahang’s Islamic communities hold thanksgiving prayers at mosques, and families sacrifice an animal for a huge feast. If you are around during this event, try and pay a visit to a mosque.

National Water Festival: Pahang takes part in this annual Malaysian festival where water is the theme. Festivities go on all month, featuring cultural performances and competitions in just about every city in the state. Kuantan and the beach towns are the best sites for getting stuck into the fun of this watery extravaganza.

Wesak Day: the most auspicious day for Pahang’s Buddhists celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. Devotees gather at local temples before dawn to pray and give alms. Doves and turtles are released at temples in a time-honoured tradition.

Birthday of Mohammed: this major occasion in the Islamic calendar is celebrated by Muslims across the state of Pahang. Although mainly a religious event, it is a unique chance to observe the reverent side of Islam if you are visiting a town with a mosque such as Kuantan or Pekan.

National Day: every year the nation celebrates its independence on 31 August. Every town in Pahang gears up for this major Malaysian holiday with parades and cultural shows. Cities put up lights and decorate buildings, and everyone enjoys a day of festivities and good times.

Malaysia Fest: for two weeks in September, major hotels and resorts join forces with the country’s largest shopping complexes to attract visitors for this special celebration of all things Malaysian. Culture, cuisine, handicrafts and more are featured.

Hari Raya Aidil Fitri: to mark the end of Ramadan, the Islamic communities of Pahang celebrate their successful fast. Many families come together to enjoy a massive feast, and visitors can enjoy the happy atmosphere that permeates the state.

Deepavali: the Hindu Festival of Lights is an important tradition in multicultural Malaysia. Any town that has a Hindu community will decorate their houses, turning night-time into a blazing display of light. Kuantan is the best town to experience this holiday.

Christmas: Pahang’s Christian communities put lights on their homes and celebrate their main holiday with a warm and welcoming spirit. Although celebrations are not as pronounced as in most Western countries, visitors can still find traces of Christmas in towns such as Kuantan and in the resorts.