Festivals & events
Festivals and events that shape a trip — celebrations, closures, peak prices and when to book ahead.
Chinese New Year
High prices
Jan–Feb · approximate dates
Major holiday with closures in Chinese-majority areas and packed transport. Lunar dates, late Jan–Feb.
Thaipusam
Celebration
Jan–Feb · approximate dates
Dramatic Hindu festival at Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur. Lunar dates, usually late January–February.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Book ahead
Mar–Apr · approximate dates
End of Ramadan: mass homecoming travel and closures. Moves ~11 days earlier each year (around Mar–Apr in the mid-2020s).
Wesak Day
Celebration
May · approximate dates
Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death, marked with temple processions. Lunar date, usually May.
George Town Festival
Celebration
Jul–Aug
Penang's month-long arts and culture festival across the UNESCO old town. Usually July–August.
Deepavali
Celebration
Oct–Nov · approximate dates
Hindu festival of lights, vivid in the Little India districts. Lunar dates, usually October–November.
