Malaysia is a hive of activity throughout October, with festivals and events taking place across the country. With such a diverse calendar, there is sure to be something for everyone travelling to Malaysia this October. Here are some of the key events to look out for and include in your itinerary if you can.
Events for Foodies
Food lovers should not miss these events:
Fabulous Food 1Malaysia
- Date: 1 October-31 December
- Location: Across Malaysia
- Price: Free
- This three-month celebration of Malaysia’s cuisine incorporates a number of food festivals, including the Malaysia International Gourmet Festival (more information below), Street Food Festival and Restaurant Food Festival.
Malaysian International Gourmet Festival
- Date: 1-31 October
- Where: Many restaurants and hotels
- Price: Various
- The Malaysian International Gourmet Festival runs all month and is an opportunity to sample the best Malaysian cuisine. Designed to showcase the country’s passion for fine dining, promotions will be taking place across a number of restaurants and hotels.
Events for Adventurers
If you enjoy being active, Malaysia is the place for you. In October alone, active participatory events taking place include:
Kelantan International Rock Climbing Challenge
- Date: 11-12 October
- Where: Etnobotani Park, Gua Musang
- Price: Free
- The first ever Kelantan International Rock Climbing Challenge is sure to attract thrillseekers and spectators alike. Some of the world’s top rock climbers will compete for the crown, whilst everyone is welcome to join in the Fun Climb. There will also be informative discussions, a BBQ and a focus on the area’s conservation.
Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon – Adventure Series
- Date: 19 October
- Where: Kundasang, Sabah
- Price: RM100-150
- One for the adventurous. It helps if you are fit, strong and able to endure the heat. The Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon is a 23km course. Participants will cover valleys and forests on the way to Kundasang Town, where the finish line lies, but the views are very rewarding if you can still keep your head up by then!
Events for Sports Lovers
If you enjoy watching sports, a major event in the world sporting calendar takes place in Malaysia in October:
Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix
- Date: 24-26 October
- Where: Sepang International Circuit, Selangor
- Price: €12-780
- Held at the world-famous Sepang International Circuit over three days, this is one of the most anticipated races in the motorcycle racing calendar.
Standard Chartered KL Marathon
- Date: 12 October
- Where: Dataran Merdeka
- Price: RM70-90
- Now in its sixth year, the Kuala Lumpur Marathon takes runners on a tour of the City of Kuala Lumpur. 33,000 runners registered for last year’s race, up around 20,000 on the first year in 2009. It’s certainly a different way to take in the sights of Kuala Lumpur such as the King’s Palace and the Twin Towers.
Religious Festivals
October is the month for two important religious festivals:
Deepavali: The Festival of Lights
- Date: 23 October
- Location: Country-wide
- Price: Free
- The Hindu Festival of Lights is an occasion when families open their houses to one another to celebrate and share foods. Prayer is an important part of Deepavali and the festival is marked throughout the country.
Hari Raya Haji
- Date: 5 October
- Location: Country-wide
- Price: Free
- Millions of Muslims make the pilgrimage to Mecca each year. Hari Raya Haji, also known as Hari Raya Aidiladha, recognises the completion of the pilgrimage and is a festival of prayer. Cattle are sacrificed as part of the celebration.