From bare-back buffalo racing and high octane lion dances to a music festival situated in one of the region’s most stunning locations, June is packed with a totally unique lineup across the breadth of Malaysia. Follow the trail to adventure!
Bounce To The Sunset
Every year Borneo’s most northern spot, the Tip of Borneo, hosts an open air concert featuring an eclectic range of musical flavours from classical and folk, to contemporary and evergreen hits. Numerous artists, young and old, come from all over Malaysia to perform against the beautiful sunset backdrops of Tanjung Simpang Mengayau.
Among this year’s artistes are award-winning dance group, the Flexible Crew, the classical voices of La Cantabile, singers Norbert Bin Andilah, Francis Landong and The Deep Buskers. This main draw will be the appearance of Permata Seni Muzik, a group featuring the vocal talents of 8-14 year old children, directed by Istana Budaya.
The Bisaya Celebration
Have you ever seen buffalos race? No? Well now’s your chance! Held by the Bisaya people of Borneo, Pesta Babulang is a traditional event that hosts just such a race – that has to be seen to be believed.
Participants from all over Borneo and Brunei gather to take part in this annual competition. Riders charge around a 300 metre circuit, ten at a time, sitting atop the beasts without saddles and spurring them along as fast as they can. The races, however, aren’t the only activities the festival has to offer, as there are also cultural dances, handicraft exhibitions and a beauty pageant for both people and buffalos!
You’ll get goosebumps once you witness the exhilarating, dangerous and creative performances at the 7th International Lion Dance On Stilts Championship in Penang. Taking part in this hair-raising competition are 18 of the best teams from Malaysia, Vietnam, China and Indonesia. Their goal is to incorporate a host of tricks into their routines, from huge airborne jumps to precision landings all performed on a series of beams. It’s a sight to behold as the pair controlling the lion climb on each other’s shoulders and throw themselves through the air. The national heritage of Malaysia is truly taken to the next level at this captivating event.