Kuala Lumpur as a whole may be a hive of activities on any given day, but that doesn’t mean that the rest of Malaysia doesn’t have its fair share of happenings too, as these three demonstrate.
Up north, there’s a mega celebration of Penang food, and due east all the way in Sarawak is another festive occasion, one that puts ethnic heritage under the light. Over the state border and into Sabah, meanwhile, brings a kaleidoscopic regatta into view.
Penang International Food Festival
As Malaysia’s Pearl of the Orient, Penang’s allure has never dimmed. Not only does it have the sights, sounds and experiences that would get it approved by tourists, it’s also the home of scrumptious dishes and special delicacies. 
This fact was graciously highlighted in the Penang International Food Festival (PIFF) in 2017 when it burst onto the scene, with the offshoot Penang Street Food Festival (PSFF) arriving a little later under its umbrella. Drawing over 700,000 people the following year, PIFF 2018 managed to nearly double the crowd attracted by the inaugural edition. 
PIFF 2019 takes over Lebuh Pantai, Jalan Kelawai and Design Village and is set to last over a fortnight, offering not just a spread of must-try food, but also a number of events. Taste of Penang and Penang Seafood Galore are two major ones, while food walks, dining experiences and competitions are among the PIFF goodies. If it’s authentic every day Penang fare you crave, the PSFF showcases the state’s repertoire of popular street food in one spot.
Penang International Food Festival
WHERE Lebuh Pantai, Jalan Kelawai & Design Village, Penang
WHEN 13-28 Apr
TEL 010 398 4469
piff.com.my
Sarawak Harvest & Folklore Festival
Locally known as Hari Gawai, the harvest festival is a substantial time in the state, so expect great things at the Sarawak Harvest and Folklore Festival (SHFF), now in its 12th year. It is usually celebrated with much enthusiasm, and with plenty of pride and emphasis on culture.
Having adopted a ‘theme play’ concept, the SHFF play really goes native by employing a lake, ethnic houses and trees as natural props – which means the play is staged at the Sarawak Cultural Village. Each iteration sees it being based on a new ethnic theme. This year, the theme is centred on the Bisaya legend, Dang Bunsu, and her mystical journey.
Visitors will also get to experience the grand finale of the Miss Cultural Harvest Festival, Gawai Concert, Sape World Concert, Sarawak Ethnic Kitchen Culinary Challenge, and Tribal Ironman Challenge, which are only some of the items on the three-day schedule. A series of cultural workshops, collections of ethnic crafts and food, and more add further flair to the event.
Sarawak Harvest & Folklore Festival
WHERE Sarawak Cultural Village, Kuching, Sarawak
WHEN 26-28 Apr
ADMISSION RM60 (adult 1-day pass), RM30 (child 1-day pass); RM150 (adult 3-day pass), RM75 (child 3-day pass)
TEL 082 846 108
scv.com.my
Regatta Lepa Semporna
Colourful, pretty boats gently bobbing on the seawater are a guaranteed sight at the 25th edition of the Regatta Lepa Semporna (RLS). The lepa is the traditional vessel of the Bajau, an ocean-loving tribe sometimes called the Sea Gypsies who are greatly admired for their generations-perfected, unassisted freediving skills. \
In keeping with their waterside lifestyle, the Bajau have also assimilated the fetching houseboats into their way of existence, used for everything from fishing to weddings. In this regatta, a veritable flotilla of these elaborately decorated single-mast wooden vehicles are the undisputed stars of the show. They can be seen in parades, tug-of-war battles, and even in a contest where the best-dressed lepa is picked. Enlivening proceedings even more are on-board music and dance performances.
Elsewhere are a number of activities and points of interest, ranging from intriguing to fun. Usual RLS entertainment over the years has included the kelleh-kelleh (dugout boat) race, ‘lepa car’ competition, beauty pageant, cultural presentations, duck-catching games as well as karaoke sessions and a firework display at night.
Regatta Lepa Semporna
WHERE Regatta Lepa Square, Semporna, Sabah
WHEN 25-28 Apr
TEL 089 781 518
sabahtourism.com