Major Events & Festivals in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia

1. Sandakan Boat Race

Annual event showcasing traditional boat races and cultural performances along the Sabah River.

Cultural Experience: Offers a glimpse into local culture and traditions.
Unique Boat Racing: Features unique, hand-crafted boats in exciting races.
Community Gathering: Brings together the community and tourists for a fun day of celebration.

International dragon boat racing competition with teams from across Malaysia and the world.

International Competition: Attracts both local and international dragon boat enthusiasts.
Sporting Event: Showcases the strength, speed, and teamwork required for dragon boat racing.
Cultural Exchange: Promotes cultural exchange between participating countries.

Marathon run through the dense jungles of Sabah, testing runner's endurance and stamina.

Natural Environment: Offers a challenging yet beautiful running route amidst the rainforest.
Endurance Test: Tests participants' physical and mental strength in a natural setting.
Environmental Awareness: Raises awareness for environmental conservation and sustainability.

Annual cultural festival featuring music, dance, food, and crafts from various Sabahan tribes.

Cultural Diversity: Celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Sabah's many ethnic groups.
Performance Art: Showcases traditional dances, music, and stories from Sabahan tribes.
Food and Crafts Market: Offers visitors the opportunity to sample local food and purchase unique crafts.

Cultural festival held at the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, featuring performances and workshops.

Education and Conservation: Promotes education about orangutans and their conservation.
Cultural Exchange: Brings together local communities, tourists, and NGOs for cultural exchange.
Unique Location: Takes place within the world-renowned Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary.

Annual festival dedicated to sea turtle conservation in Sandakan.

Environmental Awareness: Raises awareness about sea turtle conservation and the threats they face.
Community Involvement: Involves local communities in turtle protection efforts.
Educational Activities: Provides educational activities for visitors, including beach clean-ups and hatchery visits.

Annual music festival featuring local and international jazz and blues artists.

Music Enthusiasts: Attracts jazz and blues enthusiasts from around the world.
Live Performances: Offers live performances by renowned jazz and blues artists.
Workshops and Masterclasses: Provides workshops and masterclasses for aspiring musicians.

Night market along Sandakan's waterfront offering local food and souvenirs.

Monthly jazz music event held along the Sandakan River.

Music Experience: Offers a unique experience of listening to live jazz music by local bands.
Cultural Exchange: Promotes cultural exchange and interaction between locals and tourists.
Relaxing Atmosphere: Provides a relaxed atmosphere along the Sandakan River.

Music festival held deep in the rainforest of Sabah, featuring various genres and artists.

Natural Environment: Offers a unique setting amidst the lush rainforest.
Musical Diversity: Showcases various musical genres and artists from around the world.
Environmental Awareness: Promotes environmental awareness and conservation efforts.

Cultural festival celebrating Sabah's rich biodiversity, particularly the hornbill bird.

Biodiversity Awareness: Promotes awareness about Sabah's unique biodiversity.
Cultural Exchange: Brings together local communities, tourists, and NGOs for cultural exchange.
Hornbill Conservation: Highlights the importance of hornbill conservation and protection efforts.

Festival showcasing the diverse fruit varieties found in Sandakan.

Culinary Delights: Offers a wide variety of local fruits to sample.
Fruit Knowledge: Provides information about the unique fruit varieties found in Sandakan.
Cultural Experience: Offers a glimpse into local culture and traditions.

Annual agricultural festival showcasing the produce of Sabah's farmers.

Agricultural Showcase: Highlights the diversity and quality of Sabah's agricultural produce.
Farmers Market: Provides an opportunity for locals and tourists to purchase fresh produce directly from farmers.
Cultural Experience: Offers a glimpse into local culture and traditions.

Annual adventure race involving multiple disciplines such as trail running, mountain biking, and kayaking.

Physical Challenges: Tests participants' physical abilities across various disciplines.
Teamwork: Promotes teamwork and camaraderie among participants.
Adventure Tourism: Provides an adventurous experience of exploring Sabah's diverse landscapes.

Cultural festival held in the fringes of Sabah's rainforests, featuring music, dance, and workshops.

Natural Environment: Offers a unique setting amidst the lush rainforest.
Musical Diversity: Showcases various musical genres and artists from around the world.
Environmental Awareness: Promotes environmental awareness and conservation efforts.