Events & Celebrations on Langkawi
Discover Langkawi's top annual events, from international festivals and sports competitions to cultural celebrations. Plan your trip around the best events in Langkawi for an unforgettable experience!
| Event | Frequency/Timeframe | Description |
| Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) | Every two years, usually in May | One of Asia-Pacific's largest maritime and aerospace exhibitions, featuring air shows, exhibitions, and events attracting global industry professionals. |
| Royal Langkawi International Regatta | Annually, usually in January | A prestigious sailing event that attracts sailors from around the world to compete in beautiful Langkawi waters. |
| Langkawi Ironman & 70.3 Langkawi | Annually, typically in October | A challenging triathlon event that brings athletes from around the globe to compete in swimming, cycling, and running across scenic Langkawi landscapes. |
| Langkawi Ultra Marathon | Annually, typically in June/July | This marathon offers various distances, from 10km to 100km, challenging runners with routes that showcase Langkawi’s beautiful coastlines and lush forests. |
| Langkawi International Half Marathon | Annually, December | This race includes —5K, 10K, and the main 21K half marathon. The race takes place in the early morning to avoid the midday heat, making it a great event for athletes of all skill levels. |
In Langkawi, there are around 19-21 public holidays each year. This count includes Malaysia’s 14 national public holidays and additional holidays observed specifically in the state of Kedah, where Langkawi is located, as for example the Kedah Sultan’s Birthday.
This combination reflects the country’s diverse cultural and religious heritage, covering Islamic, Buddhist and Hindu celebrations nationwide.
Celebration | Timeframe | Description |
|---|---|---|
Chinese New Year | January/February | Celebrated by the Chinese community, this festive holiday includes family gatherings, fireworks, lion dances, and red decorations to welcome prosperity and luck. |
Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid al-Fitr) | Varies by Islamic lunar calendar | Marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. Families gather, enjoy festive meals, and celebrate with open houses and traditional Malay dishes. |
| Thaipusam | January/February | A Hindu festival celebrating Lord Murugan. Devotees perform prayers and undertake pilgrimages; often includes rituals of penance and carrying “kavadis” or offerings. |
| Vesak (Wesak) Day | May | A Buddhist celebration of the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha. Ceremonies, prayers, and offerings are held at local temples. |
| Hari Raya Haji (Eid al-Adha) | Varies by Islamic lunar calendar | The Feast of Sacrifice, celebrating the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Includes prayers, gatherings, and sometimes animal sacrifices (like goats and cows). |
| Deepavali (Diwali) | October/November | Known as the "Festival of Lights," celebrated by the Hindu community with the lighting of oil lamps, family gatherings, and sweets to signify the triumph of light over darkness. |
| National Day (Merdeka) | August 31 | Malaysia’s Independence Day from the British Empire 1957, marked by parades, flag displays, and patriotic celebrations throughout Langkawi and the country. |
| Malaysia Day | September 16 | Celebrating the unification of states into Malaysia in 1963. Celebrations include cultural shows, flag-raising ceremonies, and local events. |
| Christmas | December 25 | Observed by the Christian community and celebrated with decorations & festive meals. |
| New Year's Eve | December 31 | Celebrated with gatherings, fireworks, and countdown events, particularly in popular tourist areas like Pantai Chenang. |