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genericly Sabah follows the same religious and ethnic festivals as the rest of Malaysia though it does hold a few of it’s own that are unique to the area. The most popular of these is the Pesta Kaamatan or harvest festival celebrated in May by the Kadazan and Dusun tribes. This is a good time to watch traditional performances and experience different taste sensations with the many different dishes that are prepared at the time of the festival. Other interesting festivals are those of Chinese New Year and hari Priya

Chinese New Year (January/February) This is a joyous time when friends and relatives give each other "angpows" - red packets with a gift of cash as a token of prosperity and celebrate with feasts and lion dances to ward off evil spirits and usher in the lunar new year. Family reunion dinners are a must among Chinese on the eve of the new year.

Mt. Kinabalu Mountain Bike Challenge (March)

Sabah Festival (April or May) Over 30 colourful ethnic communities will gather with their gongs and flamboyant dancing skills in Kota Kinabalu to showcase Sabah's rich cultural heritage. Exotic village handicrafts immaculately made with fine handiwork will be available for sale during this occasion.

The Harvest Festival Regatta (April or May)

Patterns and Colours of Sabah (mid May to mid June) This is an annual exhibition featuring paintings and handicrafts of Sabah.

The Sabah Dragon Boat Race (June) Local and international teams pit their skills and energy against one another for top honours. Join thousands to watch the action from the shore of scenic Likas Bay and cheer for your favourite Dragon Boat team.

Merdeka Regatta  (August) Held over a period of one week with more than 12 races to determine the champion/s in different classes of boats. The race is to commemorate Malaysia's Independence Day. Sailors from all over the world are invited to take part in the weeklong competition.

National Day (31 August) The country celebrates it's independence on 31 August with parades and shows. Towns and cities throughout Malaysia will be gaily decorated and adorned with lights for the grand occasion.

Pesta Kelapa (September) A popular annual event in Kudat with lots of fun games and contests, and it also features the vast variety of the coconut species. Catch the interesting exhibition featuring all coconut-made products

Malaysia Fest (September) For two weeks, all the major hotels and shopping complexes join forces to feature the culture, cuisine and handicrafts of the various states in Malaysia.

Deepavali (October/November) The "Festival of Lights" is a celebration which marks the triumph of good over evil. During this festival, Hindu homes are emblazoned with lights to symbolize this triump

Kiulu 4M Challenge (November) Come witness this traditional endurance event! Four kinds of indigenous sports cum survival skills of the natives are tested. In the Kadazandusun language, the 4M stand for Manangkus (running), Mamangkar (bamboo rafting), Manampatau (swimming with a piece of bamboo as float), and Mamarampanau (walking on bamboo stilts).

KYC Match Racing Regatta (November) Teams from all over the world are invited to match their skills against one another in a knock out, one against one duel. The winner will be decided by the most number of wins in the knock out series.

Christmas (25 December) Celebrated by Christians similar to any other part of the world. Midnight services are held at churches on Christmas eve. Shopping centres, hotels, old folks homes and children's homes echo with beautiful carols. The revelry and yuletide spirit of Christmas is enjoyed by Christians and non-Christians alike.

Hari Raya Aidil Fitri  is celebrated by Muslims after the month-long Ramadan (fasting month). Muslims usher in the new year with prayers in the mosques followed by receiving well-wishers in their homes.