Sabah Fest, the iconic annual cultural tourism event organized by the Sabah Tourism Board through its subsidiary, Sri Pelancongan Sabah, makes its much-anticipated return, inviting everyone to experience the heart and soul of Sabah’s diverse heritage.
First introduced in 1988, the festival has grown into a vibrant platform that celebrates Sabah’s rich cultural tapestry, showcasing the arts, traditions, and stories of the state’s many ethnic communities. Over the years, Sabah Fest has continued to preserve, promote, and share the unique identities that make Sabah truly special.
Today, Sabah Fest enters a new chapter with a refreshed and more strategic direction, evolving into a month-long celebration held alongside meaningful occasions such as National Day, Sabah Day, and Malaysia Day. This extended celebration creates a meaningful opportunity for locals and visitors alike to come together, immerse themselves in Sabah’s cultural treasures, and experience the creativity, traditions, and stories that unite us all.
Programme & Highlights
50 Exciting Events happening
from 29 August until 29 September
Events
The History of Sabah Fest
Sabah Fest was first introduced to celebrate Sabah - bringing traditional arts, music, dance, and customs to the main stage. It became a platform for local artists and cultural groups to share their traditions and stories with the public, for locals and visitors alike.
Sabah Fest expanded beyond the main stage through cultural roadshows, taking traditional performances and cultural showcases closer to communities. This allowed more people across Sabah to experience and appreciate the state’s diverse traditions.
Sabah Fest evolved into theatrical productions featuring Sabah’s legends, folklore, and traditional stories. Through music, dance, and drama, stories such as Pa Pa Kang, Ngarayang, Injin Puput, Aki Nabalu, Agop, and Solungkoi were brought to life on stage.
During this period, a small ticket fee was introduced as a way to appreciate and support the cultural performers who dedicated their time and talents to these productions. The theatrical journey continued with more stories from Sabah’s different communities, offering audiences a glimpse into traditions and beliefs passed down through generations in the form of storytelling.
Sabah Fest returned to its open-concept format, becoming a month-long cultural celebration. Weekly showcases were held at malls and public spaces around Kota Kinabalu, giving the public more opportunities to enjoy cultural performances, crafts, and activities.
When the COVID-19 pandemic halted live events, Sabah Fest moved online to continue sharing Sabah’s culture with audiences. Through digital showcases and virtual experiences, the festival found a new way to keep cultural performances and stories accessible.
Sabah Fest returns with an expanded format across various venues in Sabah, bringing cultural performances, traditional games, and interactive activities closer to communities statewide. The festival continues to share the stories, traditions, and practices that are part of Sabah’s cultural identity through various pocket shows.
Road Closure & Traffic Advisory
Artist Line-Up
Marsha Milan
Datuk Francis Landong
Dabra Sia
Elica Paujin
Program Extravaganza
Unity In Diversity: Culture Unites Us Fun Run & Ethnic Walk
The "Unity in Diversity: Culture Unites Us Fun Run 2025" organised by Sabah Tourism Board through Sri Pelancongan Sabah, aims to celebrate Sabah's rich cultural diversity and foster unity through a shared and healthy outdoor activity. This event is not merely a sporting event, but serves as a platform to bring together people from different backgrounds and ages to highlight the significance of cultural harmony and while promoting a healthy lifestyle and showcasing the beauty and diversity of the people in Sabah.
Program Unity in Diversity: Culture Unites Us Fun Run & Ethnic Walk
5 September 2025 (Friday)
10:00am - 10:00pm : Race Pack Collection at Hello Sabah Secretariat Counter, The Oval @ Imago Shopping Mall
6 September 2025 (Saturday)
5:00 am : Arrival of Participants (8KM)
6:00 am : Flag Off - Fun Run 8KM
7:00 am : Arrival of Cultural Association Group
7:45 am : Arrival of Guest of Honour
8:00 am : Flag Off - Ethnic Walk 1KM
8:30 am : Cultural Performance & Zumba Session
10:00 am : Program Ends
Route Map
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