So much in Asia depends on the calendar. In February in Beijing, more than 20 million people all set off fireworks to celebrate Chinese New Year. In Nagaland in India, tribes from all over the region meet to compete, dance, and celebrate. In Thailand, spectators look on as celebrants perform bizarre rituals at the Nine Emperor Gods Festival.
With an intimate and unique knowledge of Asian culture, Remote Lands knows the importance of experiencing culture the right way. Whether you want an up-close view of the Sing-Sing festival in the Asaro Valley of Papua New Guinea or a quiet walk through the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan, Remote Lands can give travelers the best possible experience on their celebrations throughout Asia.
Every two years, the community in the Baram River basin in Sarawak celebrates their culture and traditions, along with peace between tribes. Visitors flock to the region to witness exciting races with different types of boats. There are also cultural performances, sporting and singing competitions and a grand beauty pageant.
This popular festival showcases the incredible skills of kite makers from all over Malaysia as well as other countries, as international participants and spectators gather to see their creations color the sky. There are also cultural dance and music shows to be enjoyed as well as delicious traditional food and crafts on sale.
Dancers from all over Malaysia and the world converge upon Sibu Civic Theatre to showcase a diverse programme of dance. Many styles are represented, from classical Malay tribal dance and European folk dance to contemporary, modern and ballroom. There is a colorful opening ceremony and a day of workshops, followed by a two-day concert.
This two-day festival sees Borneo’s Bajau community come together and welcome visitors from around the region to enjoy and experience their traditional folk music, known as Betitik. There is an exhibition about the history and culture of the ethnic group, as well as a market selling local food and handmade crafts.
Throughout the second part of September, a rich and diverse celebration of artistic endeavour is celebrated across Borneo, from Sabah to Sarawak and Labuan. Visitors from all over the world enjoy the musical performances and competitions, exhibitions of fashion, arts and photography, as well as traditional food and storytelling.
Professional and amateur kitemakers and their families from all over the world gather for an exciting and colorful day in Bintulu to see and fly spectacular kites. There are plenty of activities to take part in, including workshops with kitemakers, and kite-coloring competitions. There is also a range of great food and drink available.
Hindus all over Malaysia celebrate this joyful and festive occasion once a year. On the day of Deepavali, devotees cleanse themselves and visit the temple. They decorate their houses and the streets with colorful lights to commemorate the return of the gods Rama and Sita from exile. There are firework displays and meals are shared.
The traditional folk music of Sabah is characterized by the gong which has been made for centuries by the craftsmen in the village of Sumangkap. The gong is celebrated by the villagers and visitors in this two-day festival featuring classical music and dance from Sabah. There is also the opportunity to see how the gongs are made.
For one day each year, the Tamu market in Kota Belud expands and welcomes visitors from all around for the annual grand market carnival festivities of the Tamu Besar. As well as all the usual local food and crafts, there is a parade of Bajau horsemen, an exciting water buffalo race and a popular beauty pageant.
Water sports enthusiasts gather for this annual, two-day event, which historically celebrates peace between warring tribes. As well as racing traditional, decorated long boats, the teams of rowers from all over ASEAN take part in a range of other events, competing for cash prizes. There is also a food festival and golf tournament.
