WHEN TO GO - June

Held at India’s wealthiest monastery in Ladakh, this two-day festival celebrates the birthday of Guru Padamasambhava, and the triumph of good over evil. People dress up in brightly-colored clothes and wear unique masks, sing and dance, and a market is held where local handicrafts are sold.

This popular, colorful one-day festival is followed by two public holidays, and is celebrated throughout China. Sticky dumplings and wine are traditionally shared among friends, and people flock to the river banks to watch exciting dragon boat races. There are also market fairs with games, music and dancing.

This increasingly popular event attracts boat racing teams from Hong Kong, China, Japan and the rest of Malaysia to Likas Bay in Sabah. Spectators flock to see the colorful boat race as the teams beat their drums to synchronize their paddling. There are local gourmet delicacies, while music and dance creates a carnival atmosphere.