Every month, the Going Places team handpicks the best experiences across Malaysia
1. Selangor: Celebrate Malaysia Day at Sunway City
Join the month-long celebration this Malaysia Day at Sunway City Kuala Lumpur, where the streets come alive with glowing Jalur Gemilang flags, dazzling fireworks, hibiscus-themed lights and a spectacular illuminated dome. At Sunway Lagoon, enjoy vibrant cultural performances, nostalgic childhood games and fun meet-and-greets with mascots Gogo and Bebe. The festivities continue at Sunway Resort Hotel, where local flavours take centre stage with nasi lemak specials, beef rendang burgers, Jalur Gemilang donut shakes and chicken satay pizzas. sunwayhotels.com
2. Pahang: Dive into Tioman’s Scuba Divers’ Festival
Over 1,500 divers are suiting up for the Tioman National Scuba Divers’ Festival (19–21 September). Serving epic underwater underwater adventures, reef clean-ups and island vibes all weekend long, it’s a celebration of marine life, conservation and community – with the crystal clear waters of Tioman as your playground. pahangtourism.org.my
3. Johor: Catch waves at Ombak Festival
Ombak Festival returns to Desaru Coast from 12-14 September, with music, food, art and family fun. The line-up includes Simply Red, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Joss Stone, Flight Facilities and local stars Joe Flizzow, SonaOne and Ismail Izzani. Expect art installations, workshops, curated eats and a kids’ zone with a Legoland challenge. ombakfestival.com
4. KL: Relax at The Exchange TRX Premium Lounge
The Exchange TRX has a new Premium Lounge: a stylish city retreat with plush interiors, soft lighting, floral accents, refreshments, personalised service, private restrooms, children’s corner, festive perks and gift wrapping. instagram.com/theexchangetrx
5. KL: Artfully yours
Tucked inside Toffee on Jalan Raja Chulan, UR-MU (Urban Museum) is a private museum for contemporary art lovers. Its two-level showcase features bold, personal collections from two major Malaysian collectors. On Level 5, discover themes ranging from minimalist calm to Gen Z edge – comics, graffiti and social media-inspired works – plus a quirky room dedicated to furry friends. Upstairs, “Tubuh” presents over 100 figurative works from the 1990s to 2000s, capturing Malaysia’s evolving identity. The museum opens Tue-Sun, 11am to 7pm, with last admission at 6.30pm. ur-mu.com
6. KL: Ride the Keretapi Sarong
On September 13, Keretapi Sarong, the annual cultural flash-mob-meets-fashion-parade, is making one of its much-anticipated stops at The Exchange TRX. Organised by cultural platform Locco, this lively Malaysia Day movement transforms LRT/MRT stations and train carriages into moving runways, as thousands turn up decked in colourful sarongs – tying, wrapping and styling them in ways that are anything but old-school. instagram.com/locco.my
7. Terengganu: Join the beachfront fiesta
Sunshine, sea breeze and serious East Coast charm – Karnival Pantai Terengganu is serving these and more from 11 to 14 September at Pulau Kekabu. A celebration of everything uniquely Terengganu, this four-day beachfront fiesta will feature beach games, traditional crafts and live performances. Whether you’re in it for the sandy vibes, local eats or a front-row seat to authentic traditions, this carnival makes for the perfect long-weekend escape. expolah.com
8. See your favourite acts live
Equatorial Love Songs* (16 Sept, Resorts World Genting)
On 16 September, celebrate Malaysia Day with Equatorial Love Songs at Arena of Stars, Resorts World Genting. Headlined by Malaysian singer-songwriters Rynn Lim, A-Bin (Fang Jiong Bin) and Vchuan Tan, the concert blends music, identity and emotion in a uniquely Malaysian showcase. rwgenting.com
B.I Tour: The Last Parade (21 Sept, KL)
Singer-songwriter-producer B.I is set to return to Malaysia with his highly anticipated B.I Tour: The Last Parade, for a one-night-only show at Mega Star Arena, Kuala Lumpur on 21 September, in celebration of his third studio album, Wonderland. ticketingtix.com
Air Supply 50th Anniversary Concert (23 Sept, KL)
Legendary soft rock duo Air Supply is set to serenade fans once again. Their 50th anniversary concert on 23 September at Mega Star Arena promises a night of pure nostalgia and classics such as “Here I Am” and “All Out of Love”. airsupplymusic.com
Jung Yong-hwa Solo Debut (14 Sept, KL)
CNBLUE’s charismatic frontman makes his long-awaited solo debut with Director’s Cut: Our Fine Days, to be held at Mega Star Arena on 14 September. This milestone tour coincides with the release of his mini album One Last Day. ticketingtix.com
9. Melaka: Check into Dusit Princess
Say “sawasdee” to Dusit Princess Melaka, Dusit International’s first hotel in Malaysia. Located in the heart of the Unesco World Heritage City, this 296-room property blends Thai style with Melaka’s rich heritage. Enjoy signature Thai service, the state’s deepest pool at 2.7m, a 24-hour gym and three dining spots: Zest, Long Feng and Famosa Lounge. The hotel is also home to one of Melaka’s largest conference venues, so business travellers, take note. instagram.com/dusitprincessmelaka
10. Discover Malaysian flavours in Sydney
Malaysia’s Best is coming to Sydney! From 8 to 11 September 2025, Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) showcases a delicious variety of Malaysian food and drinks at Fine Food Australia 2025, held at the International Convention Centre Sydney. Think tropical fruit snacks, ready-to-eat products, herbal drinks, coconut treats and frozen durian – all proudly made in Malaysia. instagram.com/fama.malaysia
11. Test your endurance on the trails
Trail races aren’t just about distance anymore – they’re the new frontier of lifestyle and grit. This month’s runs will test your endurance.
King of Lenggong Trail
This trail-running event is back on 7 September in the scenic heart of Lenggong, Perak. There’s something for every level, with distances ranging from 5km sprints to the ultra-tough 50km beast mode. @kingoflenggongtrails
Pahang Ultra
On 6 and 7 September, adrenaline meets the wilderness as one of Malaysia’s most thrilling trail-running events takes over the lush, untamed landscapes of Pahang. @pahangultra
Ipoh 7 Bridges Run
On 14 September, enjoy a scenic dash through the heart of Ipoh, where every kilometre takes you past colonial-era architecture, local neighbourhoods and seven historic bridges that stitch the city together. Facebook/Ipoh7BridgesRun
12. Sabah: Sip Uinah sodas
This Malaysia Day, raise a glass to Uinah, a proudly Sabahan craft beverage brand known for its all-natural, halal ginger sodas. Co-founded by Matthias Liew, uinah (“handsome” in the local dialect) is more than just a drink – it’s a love letter to Sabah. “We work directly with local farmers, pay fair prices and build real relationships,” says Liew. While it started as a grassroots passion project, Uinah is now stocked across Malaysia and gaining international fans, thanks in part to proud Sabahans spreading the word. uinahbeverages.com
