Kota Kinabalu: The State’s signature cultural event, Sabah Fest 2025, will return as a month-long celebration from Aug 30 to Sept 28, in conjunction with National Day, Sabah Day and Malaysia Day.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said the timing was ideal to showcase Sabah’s cultural treasures in a unifying atmosphere.
“This is a highly suitable period as it allows us to highlight Sabah's cultural treasures within a grand, unifying atmosphere,” she told a press conference at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
Themed “Unity in Diversity: Culture Unites Us”, the festival is organised by the Sabah Tourism Board through its subsidiary Sri Pelancongan Sabah.
First introduced in 1988, it has grown into a platform to promote Sabah’s arts, traditions, cuisine and cultural performances.
The month-long programme features a mix of cultural performances, interactive events and community-based activities:Aug 30: The festival kicks off with the Sabah Fest Launching Ceremony at Jalan Jati Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu (7pm-10pm).Sept 6: The Unity in Diversity: Culture Unites Us Fun Run & Walk will take place at Taman Ujana Rimba Tropika. The 8km run will pass iconic places of worship such as the Sacred Heart Cathedral, State Mosque, Gurdwara Sahib Temple and Peak Nam Toong Temple. Participants are encouraged to post photos online using the hashtag #SabahFestUnityRun. The 1km walk will feature participants dressed in colourful ethnic attire.Sept 6–7: The Sabah Fest Mini Carnival at Imago Shopping Mall will showcase traditional games and interactive cultural activities.Sept 27–28: The grand finale, the Sabah Fest Extravaganza at Oceanus Boardwalk, will feature cultural dance performances from across Sabah’s five divisions, bringing together the best of the State’s diverse communities.Liew said Sabah Fest is more than just a festival.
“It is about preserving our heritage, empowering our communities and inviting the world to experience what makes Sabah truly unique,” she said.
She added that Sabah’s harmonious multicultural spirit is a major draw for visitors.
“Sabah is unique not only for its diverse cultures but also for the unity that binds us together. "Whether at a kopitiam or at a festival, people of all backgrounds come together as one. This is what makes Sabah special, and it is what attracts visitors from around the world,” she said.
Organisers expect about 5,000 participants for the Fun Run and Walk, with thousands more expected at the opening and closing events.
Liew also urged the public to support local hawkers and food stalls that will be part of the festivities.
Strategic partners this year include the Sabah Cultural Board, Kota Kinabalu City Hall, Kupi Kupi FM, Imago Mall, Suria Sabah Mall, Oceanus Mall and Malaysia Airports Berhad (KKIA).
Looking ahead, Liew said the State hopes to expand Sabah Fest beyond Kota Kinabalu so that more districts can be involved in future editions.
“Mark your calendars, bring your families, friends and visitors. Let us come together to celebrate Sabah Fest 2025 — a true tribute to our pride, our unity and our identity as Sabahans,” she said.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said the timing was ideal to showcase Sabah’s cultural treasures in a unifying atmosphere.
“This is a highly suitable period as it allows us to highlight Sabah's cultural treasures within a grand, unifying atmosphere,” she told a press conference at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC).
Themed “Unity in Diversity: Culture Unites Us”, the festival is organised by the Sabah Tourism Board through its subsidiary Sri Pelancongan Sabah.
First introduced in 1988, it has grown into a platform to promote Sabah’s arts, traditions, cuisine and cultural performances.
The month-long programme features a mix of cultural performances, interactive events and community-based activities:Aug 30: The festival kicks off with the Sabah Fest Launching Ceremony at Jalan Jati Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu (7pm-10pm).Sept 6: The Unity in Diversity: Culture Unites Us Fun Run & Walk will take place at Taman Ujana Rimba Tropika. The 8km run will pass iconic places of worship such as the Sacred Heart Cathedral, State Mosque, Gurdwara Sahib Temple and Peak Nam Toong Temple. Participants are encouraged to post photos online using the hashtag #SabahFestUnityRun. The 1km walk will feature participants dressed in colourful ethnic attire.Sept 6–7: The Sabah Fest Mini Carnival at Imago Shopping Mall will showcase traditional games and interactive cultural activities.Sept 27–28: The grand finale, the Sabah Fest Extravaganza at Oceanus Boardwalk, will feature cultural dance performances from across Sabah’s five divisions, bringing together the best of the State’s diverse communities.Liew said Sabah Fest is more than just a festival.
“It is about preserving our heritage, empowering our communities and inviting the world to experience what makes Sabah truly unique,” she said.
She added that Sabah’s harmonious multicultural spirit is a major draw for visitors.
“Sabah is unique not only for its diverse cultures but also for the unity that binds us together. "Whether at a kopitiam or at a festival, people of all backgrounds come together as one. This is what makes Sabah special, and it is what attracts visitors from around the world,” she said.
Organisers expect about 5,000 participants for the Fun Run and Walk, with thousands more expected at the opening and closing events.
Liew also urged the public to support local hawkers and food stalls that will be part of the festivities.
Strategic partners this year include the Sabah Cultural Board, Kota Kinabalu City Hall, Kupi Kupi FM, Imago Mall, Suria Sabah Mall, Oceanus Mall and Malaysia Airports Berhad (KKIA).
Looking ahead, Liew said the State hopes to expand Sabah Fest beyond Kota Kinabalu so that more districts can be involved in future editions.
“Mark your calendars, bring your families, friends and visitors. Let us come together to celebrate Sabah Fest 2025 — a true tribute to our pride, our unity and our identity as Sabahans,” she said.
