.png)
SHAH ALAM - Looking for a weekend that isn't another mall trip? Head to the paddy country of northern Selangor, where Karnival Ban Canal 2026 returns from Nov 6 to 8 at Ban Canal, Parit 14, Simpang Lima, Sabak Bernam.
Organised by the Selangor state government through the Sabak Bernam Development Area (SABDA) under the theme Nature, Culture and Sustainability, the carnival has grown fast.
Visitors rose from a minimum recorded 1,300 in 2022 to 32,190 last year, when it was named "Best Tourism Event". Sinar Daily is the official media partner this year.
Here is what's on:
Friday, Nov 6: Family and Faith
The carnival opens with a family cooking competition, a fashion competition and a lauk pengantin presentation contest.
As night falls, the mood turns reflective with qasidah and selawat and a Friday-night talk featuring Imam Muda Asyraf, Imam Muda Hassan and Amin Idris.
The evening continues with nasyid by the Inteam and Ahbabul Habib groups, followed by night sub polo.
Saturday, Nov 7: The Big Day
Saturday is packed.
Early risers should look out for Project Strong, Sinar Daily's team challenge. Twenty teams of two will move from a fishing jetty to the carnival grounds, carrying ice, paddling, hauling a 50kg sack and peeling a coconut, before sprinting to the finish inside the carnival. First prize is RM3,000. Cheering is free!
You can also opt to start with the Larian Warisan Alam heritage run and an aerobics session, then explore the music fiesta, a drone workshop and a colouring competition for the little ones.
Culture lovers can catch a silat cultural dance, or try gyotaku, the art of printing a fish onto paper.
By evening, the Sabak Idol finals and the Karnival Ban Canal concert take over the stage, with another round of night sub polo. Rumour has it that, visitors will be serenaded by the best rock stars and queens of the Malaysian music industry!
Sunday, Nov 8: A Grand Finale
The carnival closes with the official closing ceremony, the release of the dragon boat races on the canal, prize presentations for the sporting events and the main lucky draw.
Every Day, All day
Whatever day you come, you will find:
- Free health screening
- Agency and private-sector exhibitions
- Talk sessions - Selera Ban Canal food stalls
- Local products and eco-agro produce
- Wall climbing and a flying fox
- Lucky draws, plus plenty more!
For 2026, the organisers are planning 24 exhibition booths, more than 30 food festival participants, local and international water sports participants and community hosts offering activities and handicrafts.
All activities are open to everyone.
More Than A Day Out
The carnival also supports Selangor's push to have Sabak Bernam nominated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and it puts local small businesses, fishermen, farmers and craftspeople in front of thousands of visitors.
Every ringgit you spend on a plate of local food or a handmade souvenir stays in the community.
Plan Your Visit The Right Way
- Dates: November 6-8, 2026
- Venue: Ban Canal, Parit 14, Simpang Lima, Sabak Bernam, Selangor
- Info: sabda.com.my, #bancanal26
- Hot Tip: Saturday is the busiest day, so arrive early, wear sun protection and bring comfortable shoes!