One of the beautiful countries in Southeast Asia is Malaysia. Its national capital is Kuala Lumpur, which is also the largest city. Malaysia has a varied wildlife that contains almost 20% of animal species found in the world. Its two-third area is covered by forest.
It has a tropical climate, which means no real winters, but the early mornings & evenings have slightly lower temperatures between December to February. So, plan Malaysia travel in December, which is the best time to create new memories for a lifetime. Apply for Malaysia visa now!
Cultural diversity can be seen in its festivals & events. You will get to enjoy different Malaysia New Year and Malaysia Christmas traditions during your trip to the country during the holiday season. Plan your trip and have a great opportunity to admire different festivals like: The Dragon Boat Festival to explore colorful traditional boats; Christmas to taste Plum cakes and admire decorations; Thaipusam to experience piercing of the skin; Chinese New Year to enjoy Lion & dragon dance performances.
Best places for visiting on New Year’s Festival in Malaysia
1. Kuala Lumpur
It’s worth to visit the amazing city to experience the diverse group of people from different religions like Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism. A lot of festivals & events are celebrated around these religions such as Christmas, Thaipusam in Batu Caves, and Chinese New Year. Kuala Lumpur is also the perfect place in Malaysia to travel during Ramadan.
The biggest day to explore & taste delicious food and enjoy firework displays is Christmas Eve. If you are a food lover then do not miss the chance to taste the most popular dish; roast or fried chicken, assorted steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes with drinks and desserts. Another famous and colorful festival to click nice pictures is Thaipusam when the devotees impale their bodies with long metal spikes. Exploring the lucky & symbolic food during Chinese New Year celebrations will complete your trip. Nightlife in Kuala Lumpur is very popular, which gives you the opportunity to taste the delicious food of your choice while gazing at the stars.
Location: Federal capital and largest city in Malaysia
NYE Tip: Watch the iconic fireworks display over the Petronas Towers at midnight along KLCC Park
2. Cameron Highlands
Experience the pleasant & cold weather between the hills as it is based at higher altitude. Grab the opportunity to explore the Butterfly Farm and Strawberry Farm and create breathtaking memories for life. The colorful and vibrant butterflies will leave you with an amazing feeling and juicy strawberries will get your taste buds to linger on the taste forever. You should not miss the chance to visit the night market in Brinchang and Tanah Rata towns. During festival seasons, the stalls are ready to offer a variety of indigenous handicrafts, kitsch souvenirs, continental snacks, cactus, plants, and vegetables and fruits. If you would like to know the steps of making tea, then you must visit BOH Plantation. If you are a night person then enjoy the nightlife of Cameron Highlands, visit restaurants of your choice, and enjoy evenings with beverages in hand.
Location: Hill station in Pahang, known for its tea plantations and cool weather
NYE Tip: Have a cozy countdown celebration with steaming cups of tea amidst strawberry farms
decked out in fairy lights
3. Penang
It is the second smallest state in Malaysia which has two parts: Penang Island & Seberang Perai. This bright city celebrates different kinds of festivals throughout the year. The main religious & cultural festivals include, but are not limited to, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Aidiladha, Wesak Day, Songkran, Eid ul-Fitri, Thaipusam,, Christmas, and Vaisakhi. It is also one of the best Deepavali travel destinations in Malaysia. Many other events are also organized during the year like the International Dragon Boat Race, International Floral Festival, and St. Anne’s Festival.
Explore and admire the Penang Botanical Gardens, which is engulfed with flowers in different colors, shapes, and sizes. Witness the dragon boat crew struggle in the water to be the champions and enjoy various stage performances. This island gives you a different kind of vibe at night when the sun sets and lights are turned on. Beaches, pubs, and rooftop cocktail bars are the most popular places to enjoy the nightlife.
Location: An island off northwestern Malaysia famous for food, beaches,and street art
NYE Tip: See fireworks light up over the Penang Strait from vantage points like Gurney Drive Promenade
4. Malacca
It is a popular destination among travelers and exposes you to rich cultural heritage. Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is a historic Chinese Temple known as the oldest Buddhist and shrine place of worship. While in Malacca, do not forget to ride and explore the Anaconda Twist, the Lazy Cum Crazy River, The Pendulum slides, the Big Wave pool, and the Adventure Island in the wonderland theme park. Give wings to your photographic creativity by taking the opportunity to visit Upside Down House in Malacca. Inside the house, everything is inverted. Visiting during the festival time will increase the charm and give you a mind-blowing experience. It also gives you all the options to enjoy at night, whether late night parties or shopping.
Location: A historical state rich in multicultural heritage on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia
NYE Tip: Explore the decorative Jonker Street Night Market before a lively street party for the countdown
5. Langkawi
Being a multicultural country, Malaysia celebrates many festivals & events, but Langkawi Island transforms itself into a vibrant hub, and you get the opportunity to explore & admire the colorful decorations, food markets, and the cultural performances. It also organizes different events to engage the crowd across the globe, a few of them are aerospace and maritime exhibitions, food fiestas, golfing tournaments, trail runs, water sports and strongman competitions, and yacht racing programs. The nightlife in Langkawi is awesome; enjoy some live music while sipping delicious cocktails or watch the sunset over a chit-chat with locals or fellow tourists.
Location: An archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea known for rainforests,
beaches and luxury resorts
NYE Tip: Attend a glitzy beachfront gala with extravagant fireworks show over the sea at midnight
6. Redang Island
With white sand beaches fringed by crystal clear waters and lush tropical rainforests as its backdrop, Redang Island makes for an idyllic New Year’s escape. Situated off the east coast of Malaysia in the state of Terengganu, this paradisiacal island sees relatively fewer tourists, making it perfect to welcome 2024 in tranquility.
Base yourself in one of the beachfront resorts dotting the coastline to attend their special New Year’s Eve celebrations, featuring lavish buffet spreads, live music performances and dance parties that last well into the early hours. As the clock strikes midnight, step out on the beach to toast the New Year with newfound friends against flickering bonfires and gentle sea breeze. The next morning, start 2024 by joining other revellers for a New Year’s dip in the sea or going snorkeling to explore the island’s vibrant marine life teeming below the waters.
Location: Marine park island in Terengganu, East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia
NYE Tip: Countdown to 2024 at a beachfront resort with sparkling fireworks over the sea and an after-party under the stars.
7. Kota Kinabalu
With a dazzling firework display over the South China Sea, lively street parties at the KK Waterfront and exciting cultural events, Kota Kinabalu makes for a memorable New Year’s celebration on the island of Borneo. Sabah’s vibrant capital city sees locals and tourists congregate at hotspots like the Tanjung Aru Beach food village and Times Square Shopping Mall rooftop to usher in 2024 with captivating views of fireworks illuminating the glittering sea.
Head up to the Shangri-La Rasa Ria beach resort about an hour away from the city for an exclusive New Year’s Eve gala dinner and countdown event followed by a sunrise beach yoga session to start off 2024 surrounded by lush rainforest greenery. Or explore the islands nearby like Manukan Island for all-white themed New Year parties stretched across sandy beaches. From city revelry to natural tranquility, Kota Kinabalu provides varied experiences to welcome the New Year in style.
Location: Capital city of Sabah, East Malaysia on the island of Borneo
NYE Tip: Join merrymakers at Tanjung Aru Beach food village to ring in the New Year with dazzling fireworks displays over the South China Sea.
Things To Do On New Year’s Eve In Malaysia
1. Attend the Music Festivals
Join these unique celebrations in Sarawak, featuring local and international musicians. Dance to diverse rhythms, participate in cultural workshops, and countdown to midnight surrounded by lush jungle.
2. Skydive into the New Year
For thrill-seekers, welcome 2025 with an adrenaline rush. Take a midnight skydive over Kuala Lumpur, witnessing the city’s fireworks from a breathtaking aerial perspective.
3. Join a Traditional Kenduri
Experience authentic Malaysian culture by participating in a community feast. Share local delicacies, exchange well-wishes, and immerse yourself in the warmth of Malaysian hospitality.
4. Embark on a Batu Caves Pilgrimage
Visit the iconic Batu Caves near midnight. Join devotees in prayer, climb the colorful steps, and reflect on the year past as you welcome the new one in this spiritual setting.
5. Cruise the Kinabatangan River
Take a night wildlife cruise in Sabah. Spot nocturnal animals, admire the starry sky, and toast to the New Year amidst the sounds of the Bornean rainforest.
6. Attend a Tea Ceremony in the Cameron Highlands
Welcome the New Year with tranquility at a traditional tea ceremony. Learn about tea culture, enjoy panoramic views of misty plantations, and meditate on your resolutions for 2025.
7.Participate in Wau Kite Flying
Join locals in flying traditional Malaysian kites on the beaches of Kelantan. Create your own wau bulan, engage in friendly competitions, and watch fireworks light up the kite-filled sky at midnight.
FAQ’s About New Year’s Celebrations Malaysia
Planning a trip to Malaysia for 2024 New Year's celebrations but have some questions?
What are the best places to celebrate New Year's Eve 2024 in Malaysia?
Where can I join public New Year’s Eve celebrations in Malaysia?
What kind of New Year’s Eve parties and events are there?
What’s the weather like in Malaysia during the New Year period?
What are the hottest New Year’s Eve hotel party options?
Will there be midnight fireworks displays?
What traditional New Year traditions and customs can I observe?
Are there any cultural events for New Year’s?
What are the best new year's day activity ideas I can do on Jan 1st 2024?
What COVID regulations apply to visiting Malaysia during this period?
Bottom Line
The list is never ending as Malaysia is a colorful & diverse country and you can create many unforgettable moments there with your family & friends. So, get ready to take up all the opportunities to blast the festive season in Malaysia. Spend an amazing time with your family and build a memory book for a lifetime.