Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu Welcomes the Year of the Horse with Vibrant Lion Dance Celebration

18 February 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu ushered in the first day of Chinese New Year with a vibrant and auspicious lion dance performance by the renowned Yii Nan Lion Dance Troupe, held at the hotel’s grand porte-cochère. The celebration drew over 100 guests, including both local patrons and international visitors, who gathered to witness the traditional spectacle symbolising prosperity, renewal, and good fortune.

The lively performance commenced at the hotel entrance, where the lions greeted arriving guests with rhythmic drumbeats and dynamic choreography. They then proceeded through the hotel lobby, weaving gracefully across the space in a symbolic gesture of spreading blessings, prosperity, and positive energy throughout the property.

A key highlight of the morning was the troupe’s breathtaking acrobatic segment, in which the lions performed atop elevated stilts, demonstrating remarkable balance, agility, and precision to the delight of all attendees.

The celebration concluded with a traditional Yee Sang tossing ceremony, hosted by Malaysian television personality Baki Zainal, who guided guests and hotel associates through the cultural significance of the ritual. Guests enthusiastically participated in the symbolic tossing of the Yee Sang, expressing collective wishes for prosperity, unity, and abundance in the year ahead.

Suresh Ramasamy, General Manager of Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu, said, “Chinese New Year is a deeply meaningful celebration that brings people together in the spirit of renewal, prosperity, and shared joy. At Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu, we are proud to honour this important tradition by creating memorable cultural experiences for our guests and associates. The lion dance performance not only symbolises good fortune but also reflects our commitment to celebrating the rich cultural diversity that defines our destination and enhances the guest experience.”

The Chinese New Year festivities at Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu demonstrate the hotel’s ongoing dedication to delivering culturally enriching experiences that connect guests with meaningful traditions while creating distinctive and memorable moments throughout their stay.