Sabah Fest 2025 Set to Shine as a Cultural Tourism Highlight in Sabah

23 August 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s vibrant cultural heritage will take centre stage once again with the return of Sabah Fest, an iconic annual event celebrated for its rich display of arts, traditions, and diverse ethnic stories. This was announced by Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew, during a press conference at Sabah International Convention Centre today.

Sabah Fest 2025 promises to be a grand celebration that will boost tourism and showcase Sabah’s unique cultural tapestry.

First launched in 1988, Sabah Fest has long served as a vital platform for promoting Sabah’s diverse cultural landscape.

“This year, the festival adopts a more strategic approach, running throughout the month of August and September, aligning with national celebrations such as National Day, Sabah Day, and Malaysia Day. The extended programme aims to attract both locals and international visitors, offering an immersive experience into Sabah’s living heritage,” Liew said.

Under the theme “Unity in Diversity: Culture Unites Us,” Sabah Fest 2025 underscores the unifying power of culture amid diversity. The festival’s activities include a launch event on August 30 at Jalan Jati Gaya Street in Kota Kinabalu, followed by a range of engaging programmes designed to celebrate Sabah’s arts, crafts, and performances, she shared.

According to her, visitors can participate in the Unity in Diversity Fun Run & Walk on September 6 at Taman Ujana Rimba Tropika, which features routes past iconic religious and cultural sites, encouraging social media sharing with the hashtag #SabahFestUnityRun. The event also offers a colourful ethnic attire parade for participants in the 1km walk.

A mini cultural carnival at Imago Shopping Mall from September 6 to 7 will showcase traditional games and interactive experiences, providing a taste of Sabah’s cultural richness. The festival will culminate in a grand Sabah Fest Extravaganza on September 27 and 28 at Oceanus Boardwalk, featuring vibrant dance performances from Sabah’s five divisions, celebrating the living traditions of the state.

Liew emphasised that Sabah Fest is more than a celebration, it is a means of preserving heritage, empowering local communities, and inviting the world to experience what makes Sabah truly unique. She highlighted the collaboration with key partners, including the Sabah Cultural Board, Kota Kinabalu City Hall, Kupi Kupi FM, Imago Mall, Suria Sabah Mall, Oceanus Mall, and Malaysia Airports Berhad (KKIA), whose support is vital in making Sabah Fest 2025 a memorable event.

Looking ahead, there are plans to expand Sabah Fest beyond Kota Kinabalu, bringing the cultural showcase to other districts and communities across Sabah. The minister encouraged everyone to mark their calendars, bring their families and friends, and join in celebrating Sabah’s pride, unity, and identity through this vibrant cultural festival.