BNF 2026 to bring East Malaysian heritage to the heart of KL

BT
21 minutes ago
2 min read

KUALA LUMPUR: The Borneo Native Festival (BNF) will be returning to Central Market in Kuala Lumpur from May 22 to 24, 2026, once again transforming the historic venue into a vibrant hub of East Malaysian culture. Timed with the harvest celebrations of Kaamatan and Gawai, the festival offers city‑goers a chance to experience the colours, sounds, and flavours of Sabah and Sarawak without leaving the capital.

BNF was created to highlight the heritage of East Malaysians living in Kuala Lumpur, while cultivating appreciation for Malaysia’s cultural diversity. Organised by Sukaseni Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with MyCreative Venture and the Sabah Tourism Board, and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the festival has grown steadily since its debut in 2022. With TikTok Malaysia as the official media partner and BorneoTalk as a publishing partner, BNF continues to reach new audiences both on‑site and online.

Over three days, Central Market will be transformed into a cultural hub, alive with traditional music and dance performances, including the distinctive sounds of the sape. Festivalgoers can look forward to competitions such as beauty pageants, creative dance showcases, and cultural forums, each highlighting the artistry and heritage of East Malaysia.

The highlight of the programme will be the Cultural Parade on May 23, which will see contingents from East Malaysia, universities, and members of the public marching proudly from Dataran Merdeka to Central Market. Also not to be missed, a series of captivating performances from the likes of Marsha Milan, Mathew Ngau Jau, Dabra Sia, Elica Paujin, Alena Murang, Naki, Eylia Guntabid, Tuni Sundatang, Hairee Francis, DJ Krizknight, Mimi Fly, Munirih and more!

Alongside the performances, visitors will be able to savour authentic Bornean favourites such as hinava, linopot, and kek lapis, while exploring craft booths run by local entrepreneurs offering handmade textiles, beadwork, rattan goods, organic skincare, and other unique creations. Beyond the colours and performances, the festival is part of a larger movement to celebrate Malaysia’s diversity and strengthen domestic tourism.

From its beginnings in 2022, when it drew over 25,000 visitors, to last year’s impressive turnout of over 100,000, BNF has grown into one of Kuala Lumpur’s most anticipated cultural events. With Visit Malaysia 2026 on the horizon, the festival is set to play an even bigger role in showcasing East Malaysian heritage to the world. See you there!