Pesta Kuantan 188 Set To Attract 60,000 Local And Foreign Visitors

KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 (Bernama) -- Pesta Kuantan 188 is set to return from July 25 to 27 at the iconic Kuantan 188 tower, offering a vibrant showcase of culture, sports, and entertainment in conjunction with the official birthday celebration of the Sultan of Pahang.

Infiniti Indah Sdn Bhd President and Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Omar Naresh Mohan said the event is more than a celebration - it serves as a meaningful platform to strengthen cultural unity across the state.

“This is more than just a celebration. It’s a platform that brings together culture, unity, and energy of Pahang through a festival where the royals and the rakyat connect through shared traditions and pride,” he said at the Pesta Kuantan 188 press conference here, today.

Also present were Head of Secretariat for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Senior Manager of Finance and Development at Tourism Pahang Syazilawati Mohamed Hazri, Communications and Public Relations representative of Petrosains Aizuddin Shahbudin as well as sponsors of Pesta Kuantan 188 2025.

The annual event is expected to attract over 60,000 visitors and generate more than RM20 million in local economic impact, further cementing its role as a key tourism driver on the East Coast.

Omar added that the festival has become a cultural staple, supporting tourism, small businesses, and youth engagement through a holistic approach.

Among the main attractions is the K118 Towerthon, taking place on July 26, where participants will ascend all 524 steps of Malaysia’s second tallest tower.

The event which endorsed by the Malaysia Towerrunning Association (MTA), will feature national tower running champion Soh Wai Ching.

Other highlights include the Royal Pahang F3000 Powerboat Championship, BASE jump demonstrations, and paramotor rides at Padang Majis Bandaraya Kuantan (MBK) 1, offering visitors an aerial view of Kuantan city.

The Royal Pahang Dragon Boat Regatta on July 25 will see 24 teams racing along the Kuantan River under the Pahang Open and Pahang Closed categories.

A free concert on the evening of July 26, will showcase top local artistes, including Ella, Dayang Nurfaizah, Tomok and Akim, followed by a dazzling 350-drone light show and a grand fireworks display.

In support of community engagement, The Driverz Club Malaysia will host 60 children from local orphanages namely Rapha Children’s Home Kuantan and Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak Yatim dan Miskin Nur Iman Tanjung Lumpur for a special day out, which includes luxury car rides and VIP access to festival activities.

Meanwhile, Mohd Amirul Rizal said the festival aligns with Tourism Malaysia’s commitment to promote grassroots events with international tourism potential.

“Pesta Kuantan 188 reflects how local events can evolve from domestic celebrations into internationally recognised attractions. This is the kind of initiative we are proud to support in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026,” he said.

The festival also features the K188 E-Battle Mobile Legends esports tournament, offering a RM20,000 prize pool, as well as the K188 Challenge: Ada Bran? X THR Gegar talent search competition, backed by the Malaysia Esports Federation (MESF) and Maxis.

A gala dinner will be held on July 27 at Zenith Hotel Kuantan in honour of the birthdays of the Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah which is on July 30, and Tengku Ampuan Pahang Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, respectively Aug 5.

-- BERNAMA