An exhilarating sport is steeped in history as it is in skill; dragon boat racing is one of Penang’s most fascinating experiences that has been running for four decades now.
Dating back more than 2000 years, the modern import of this time-honoured tradition sees sports enthusiasts and onlookers alike visit Penang each year to see these incredible vessels take to the seas.
Penang Pesta Dragon Boat Race
One of the island’s most anticipated events, the Penang Pesta Dragon Boat Race, invites teams from all over the world to battle it out at the Teluk Bahang Dam. The two-day event drew a record number of participants, welcoming nearly 40 teams to the island for a weekend of competitive events and cultural celebrations.
With crews hailing from China, Singapore, Thailand and beyond, this year’s event saw Penang burst to life with hundreds of participants from many countries. From the Royal Malaysia Police to the Canadian Dragons, each team put their best foot forward, training up to four hours per day to claim the top spot out on the water.
Despite an impressive display of power, speed and endurance by all teams across seven racing categories, the winning title of the Penang Pesta Dragon Boat Race were awarded to the Macau Selection Team, who crossed the finish line at high speed as drums pounded in the background.
In the second place, Penang’s very own Pacific West Dragon Boat Club followed close behind, culminating in a thrilling finish to yet another successful event.
The Penang Pesta Dragon Boat Race is an international race conducted annually at the Teluk Bahang Dam, Penang. Usually, this event happens around December, and dates are on weekends.
You can always contact Penang Global Tourism for additional information on the race for anyone interested in this event.