Kuantan: 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 highlighted the event’s role as a platform to strengthen cultural unity across the state.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Omar emphasized that the festival is more than just a celebration. It serves as a platform that brings together the culture, unity, and energy of Pahang, allowing the royals and the rakyat to connect through shared traditions and pride. This was stated during the Pesta Kuantan 188 press conference, which also saw the presence of Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Head of Secretariat for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, and other key stakeholders.
The annual event is expected to attract over 60,000 visitors and generate more than RM20 million in local economic impact, positioning it as a key tourism driver on the East Coast. Omar added that the festival supports tourism, small businesses, and youth engagement through a holistic approach.
Among the main attractions is the K118 Towerthon on July 26, where participants will ascend all 524 steps of Malaysia’s second tallest tower. The event, 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, which offers visitors an aerial view of Kuantan city. The Royal Pahang Dragon Boat Regatta on July 25 will feature 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 feature top local artistes, including Ella, Dayang Nurfaizah, Tomok, and Akim, followed by a 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 for a special day out, including luxury car rides and VIP access to festival activities.
Meanwhile, Mohd Amirul Rizal stated that the festival aligns with Tourism Malaysia’s commitment to promote grassroots events with international tourism potential. He noted that Pesta Kuantan 188 reflects how local events can evolve from domestic celebrations into internationally recognized attractions, marking it as a significant initiative leading up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
The festival also includes the K188 E-Battle Mobile Legends esports tournament, offering a RM20,000 prize pool, and the K188 Challenge: Ada Bran? X THR Gegar talent search competition, supported 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 and Tengku Ampuan Pahang.