The Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta (槟城国际龙舟赛) returns to the open water off Straits Quay in Tanjung Tokong from 27 to 29 November 2026, the third year running at this seafront venue since it moved from the Teluk Bahang Dam. According to Buletin Mutiara, 68 teams with more than 2,000 paddlers from 13 countries and regions have signed up: 22 Malaysian teams, 16 from China (11 of them from Hong Kong SAR), eight from Singapore and six from Chinese Taipei, plus crews from Australia, Canada, the Philippines, Brunei, Japan, Liechtenstein, the UAE and the USA.
Racing runs across seven divisions, from Malaysia Premier Open and International Premier Women and Mixed to Under-24 and Senior 40 categories, over 250m and 400m straight courses plus dragon-boat tug-of-war. Friday 27 November is for tug-of-war and practice, Saturday 28 November has the opening ceremony and 250m races, and Sunday 29 November brings the 400m races and the closing ceremony.
For spectators there is a postcard stamp rally featuring illustrations by The One Academy, with on-site postal services, and organisers expect around 20,000 visitors a day. Straits Quay's restaurants and cafés make it easy to watch from the boardwalk with a drink in hand.
Who is it for? Sports fans, families and photographers. The drums, the splash of synchronised paddles and the close finishes make it fun even if you have never watched a dragon boat race.
Highlights
- 68 teams, 2,000+ athletes, 13 countries/regions
- 250m and 400m sprints plus tug-of-war
- Postcard stamp rally with The One Academy illustrations
Programme (per organiser briefing)
| Date | Programme |
|---|---|
| Fri 27 Nov 2026 | Tug-of-war, practice sessions |
| Sat 28 Nov 2026 | Opening ceremony, 250m races |
| Sun 29 Nov 2026 | 400m races, closing ceremony |
Tips
- Come early on Saturday and Sunday for the best boardwalk spots.
- Bring a hat and water; the marina has little shade during afternoon heats.
Not yet confirmed by the organiser: timeText (race start times), price. We'll update this page when details are published.
How to get there
Straits Quay Retail Marina, Straits Quay Retail Marina, Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang, Tanjung Tokong, 10470 Pulau Pinang. Rapid Penang buses toward Tanjung Tokong/Batu Ferringhi stop near Seri Tanjung Pinang; Grab is easiest on race days. Open in Google Maps or open in Waze.
More festivals in Penang · What's on in Tanjung Tokong & Tanjung Bungah · What's on in Penang this month · more free things to do in Penang
Information from Buletin Mutiara – 68 teams for Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta 2026 (26 Oct 2026), Official site – Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta, Penang Global Tourism event listing. Last verified .
Details change — confirm with the organiser before you go. Spotted an error? Tell us.
