Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race Guide
What is the Sabah International Dragon Boat Race?
The Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race is a regatta on Likas Bay, Kota Kinabalu, organised by the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah. The 11th edition, on 15 to 17 May 2026, drew 126 teams across 10 categories for RM95,000 in prize money.
What is the Sabah Dragon Boat Race?
The Sabah FCAS International Dragon Boat Race is one of the state's signature water sport events, organised by the Federation of Chinese Associations Sabah (FCAS) and staged on Likas Bay in Kota Kinabalu (Daily Express, checked 7 October 2026). Dragon boat racing — with its long, narrow boats, synchronised paddlers, and driving drumbeat — has a strong following across East Malaysia.
The event blends serious competition with festival atmosphere. Teams of paddlers from corporate, club, and community backgrounds race in front of crowds gathered along the bay, making it both a sporting contest and a popular public spectacle.
When and where it is held
The 2025 edition was held on Likas Bay (Teluk Likas) in May, with racing starting from 6.00 am (Kuala Lumpur City Hall, checked 7 October 2026). The 11th edition ran from 15 to 17 May 2026 (Daily Express, checked 7 October 2026). Dates have shifted between years. The 9th edition, in 2024, was held in June (The Star, checked 7 October 2026), so check FCAS announcements for the next race.
Teams, categories and prizes
The 2026 edition gives a clear picture of its scale (Daily Express, checked 7 October 2026):
| Measure | 2026 edition |
|---|---|
| Teams | 126 (from 83 organisations) |
| Racing categories | 10 |
| Prize money | RM95,000 |
The wide range of categories means the event welcomes everything from elite paddling clubs to first-time corporate crews.
Racing on Likas Bay
Likas Bay provides a striking setting for the racing, with the South China Sea horizon on one side and the Kota Kinabalu skyline on the other. The sheltered bay water suits dragon boat sprints, and the open shoreline gives spectators clear viewing of the action close to the city centre.
A long-running East Malaysia event
The race reached its 11th edition in 2026. It has built a base of returning teams and draws crews from beyond Sabah, including Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur and Brunei in 2026, reinforcing Kota Kinabalu's position on the regional water sports calendar.
Visiting the race
The race is a rewarding addition to a Kota Kinabalu trip.
In 2026 the dragon boat race and the Borneo International Marathon were both held in May, so the city can be busy. Plan your stay early, head to the Likas Bay shoreline to watch, and check official channels for the exact race dates each year.