The International Kite Festival at Pasir Gudang, Johor is in its 20th year in 2015, held recently on the 25th February till 1st March. But for me, it is the first time ever that I was able to gaze in awe at all the flying 'objects' in the dusky evening of the 27th, and the next day in the blue skies, on the hilly fields of Bukit Layang-Layang, Pasir Gudang*. It may have been pretty hot in the day, but the cooling breezes make it bearable. Kites need winds to fly after all!
The formal opening ceremony of the Festival (graced by the Tunku Mahkota Johor) was held in the evening of 27th February. There were kites with led lights flying above and fireworks lit up the balmy Johor night sky for a good 8 minutes!
The international participants number around 180 from about 40 countries, among them Turkey, Bhutan, Slovenia, Japan, China, Thailand, Indonesia, etc., etc.
Being at this Festival has made me realise that kites come in so many shapes, forms and sizes. Of course, apart from the interesting and colourful kites in the air, there are the various goodies on the ground to shop for. There are kites galore, and food, food, food and even fruits on a tree! (No, the fruits on the tree below are for decor only to advertise the Orchard/Fruit Farm concerned). There are also cultural and artistic activities you can do, like making capal (leather slippers), batik painting (like we did), etc., etc. You can also visit the Muzium Layang-Layang Pasir Gudang (Kite Museum), which is conveniently on site.
* Pasir Gudang is an industrial town located 35 km east of Johor Bahru, and at the eastern end of Johor Bahru metropolitan area. Population 100,000. (Wiki).
27 & 28 February 2015
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