PokéXciting! Day 1 in Malaysia a successful blend of whimsy and spectacle, showcasing Pokémon's enduring universal appeal (VIDEO)

Fans cheered on seeing favourite Pokémon appear in a dazzling combination of light and sound. — Picture by Raymond Manue

By Erna Mahyuni

First Published: Sunday, 13 Sep 2026 12:00 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 — The first of two days of the Pokemon PokéXciting! celebrations at KLCC Park ended with a spectacular drone show, a fittingly satisfying end to the day’s celebrations.

While the PokéXciting! scheduled events didn’t officially start until 1pm, fans arrived early yesterday to check out the Pokémon-themed decorations as well as Pokémon Go activities.

Fans were able to collect virtual stamps and medals from Pokémon Go as well as the Pokémon HOME app for Pokémon storage and trade.

There were also booths to collect yellow sun visors with Pikachu ears, which were very handy in the day’s heat.

@ernamh A preview of what’s available at Malaysia’s first ever Pokémon Pop-up store. #pokemon #pokexciting KISS N TELL - aespa

Calm, orderly

Despite the searing mid-afternoon heat, huge crowds assembled in KLCC Park to watch the mascot parade, stage show and also chase Pokémon around in the Pokémon Go mobile game.

The increased footfall for the day led to restaurants and food kiosks seeing long lines, with queues even for the escalator from the lower ground to the ground floor entrance to KLCC Park.

The Petronas Towers glowed green to match Bulbasaur, a delightful syncing along to the performance. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

Despite the crowds, heat and the presence of many small humans (children will always insert a small element of chaos into any situation), KLCC and the organisers seem to have kept things orderly.

It was striking to see people so patiently queuing for giveaways such as the cute yellow Pikachu sun visors that both children and adults donned happily, even wearing them inside the mall.

Huge crowds gathered in the vicinity of the park to watch the drone show. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

There was a proportionate number of staff and security on hand to manage the very large numbers of not just Pokémon fans and locals, but tourists as well.

Dazzling lights

The biggest surprise of the show was KL Tower being an unexpected centrepiece, instead of the Petronas Towers (which took over later).

The light show properly began with KL Tower flashing a series of colourful lights to a very delighted response from the audience.

Char, char: The Petronas Towers glowed red alongside Charmander.  — Picture by Raymond Manue

Pikachu also got the Petronas Towers treatment during the light show. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

Then from that introduction, the show began proper with the nearby Petronas Twin Towers glowing in different colours and lighting designs to match each drone scene, for instance, glowing green to match the Grass Pokémon Bulbasaur.

From Pikachu to Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle, the show paid tribute to the original Kanto starters and many other well-known Pokémon figures as well as their evolutions.

Credit also has to be given to the sound direction, with popular and recognisable themes playing throughout as well as Pikachu’s trademark “Pika, pika.”

While ten minutes seemed brief, it was an enjoyable enough show that would also not be too long for young children or very tired adults.

Let’s hope that the Pokémon franchise returns to Malaysia with more events. — Picture by Raymond Manuel

Most heartening was the final drone scene with the simple “Jumpa lagi, KL (See you again, Kuala Lumpur)” emblazoned in the sky alongside a silhouette of Pikachu.

Here’s hoping that there will be more events involving everyone’s favourite Pocket Monsters in Malaysia and perhaps our own Pokémon Centre?

Anyway, today is the final day of the Pokémon celebrations, so head to the park to check out the statues and if you’re staying for the drone show tonight, make your way to the outdoor area near the mosque for a better view.

Also an option: watching it from Ombak KLCC, which also has a decent view of the drone show.

Don’t forget to stay hydrated and put safety first given the large crowds.