Q: What are the main goals of Visit Malaysia 2026?
A: The Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign represents a thorough and strategic effort aimed at establishing Malaysia as a premier global travel destination.
Our objective is clear, which is to promote Malaysia by encouraging travellers worldwide to discover and experience the unique attractions our country has to offer.
The theme, “Malaysia – A Culturally Rich and Sustainable Destination,” reflects the nation’s strong commitment to preserving its unique heritage while embracing the future of responsible tourism.
A key focus of VM2026 is its strong emphasis on sustainable and responsible tourism. As such, Malaysia’s ecotourism offerings are being enhanced through the protection of natural assets such as rainforests, marine parks and national heritage sites.
Through this campaign, we are working closely with local communities to develop tourism products that preserve cultural identity while providing meaningful economic benefits.
Furthermore, these initiatives are closely linked to the vital protection of rare and iconic wildlife, ranging from the Malayan Tiger and Orangutan to the Malayan Sun Bear, which is the official mascot of the campaign, offering travellers truly meaningful and responsible travel experiences.
Q: What are the main activities and events we can look forward to during VM2026?
A: Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) will be a year-long celebration that showcases the very best of Malaysia through a vibrant calendar of cultural festivals, sporting events, international conventions, music and arts showcases, with exciting new travel experiences.
Visitors can look forward to major highlights such as the Malaysia Mega Sales, the Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak, the George Town Festival in Penang, Regatta Lepa in Sabah, the Malaysia MotoGP and many more.
Adding to the vibrancy, VM2026 will also feature ethnic and cultural celebrations throughout the year, including special editions of Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, Tadau Ka’amatan and Gawai Festivals.
These will be complemented by nationwide expansions of signature events such as Colors of Malaysia and Taste of Malaysia, offering a deeper cultural immersion for both domestic and international travellers.
Beyond these festive experiences, VM2026 will spotlight Malaysia’s natural beauty and outdoor adventures – from eco-tourism in our national parks and world-renowned island getaways to golf tourism and heritage trails that highlight the nation’s rich historical legacy.
Together, these diverse offerings promise both iconic attractions and meaningful, authentic encounters that reflect Malaysia’s multicultural identity alongside breathtaking landscapes.
Q: What kind of experience can visitors expect from the food scene in Malaysia?
A: Malaysia is widely recognised as a food paradise and Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) aims to showcase our diverse culinary landscape as a cultural journey.
Our rich tapestry of flavours, influenced by Malay, Chinese, Indian, Peranakan and Indigenous cuisines reflects the multicultural identity of the nation.
Visitors can look forward to an immersive gastronomic experience from authentic hawker-style street food in bustling alleys and vibrant night markets as well as refined fine dining establishments and contemporary farm-to-table concepts which highlight fresh alongside locally sourced ingredients.
Every region in Malaysia offers its own distinctive flavours and culinary traditions. For example, Penang is famous for its iconic char kuey teow and asam laksa, while Sabah boasts an abundance of fresh seafood and traditional dishes from the Kadazan-Dusun community.
Sarawak offers unique specialties like sarawak laksa and kek lapis, then there’s Malacca, home to rich Nyonya cuisine which blends Chinese and Malay influences.
Furthermore, in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, travellers will encounter modern food fusion that creatively combines traditional elements with international techniques and presentation.
Q: Food tourism is popular right now. Will visitors be able to try their hands at cooking some of these delicious dishes?
A: Through VM2026, we want travellers to do more than simply dine as we want them to engage with Malaysia’s food culture on a deeper level.
Whether it’s joining a cooking class, visiting spice farms, exploring traditional wet markets, or taking part in local food festivals, the goal is to offer meaningful culinary experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Malaysia’s food tells the story of its people, history and heritage; hence we believe that sharing these flavours is one of the most powerful ways to connect with visitors from around the world.
One of VM2026’s highlights will be culinary tourism which offer travellers the chance to join cooking classes, explore local markets and visit farms in learning how to prepare Malaysian favourites.
From mastering the art of making roti canai and nasi lemak to making satay and rendang, guests will learn directly from local chefs alongside home cooks.
These immersive experiences go beyond tasting as they allow travellers to take a piece of Malaysia home with them.
Hence, cooking classes are available throughout the country. For example, in Kuala Lumpur, we have LaZat Cooking, where travellers can choose from menus like Baba Nyonya, Kampung Style or even plant-based Malaysian favourites.
The experience includes a market tour, a three-course cooking session and lunch with prices ranging from RM350 to RM450.
Meanwhile, up north in Penang, the Tropical Garden Cooking School offers a four-hour session that includes a guided spice garden tour, tea at the Bamboo Garden and a hands-on cooking class followed by lunch.
Thus, beyond the major cities, states like Sarawak, Sabah and Terengganu are also offering cooking experiences that highlight their unique regional cuisines.
So, wherever you go in Malaysia, there’s an opportunity to connect with our food culture on a much deeper level.
Q: How will VM2026 enable visitors to learn about, appreciate and experience the various cultures present in the country?
A: Malaysia is a vibrant tapestry of cultures, shaped by centuries of interaction between Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous communities.
This multicultural heritage is not only reflected in our customs and traditions but also in our language, architecture, festivals, arts and daily way of life.
Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) is designed to celebrate and showcase this rich diversity through immersive, hands-on experiences and year-round cultural programming that invites travellers to engage deeply with the people and stories that define the nation
Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional dance and music performances, participate in hands-on handicraft workshops, as well as engage in homestay experience with local families which provide authentic insights into everyday life and Malaysian hospitality.
Guided heritage walks through UNESCO-listed sites such as George Town and Melaka offer deeper understanding of the nation’s multicultural past while the chance to take part in vibrant cultural celebrations – including Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Kaamatan in Sabah and Gawai in Sarawak – allows travellers to experience Malaysia’s living traditions in a truly meaningful and memorable way.
Together, these thematic experiences not only highlight the country’s cultural richness and diversity but also showcase the warmth, generosity and hospitality which make Malaysia genuinely unforgettable.
Q: Why do you think so many Australians love visiting Malaysia and how will you maintain that momentum?
A: Australia and Malaysia share a strong alongside enduring travel connection, with Australians drawn to Malaysia for its proximity, affordability, rich cultural diversity as well as warm hospitality.
Whether it’s a quick city escape to Kuala Lumpur, a relaxing family holiday in Langkawi, a golf retreat, or an adventure through the rainforests of Borneo, Malaysia offers something for every type of traveller.
Australian visitors particularly value our welcoming atmosphere, excellent air connectivity with direct flights, and, of course, our world-renowned food with cultural experiences.
To build on this momentum, we are actively collaborating with Australian travel partners, airlines and media to develop attractive travel packages alongside targeted campaigns.
As we look ahead to Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) under the theme “Surreal Experiences”, our goal is to deepen this connection and inspire even more Australians to explore the unique landscapes, cultures, as well as experiences which make Malaysia truly unforgettable.
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