FROM water park tickets to discounted Kuantan 188 passes, batik, kek lapis and nasi dagang, visitors had plenty of options to discover at “Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia 2026” in Kuantan, Pahang.
The three-day event at East Coast Mall gave families and shoppers a chance to compare domestic travel deals, hotel stays, tourist attractions such as museums, food products and craft items under one roof.
Nurulhusna Abd Halim planned her visit after spotting an online promotion for KL Hop-On Hop-Off.
The Gambang resident, who came with her husband Mohamad Safuan Mohamad Idris, said she was looking for packages ahead of a planned trip to Kuala Lumpur in September.
“Most of the packages here are within my budget,” she said, adding that her family usually travelled two or three times a year, mostly within Malaysia.
“I want to introduce my children to the different cultures in each state.”
Nurulhusna said she was also interested in packages for Fraser’s Hill and Chermerkaw Resort in Raub, especially because of flexible deals that allow travellers to pay a deposit and use the booking within six months.
Another visitor, Syakila Aisha Johar said she came across the carnival while visiting the mall with her husband and daughter.
She said they were looking for a short family getaway after recently welcoming a baby.
“We usually holiday in Malaysia first, especially in Pahang, which has many attractions.
“We often go to Cameron Highlands, but this time we are looking for somewhere suitable for the baby.”
Syakila said the packages at the carnival looked interesting and affordable.
Several exhibitors said visitors were drawn to deals suited for family trips, short breaks and school holidays.
Only World Group Holdings Bhd sales and business development director Kenny Wong said family attractions such as Wet World Shah Alam and The Top Penang drew interest.
“One customer bought 20 tickets for Wet World because they were planning a family trip with several families,” he said.
Wong said many Kuantan visitors were especially interested in water park tickets as there were limited options locally.
Wyndham Garden Shahzan Fraser’s Hill and Shahzan Hotel Kuantan Trademark Collection by Wyndham cluster general manager Charles B. Peter said visitors showed interest in short staycation packages.
“The crowd on the first day was quite overwhelming.
“Many visitors were surprised to see this campaign here.”
Peter said many packages were focused on family travel, couples and destination-based activities, including horse riding, archery and boating at Fraser’s Hill.
Kuantan 188 general manager Khalisa Azman said the carnival helped the tower promote discounted tickets and upcoming activities.
She said Kuantan 188 was offering a 50% discount on tickets during the roadshow.
“People are not just buying tickets, but also learning about our upcoming programmes.
“These included Pesta Kuantan 188, Towerthon, Merdeka celebrations and year-end events.” She said Kuantan 188, the tallest tower on the east coast, offered visitors a 360-degree view of Kuantan, including the city, river, sea and mangrove areas.
The carnival also featured booths selling and promoting products such as Pahang batik, Terengganu’s “Nasi Dagang Atas Tol, Sarawak kek lapis, patin tempoyak and Sabah-style cendol.
Visitors were also treated to cultural performances, games organised by Tourism Malaysia, giveaways and lucky draws.
A representative of Batik Air, the carnival’s airline partner, said its support for the event was aimed at encouraging Malaysians and foreign residents to travel local.
The airline said domestic destinations in its network included Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Tawau, Sibu, Bintulu, Penang, Langkawi, Johor Baru, Kota Baru, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
“Physical travel fairs are useful because visitors can speak directly with airline representatives, get travel advice and learn about promotions such as group fares, student fares and in-flight meals,” it added.
The Pahang edition of the carnival was launched by Tourism Malaysia domestic and events division senior director Mohd Roslan Abdullah.
Also present were Star Media Group chief operating officer Lydia Wang, client brand marketing senior general manager Sharon Lee, Pahang unity, tourism and culture committee chairman Leong Yu Man, Tourism Malaysia eastern regional office state office director Mohd Azizul Arif Yahaya, Tourism Pahang corporate and strategic communications manager Azizi Alawuddin, Batik Air regional marketing manager Azira Arif, Rompin District and Land Office district management department assistant administrative officer Noorul Huda Mazlan and representatives from Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry’s Pahang office.
The Kuantan stop is the first in the “Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia 2026” roadshow.
It will continue in Johor Baru from July 31 to Aug 2, followed by Kota Kinabalu, Penang, Petaling Jaya and Kuching.
