Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia aims to reignite domestic tourism and support local entrepreneurs in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
KUANTAN is set to come alive with music, culture and flavours as the much-anticipated Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia 2025 makes its first stop in Pahang this month.
The three-day event, held from Sept 19-21 at Kuantan City Mall from 10am to 10pm daily, will feature a vibrant mix of performances, cultural showcases and travel experiences that celebrate Malaysia’s diversity.
With the tagline “Explore. Experience. Excite.”, the carnival invites Malaysians to rediscover the wonders of the country in a fresh and engaging way.
Co-organised by Tourism Malaysia and Star Media Group Bhd (SMG), the carnival is part of a nationwide roadshow aimed at reigniting domestic tourism and supporting local entrepreneurs in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026.
Among the highlights are cultural dance performances that reflect the country’s unique heritage, as well as appearances by popular talents such as Amad Dayyan, Farez Adnan, Azizi Ahmad and Farhan Mustapha, alongside many more local artists and influencers.
The carnival is also designed to be more than just a showcase, as visitors can explore an array of travel booths, handicraft displays and food showcases representing destinations across Malaysia.
These include curated experiences that highlight eco-tourism adventures, heritage crafts and culinary traditions from different states.
From cultural showcases and travel experiences to local products and interactive activities, the carnival brings together the essence of Malaysia under one roof.
To encourage holiday planning, visitors can experience exclusive promotions, flash sales and limited-time travel deals offered by tourism operators. Adding to the excitement are daily giveaways and a lucky draw with prizes worth RM5,000 up for grabs.
Whether it is a family vacation, romantic getaway or a short weekend trip, the carnival serves as a one-stop platform to discover affordable packages and hidden gems.
The carnival experience also goes beyond just travel and food. Families can enjoy interactive zones, children’s activities and stage shows, while social media enthusiasts will have plenty of opportunities for photo moments with their favourite performers and cultural acts.
The inclusion of local entrepreneurs and small businesses further contributes to the carnival’s positive economic impact by providing a platform to showcase their products to a wider audience.
As the first stop in the six-state roadshow, Pahang, known for its pristine beaches, lush forests and rich traditions, will set the stage for the carnival’s nationwide journey.
Kuantan’s strategic location makes it easily accessible to visitors from neighbouring states, such as Terengganu and Kelantan, ensuring a vibrant mix of locals and tourists from across the east coast.
Organisers expect thousands of visitors in Kuantan before the carnival continues its journey to Selangor, Sabah, Sarawak, Penang and Johor.
Collectively, the six roadshows are projected to attract more than 200,000 visitors nationwide, reinforcing domestic tourism as the backbone of the industry.
For Kuantan residents and those travelling from nearby towns, this is a chance to excite the senses with a weekend filled with entertainment, cultural pride and culinary treats.
Whether it is to catch the live music, savour traditional delicacies, plan your next holiday or spend time with family, the Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia series promises something for everyone.
With cultural dances, star-studded performances and attractions, this celebration of all things Malaysian invites you to “Explore. Experience. Excite.”
Mark your calendars and head over to Kuantan City Mall from Sept 19-21.
