GEORGE TOWN: With overseas trips becoming pricey, many Malaysians are rediscovering the joy and value of domestic travel.
Local tourism has become the go-to way to stretch the ringgit further, offering memorable experiences without the sting of foreign exchange rates.
From nature retreats to wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, island hopping and heritage cuisine trails, exploring the country delivers the best of both worlds – affordability and adventure.
Visitors to the Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia at Gurney Paragon Mall in Penang discovered just that after browsing the many packages and products from 54 exhibitors.
These included travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, resorts, homestays, theme parks, tourist attractions, destination specialists, handicraft artisans and heritage food producers, among others.
Their curated offerings went beyond the usual tourist favourites and illustrated how much of beautiful Malaysia remains under-explored.
Take the Ulu Cheka jungle retreats and cultural homestays, or the Tengku Hassanal Wildlife Reserve mountain treks, run by Orophile Adventure and Tours in Pahang.
“There is growing demand for cultural, eco and adventure tourism as Malaysians look for more meaningful and authentic experiences beyond normal sightseeing.
“People want to connect with local communities, appreciate nature and discover parts of the country they’ve never seen before,” said the company’s promoter Mohd Syafiq Shahpudin.
The Kulim Bird Park is more than an avian sanctuary. It also has an interactive petting zoo with over 50 different animals, offering a fun bonding experience for families.
Sales assistant Nurul Fatihah Izzani said this up-close, educational experience helps cultivate a love for wildlife among the younger generation.
“We have capybaras, alpacas, raccoons, reptiles and more. They are all docile, friendly and will pose for photos. Children get to touch and learn about them in a safe environment.
“Such interactions can spark curiosity and compassion,” she said during the three-day carnival’s opening yesterday.
Adrenaline junkies will love the Skyline Luge in Kuala Lumpur, which includes the Hyfly – Asia’s first spiral zipline – that allows one to experience the thrill of “flying”.
This comes with bird’s eye view of surrounding landscapes and concludes with an exhilarating 15m freefall jump.
Those afraid of heights can opt for the alternative staircase descent.
Then it is on to one of the four luge tracks spanning a total of 1.6km, with hairpin turns, downhill slopes and tunnels.
Ticketing supervisor Nurul Ain Haziqah Mohd Syahmi said it is safe and suitable for people of all ages, as the rider is in full control of their cart and can go at speeds they are comfortable with.
“It promises to be a fun day out for everyone. We’ve even had guests in their 70s enjoying the thrills,” she said.
Many exhibitors are offering exclusive discounts of up to 70% or special add-ons for visitors to the carnival.
These packages have varying validity, some up to a year ahead – so if you are planning a year-end vacation or brief weekend getaway with friends and family, there is no better place to score a deal or two.
For accommodation, one can consider The Blanket Collection’s portfolio of properties such as Bahang Bay Hotel and Vouk Hotel Suites in Penang, Adya Hotel and Langkapuri Resort in Langkawi, De Palma Hotel in Shah Alam and Ampang, De Palma Resort in Kuala Selangor and Alamis City in Kuala Lumpur.
While individual package entitlements differ, perks include free upgrades, free breakfast, set lunch or dinner, rebates, vouchers and more.
“Our strategically located hotels and resorts offer guests a convenient base to explore the best that Malaysia has to offer,” said Mariana Omar, The Blanket’s sales and marketing director.
Several visitors who checked out the carnival were pleased to discover the growing number of attractions back home.
General practitioner Dr Quah Boo Siew, 73, said he is expecting relatives from overseas next year and was looking for unique places to show them around.
“We’ve driven around most of the peninsula’s west coast previously, so we are considering the east coast and central highlands this time,” he added.
His brother Quah Boo Keat, 61, a retiree, felt it made sense to travel domestically for now due to the unfavourable foreign exchange rates.
“Everything is cheaper and offers better value for money.
“Malaysian destinations are no less fascinating compared to overseas ones,” Boo Keat added.
Housewife Cynthia Teoh, 37, said such events are a good way to highlight local attractions that may not be widely known yet.
“With three kids to bring along for holidays, budget is an important consideration.
“There is so much to explore in Malaysia and you don’t need to go far for something memorable,” she added.
The Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia is an ongoing collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and Star Media Group (SMG) to boost local travel ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.
The Penang stop is the fourth in a series of six, following earlier ones in Pahang, Selangor and Sarawak.
Tourism Malaysia domestic and events division deputy director Nadia Hanim Muhamad said the country’s wide range of attractions deserved more of the spotlight.
“Our offerings are truly diverse, from pristine nature to marine life, theme parks, eco-tourism, cultural gems and everything in between.
“You can enjoy completely different experiences without needing to go abroad.
“Malaysian destinations are definitely on par with international counterparts and we are proud to showcase that,” she said.
The Penang event continues until tomorrow and is open from 10am to 10pm daily. Admission is free.
Exciting activities are lined up throughout the day, such as food samplings, cultural dance performances and lucky draws with attractive prizes.
