KUALA LUMPUR: A special exhibition featuring statues of Wira and Manja, the sun bear mascots of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), drew hordes of tourists to KL Tower.
A group of Polish travellers, sisters Kamila, 30, Monika, 18, and married couple Dorota, 40, and Daniel, 40, who are in Malaysia for the first time, hope to witness the traditional kompang performances.
“We came to this country to experience a different culture, and what better way than to watch a local cultural performance?” Kamila said when met.
Apart from KL Tower, the group plans to see other attractions throughout their 11-day tour.
“We have already been to Penang.
“Tomorrow we will go to Taman Negara and we will also visit Cameron Highlands,” they said yesterday, adding that the delicacies have not disappointed them either.
“Street food here is amazing and the variety in cuisines adds to the uniqueness of Malaysia,” Monika said.
Meanwhile, three Algerian friends, transport company worker Amine Bourahla, 37, farmer Nabil Guernane, 40, and freelance businessman Mohammed Gaceb, 49, have already been here for 10 days, savouring various sights.
“We were first in Penang, Langkawi, Ipoh and arrived in KL last night,” Bourahla said.
To them, the local weather is unique and unlike anything they have experienced before.
“In our home country we have Mediterranean weather, but here we only have hot and humid weather,” added Bourahla.
He also acknowledged the uniqueness of local cuisine.
“The taste is both unique and much spicier than back in Algeria,” he said.
“We love the fact that there are so many options here in KL.”
When asked why the trio chose Malaysia as their holiday destination, he said that it was the easiest option for Algerian passport holders.
“We wanted to visit a South-East Asian country.
“We chose Malaysia because we did not need a visa to come here,” he added.
Indian husband and wife Aneez Pulakkal, 45, and Jasna Varikkodan, 43, stopped in Malaysia for their South-East Asian tour, which included Singapore, for their 20th wedding anniversary celebrations.
“We loved the hospitality of the Malaysian people so far,” said the two engineers who are based in Dubai.
Apart from the KL Tower, the couple has also explored food options at Jalan Alor, which they thoroughly enjoyed.
