JOHOR BARU: With the school holidays approaching, families are taking the opportunity to scout for attractive and affordable holiday packages at Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia 2026 at Paradigm Mall here.
Police personnel Kpl Mohd Razi Rosly, 35, said he and his wife had been discussing plans to take their two children, aged five and six, for a holiday during the upcoming school break.
“We usually go on a domestic holiday during long breaks.
“This time, we are thinking of visiting east coast states such as Pahang and Terengganu.
“After looking at the packages offered here, we found several that are attractive and within our budget,” said the General Operations Force 5th Battalion personnel from Simpang Renggam.
Kpl Mohd Razi said the carnival provided a good opportunity to compare different packages and destinations under one roof.
Among the exhibitors promoting family-friendly attractions was Desaru Fruit Farm, which offers visitors a chance to explore about 72.8ha of tropical fruit land, featuring more than 100 varieties of fruits.
Its sales manager Cindy Er said visitors could take part in educational walks covering its agricultural gallery, vegetable and herb gardens and local fruit orchards, as well as activities including ATV off-road rides, a petting zoo and fish feeding.
“In conjunction with Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia, we are offering a special promotion with adult tickets priced at RM200 and children, aged three to 11, at RM150 for a half-day tour,” she said, adding that visitors are allowed to choose their preferred date.
For those seeking a nature getaway, Belum Rainforest Resort sales and marketing manager Nor Farith Fathila Ghazali said the resort in Gerik, Perak, had attracted both locals and foreigners, with families among those drawn to its natural surroundings and waterfalls.
She said visitors could travel to the site by air via Penang or Ipoh, by ETS to Kuala Kangsar or by bus to Gerik.
“We will provide pick-up services from these locations.
“With the school holidays approaching, we advise holidaymakers to book early as we usually receive up to 80% occupancy just before the school holidays begin.”
The Pines Melaka senior sales manager Md Hafiz Md Said said the carnival was a good platform to promote Encore Melaka, an immersive performing arts attraction showcasing the history and culture of the state through a 360-degree rotating auditorium.
He said the approximately 70-minute show features a 240m-long stage and could accommodate over 1,800 spectators.
“Visitors could also experience projection mapping, lighting and other special effects during the performance.
“Tickets are priced at RM78 for adults and RM48 for children, while foreign tourists pay RM158.
“However, visitors to Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia can enjoy a special rate of RM68 for adults and RM138 for foreign tourists,” he added.
Trinidad Hospitality Group assistant director of sales Nur Shalina Mokhtar said the group, which operates eight properties, offered accommodation options in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Pahang, Langkawi and Puteri Harbour in Iskandar Puteri to cater to different types of travellers.
The carnival also featured booths selling and promoting products such as cendol gula apong, curry puff, keropok lekor Terengganu and kek lapis warisan.
Visitors were treated to cultural performances, games organised by Tourism Malaysia, giveaways and lucky draws.
The Johor edition of the carnival was launched by Tourism Malaysia director-general Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim yesterday.
Also present were Star Media Group chief operating officer Lydia Wang and Johor Tourism director Mohammad Nazrul Abd Rahim.
Mohd Amirul Rizal said the carnival was the second of six such events organised through a collaboration between Star Media Group, Tourism Malaysia and the Johor government.
“This carnival provides a platform for tourism industry players nationwide to promote their products.
“It features tourism products from Johor, as well as other states, including Sabah and Sarawak, in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Johor 2026.
“We encourage locals to drop by at the venue to find out more about the holiday destinations available within the country and other exciting programmes.”
The Johor Baru stop is the second in the Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia 2026 roadshow following Kuantan.
It will continue in Kota Kinabalu from Aug 14 to Aug 16, followed by Penang, Petaling Jaya and Kuching.
