BUTTERWORTH: From Borneo wildlife encounters to island escapes and forest experiences, Malaysians have been exploring ideas for their next local adventure at the Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia (SKCCM).
The 40 exhibitors have seen a steady stream of visitors, inquiries and package sales throughout the four-day carnival ending today.
At the Malaysia Escape booth, Melaka-based travel agency managing director Farid Muhmad said visitors were drawn to packages featuring nature sanctuaries, national parks and resorts.
Experiences offered include the chance to see pygmy elephants in Borneo with its Mount Kinabalu package proving the most popular.
Farid said the carnival gave the company a platform to introduce niche products such as sanctuary stays and retreats to visitors from other states.
Global Faa Travel and Tours (Langkawi) director Fathen Alia Mohd Hussain said strong interest kept them busy throughout the carnival.
The company offers car rentals, hotel stays, cruises, mangrove tours, water sports and honeymoon packages in Langkawi with customers able to customise their itineraries.
“Sales are off the roof for us and we now have to plan ahead,” she said.
Flywind Holidays Sdn Bhd sales and operations executive Nursyazlina Abdullah said the Shah Alam-based company offered packages to nine island destinations, as well as theme parks and local cruises.
Pulau Redang and Perhentian were its most popular island destinations while Mabul Island in Sabah drew interest from visitors attracted by its Maldives-like setting.
Nursyazlina said the company had expected inquiries from Penang visitors but received multiple bookings for packages covering accommodation, transport, meals and snorkelling experiences.
Closer to home, The Habitat Group assistant sales manager Gubhagssini Sager said its location within the Unesco Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve attracted interest from companies seeking team-building programmes.
Its daily experiences include guided walks, sunset walks, an 80m zipline and private guided walks.
Other activities include sunrise yoga and breakfast in nature, forest bathing, sound healing, birdwatching and starlight camping.
Gubhagssini said its curated programmes for students and companies had attracted particular interest at the carnival.
Participating exhibitors include hospitality and travel players offering experiences in Penang, Langkawi, Selangor, Melaka, Sabah and other destinations.
Batik Air is offering promotions for those looking to travel further afield.
Visitors can collect stamps from participating booths and take part in games for rewards and prizes.
The carnival also features cultural performances, local food, tourism exhibitions and interactive activities, showcasing Malaysia's traditions and destinations.
Travel-related prizes include domestic flight tickets by Batik Air, hotel stays, holiday packages and attraction vouchers.
The carnival’s final day at Sunway Carnival Mall runs from 10am to 10pm today.
