KUCHING: With packages that span the Mulu Caves, all the way to the isles of Semporna and to the bright Kuala Lumpur city lights, Sarawakians can plan their next holiday without leaving town.
As the Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia (SKCCM) touches down at Plaza Merdeka for its final stop in its 2026 roadshow, holiday makers here can look forward to holiday deals, hotel packages and attractions from across the country, all under one roof.
Visitors can expect lucky draws, stage games and interactive activities throughout the three days, with prizes contributed by participating tourism partners.
Up for grabs are domestic flight tickets from Batik Air, hotel and resort stays, holiday packages, theme park and attraction vouchers, shopping vouchers, tourism merchandise and local specialty products.
More than 30 exhibitors will be offering special promotions that are available only at the carnival, giving visitors the chance to compare holiday options, speak to operators face-to-face and lock in event-only deals before the year-end holidays.
This edition flips the usual direction of travel: Rather than drawing Peninsular holidaymakers eastward, it brings attractions from the peninsula, Sabah and Labuan to the doorstep of Sarawakians, which also gives operators and entrepreneurs here a home crowd to win over.
As the host state, Sarawak gets its moment in the spotlight.
Mulu National Park, the Unesco World Heritage Site known for its vast cave systems, leads the line-up alongside Sarawak Cultural Village in Santubong, Borneo Happy Farm and Royal Kuching Cruise.
Those after a slower pace can check out Akal Homestay & Kampungstay Pusa for a taste of kampung life, while Sarawak’s own airline, AirBorneo, will also be at the carnival.
For island lovers and adventure seekers, Borneo specialists such as Hello Sabah, Wonderful Semporna Holiday, Karyatravel Borneo, Hovando Holidays, CU World Travel, AJ Borneo Tours & Travels, Borneo Trails Tours & Travel and Amezone Adventure will have packages covering Sabah and Labuan island escapes, rainforest adventures and cross-Borneo itineraries.
Those dreaming of a trip across the South China Sea can start with Aquaria KLCC and the KL Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour in Kuala Lumpur, The Top Penang, Desaru Fruit Farm in Johor, as well as Putrajaya.
If a proper getaway is what you are after, Raia Hotel & Convention Centre Kuching, Tiara Labuan Hotel, Ancasa Hotels & Resorts and Forest City in Johor will be offering stay promotions, family staycations, beach and island breaks, and weekend packages.
Booking platforms Trip.com and JOMhotel.com, along with travel agencies such as Suria Excellence Travel, Demak Travel Holidays, V All Travel & Tour, Malaysia Escape, Malaysiatravel.com, Tripfez and Cruise Malaysia, round out the line-up with domestic holiday packages, as well as group and customised tours will also be showcasing their best promotions.
Before leaving, visitors can pick up a slab of Sarawak kek lapis from Kek Lapis Warisan, a taste of Terengganu from Nasi Dagang Atas Tol, and local crafts, souvenirs and gift items to take home.
Organised by Star Media Group in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, the carnival is held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026-2027 under the theme “Explore. Experience. Excite.”
Its tagline, “Destinasi Indah, Harga Rahmah” says it all: beautiful destinations at prices that will not break the bank, while giving domestic tourism spending a boost.
Kuching is the sixth and final stop of the 2026 roadshow, which kicked off in Kuantan in July before moving on to Johor Baru, Kota Kinabalu, Penang and, most recently, Selangor.
Across all six stops, the series is expected to draw more than 200,000 visitors.
For Sarawakians who have watched the carnival travel the country, this is the last chance this year to catch it live, right on their doorstep.
So round up the family, bring the best holiday wish lists along and head to Plaza Merdeka from Oct 30 to Nov 1. Admission is free.
For more information on SKCCM, go to events.thestar.com.my/skccm.
