Peru is where the Amazon, Andes, and Pacific Coast converge
Tourism Malaysia is promising that this will be a particularly interesting year to visit Malaysia, which is in the midst of a year-long campaign highlighting some of the Asian nation’s most intriguing sides.
Linawati Ismail, Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia North America, notes that this year has been declared Visit Malaysia 2026 and states that visitors will find plenty going on.
“As part of the VM2026 campaign, Malaysia will roll out a year-long calendar of more than 300 events highlighting the nation’s multicultural identity, artistic heritage and festive traditions,” Ismail says. “Key highlights still to come include VM2026 Deepavali Festival, also known worldwide as Diwali, in November; and VM2026 Christmas Fest this December, alongside iconic cultural celebrations such as the Tadau Kaamatan, a traditional, annual month-long harvest festival celebrated in May by the Kadazan-Dusun and other indigenous communities in Sabah, Malaysia, culminating on May 30-31; and Gawai Dayak, a vibrant annual festival celebrated on June 1st–2nd in Sarawak, Malaysia, marking the end of the rice harvest.”
While these curated events offer immersive experiences ranging from cultural parades and culinary showcases to traditional performances, spiritual observances and community-led festivities, Ismail notes that the destination offers so much more.
“Malaysia has long been home to events worth traveling for – there is a robust schedule of events throughout the year, including arts and culture festivals, culinary experiences, exhibitions, musical performances and sporting competitions. There is literally something happening every month of the year,” Ismail shares. “With this year being Visit Malaysia 2026, the expectation is that each of these signature events will be bigger and better than ever. Some standouts included Kuala Lumpur Festival (May 6-31), featuring over 80 exciting events across 25 locations around the city centre of Kuala Lumpur over a span of 26 days; The Rainforest World Music Festival (June 26-28), an annual three-day music festival celebrating the diversity of world music in Kuching, Sarawak, under the dramatic backdrop of Mount Santubong; and the Penang Hill Festival (PHF) (July 17-19), a dynamic blend of nature, heritage, and culture in a three-day extravaganza set amidst the cool, green heights of Penang Hill. Also, for the cruise trade industry, for the first time this year, Malaysia will be the host of Seatrade Cruise Asia 2026, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, Malaysia, from Nov. 16-20. Hosted by MMC Ports in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, the premier conference connects cruise industry leaders, suppliers, and agents to shape the future of cruising in Asia.”
Notably, Ismail shares that Visit Malaysia 2026 is really more than a tourism campaign.
“It is a nationwide movement that reflects our unity, harmony, warmth, and cultural diversity. We want to let travellers from around the world know that we are committed to delivering an inclusive, creative and hospitable tourism experience throughout 2026 and beyond,” Ismail said.
With the campaign in full swing, Malaysia aims to attract 47 million international visitors in 2026, aligning with ongoing efforts to strengthen the tourism sector as a key driver of the nation’s economic growth. The VM2026 campaign has since been extended through the end of 2027, according to recent government announcements. With the extension through 2027, the broader revenue target has been reported at RM329 billion, while earlier VM2026 planning materials cited a 2026 target of 35.6 million tourists and RM147.1 billion in receipt.
The sector’s robust momentum was reflected in international visitor arrivals from January to November 2025, which reached 38.3 million. Ismail says tourism authorities can rely on differing aspects of Malaysia when it comes to attracting visitors.
“With such diverse offerings that celebrate both natural and cultural attractions, we are doing both,” Ismail continues. “We want to showcase to the world that Malaysia is a place where true exploration is possible no matter what your interests are. As evidenced by the recent movies and TV shows that have chosen to film here, the vibrancy of Malaysia is palpable – through its natural wonders, its vibrant cities, its culinary offerings, its art and culture, and, most importantly, its people.
“Visit Malaysia 2026 is really more than a tourism campaign; it is a nationwide movement that reflects our unity, harmony, warmth, and cultural diversity. We want to let travellers from around the world know that we are committed to delivering an inclusive, creative and hospitable tourism experience throughout 2026 and beyond.”
Ismail notes that there’s strong interest in Kuala Lumpur, which is to be expected but notes other parts of the country are attracting attention as well.
“As the capital city and the main gateway to not only the rest of Malaysia but also much of Southeast Asia, it offers a little something for everyone in a truly cosmopolitan setting,” Ismail continues. “Penang was listed on many of the ‘where to go in 2026’ lists published by major consumer publications, such as The New York Times and CNN Travel, due to its rich history and diverse culinary offerings, including every kind of dining experience from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants.”
Meanwhile, Penang is also home to George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“So that continues to be a popular option for foreign visitors. Also popular with foreign visitors are Malacca (Melaka), an historical port city reflecting Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial influences, known for the red-hued Dutch Square and the Jonker Street Night Market among other attractions; Ipoh, known for its ‘white coffee’ and limestone cave temples, as well as its colonial old town and unique culinary offerings; the archipelago of Langkawi in the Andaman Sea, known for its white-sand beaches like Pantai Cenang and the Langkawi Sky Bridge, which offers panoramic views of the jungle canopy; the Perhentian Islands – Besar and Kecil – a tropical paradise for snorkelers and divers, with lovely resorts and fun nightlife; and Sarawak and Sabah in Borneo, the premier destinations for wildlife and adventure, home to Mount Kinabalu (Southeast Asia’s highest peak), the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, and the vast cave systems of Gunung Mulu National Park.”
Notably, Ismail says Malaysia’s location shouldn’t discourage Canadians from visiting it.
“Although there are no direct flights to Malaysia from Canada, we encourage Canadian travellers to connect through one of our Asian neighbours, perhaps using it as an excuse for extended exploration of the continent – although, frankly, with so much to do within our borders, one could spend weeks in Malaysia alone and not see everything,” Ismail continues. “The most convenient routes are a one-stop flight from Vancouver to Kuala Lumpur using carriers like Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Korean Air or Philippine Airlines, with travel times around 19 to 22 hours. Flights from Toronto are available but usually take longer 22 to 29 hours. Additionally, Air Canada offers non-stop flights from Vancouver to Singapore and Manila and partners with many major Asian carriers, making it a great option for loyal customers of the national airline.”
