M’sians eye wildlife adventures and island escapes

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 27, 2026

The Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia event in Butterworth attracted visitors to explore diverse domestic travel options from 40 exhibitors, including nature-focused tours, island escapes, and adventure activities. The carnival boosted demand for local tourism packages, encouraging travel agencies and hospitality providers to expand offerings and plan for increased bookings across Malaysia.

BUTTERWORTH — Malaysians gathered at the Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia (SKCCM) to explore a variety of local travel options, ranging from wildlife encounters in Borneo to island retreats and forest-based activities. The four-day event, which concluded today at Sunway Carnival Mall, attracted a consistent flow of visitors engaging with 40 exhibitors showcasing domestic tourism offerings.

At the Malaysia Escape booth, Farid Muhmad, managing director of the Melaka-based travel agency, highlighted strong interest in nature-oriented packages. These included visits to wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, with the Mount Kinabalu itinerary and opportunities to observe pygmy elephants among the top draws. Farid noted that the carnival provided a platform to promote niche products such as sanctuary stays and retreat experiences to travelers from various states.

Similarly, Global Faa Travel and Tours’ director, Fathen Alia Mohd Hussain, reported high demand throughout the event. The Langkawi-based company offers customizable options including car rentals, hotel accommodations, cruises, mangrove tours, water sports, and honeymoon packages. “Sales are off the roof for us and we now have to plan ahead,” Fathen said.

Flywind Holidays Sdn Bhd, operating out of Shah Alam, presented packages covering nine island destinations alongside theme park visits and local cruises. According to sales and operations executive Nursyazlina Abdullah, Pulau Redang and Perhentian islands were among the most sought-after, while Mabul Island in Sabah attracted attention for its scenic resemblance to the Maldives. The company noted a surprising volume of bookings not only from local visitors but also from attendees in Penang, covering comprehensive packages that included accommodation, transportation, meals, and snorkeling activities.

Closer to home, The Habitat Group drew interest with its location within the UNESCO-designated Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve. Assistant sales manager Gubhagssini Sager identified corporate clients as key participants, particularly for team-building programs. The group offers a range of daily activities such as guided and private walks, an 80-meter zipline, sunset and sunrise walks, forest bathing, sound healing, birdwatching, yoga sessions, and starlight camping. Their curated offerings for students and companies were notably popular at the carnival.

Exhibitors at the event represented a diverse array of hospitality and tourism sectors across destinations including Penang, Langkawi, Selangor, Melaka, Sabah, and beyond. Batik Air also featured promotions for travelers interested in exploring destinations further afield.

In addition to travel packages, visitors could participate in games, collect stamps from booths, and win prizes such as domestic flight tickets, hotel stays, holiday packages, and attraction vouchers. The carnival also showcased Malaysia’s cultural heritage through performances, local food stalls, and interactive tourism exhibitions, underscoring the country’s appeal as a diverse and vibrant travel destination.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.