Kota Kinabalu is known for its beautiful sunsets. — MELODY L. GOH/The Star
Malaysia's diverse culture and nature makes it a popular destination with travellers from all over the world. From a wide array of cuisines to interesting heritage and traditions, vast rainforests and beautiful islands, there is something for everyone to experience in the country.
Of course these are not just available to foreign tourists as Malaysians can also easily enjoy these offerings. After all, a good part of our tourism industry revenue comes from the domestic sector.
According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), last year, domestic tourism registered a total spending of RM64.1bil, while in the first quarter of 2023 (January to March), a whopping 48.6 million domestic tourists had already been recorded.
As for expenditure in Q1 this year, DOSM recorded a total of RM19.2bil in receipts.
These numbers are very encouraging, especially since the nation is set to host Visit Malaysia Year 2025. To kick off, three states – Perak, Melaka and Perlis – are hosting their own “Visit 2024” campaigns.
We spoke to a few Malaysians who share which local attractions and destinations they will most likely visit next year.
Goh Jia Huey, 26
Goh Jia Huey, from Ipoh, Perak hopes to visit Kota Kinabalu in Sabah with her family next year.
“I’ve always wanted to go there, but never really had the opportunity or time yet. Personally, I feel Sabah, with its lush surroundings, is a great place to experience nature.
“It’s been a while since my family and I spent quality time together so going on a vacation sounds like a good chance to reconnect,” said administrative assistant.
“I prefer to travel locally as it’s more affordable. Communication is also easier as everyone speaks the same language,” she added. “The grass is not always greener on the other side, so explore your own ‘backyard’ first.”
Aiman Faiz, 27
Food is no doubt a big part of our culture and eating is a favourite pastime among many Malaysians. Aiman Faiz, a community customer service personnel from Kuala Lumpur, is one such person and he’s always willing to go the extra mile to enjoy local cuisines and delicacies.
“Penang is my destination of choice for next year. I have been to the island countless times but I somehow always discover new ‘makan’ places every time I go there. Penang, among other states and cities, always has something new and unique to offer – even to locals.
“I guess that’s the joy of living in a multiculturally diverse country,” said the food enthusiast.
Photos: Handout
Sara Elaine Fernandez, 40
Sara Elaine Fernandez, 40, fell in love with Melaka’s rich heritage the first time she visited the state back in 1997.
“This is a historically-vibrant state and it holds a special place in my heart. Things have changed over the years, but in a positive way, of course. Jonker Street in town swells with crowds of curious visitors, especially on weekends. When I’m there, it’s a must to check out the stores selling various goods, such as clothes, local snacks and antiques, as well as souvenirs,” said the Ipoh music teacher.
“I am also happy that the historical ‘assets’ and buildings from the colonial past are well preserved.”
Aside from the vibrant culture, it’s the Portuguese debal curry that makes Sara want to go back again (and again!). “Those who know about the dish, call it the ‘devil’s curry’. It’s flavoursome and no one can resist this hot curry. As a person who enjoys food and culture, I feel like Melaka is a great place to visit,” she said.
Arjun Singh
Arjun Singh Jaj, 28
Renewable energy engineer Arjun Singh Jaj is thrilled about going on holiday next year, particularly to the town of Semporna in Sabah.
“It’s going to be my first time setting foot on the island town, and I want to share my experiences with my loved ones. I am also thinking of bringing along my colleagues from Romania and Serbia, showing them what Malaysia truly has to offer,” he said.
The thought of experiencing the diverse culture of our people while savouring succulent seafood makes it all the more exciting for Arjun.
“I came to learn that Semporna has established itself as the place to be for scuba diving. It also has a handful of pristine islands nearby,” Arjun, who is from Melaka.
“I’m proud to call this country my home.”
Dr Jeremy Low
Dr Jeremy Low, 66
Hospital manager Dr Jeremy Low loves to travel solo. He is also a nature lover, and already has a few places in mind that he plans to visit. For starters, he is making his fourth visit to the Royal Belum State Park, and Lenggong, an archaeological town, both in Perak.
“I like nature, especially the insect world, as well as the geological structures that are unique within Malaysia,” said Low, who frequently travels for work.
Low left Malaysia to seek greener pastures overseas in the early 1980s. He decided to come back after spending almost three decades outside and gradually started enjoying the “laid-back” life in Ipoh, Perak.
Among many things, food also plays a role in his travel adventures, he says.
Naimi Aziz, 25
“My next getaway is definitely Sabah. Exploring Malaysia’s natural wonders has always been my goal,” said Naimi Aziz, a social media executive from KL.
“Some of us are fixated on the idea that we always need to travel outside of Malaysia, but there are actually plenty of marvellous things in the country that we can check out.
“My first trip to Sabah was more than 20 years ago, and I could barely remember anything. So I thought it would be good to go back and create new memories with my family or maybe, with close friends,” she shared.
“Going on a trip always reawakens the senses and in most cases, a respite from the stress of work.”
Kourtney Goh, 26
To many, the island of Langkawi is just another attraction. However, to account executive Kourtney Goh, the island has a nostalgic significance in her life, based on past visits and memories made on the island.
“What I love most about the place is the good balance of serenity and attractions to visit,” said the KL-ite.
Felicia Alexis, 40
Research executive Felicia Alexis wants to relive the many good memories she made with her family and friends holidaying in Langkawi, Kedah and Penang. “Sometimes it is not so much about where you go, but who you go with that matters. Therefore, visiting these destinations again would be like a walk down memory lane for me,” Felicia, who is from Ipoh, said.
“Imagine lying on the beach and enjoying the breeze, without the stress of work,” she added. “One thing the pandemic has taught me is to embrace every little moment in my life.”
Lee (right) with her cousin.
Emily Lee, 27
Emily Lee, a valuation executive, feels that Cameron Highlands in Pahang is an ideal destination for a city-dweller like her.
“I’ve been there many times, with my family and friends. It’s only a few hours’ drive from where I live in KL, so why not?
“From hiking to exploring the farms and visiting the tea valley, there are plenty of outdoor activities in the district,” Lee said.
“I like travelling in Malaysia as it’s convenient to move within the country; you don’t have to go through long-haul flights, for instance.”
Lee Swee Ling, 56
Next year is all about discovering new sights and food for retired special needs teacher Lee Swee Ling from Melaka. One particular place she has in mind is the Land of the Hornbills, Sarawak.
“From ancient caves to lush rainforests and unique delicacies, Sarawak has a plethora of attractions and things to do. For now, I only get to see these wonderful ‘offerings’ on social media,” Lee said, adding that it will be her first time visiting Malaysia’s largest state.
“There are so many things to discover throughout the country, so before you venture out of Malaysia, get to know all the states first,” Lee added.
Aina Azhari, 24
“I really want to go to Melaka again, as I’ve only visited the place once, a few years ago,” said Aina Azhari, a student and model.
“We spend so much time exploring foreign lands and pay so little attention to our own country. But it recently hit me that there’s so much more to discover in Malaysia.
“For example, the colonial charm of Melaka and Penang, as well as the unique traditions in Terengganu and Kelantan in the east coast of the peninsular,” Aina, from KL, added.
