Visit Malaysia 2014, or VMY 2014, is currently being prepared by the tourism ministry to welcome as many tourists into Malaysia.
If you did not already know, Malaysia has always been known for its amazing multi-cultural society was exploring different parts, the country will give travellers a unique experience not to be forgotten.
Visit Malaysia Year
For many years, the Tourism Ministry of Malaysia has focused its main tourism on several touristic specialities, which range from culture and heritage to Ecotourism among some of the best sellers.
And in the last 10 years, several new products have been introduced to entice the would-be tourist or those returning. Among them are food, shopping, lifestyle, sport, education, and recently medical and luxury tourism.
As 2013 started with multiple Events in Malaysia, much talk has been heard from the tourism industry, where it will be once
again Visit Malaysia 2014 (VMY2014), and this time around, the highlights
involved would be shopping, family, food and luxury tourism.
Overall, the tourism ministry has been working hard to promote the country worldwide with on-ground campaigns at trade shows and mainstream media.
This would be the main target to increase the arrivals into Malaysia to reach the 28 million mark as the last recorded tourist arrivals were clocked in at 23 million.
Overall, the tourism ministry has been working hard to promote the country worldwide with on-ground campaigns at trade shows and mainstream media.
This would be the main target to increase the arrivals into Malaysia to reach the 28 million mark as the last recorded tourist arrivals were clocked in at 23 million.
To achieve the targeted arrivals,
a new campaign for Visit Malaysia 2014 is being created with a new theme
song while the well-known tag line – “Malaysia Truly Asia” may still be used in
the upcoming campaign.
The following will be highlights of some of Malaysia’s unique genres of tourism in no particular order.
The following will be highlights of some of Malaysia’s unique genres of tourism in no particular order.
Food Tourism in Malaysia
With strong multi-cultural
influences in Malaysia, there is an abundance of choices when it comes to food. And this ranges from multi-ethnic choices spread all across the country.
The main ethnic groups consist of Malay, Chinese and Indian, while the sub-ethnic groups are made of Portuguese, Mamak, Iban, Kadazan, Baba & Peranakan, Punjabi and many other smaller groups.
This means travelling around Malaysia from east to west will offer food tourists a myriad of food selections. However, in Kuala Lumpur, the main food groups are easily found at almost any nook and cranny in all sorts of eating environment.
From hawker stalls to high-end restaurants, you will be amazed by the choices available. Last year alone, a tourist visiting Malaysia spent a whopping RM9.4 billion just on food in Malaysia and this alone says that many travellers come here for the amazing food.
As they say, if you have not tried Malaysian food, then you have not visited Malaysia.
The main ethnic groups consist of Malay, Chinese and Indian, while the sub-ethnic groups are made of Portuguese, Mamak, Iban, Kadazan, Baba & Peranakan, Punjabi and many other smaller groups.
This means travelling around Malaysia from east to west will offer food tourists a myriad of food selections. However, in Kuala Lumpur, the main food groups are easily found at almost any nook and cranny in all sorts of eating environment.
From hawker stalls to high-end restaurants, you will be amazed by the choices available. Last year alone, a tourist visiting Malaysia spent a whopping RM9.4 billion just on food in Malaysia and this alone says that many travellers come here for the amazing food.
As they say, if you have not tried Malaysian food, then you have not visited Malaysia.
Family Travel in Malaysia
In recent years, there have
been many new theme parks opening around Malaysia catering to
different types and styles for family travellers.
Family theme parks have been around for many years, catering to all kinds of outdoor and indoor fun. Water parks go back a long way to the late 70s with the start of Mimaland Water Park in Selangor, which ceased operations in the mid-eighties.
Nowadays, modern theme parks have been sprouting all over the country, and below is a list of popular ones in Malaysia.
Family theme parks have been around for many years, catering to all kinds of outdoor and indoor fun. Water parks go back a long way to the late 70s with the start of Mimaland Water Park in Selangor, which ceased operations in the mid-eighties.
Nowadays, modern theme parks have been sprouting all over the country, and below is a list of popular ones in Malaysia.
Among the oldest and most popular
is the well-known theme park Genting
Highlands which is located in the state of Pahang where it is located on
top of a mountain.
This park also has the countries only casino, while there are many other attractions available here, including an outdoor and indoor theme park. Those who want to enjoy the cooling highland air and have various entertainment should check out this place.
This park also has the countries only casino, while there are many other attractions available here, including an outdoor and indoor theme park. Those who want to enjoy the cooling highland air and have various entertainment should check out this place.
Another popular water and theme of the park is the multi-award winning Sunway
Lagoon located in Petaling Jaya. This is the largest water park in Malaysia
which offers a surf pool and a man-made beach which is excellent for families.
With over 80 attractions spread over the entire park, guests can choose from the amusement, water, adventure, scream and wildlife park here.
There is an Extreme park here too whole for entertainment; the park has an amphitheatre for shows and concerts. The Sunway shopping mall is connected to the water park, so there is a good balance of shopping and fun.
With over 80 attractions spread over the entire park, guests can choose from the amusement, water, adventure, scream and wildlife park here.
There is an Extreme park here too whole for entertainment; the park has an amphitheatre for shows and concerts. The Sunway shopping mall is connected to the water park, so there is a good balance of shopping and fun.
Also, in Petaling Jaya, there is
the new KidZania Malaysia, a the kids-only theme park which opened in 2011 in Mutiara Damansara, just next to
The Curve Shopping Mall and IKEA Malaysia. This entire entertainment and
shopping complex promises wholesome family time in one area.
Legoland Malaysia
Legoland, which recently opened in the state of Johor, boasts of the first international theme park in Malaysia, promising kids and adults an
excellent time at this huge theme park which is the first in Asia.
Over 40 interactive attractions await guests at Legoland Malaysia, and there are numerous tour packages from all over Malaysia, to Legoland, while those in Singapore can simply drive across in less than 30 minutes.
Over 40 interactive attractions await guests at Legoland Malaysia, and there are numerous tour packages from all over Malaysia, to Legoland, while those in Singapore can simply drive across in less than 30 minutes.
Not far by, Hello Kitty Town, the first Sanrio theme park out of Japan, just
opened at the end of October 2012; therefore, you can visit both places in one
trip. Update: Closed down.
This indoor theme park is spread over 60,000 square feet housed in a four-story entertainment complex at Nusajaya. For full fun and shopping therapy, visit both parks and also the Johor Premium Outlets, which is also in the same area of Nusajaya, Johor.
This indoor theme park is spread over 60,000 square feet housed in a four-story entertainment complex at Nusajaya. For full fun and shopping therapy, visit both parks and also the Johor Premium Outlets, which is also in the same area of Nusajaya, Johor.
In the city of Kuala Lumpur,
there are numerous places for family travel where the KL Lake Gardens comes up tops with a great balance of recreational
parks.
You can find Butterfly Park, Orchid Garden, Hibiscus Garden, Deer. Park, National Monument, National Planetarium and the Bird Park in one area. This requires some walking, and when you are done there, you can just walk over to the Central Market.
You can find Butterfly Park, Orchid Garden, Hibiscus Garden, Deer. Park, National Monument, National Planetarium and the Bird Park in one area. This requires some walking, and when you are done there, you can just walk over to the Central Market.
The Berjaya Times Square shopping
mall in Bukit Bintang area has an indoor theme park for kids called Cosmo’s World, where you can have the
best of shopping and family time here.
Over at Suria KLCC, there is the Petrosains Discovery Center, where kids can learn quite a few things there. Petrosains covers a total exhibit area of more than 70,000 square feet, and the entrance to Petrosains is through Level 4 of the Suria KLCC mall.
Over at Suria KLCC, there is the Petrosains Discovery Center, where kids can learn quite a few things there. Petrosains covers a total exhibit area of more than 70,000 square feet, and the entrance to Petrosains is through Level 4 of the Suria KLCC mall.
In other states around Malaysia,
there are also several family places like Bukit Merah Laketown Resort in the state of Perak. They
have a water theme park, a mini zoo, Eco Park, and an Orangutan Island to
visit, which promises some exciting overall fun.
Nearby at Taiping town, the Taiping Zoo also offers a night safari apart from the main zoo. This is also the country’s oldest zoo and about an hour’s drive to Bukit Merah.
Nearby at Taiping town, the Taiping Zoo also offers a night safari apart from the main zoo. This is also the country’s oldest zoo and about an hour’s drive to Bukit Merah.
Down south in the UNESCO state of
Melaka, there are numerous attractions to visit along the way into the city. In the Ayer Keroh area, there is also the A’Famosa. Theme Park, where they offer an animal world safari, a water world theme
park and a cowboy town entertainment park area.
Apart from that, they offer golf, entertainment, and shopping, making this a one-stop place for family travel in the lower states of Malaysia.
Apart from that, they offer golf, entertainment, and shopping, making this a one-stop place for family travel in the lower states of Malaysia.
Shopping in Malaysia
Recently in late October 2012,
Malaysia was nominated the 2nd best city to shop in entire Asia
Pacific by the world shopping global index. As the country is located between Singapore and Thailand, it makes Kuala Lumpur one of the more desirable
places to stop by.
The tourism ministry has also been active in helping promote shopping by organizing three mega Malaysia Sales a year which is early, mid and year-end where the entire country is on sale.
Apart from the Malaysia Mega Sale, there are also many other festive season sales ongoing, and usually, you can find excellent deals at all the shopping centres around the country.
The tourism ministry has also been active in helping promote shopping by organizing three mega Malaysia Sales a year which is early, mid and year-end where the entire country is on sale.
Apart from the Malaysia Mega Sale, there are also many other festive season sales ongoing, and usually, you can find excellent deals at all the shopping centres around the country.
Tourists love to shop in Malaysia
as they can get all kinds of good bargains. From local souvenirs to branded goods,
discounts are usually up to 80% off.
Popular places where you can find great bargains are numerous shopping malls in Bukit Bintang like Pavilion, Lot 10, Sungai Wang Plaza, Bukit Bintang Plaza, Berjaya Times Square and Fahrenheit 88 and Suria KLCC, which is located at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers.
Over by the border of Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya sits the Mid Valley Megamall is also a popular choice for tourists.
Other notable shopping places in the Klang Valley include One Utama Shopping Mall and The Curve in Petaling Jaya area. These two mega malls would require you at least half a day here.
Popular places where you can find great bargains are numerous shopping malls in Bukit Bintang like Pavilion, Lot 10, Sungai Wang Plaza, Bukit Bintang Plaza, Berjaya Times Square and Fahrenheit 88 and Suria KLCC, which is located at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers.
Over by the border of Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya sits the Mid Valley Megamall is also a popular choice for tourists.
Other notable shopping places in the Klang Valley include One Utama Shopping Mall and The Curve in Petaling Jaya area. These two mega malls would require you at least half a day here.
Petaling Street (Also known as
Chinatown) is also another popular place to get souvenirs and other items where
your bargaining skills will come into play. Items that can be found here
include watches, bags, t-shirts, shoes, gadgets and much more.
For the art and craft lovers, you should also check out Central Market, which is located just nearby Chinatown.
Here, you will find the many ethnic and local handicrafts being sold. Items include the popular Malaysian Batik, wood carvings, art, jewellery, and even antiques. Prices are fixed price at retails stores but look out for discounts or offers.
For the art and craft lovers, you should also check out Central Market, which is located just nearby Chinatown.
Here, you will find the many ethnic and local handicrafts being sold. Items include the popular Malaysian Batik, wood carvings, art, jewellery, and even antiques. Prices are fixed price at retails stores but look out for discounts or offers.
Duty-Free Shopping in Malaysia
Duty-Free Shopping in Malaysia
Duty-free items can be found at all international airports and on some islands. Those visiting the island of Langkawi, Tioman and Labuan will be spoilt for choices of chocolates, apparel, and even liquor.
But when you leave the country via the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) of Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT), you will be able to purchase duty-free items that are considered on par with other countries in the region.
Moreover, the KLIA Duty-Free Shops offers a massive contest where shoppers stand a chance to win RM1,000,000 in prizes from now till 2013 in their Indulge and Win Contest for travellers.
Duty-free items can be found at all international airports and on some islands. Those visiting the island of Langkawi, Tioman and Labuan will be spoilt for choices of chocolates, apparel, and even liquor.
But when you leave the country via the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) of Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT), you will be able to purchase duty-free items that are considered on par with other countries in the region.
Moreover, the KLIA Duty-Free Shops offers a massive contest where shoppers stand a chance to win RM1,000,000 in prizes from now till 2013 in their Indulge and Win Contest for travellers.
Last but not least, the Johor Premium Outlets or JPO was opened in late 2011, and this is the country’s first
international factory outlet in the southern state of Johor, which borders
Singapore.
Catering to over 200 speciality shops, you can find most of the branded goods on sale with huge discounts of up to 70% at the JPO.
Catering to over 200 speciality shops, you can find most of the branded goods on sale with huge discounts of up to 70% at the JPO.
Luxury Tourism in Malaysia
As Malaysia has numerous luxury
destinations, travellers will be pleased to know that you have a choice of
luxury places to visit here.
Those looking for a luxurious island escape will find several islands around Malaysia that offer luxury retreats and resorts.
Langkawi Island
Those looking for a luxurious island escape will find several islands around Malaysia that offer luxury retreats and resorts.
Langkawi Island
Langkawi Island in the northern state of Kedah is one of the preferred islands as there are several
luxurious retreats available here.
The Four Seasons Langkawi is located along. Tanjung Rhu and is a closed concept resort where privacy is guaranteed. This place is suitable for couples and single travellers.
There is also The Datai, a rainforest concept resort located way up northeast of the island and hidden away from everything. Couples, singles, and families seeking nature will find this place suitable.
The Andaman is also nearby the Datai, where it caters to beach lovers and for families, couples and singles as well.
All these luxury resorts have their own signature spas for those looking for some pampering and wellness.
If you want to experience something different with a touch of luxury in the typical Malaysian lifestyle, you can try Temple Tree and Bon Ton Resort, a unique village style concept tucked away from the beach.
Recently opened Seri Chenang Resort & The spa also boasts of a traditional Malay wooden villa experience along with the famous. Pantai Cenang beach, apart from the many things to do in Langkawi.
Pangkor Island
The Four Seasons Langkawi is located along. Tanjung Rhu and is a closed concept resort where privacy is guaranteed. This place is suitable for couples and single travellers.
There is also The Datai, a rainforest concept resort located way up northeast of the island and hidden away from everything. Couples, singles, and families seeking nature will find this place suitable.
The Andaman is also nearby the Datai, where it caters to beach lovers and for families, couples and singles as well.
All these luxury resorts have their own signature spas for those looking for some pampering and wellness.
If you want to experience something different with a touch of luxury in the typical Malaysian lifestyle, you can try Temple Tree and Bon Ton Resort, a unique village style concept tucked away from the beach.
Recently opened Seri Chenang Resort & The spa also boasts of a traditional Malay wooden villa experience along with the famous. Pantai Cenang beach, apart from the many things to do in Langkawi.
Pangkor Island
At Pangkor Island off the state
of Perak, you will find the luxurious Pangkor Laut Resort, which sits on its own
private island. This award-winning resort and spa is very popular with the
Asian honeymooners too.
Villa units are on stilts above water, while no other hotels or resorts are on the private island. Suitable for families and couples, this place is only accessible by boat from the mainland.
Terengganu
Over on the east coast state of Terengganu, there is the Tanjung Jara Resort which follows the traditional Malay culture and style.
The place is also a standalone resort with no other resort nearby. Private and exclusive, the resort sits by the main beach and covered by lots of greens with Eco-friendly activities, scuba diving, traditional jamu making classes and even bird watching.
Sabah
Villa units are on stilts above water, while no other hotels or resorts are on the private island. Suitable for families and couples, this place is only accessible by boat from the mainland.
Terengganu
Over on the east coast state of Terengganu, there is the Tanjung Jara Resort which follows the traditional Malay culture and style.
The place is also a standalone resort with no other resort nearby. Private and exclusive, the resort sits by the main beach and covered by lots of greens with Eco-friendly activities, scuba diving, traditional jamu making classes and even bird watching.
Sabah
Sabah offers some luxurious
resorts as well, which are situated on the islands just outside of Kota Kinabalu
city. There is the newly launched Gaya Island Resort located on Pulau Gaya with
seafront villas.
Around the same island, there is also the Bunga Raya Resort, where you get a mix of island and rainforest style living. A stunning number of hibiscus or Bunga Raya flowers are grown throughout the resort grounds.
With no other resort in view, you can be assured of your privacy here while there is also, a helicopter landing pad for those wanting a quick transfer here. And in the front of the island sits the Gayana Eco Resort, which has individual villas on stilts similar to the ones in the Maldives.
Private villas here offer breakfast sent to you by boat while the villa has a glass portion floor for guests to view the sea.
Each of these resorts on Gaya Island offers a different luxurious experience for the traveller as they have a Marine Conservation Center here too.
Around the same island, there is also the Bunga Raya Resort, where you get a mix of island and rainforest style living. A stunning number of hibiscus or Bunga Raya flowers are grown throughout the resort grounds.
With no other resort in view, you can be assured of your privacy here while there is also, a helicopter landing pad for those wanting a quick transfer here. And in the front of the island sits the Gayana Eco Resort, which has individual villas on stilts similar to the ones in the Maldives.
Private villas here offer breakfast sent to you by boat while the villa has a glass portion floor for guests to view the sea.
Each of these resorts on Gaya Island offers a different luxurious experience for the traveller as they have a Marine Conservation Center here too.
If you are a nature-loving
There is the award-winning Borneo Rainforest Lodge or BRL located in forest conservation called Danum Valley, Sabah Borneo.
This unique resort offers a full nature and wildlife experience in the heart of Borneo. The nearest town or city is located a good four hours away.
Beautiful rainforest views can be experienced here at the famous canopy or tree walk. Trekking, night walks, night safaris, and bird watching are the specialities offered at this luxurious place.
This unique resort offers a full nature and wildlife experience in the heart of Borneo. The nearest town or city is located a good four hours away.
Beautiful rainforest views can be experienced here at the famous canopy or tree walk. Trekking, night walks, night safaris, and bird watching are the specialities offered at this luxurious place.
Luxury Villas in Malaysia Borneo
Several small islands around
Sabah Borneo also offers individual resorts that cater to luxury guests.
These islands include Kapalai Island, Langkayan Island, Mabul Island and Layang Layang Island where luxury travellers can enjoy a beautiful honeymoon, getaway or even scuba dive and snorkel here.
These islands include Kapalai Island, Langkayan Island, Mabul Island and Layang Layang Island where luxury travellers can enjoy a beautiful honeymoon, getaway or even scuba dive and snorkel here.
For the sea lovers who wish not
to be wet, several luxury yachts and catamarans are available for charter
through the country.
Popular places for this are Langkawi Island, Port Klang and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah Borneo, where private docks are available.
There are also, some companies offer private luxury cruises for couples, families or even groups as big as a hundred people. Charters include just going out to international waters or even cruising up to Thailand and back.
Popular places for this are Langkawi Island, Port Klang and Kota Kinabalu in Sabah Borneo, where private docks are available.
There are also, some companies offer private luxury cruises for couples, families or even groups as big as a hundred people. Charters include just going out to international waters or even cruising up to Thailand and back.
Helicopter tours have also been
growing in the recent couple of years around Malaysia. Places you can arrange
for these special tours to see the country by air are Kuala Lumpur, Penang,
Langkawi and over on East Malaysia, you can also get helicopter tours in Sabah Borneo.
With this, the growing trend of
luxury tourism in Malaysia is slowly catching up. Compared to five years ago,
there are more choices available around Malaysia and definitely more to come in
the next few years as the luxury travel trend is catching up where Malaysia is
now catering to this genre of tourism.
Conclusion
Conclusion
For
those who are planning to visit Malaysia in 2014, you should plan well ahead as there are many celebrations and festivals throughout the year.
There will also be promotions on travel deals which can be bought at the Matta Fair, Malaysia's largest travel fair happens twice a year in Kuala Lumpur.
Otherwise, most tourism representatives locally and also around the world will also be promoting VMY 2014 or Visit Malaysia Year 2014.
There will also be promotions on travel deals which can be bought at the Matta Fair, Malaysia's largest travel fair happens twice a year in Kuala Lumpur.
Otherwise, most tourism representatives locally and also around the world will also be promoting VMY 2014 or Visit Malaysia Year 2014.