According to Travel Weekly Asia, over the past few years, Malaysia Airlines has faced rising calls to align with airlines from other Muslim-majority nations, such as Saudia, Kuwait Airways, and Air Arabia, that do not permit alcohol on their flights. In contrast, leading Middle Eastern airlines such as Emirates and Qatar Airways continue to offer alcoholic drinks onboard, keeping up the international air travel standards.

Malaysiakini reported that a PAS proposal in Parliament to prohibit alcohol service on the national carrier drew criticism from a Democratic Action Party (DAP) lawmaker, who argued that such a move would infringe on the rights of non-Muslims. The DAP representative suggested that PAS could instead establish its own airline if it wished to implement such restrictions, describing the proposal as undemocratic.

PARLIAMENT | A DAP lawmaker has poured cold water on PAS’ repeated call to ban alcohol on Malaysia Airlines, mockingly suggesting that the Islamist party instead start its own air service company.

Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, backbencher Lim Lip Eng (Harapan-Kepong)… pic.twitter.com/0kCDMlYoNb

— malaysiakini.com (@malaysiakini) October 22, 2025

As of now, Malaysia Airlines has not announced any official policy change regarding in-flight alcohol. Reports indicate that discussions are ongoing amid pressure from political and religious groups, while the tourism industry continues to advocate for maintaining current standards.

Some experts have expressed concern that the move to eliminate alcohol service could negatively affect Malaysia’s tourism image and the competitiveness of its flag carrier. According to TravelMole, Malaysian Tourism Federation president Tan Kok Liang said that the availability of alcohol onboard is a normal international practice, which “global travellers expect”, adding that doing so does not make the airline culturally insensitive.

Head of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents, Nigel Wong, also warned that: “Malaysia is known as a moderate tourism country. We emphasise values like tolerance, acceptance, and inclusiveness. That’s what makes Malaysia so appealing as a tourism destination.” 

The discussion comes at a time when Malaysia intensifies efforts to boost its global tourism profile, reporting a 20% rise in international arrivals between January and May 2025. After recently hosting World Tourism Day 2025, Malaysia showcased its ambitions as a global travel hub, promoting its goal of attracting 35.6 million visitors by 2026 through new initiatives and international partnerships. The country is also set to launch the world’s first Muslim-friendly cruise in November 2025, with the M/V Piano Land, a Chinese-operated vessel, offering halal food and alcohol-free beverages for passengers.

L’article Malaysia Airlines faces pressure over potential in-flight alcohol ban amid tourism concerns est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The M/V Piano Land, a collaboration between Astro Ocean Cruise and Hwajing Travel & Tours, was unveiled to the public at the MATTA Muslim Friendly Travel Fair (MFTF), which took place from 18 to 19 October at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre. Hwajing participated in the event as the official cruise line partner.

Kenny Cheong, Hwajing Travel & Tours’ managing director, stated that this initiative demonstrates that “Malaysia’s strength in Muslim-friendly travel now extends to the open sea.”

“With Piano Land, we’re showing that luxury cruising can align seamlessly with halal values, inclusive hospitality and cultural respect. It’s a proud reflection of Malaysia’s readiness to welcome travellers of all backgrounds with warmth and authenticity.”

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“Muslim-friendly” travel means more than just serving halal food. It encompasses a broader interpretation of what comfort and inclusion mean for Muslim travellers: certified halal meals, of course, but also respect for prayer times and dedicated spaces for worship; onboard entertainment that aligns with their values; alcohol-free options; and family-friendly activities. In other words, it’s hospitality that respects faith, supported by staff who are trained in cultural sensitivity and itineraries that are designed around prayer times.

The 70,000-tonne vessel will accommodate around 1,760 passengers in 880 cabins. All galleys on board are halal-certified and offer regional and international cuisines, including the ship’s signature halal Hong Kong – style roasted duck.

Amenities include dedicated places of worship and multi-generational programming for families, as well as evening entertainment suitable for all ages.

During the day, Kids’ clubs will be available for parents who wish to enjoy the spa facilities, sample halal afternoon tea, attend wellness workshops, or simply relax on one of the ten decks with a book.

The move is backed by Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, which recognises the potential of the cruise to boost tourism and the local economy. Malaysia is already a leading player in the global halal tourism market, focusing on promoting values such as inclusivity, diversity, and respect for Islamic values.

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Malaysia hopes to capture a larger share of the global Muslim travel market, which is expected to exceed US$300 billion by 2030.

“This collaboration is about more than just expanding cruise options. It also reinforces Malaysia’s identity as a nation that celebrates diversity, champions halal integrity, and leads the region in Muslim-friendly tourism”, said Jian-Feng Tong, Astro Ocean Cruise’s vice president.

Demand for halal-certified tourism has grown exponentially in recent years, particularly in Southeast Asia. This venture aims to attract tourists from the region, the Middle East and beyond.

L’article Malaysia to launch first Muslim-friendly cruise ship in November 2025 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

As every year, the conference was held on the anniversary of the adoption of the UNWTO Statutes in 1970, a global recognition of tourism’s contribution to economic development, international understanding, peace, prosperity, and universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

From Melaka, Malaysia we mark #WorldTourismDay2025 under the theme Tourism and Sustainable Transformation
Today we celebrate tourism’s role in driving growth and opportunity — and commit to ensuring that transformation is inclusive and sustainable for generations to come. pic.twitter.com/r2o17kSrPm

— UN Tourism (@UNWTO) September 27, 2025

Themed around “Tourism & Sustainable Transformation,” this year’s gathering of national representatives, industry experts, and media aimed to reinforce global and regional commitments to an inclusive and responsible tourism model. In his official message, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres hailed tourism as “a powerful driver of transformation. It creates jobs, fuels local economies, and builds bridges across cultures. Yet, it must be sustainable to protect the very places and communities it celebrates. Let’s harness tourism as a force for resilience, sustainability, and shared progress.”

Echoing that and describing the sector’s “inclusive transformation” as “essential,” Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, told delegates, “Overtourism strains fragile sites, inequality limits local benefit, and global competitiveness now depends on real change.” He called for a “focus on practical steps that advance progressive tourism development.”

It’s here!#WorldTourismDay2025 kicks off today from Melaka, Malaysia under the theme Tourism and Sustainable Transformation
Stay tuned as we spotlight how tourism drives inclusive growth and a better future for all.
Join the live stream https://t.co/oz3LD3UpJA #WTD2025 pic.twitter.com/2NugemW12C

— UN Tourism (@UNWTO) September 27, 2025

Among those practical steps, Malaysia highlighted its investment in education, skills, and climate-neutral travel solutions such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). It also announced that it is set to join the UN Tourism International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO) to pilot a scheme in Mersing, Johor, fostering high-value, sustainable initiatives, such as nature-based and adventure tourism, as well as digital nomad hubs.

Maylisia wants to welcome 35.6 million visitors by 2026 

Earlier this year, Malaysian officials declared a target of 35.6 million international visitors by 2026 and a goal to “position the sector as one of the largest contributors to the country’s GDP.” But, launching Visit Malaysia 2026 alongside the September conference, Tiong said: “Tourism is not about numbers alone. It is about how we turn our heritage into strength, how we transform tourism into the people’s economy.”

The proceedings also included a ceremonial handover that saw El Salvador take up the mantle as the next host country for World Tourism Day, with special remarks from H.E. Mr Jaime Jose Lopez Badia, the Salvadoran Ambassador to Singapore.

L’article Malaysia seizes spotlight as host of World Tourism Day 2025 to showcase ambitions est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Designed to match Malaysia’s vibrant culture, natural beauty, and global appeal, its new logo serves as a visual reminder of the country’s readiness to welcome tourists worldwide, an official press release said. It was unveiled on the aircraft of Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, and AirAsia and is the first time that these airlines are including the logo as part of their livery.

An event attended by Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim also premiered the official campaign theme song, titled Surreal Experiences, and an animated Sun Bear icon. The Malayan Sun Bear is a beloved endangered species and its adoption as the official icon for the tourism campaign is intended to demonstrate the nation’s commitment to wildlife conservation. 

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A target of over 35 million visitors

Malaysia’s National Agenda is targeting 35.6 million international visitors by 2026 and RM147.1 billion in tourism receipts. As well as endorsing the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) as a unified destination as part of that ambition, the campaign “aims to increase tourism revenue, strengthen Malaysia’s global tourism competitiveness, and ultimately position the sector as one of the largest contributors to the country’s GDP” the release said, noting the country’s “strong potential as a world-class tourist destination”.

The strategy includes job creation and enhancing the country’s global image, as well as “bringing prosperity to communities, enriching local cultures, and fostering growth in sectors beyond tourism – including hospitality, transport, retail, and food industries”.

Corporate partnerships and the “Sarong Music Run”

Key strategic partners for the project were namechecked, including Malaysia Aviation Group, AirAsia, Batik Air, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, Huawei, Mastercard, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), and The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH). The partners’ roles range from bringing better connectivity, and expanded marketing opportunities, to the delivery of “exceptional visitor experiences” through innovative technologies, seamless travel, and exclusive promotions.

But it’s not all corporate talk. There’s action too, with the Malaysia Sarong Music Run  2025 to be held on 8 February at the Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur. This unique cultural and fitness event is expected to attract over 20,000 participants. A celebration of Malaysia’s heritage while promoting a healthy lifestyle, the run is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture and will feature collaborations with Locco, known for the Keretapi Sarong, showcasing Malaysia’s multiculturalism.

L’article Malaysia unveils tourism strategy to welcome 35.6 million visitors by 2026  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Durians are a classified superfood, with an individual fibre content almost parallel to the recommended daily amount, and are high in vitamin C, potassium and iron. Despite the fruit’s sweet and citrucy flavours, it has such a pungent smell that is has been banned on all public transport in Singapore as well as many in Hong Kong, Thailand and Japan. Some airlines also forbid passengers from taking durian on board and it is also banned from hotels.

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For those who can look past the odour however, durians have become a key contributor in the rise of food tourism. So much so that in Malaysia, where the fruit originates, the national tourism agency, Tourism Malaysia, is beginning to launch a range of travel packages catering to the local delicacy.

“This trend underscores the fruit’s allure and cultural importance, with the new Tourism Malaysia packages offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in local traditions,” said Akbal Setia, vice president of Tourism Malaysia for the Americas.

A recent study by American Express shows that 81% of travellers prioritise food experiences when abroad, and global market research company Technavio predicted in a recent report that the durian market will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.09% between 2023 and 2028, increasing its market size to $10.57 billion.

The travel bundles which include activities centring around durian consumption, come at a variety of price points and are already available for experiencing in 2024 and into 2025. Tourism Malaysia expects $420,000 in sales in the next two years from its new packages, reflecting the growing interest in this niche segment. From glamping in a modern forest chalet to jungle trekking and treetop walking, 62 packages are on offer across 12 Malaysian states, meaning there is a durian experience for every traveller. The durian packages include:

• Penang Golf Experience – four nights at the Bukit Jawi Golf Resort, including games on the golf course followed by tastings of various types of durian fruit.
• Minimalist Forest Glamping – two nights in a retreat-style forest chalet, including hot springs and lunch with Nasi Lemak durian.
• Kampong Bamboo Resort, Taiping – half-board package including durian fruit at breakfast and lunch buffets.
• Dusun Tour – one day trip to Kampung Ulu Cheka, includes river bathing and durian-based lunch.

L’article Tourism Malaysia unveils durian travel packages est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Whether you are looking for nature, culture, gastronomy, history or a relaxing and peaceful beach, there will be something for you in Malaysia. Let’s dive into 4 different identities of this very diverse country.

1. Experience the jungle in Taman Negara

The National Park of Taman Negara is considered the world’s oldest rainforest.  From the town of Kuala Tembeling, get ready for a 3-hour long canoe trip to get to Kuala Tahan, your access to the jungle. Whether you choose the easy 2-km night walk to discover the fauna like scorpions, insects, spiders and small snakes or a 2-hour guided day walk to a viewpoint overlooking the jungle, be prepared to sweat in this very humid environment. 

An experience you should not miss is crossing the canopy walkway, a 530-metre-long suspended bridge 40 metres above the ground which is considered the world’s longest. 

If you want to learn more about the indigenous people living in the jungle, you can also consider visiting an Orang Asli village. They will show you around their houses and share how they make fire, hunt and live.

An excursion to the Lata Berkoh waterfall is also worth the 45-minute boat trip if you want to go for a swim in the heart of the jungle!  

For the most adventurous, there is a multiple day hike where you will reach the heart of the jungle and get the chance to sleep in a cave. If you are lucky, you may even see more wildlife! 

2. Hike and drink tea in the Cameron Highlands

You may not link tea with Malaysia, but the country produces some delicious teas. If you are interested to visit tea plantations and find out more about the tea making process, you should head to the Cameron Highlands and the town of Tanah Rata. At the Boh Tea Plantation, one of the most famous tea plantations in the region, you will learn more about the tea making process and taste some tea before going for a tea plantation walk. For a beautiful vista of the tea plantations, head to Mount Brinchang, the highest point of Tanah Rata.

Tanah Rata is actually also an excellent base for hiking. The village is surrounded by hills and mountains with many trails. I highly recommend the 2-hour trek organised by the local travel agency Eco Cameron which takes you to an amazing mossy forest. Mossy forests are generally difficult to access in other places in the world but this one does not require too long and difficult an effort.

3. Enjoy the cuisine and art in multicultural George Town

Established in 1786 as the first British settlement in South East Asia, George Town is a very special town located on the island of Penang. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, it is full of beautiful and charming colonial buildings. 

The most interesting and surprising characteristic of George Town is its multiculturalism and the way all culture and religions peacefully live together. Just take a walk on Harmony Street to understand and feel the essence of the town and how racial and religious harmony is achieved. It is probably one of the few places in the world where you will see a mosque, a church, a Chinese temple and a Hindu temple in one and the same street. 

The cultural diversity is also reflected in the local cuisine which has become one of the town’s main attractions. George Town’s street food is often recognised as one of the best in South East Asia and the town is considered as Malaysia’s food capital. Food lovers will be delighted by the wide variety of food stalls in the daily street food markets which include Indian, Chinese and Malay cuisines. 

Last but not least tourists particularly come to George Town for its street art. You can spend hours looking for the street art which often uses accessories like a real motorbike, a swing, a bench or a chair so as to make visitors interacting with the art. 

And if you get tired of the humidity, you can relax in one of the town’s many trendy restaurants, coffee shops and shops or head to one of the beaches of Penang island.

L’article Malaysia and its multiple identities est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Ghost town

Forest City was intended to be a “living paradise” and was designed to attract Chinese nationals seeking a tropical vibe. A 2,833-hectare (7,000 acres) development was planned across four re-claimed islands with enough room for 700,000 residents, in skyscraping high-end apartments and villas overlooking palm-fringed beaches, lush foliage, and neighbouring Singapore.

But today, the project –which was part of the Chinese Belt and Road initiative to drive infrastructure investment – has all but ground to a halt amid financial woes for 60% stakeholder Country Garden. Faltering sales, unpredictable taxation and visa policies on second homeowners abroad, and huge company liabilities of more than $190 billion have combined into a perfect storm that has left Forest City devastated.

With only 10% or 700 hectares complete, it is home to fewer than 9,000 people, Country Garden has told Bloomberg. Its abandoned and desolate feel has caused it to be dubbed a ghost town by many. Some tourists have described it to media as “quite dead” and “a bit creepy.”

Fighting back

But Forest City is fighting back. Its webpages sing of “green”, “smart”, “dynamic” and “harmonious” living and invite people to experience “the ideal, idyllic, and technology-driven ecosystem of tomorrow.” Last spring it issued a press release boasting of its short haul credentials and “coastal resort life” offer. From August to September 2022, it welcomed at least 15,000 people to its local waterpark, it said.

Its $600-million golf resort is another draw being trumpeted front page of Forest City’s website and in press event tournaments organised for media relations. Syarul Izam, the vice president of Forest City has emphasised that the resort is popular with both local golfers and visitors buying packages to play and stay in one of 298 rooms. They contribute to the “weekend tourists” that Forest City is able to attract, according to Adilah Zain, a tourism professor at Malaysia’s MARA Technological University.

Similarly, Forest City has told Reuters that the two hotels on site are “always fully booked”.

Thousands of unsold units

Syarul Izam has said the development is still on track but stakeholders have not confirmed how much more will be built. Meanwhile 55,000 people visit the City’s real estate showroom each month. Whether there is enough buyer confidence to translate visits into purchasing one of the 5,000 unsold units remains to be seen.

L’article Malaysia’s “living paradise” remains a ghost town est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Despite multiple searches, the location of most of the MH370 aircraft remains unknown and so does the precise reason of its crash. Pieces of debris, or what is thought to be, have been found scattered over the African coast and on islands in the Indian Ocean. A wing flag in Tanzania, a wing fragment in Mauritius and a flaperon in Reunion Island are the main pieces to have been recovered.

A mystery for everyone and especially for the loved ones of the people aboard the plane. With the tenth anniversary of the disappearance of the aircraft, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke has showed his sympathy for those left behind. “As we approach the 10 years remembrance of this heart-wrenching tragedy, it is a painful reminder of the decade-long journey of grief and resilience that loved ones of the victims have endured,” he said.

However, Loke has also mentioned US-based seabed exploration firm Ocean Infinity is weighing the options for a renewed search. The company has already searched twice for the MH370, without any results, but has now made a “credible” new search proposal.

“We remain interested in returning to the search for MH370 and are actively engaged in trying to make this happen,” chief executive of Ocean Infinity, Oliver Plunkett, said in a statement. “We now feel in a position to be able to return to the search for missing aircraft MH370, and have submitted a proposal to the Malaysian government. We hope to get back to the search soon.”

The Malaysian Ministry of Transport, in their turn, are open to the idea, stating “cost is not the issue”. “The Ministry of Transport are ready to invite Ocean Infinity to Malaysia to discuss the proposal of a no-find, no-fee proposal. We are waiting for Ocean Infinity to provide the suitable dates and I will meet them any time that they are ready to come to Malaysia,” Loke explained. “I am glad that there is some progress in some of the new research and new technologies, which have been put into place and we really hope that the search can find the plane.”

L’article Malaysia may renew search for MH370 10 years after it disappeared est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Inflight WiFi rollout

From 1 November 2023, selected widebodied planes operated by the South East Asian flagship airline have benefitted from the service, meaning six Airbus A350- 900s, five A330 200s, and nine A330-300s are now equipped to offer all passengers onboard connectivity.

The 42 planes in the narrowbody fleet, mostly made up of Boeing 737-800s will follow soon after, as will 25 additional 737 MAX 8s yet to be delivered.

Free WiFi used to be offered on Malaysia Airlines to business class passengers and Enrich Platinum members only, while other passengers had to subscribe to the airline’s pay-per-use WiFi. This is a common way of operating and other airlines such as Emirates, Etihad and Singapore, require flyers to join a Loyalty Scheme or be frequent flyers to get connected.

Now though, Malaysia has stepped up its game, removing all restrictions, charges and caps on data.

But does everyone want “ubiquitous connectivity”?

Ubiquitous connectivity, or the ability to remain seamlessly connected no matter where or what one is doing – shopping, driving, flying – was a buzzword for transit and experience designers in the noughties, with “staying connected” believed to be the innovation that consumers wanted. Indeed, Malaysia Aviation Group’s Chief Executive Officer of Airlines, Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi, invoked this same goal in a press statement to mark the WiFi rollout.

We remain dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of our service is designed to make our customers’ journey as seamless, hassle-free and enjoyable as possible, and will continue to invest in initiatives that will greatly benefit their experience onboard Malaysian Hospitality.

Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi, Malaysia Aviation Group’s Chief Executive Officer of Airlines

However, increasing numbers of people are seeking screen-down time and disconnection from tech, to prioritise authentic experiences and IRL (“in real life”) connection with friends, family, new social contacts and cultures. Some might argue those people have the choice to “switch off” or do a “reboot retreat” if they want to, but with the creep of technology into every part of our lives comes the expectation, particularly from some bosses, that employees will always be available and online. Flights, some say, used to be one place where it was legitimate to disconnect.

L’article Malaysia Airlines seeks to outdo rivals with free WiFi for all, no ifs or buts est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The two shared the experience in a social media post on the Chinese Xiaohongshu platform, under the username of Zhenmei Beauty. They said they arrived at the property at 3am and decided to check for any cameras and found a hidden one placed between two USB ports in a wall socket, “facing the bed”.

The couple said they went to the police the next day and were asked to delete the social media post, which they did. However, Kota Kinabalu police chief assistant commissioner, Mohd Zaidi Abdullah, later denied the couple were asked to delete their posts. Upon their return to China, the two decided to make another post to raise awareness about travel safety.

Zaidi confirmed for local media that an investigation has been launched and the property in question has been searched, resulting in the seizure of “several items” and now “efforts are under way to identity the suspect(s) involved”. The investigation is opened under the “insult to modesty” claim, which, according to Malaysian law, is punishable with a fine and up to 5 years in jail.

Stern and appropriate punishment should be imposed on any party found guilty because this kind of reprehensible act not only violates the laws, but also affects the image of the country’s tourism industry.

Tiong King Sing, Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture

“There is no denying that things such as this may happen due to the personal actions of irresponsible homestay or Airbnb workers”, Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Tiong King Sing, responded to the incident. “(The ministry) will not compromise on such an incident and will continue to monitor from time to time.”

The honeymooners said they immediately submitted a report on Airbnb and initially received no answer form the host. When the host answered, they accused the couple of “smearing” them online. Ultimately, the two received a refund and the listing was taken off the platform, but the couple mentioned in their social media post that other listings from the same host were still available.

Airbnb’s general manager for India, South-east Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan has however indicated that the host’s account and listings have been removed pending the results of the investigation. “We ban hidden cameras and were disappointed to hear of this reported incident. While safety incidents are rare on Airbnb, we take reports such as these seriously, and we have been providing support to our guest”, the manager said in a statement.

L’article Couple honeymooning in Malaysia finds hidden camera in Airbnb room est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.