Wan Esmail says a wide array of options for all types of travellers are on offer in the destination
The new vice president of Tourism Malaysia – Americas says he’s confident that his tropical homeland has an array of attractions and activities that enable it to accommodate those who appreciate Mother Nature’s handiwork and points of interest crafted by people as well.
Wan Esmail says his employer is eagerly showcasing the country’s diversity to people in this hemisphere, relying on different mediums to get the word out.
“There is a wide array of options for all types of travellers, which was part of the inspiration for our current marketing campaign in the Americas – the Malaysia Mix,” Esmail reports. “The campaign, which debuted on our social media channels – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube – earlier this year features captivating videos that showcase the unique blend of nature, cuisine, luxury, and cultural experiences found across Malaysia’s 13 individual states. The goal was to celebrate travel to Malaysia, beyond Kuala Lumpur, inviting tourists to explore the lesser-known wonders of our magnificent country, which include 200 snorkel and dive sites, rare wildlife, including endangered orangutans, a wide variety of culinary traditions and UNESCO World Heritage Sites among other attractions.”
Esmail has worked in tourism for 16 years, a tenure that has seen him deal with airlines, hotels and tourist boards.
Malaysia is celebrated as one of the world’s 17 most megadiverse countries, acknowledged for its exceptional biodiversity and diverse landscapes. Malaysia’s tropical rainforests are over 130 million years old and cover much of Borneo and the Malay Peninsula.
“Visitors can explore dense canopies, discover rare species like orangutans and pygmy elephants, and experience natural wonders,” Esmail says. “The highlands, including the Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands, and Fraser’s Hill, are known for their cool climates, tea plantations, and scenic landscapes, and are ideal for trekking and picturesque views. Our abundant mangrove forests serve as a vital barrier against sea impacts like storms and tsunamis. These ecosystems support biodiversity for land and marine species by maintaining a healthy food chain. Preserved for research and education, mangrove forests have also become unique tourist attractions, offering visitors a chance to experience their distinctive scenery. Animal experiences in Malaysia including orangutan rehabilitation facilities, turtle watching, deep sea diving and snorkeling, and wildlife sanctuaries and preserves for tigers, pygmy elephants and a variety of birds.”
But Esmail is quick to make it clear that not all of his country’s appeal revolves around nature.
“Culture is a broad term so perhaps it is best to start with the people of Malaysia in order to answer this question,” he continues. “We have a vibrant mosaic of diverse ethnic groups within Malaysia, each adding to the country’s harmonious and dynamic society. The four primary groups that shape Malaysia’s multicultural landscape are Malays, Chinese, Indians, and Indigenous people. Each of these groups contributes unique traditions, languages, and celebrations, offering a wealth of exploration opportunities. This rich tapestry of cultures can best be experienced through Malaysia’s heritage and cultural centers, including ancient archaeological sites and contemporary cultural hubs. Some examples include the Batu Caves located just outside Kuala Lumpur, one of Malaysia’s most iconic landmarks, featuring limestone caves and cave temples, as well as the world’s tallest statue of the Hindu deity Murugan; Sarawak Cultural Village, located near Kuching, which serves as a living museum presenting the diverse cultures of Sarawak’s indigenous groups; and the variety of cultural neighborhoods found in Kuala Lumpur, including Little India in Brickfields with its colourful streets, shops, restaurants and temples; and Chinatown, centered around Petaling Street, known for its bustling markets, Chinese temples like Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, and heritage buildings.”
Esmail also says beach enthusiasts will be in their element in Malaysia, citing close to 3,000 miles of coastline.
“Malaysia is home to some of the world’s most stunning islands and beaches,” he reports. “Bordered by the Straits of Malacca, the Andaman Sea, the South China Sea, the Sulu Sea, and the Celebes Sea, the country boasts an abundance of natural treasures nestled in peaceful bays and coves throughout. There are islands like Langkawi, the Perhentian Islands, and Sipadan Island, which are famous for their vibrant coral reefs, clear waters, and abundant marine life. Popular activities include snorkeling, diving, and island hopping, offering encounters with sea turtles, tropical fish, and whale sharks. And the communities surrounding these beach destinations are vibrant and exciting, ideal for sightseeing, shopping and dining after a day on the sand.”
Esmail is also quick to praise Malaysian cuisine, adding the act of breaking bread together is one that is intrinsically woven into the fabric of life in Malaysia, starting with breakfast. He notes this year has seen Malaysian Breakfast Culture: Dining Experience in a Multi-Ethnic Society officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
“This recognition celebrates the unifying power of breakfast in Malaysia, where Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indigenous culinary traditions blend to create a shared cultural experience that fosters national unity,” Esmail states. “Beloved local dishes like Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, and Teh Tarik are symbols of Malaysia’s vibrant culture, bringing people together over flavors and traditions that transcend boundaries. Breakfast in Malaysia is not just a meal – it’s a cultural bridge and a must-try experience for travelkers exploring the country’s diverse identity through food.”
He also notes that Malaysia is a festive country, with nearly every week of the year having something to celebrate.
“There are music festivals – such as the Rainforest Music Festival as well as the Misfits Music Festival, which is debuting in Malaysia for the first time this April – as well as traditional harvest and thanksgiving festivals, such as Pesta Kaamatan in Sabah and Gawai Dayak in Sarawak; arts and culture events such as the George Town Festival in Penang; and sporting events such as L’Étape Malaysia, which provides amateur cyclists with a Tour de France-style race experience in Melaka,” Esmail reports.
Those vacationing in Malaysia generally begin their holiday in Kuala Lumpur, an international airline hub, which Esmail says is definitely worth exploring. But he suggests tourists venture beyond the capital city, adding such cities as Penang, which is an arts and culture hub thanks to an extensive public art program; and Melaka, famous for its Peranakan culture, which has unique cultural blend of two ethnicities, Chinese and Malay.
He adds a great way to see Malaysia for first-time visitors is train, which allows for a slower exploration of the countryside and the different vistas. One of the more luxurious options is the Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express train, which allows for off-train exploration with “some of the most coveted experiences available on board, including the country’s first Dior spa.”
Esmail concedes some Canadians might think a trip to Malaysia is a little daunting because of the travel involved. “Yes, it’s a long distance but travelers often travel through other Asian countries that do have direct service and combine it with a Malaysian adventure. We are sandwiched between Singapore and Thailand, but are also accessible by air through Japan and Korea.”
Next year will be a monumental year for tourism to Malaysia, having been declared Visit Malaysia 2026. It will showcase the best of what Malaysia has to offer to the world in a single, event-packed year, and aims to bring in 35.6 million tourists, a new record for the country.
Meanwhile, Esmail reports that the Malaysian island that hosted the first season of the long-running show Survivor has become a tourist destination in its own right.
“Pulau Tiga Park – otherwise known as Survivor Island because that is where the TV series filmed in 2000 – is located north of Kuala Penyu, opposite the Klias Peninsula,” he says. “It has a wide variety of interesting flora and fauna, nice beaches and a rich marine life that offers good snorkelling and diving opportunities. The island also has a few mud volcanoes which are popular recreational spots for visitors.”
