Penang, Malaysia is placing domestic tourism at the centre of the Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia 2026, with the four-day Penang edition taking place from 24 to 27 September at Sunway Carnival Mall in Seberang Perai. The event brings together travel promotions, destination showcases, accommodation offers and tourism experiences as Malaysia continues its Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
The carnival is the fourth stop in a six-state nationwide tour organised by Star Media Group in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia. The programme is designed to give Malaysian travellers a single place to explore destinations, compare holiday products and find travel offers for trips around the country.
Travel Deals Bring Destinations Under One Roof
The Penang edition features tourism operators, hotels, resorts, attractions, airlines, travel agencies and other travel-related businesses. Visitors can explore holiday packages, accommodation promotions, attraction deals and destination experiences while speaking directly with tourism industry representatives.
For travellers still deciding where to go, the format creates an opportunity to build a holiday around different types of experiences. Island breaks, family holidays, adventure trips, cultural journeys and short weekend escapes are among the travel options being promoted through the carnival.
The event also includes travel-related giveaways and interactive activities, adding another reason for visitors to spend time exploring the tourism products available.
Penang Becomes a Gateway to Wider Malaysia
The choice of Seberang Perai places the event within Penang, one of Malaysia’s established domestic tourism markets. Visitors arriving for the carnival can also extend their trip across Penang Island and mainland Penang.
George Town offers a strong cultural and heritage component, with its historic streets, religious buildings, museums, cafés and traditional food outlets. The UNESCO-listed George Town heritage area can be combined with visits to Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple and the island’s beaches.
On the mainland, Seberang Perai provides access to attractions and communities away from George Town. Travellers can therefore combine the carnival with a broader Penang itinerary rather than treating the event as a standalone visit.
Malaysia’s Domestic Tourism Campaign Covers Six States
The 2026 Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia programme is travelling through six Malaysian states. The series began in Pahang from 3 to 5 July, followed by Johor from 31 July to 2 August and Sabah from 14 to 16 August.
After Penang, the carnival is scheduled to continue to Selangor from 23 to 25 October and Sarawak from 30 October to 1 November. Tourism Malaysia expects the six-state tour to attract more than 200,000 visitors nationwide.
The programme is also designed to support tourism businesses by creating direct contact between consumers and operators. Hotels, attractions, travel agencies, airlines and tourism product providers can promote their services while travellers can make holiday plans in person.
Travel Experiences Extend Beyond Major Cities
The campaign highlights the variety of travel experiences available across Malaysia. Domestic travellers can use the carnival to discover destinations beyond familiar city breaks and consider nature, heritage, food, island, adventure and rural tourism.
For families, hotel and resort packages can be paired with attractions and theme parks. Couples and groups can explore island destinations, while travellers interested in nature can look towards Malaysia’s national parks, highlands, forests and coastal areas.
Food is another major part of domestic travel. Penang itself is widely associated with hawker cuisine, while different Malaysian states offer distinct culinary traditions that can become part of a destination-focused itinerary.
Getting Around Penang for a Longer Holiday
Travellers flying into Penang can use Penang International Airport, located on the island, while visitors arriving by road or rail can enter through mainland Penang before crossing to the island.
The Penang Bridge and Second Penang Bridge connect the mainland with Penang Island, making it possible to combine Seberang Perai and George Town in the same trip. Local buses, taxis and ride-hailing services provide options for moving between major tourism areas.
Visitors staying for several days can also explore attractions outside George Town, including Balik Pulau and the island’s western and southern areas.
Domestic Travel Takes a Wider Route
The Penang edition of Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia 2026 is placing travel products from across the country in front of domestic visitors at a time when Malaysia is promoting its destinations under Visit Malaysia 2026.
The event connects travellers with accommodation, attractions, transport providers, travel agencies and tourism operators while presenting different ways to experience Malaysia.
With further stops scheduled in Selangor and Sarawak, the nationwide programme continues to give Malaysian travellers opportunities to discover destinations, plan holidays and access travel promotions without having to begin their search at a single destination.
