Malaysia: Where cultures meet and memories begin
Maritime Museum (Flor de la Mar), Melaka
St. John’s Fort (Kota St. John), Melaka
Putra Mosque (Masjid Putra), Putrajaya
SplashMania Waterpark
Istana Negara (National Palace), Kuala Lumpur
In an era where travel is no longer a luxury but a lifestyle, Malaysians and Sri Lankans are finding common ground in shared experiences, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking destinations. What was once a simple border-to-border connection is now blossoming into a colourful tapestry of cultural exchange and mutual exploration, thanks to a strategic tourism promotion drive that puts Malaysia in the spotlight for Sri Lankan travellers.
Organised by the International Promotion Division (Asia/Africa), Tourism Malaysia in collaboration with SriLankan Airlines, this initiative brought together a select group of Sri Lankan media representatives for an immersive familiarisation tour across key Malaysian cities. The goal was simple yet ambitious—to bridge the gap between two cultures through the power of travel, while positioning Malaysia as a top-tier destination for Sri Lankan leisure, family, and business travellers.
As demand grows in Sri Lanka for accessible, family-friendly, and culturally rich international destinations, Malaysia ticks all the boxes. With its scenic landscapes, modern cityscapes, ancient traditions, and multicultural warmth, it has evolved into a destination that offers something for everyone—from honeymooners and solo backpackers to families and corporate groups.
A warm welcome and a promising partnership
During a special session with the Sri Lankan delegation, Solehuddin Ahmad, Deputy Director of the South Asia Unit at the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, highlighted the rising number of tourist arrivals from Sri Lanka. “Since the launch of our ‘Visit Malaysia 2025’ campaign, we’ve seen steady growth from the Sri Lankan market. It’s an emerging travel segment that’s showing interest in everything from retail experiences and religious tourism to wellness retreats and eco-adventures,” he said. Adding to this, Deepal Perera, Manager of Corporate Communications at SriLankan Airlines, explained that the airline was committed to enhancing connectivity and cultural ties. “Sri Lanka and Malaysia share long-standing relations. Through efforts like these, we’re not only promoting outbound travel from Sri Lanka but also inviting Malaysians to explore the heritage and hospitality of Sri Lanka,” he noted.
The familiarisation tour, therefore, served as both a cultural introduction and a market strategy—blending Malaysia’s tourism offerings with Sri Lankan expectations. The tour officially kicked off with an exhilarating visit to SplashMania WaterPark, one of the country’s newest and most talked-about attractions, located in the eco-friendly township of Gamuda Cove, just south of Kuala Lumpur.
Kuala Lumpur: A fusion of modernity and tradition
The journey began in Kuala Lumpur (KL), the capital city and beating heart of Malaysia. Home to architectural marvels, sprawling shopping complexes, and age-old temples, KL offers a dynamic mix of past and present. Towering above the skyline are the Petronas Twin Towers, once the tallest buildings in the world and still the city’s most iconic landmark
In KL, the delegation was treated to a guided exploration of local landmarks such as the historic Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Merdeka Square, and the colourful streets of Brickfields—also known as Little India. Bukit Bintang, the city’s retail and entertainment hub, offered a taste of urban vibrancy, while Central Market gave visitors the chance to explore handicrafts and traditional Malaysian art.
Accommodation in KL came in the form of the Royal Signature Hotel, a property that reflects urban elegance with a Malaysian touch. Located within easy reach of major attractions, it provided comfort and convenience—a perfect base for city exploration.
Beyond its infrastructure, what truly defines Kuala Lumpur is its people. The harmonious coexistence of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and other communities makes every street corner an opportunity for cultural discovery, whether through food, language, or daily rituals.
Melaka: Echoes of the colonial past
From Kuala Lumpur, the team travelled south to Melaka, a historical gem nestled along the Straits of Malacca. Once a vital trading port under Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule, Melaka is today a cultural melting pot and a living museum.
Here, ancient meets vibrant—from the red Dutch Square and Christ Church to the centuries-old Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. Tourists can stroll through Jonker Street, known for its antique shops, local snacks, and weekend night markets. The historical A Famosa fortress and St. Paul’s Hill offer insight into the city’s colonial past. A highlight of the visit was the Taming Sari Tower Tour, which provided a breathtaking 360-degree view of Melaka’s cityscape. From this rotating observation deck, one can witness the juxtaposition of old-world charm and modern developments—proof of how Melaka balances heritage with growth.
The group checked into the Birkin International Hotel, a stylish boutique hotel that combines tradition with contemporary hospitality. It offered not only comfort but also a sense of place, mirroring Melaka’s cultural richness.
Melaka, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, is more than a stop on the map; it’s an emotional experience that transports travellers through time.
Putrajaya: Malaysia’s garden city
A short drive from the capital lies Putrajaya, Malaysia’s federal administrative centre and an urban marvel in its own right. Unlike any other city, Putrajaya blends modern architecture with serene green spaces, making it a city of balance and beauty.
Structured around a network of lakes and gardens, Putrajaya boasts iconic structures like the Putra Mosque with its pink domes, the grand Perdana Putra building, and a series of beautifully designed bridges.
The delegation enjoyed a scenic Cruise Tasik Putrajaya boat tour, a tranquil journey across the city’s main lake. The cruise offered unique perspectives of the city’s planned symmetry, domed mosques, and sleek government buildings that light up majestically at dusk.
Accommodation was provided by the Pulse Grande Hotel, a luxury eco-hotel perched on a hill and surrounded by lush tropical gardens. The hotel’s peaceful setting provided a well-deserved break from the pace of travel, offering views that calmed the soul.
Putrajaya stood out as a symbol of Malaysia’s forward-thinking spirit—blending governance, environmental consciousness, and architectural innovation.
Genting Highlands: Playtime at the peak
No Malaysian travel experience would be complete without a visit to the exhilarating Genting Highlands. Perched on a mountain plateau, this resort city is known for its cool weather, panoramic views, and endless entertainment.
The tour group made their way up the mountains via a scenic cable car ride, arriving at Resorts World Genting—a massive complex featuring luxury hotels, casinos, shopping arcades, and amusement parks. Families can enjoy indoor theme parks and performances, while others try their luck at the country’s only legal casino.
One of the most anticipated stops was SplashMania WaterPark, located within the Gamuda Cove development. With over 40 rides and attractions—including gravity-defying slides and kid-friendly splash zones—it’s a must-visit for Sri Lankan families planning fun-packed holidays.
In Genting, the group was hosted by the Wyndham ION Majestic Hotel, a high-altitude luxury resort that offered spectacular views and top-tier hospitality. Surrounded by misty mountains and modern attractions, the hotel embodied the essence of leisure and luxury.
Malaysia’s Magic: A destination for every traveller
What makes Malaysia truly stand out is not just its attractions—but the way those attractions are seamlessly woven into everyday life. Here, skyscrapers coexist with temples, spicy street food is served beside Michelin-starred restaurants, and heritage trails lead to shopping boulevards. It’s a country where differences are celebrated, and hospitality is offered freely.
Malaysia also appeals to Sri Lankans for practical reasons. It’s a short-haul destination with direct flights from Colombo to Kuala Lumpur via SriLankan Airlines, making travel convenient and accessible. The country’s visa process is tourist-friendly, and its safety, affordability, and infrastructure are well-suited to families and group travellers.
From shopping and sightseeing to cultural discovery and culinary indulgence, Malaysia opens its arms to all types of visitors. Whether you’re travelling for the first time or returning for a deeper experience, the country never runs out of stories to tell or memories to offer.
As both nations prepare to mark World Tourism Day on September 27, initiatives like this media familiarisation tour reinforce a shared vision—one that sees tourism not just as an industry, but as a bridge between people, places, and perspectives.
