The national launch of Visit Malaysia 2026 marks a renewed global push to position Malaysia as a diverse, experience-led travel destination, with East Malaysia and Borneo expected to play a central role. The presence of Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh at the launch reinforces Malaysia’s ambition to attract travellers seeking culture, nature, and meaningful journeys beyond major cities.
Held in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, the launch event signals the beginning of a multi-year tourism initiative aimed at boosting international arrivals while highlighting the country’s cultural depth, hospitality, and natural heritage.
Visit Malaysia 2026 Officially Launched in Kuala Lumpur
Michelle Yeoh, world-renowned for her roles in Wicked, Crazy Rich Asians, and Everything Everywhere All at Once, joined Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the official Visit Malaysia 2026 launch in front of Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, transforming Bukit Bintang into a vibrant showcase of Malaysian identity.
The event featured large-scale cultural performances, a grand parade involving contingents from across the country, and a nationally televised ceremony designed to capture international attention. Kuala Lumpur was presented as a symbolic starting point, representing Malaysia’s openness, creativity, and readiness to welcome the world.
Michelle Yeoh described the capital as a stage where Malaysia’s story is told, emphasising that the campaign is not only about tourism promotion, but about inviting visitors to experience the country’s diversity, warmth, and shared sense of community.
What Visit Malaysia 2026 Means for Borneo and East Malaysia
Visit Malaysia 2026 is expected to significantly elevate Malaysian Borneo, as international demand for nature-based and experience-driven travel continues to grow.
For travellers, this means greater visibility and accessibility to experiences such as:
- Wildlife encounters along the Kinabatangan River in Sabah
- Rainforest exploration in protected conservation areas
- Island and marine adventures in Semporna and Tun Sakaran
- Highland escapes in Kundasang beneath Mount Kinabalu, a UNESCO Global Geopark
- Community-based cultural experiences with indigenous groups
Borneo’s strengths lie in its landscapes, biodiversity, and living cultures, all of which align closely with the themes highlighted during the Visit Malaysia 2026 launch.
A National Tourism Campaign with a Long-Term Vision
Visit Malaysia 2026 is positioned as more than a single-year tourism promotion. It represents a broader national tourism initiative focused on sustainability, quality experiences, and long-term destination development.
In the lead-up to 2026, travellers can expect:
- Increased international promotion of lesser-known destinations
- Stronger emphasis on sustainable and responsible travel
- Improved connectivity and tourism infrastructure
- Greater support and visibility for local tour operators
For Borneo, this presents an opportunity to attract travellers who value depth, conservation, and authentic engagement with place and people.
Exploring Borneo as Part of Your Visit Malaysia 2026 Journey
As Malaysia prepares to welcome global travellers under Visit Malaysia 2026, Borneo stands out as one of the country’s most compelling regions for meaningful travel.
From wildlife safaris and highland retreats to island hopping and cultural immersion, Sabah and Sarawak offer experiences that go beyond surface-level sightseeing. These journeys reflect the spirit highlighted at the national launch, where hospitality, heritage, and human connection take centre stage.
For travellers planning ahead, exploring Borneo as part of Visit Malaysia 2026 offers the chance to experience one of Malaysia’s richest regions while contributing to sustainable, locally driven tourism.