Introduction to the Malaysia Tourism, Culture and Food Festival
The Embassy of Malaysia in Manila, through its Tourism Malaysia Office, recently hosted the Malaysia Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Food Festival 2025, a vibrant showcase aimed at enhancing the relationship between Malaysia and the Philippines. This event took place at the Concourse, Level 2, One Ayala from September 12 to 13, 2025, and also marked the launch of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
This festival serves as a significant initiative to deepen bilateral ties between Malaysia and the Philippines. It aims not only to raise awareness about the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign but also to foster cultural appreciation and strengthen people-to-people connections. The event was filled with engaging activities that highlighted Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage.
Festival Highlights
One of the standout features of the festival was the captivating traditional performances that showcased the diversity of Malaysian culture. Attendees were treated to a stunning Kebaya Nyonya fashion showcase led by Dr. Kenny Loh, an award-winning heritage designer and cultural advocate. This fashion event celebrated traditional attire while promoting Malaysia’s unique craftsmanship.
Food enthusiasts had their taste buds tantalized with a culinary experience curated by the renowned celebrity chef Dato’ Chef Ismail Ahmad. His dishes, reflecting Malaysia’s diverse food scene, offered visitors a unique gastronomic journey through Malaysia’s culinary delights.
Exclusive Travel Deals
In addition to cultural performances and culinary delights, visitors could take advantage of exclusive travel deals offered by participating airlines and travel agencies. These offers aimed to encourage more Filipinos to explore Malaysia, especially as tourism numbers begin to recover post-pandemic.
Tourism Goals and Future Initiatives
Malaysia is aiming for ambitious tourism targets, seeking 43 million international arrivals in 2025 and an even higher goal of 47 million arrivals during Visit Malaysia Year 2026. This is a clear indication of Malaysia’s commitment to becoming a prime travel destination in Southeast Asia. From January to July 2025, there was a notable surge in tourism from the Philippines, with 349,012 Filipinos visiting Malaysia, marking an 8.7% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Connecting Regions
In line with the Philippines’ upcoming ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, AirAsia has announced plans to launch direct flights between Cebu and Kuala Lumpur. This new route is expected to facilitate two-way tourism, especially from the southern regions of the Philippines, enhancing regional connectivity and making it easier for travelers to explore the diverse offerings of Malaysia.
Conclusion
The Malaysia Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Food Festival 2025 in Manila has successfully showcased the rich cultural tapestry and culinary heritage of Malaysia while strengthening bilateral ties with the Philippines. As the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign unfolds, there is much to look forward to for travelers seeking to experience Malaysia’s beauty, culture, and Hospitality.
