A Message From Panorama Destination Malaysia:
Hello from Kuala Lumpur!
October is shaping up to be an exciting month for tourism in Malaysia, with major international events, cultural celebrations and a wealth of seasonal experiences providing plenty of reasons to visit in the weeks ahead.
One of the biggest highlights this month is the return of Formula 1 to the Sepang International Circuit for the first time since 2017. From 2–4 October, Malaysia will host the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, bringing the championship back to one of its most iconic circuits and providing a major boost for tourism in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Later in the month, motorsport fans have even more to look forward to, with the PETRONAS Grand Prix of Malaysia bringing MotoGP action to Sepang from 30 October to 1 November.
Elsewhere, October offers opportunities to explore Malaysia’s cultural and natural diversity. As the seasons begin to change, destinations on the west coast provide attractive options for travellers, while Sabah and Sarawak offer wildlife, nature and cultural experiences. This month’s events calendar includes Rhythms of Kinabalu in Kota Kinabalu from 2–4 October and the Festival Gendang Sarawak at Kuching Waterfront from 28 October to 1 November.
The tourism sector also continues to build momentum. Malaysia welcomed more than 21 million international visitors during the first half of 2026, up 2.5% year on year despite disruptions to international aviation. With the Visit Malaysia campaign now extending into 2027, efforts are continuing to strengthen connectivity, promote destinations and attract visitors from a wider range of international markets.
We look forward to another busy month and to welcoming travellers from around the world to discover the many different experiences Malaysia has to offer.
Best wishes,
Panorama Destination Malaysia
