By H.E. Datin Sarah Albakri Devadason, Head of Mission of Malaysia to Germany.
Tourism has become an important sector for Malaysia’s national growth and economic development. In 2017, tourism revenue contributed 14.9 percent to Malaysia’s economy. The direct contribution of the tourism industry to the nation’s GDP recorded 6.1 percent with a value of €18.3 billion. Despite the vast distance between Malaysia and Germany, tourist arrivals have been encouraging with 128,000 German tourist visiting Malaysia in 2018.
Malaysia has 14 states and each offers a unique experience of its culture, nature, varied delicious cuisines and its friendly people and their hospitality. It is a multicultural melting pot of Asia, with strong influence from the Malay Archipelago, China, India and the rest of Southeast Asia. Visitors to Malaysia will be mesmerised by this fusion of diverse influence. Malaysia hosts five UNESCO World Heritage sites namely, Lenggong Valley, Mulu National Park, Kinabalu Park, Georgetown and Malacca. These sites are known for their biodiversity, archaeological, historical and cultural value.
Malaysia is also the home of exotic wildlife such as the proboscis monkey and orangutan. It is the best place to see these incredible animals in the wild. One can head over to Borneo to see the charismatic orangutan in the jungles of Sepilok, Sabah and the Semenggoh Nature Reserve in Sarawak; trek up Mount Kinabalu for an amazing jungle experience and visit remote villages; view vast green paddy fields of Kedah; and enjoy the unique flora and fauna found in the Belum Forest Reserve, Taman Negara National Park and Kilim Geoforest Park.
Adventure seekers may take up the challenge of exploring the vast caves at the Mulu National Park, trek through the tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands, bungee jump at Sunway Extreme Park, white water rafting at Kuala Kubu Bharu and snorkelling or scuba diving at the many spots off the Peninsula or the coast of Sabah.
Malaysia is also committed to sustainable tourism. Sea turtle lovers can visit the Ma’Daerah Turtle Sanctuary in Terengganu or Melaka’s Padang Kemunting Turtle Hatchery. In addition, one could also visit endangered elephants at the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary or endangered wild cattle at the Seladang-Gaur Wildlife Conservation Center.
Visitors who are interested in agriculture may also enjoy our agricultural tourism. There are farms that share their farming practices and feature tours, activities and accommodations within its compound. For example, Kahang Organic Rice Eco Farm which produces rice, vegetables, fruits, herbs and seafood, offers tours of its rice fields, prawn breeding facility and wild duck sanctuary. It also offers other activities such as mountain climbing, bamboo rafting and boat riding. Visitors can immerse themselves in nature by glamping or staying in floating chalets amid rice fields.
Malaysia is proud to be the Country Partner of ITB 2019. It allows Malaysia to showcase itself globally and reach out to potential tourists from the European region and beyond. Visitors to the Malaysian pavilion would be able to enjoy performances by the national cultural troupe that reflect the beauty and extravagance of the Malaysian culture and heritage.
Visitors would also have the opportunity to sample delicious Malaysian cuisine such as Nasi Lemak, a Malay dish of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk and screwpine leaves. In addition, it is also highly recommended for one to try our Satay which is skewered and grilled meat, served with flavourful peanut sauce; and roti , a lacy pancake, served with curry.
Malaysia is gearing up to hosting 30 million tourists for Visit Malaysia Year 2020. As such many exciting activities and packages for visitors are ongoing and are being planned. It would be all the more opportune for travellers to make the trip to Malaysia and experience the beauty and enchantment of a land that is truly Asia.
