thailand tourism malaysia

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Malaysia and Thailand Tours & Trips

Located in Southeast Asia , Malaysia and Thailand entice travellers with splendid beaches, vibrant rainforests and mouth-watering foods. Malaysia boasts colonial buildings and massive shopping areas in Kuala Lumpur whereas Thailand's capital city Bangkok offers vibrant nightlife while Phuket 's beaches are the perfect getaway for those searching for silence. Find here your Thailand and Malaysia adventures .

22 Malaysia and Thailand tour packages with 134 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Bangkok to Singapore: Jungle Hikes & Island Nights

Die reise war sehr gut

• In-depth Cultural

Bangkok to Singapore

This trip was absolutely amazing. The guide went out of his way to assist, and he loved spending time with us and giving us the best experience possible. He knew the places we visited inside out. With 3 country in 2 weeks, all very different for each other, the tour didn't feel rushed at all, and there was plenty of time to chill. The Thai southern coast is especially stunning. Highly recommended!

Southeast Asia: Hilltribes & Street Food

This trip had to be one of the greatest times in my life! I had travelled by myself to Thailand from the UK and I was really nervous as this was the first time I had even been out of Europe, let alone on my own! However, some of the people I met turned out to be friends I will have for a very long time, this tour was great and the guides were fantastic. I wrote a blog post about things to do in Chiang Mai, which is the first week of the tour. So if you fancy wetting your appetite and seeing some of the things you could get up to then head here [external link removed in moderation] Keep tracking guys!

Real Bangkok to Singapore

What an awesome experience! I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. Three countries in two weeks with so much to see and do. Our tour manager was very friendly, knowledgeable and well organised. He made sure we were all looked after and had the best experience possible. Highly recommend!

• Coach / Bus

Bangkok to Singapore Adventure (14 Days)

This two week Contiki tour through Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore was a brilliant way to tick off some epic destinations across three countries. As a solo traveller I often find that it's easier to stick to major cities or tourist destinations, and it can be tough to find transport that's reasonably priced to get to places like Khao Sok National park and Langkawi. The itinerary for this tour was incredible, it took me to the places that had been firmly at the top of my bucket list, and also introduced me to hidden gems like Penang that I hadn't heard much about!

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Thailand Malaysia and Singapore Escapade (21 Days)

Bangkok to Singapore Travel Pass

From long lazy days at the beautiful beaches of phi and Krabi to exploring the city of Bangkok on a bicycle, trying out the local delicacies in Kuala Lumpur to taking up adventure sports at Koh Phangan, we got to you all this and much more in just three weeks. This tour lets you experience the local culture without restricting to the touristy locations. The best part is that with the travel pass, we were able to explore all these amazing locales at our own pace.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Thailand and Malaysia Explorer (13 Days)

Bangkok to Singapore Express Travel Pass

• Road Cycling

Road Cycling Thailand to Malaysia

• Local Living

Best of Thailand & Malaysia

Epic Bangkok to Singapore

Singapore to Bangkok Express Travel Pass

Singapore to Bangkok Travel Pass

• Island Hopping
• Intl. Flights Included
• Sightseeing

Malaysia, Thailand & Singapore: Island Hopping for a City stay

• Flights included
• €50 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

What people love about Malaysia And Thailand Tours

Embarking on the "Jungle Hikes & Island Nights" group journey from Bangkok to Singapore was an adventure of a lifetime, magnificently organized and flawlessly executed. From start to finish, the expedition was a resounding success, thanks to impeccable planning and an itinerary that promised—and delivered—an extraordinary experience. The locations we explored were nothing short of spectacular, offering us a diverse palette of experiences that ranged from the serenity of lush jungles to the vibrant nightlife on picturesque islands. The balance between exhilarating hikes and lively parties was just right, ensuring that every day was filled with new adventures and opportunities to create lasting memories. A significant part of this trip's charm was the fantastic group of fellow travelers I had the fortune to journey with. It's rare to find such a harmonious blend of personalities and backgrounds, but we clicked instantly, transforming a group of strangers into lifelong friends. The camaraderie that developed amongst us added a whole new layer of enjoyment to the experience. A special shoutout is deserved for our CEO, Fon, whose expertise, passion, and warm personality made her not just a guide, but a true friend. Her dedication to ensuring that we all had an incredible time was evident in every aspect of the trip. Fon, you are a gem, and your efforts were genuinely appreciated by all of us! However, no adventure is without its lessons. The pace of the tour, while exhilarating, sometimes felt a bit rushed. Extending the itinerary by a day or two could provide a more relaxed pace, allowing for some much-needed rest days amidst the action-packed schedule. For travelers like myself, towering over 185cm, be prepared for a squeeze, especially on the night trains which proved to be quite the challenge. An additional note for future adventurers: consider booking an extra night in Singapore to fully explore the wonders this city has to offer. The tour's conclusion in Singapore feels like just the beginning of another adventure waiting to be discovered. In summary, the "Jungle Hikes & Island Nights" trip from Bangkok to Singapore was an unforgettable journey filled with incredible sights, sounds, and experiences. While there's room for minor adjustments, the overall experience was profoundly impactful, leaving us with memories to cherish for a lifetime. To those seeking adventure, camaraderie, and a touch of magic, this journey comes highly recommended.

This trip had just about everything: Temples, natural beauty, animals, food, etc. Nice balance of relaxation and excitement. This was one of the best tours ever in terms of included activities and food. Wonderful guide too! (Alif)

Buntheon was incredible, lovely guy and very helpful. Went above and beyond and made the tour what it was. Intact he was the highlight of the tour!!

• Fully Guided (14)
• In-depth Cultural (8)
• Self-Guided (6)

Travel Styles

• Small Group (5)
• Singles and Solo (15)
• For Couples (5)
• Young Adults (6)
• Seniors (8)
• 2 Week Tours (5)
• 3 Week Tours (9)
• Spring 2024 (6)
• Summer 2024 (15)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (15)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (16)
• Spring 2025 (9)
• Summer 2025 (10)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (10)
• Winter 2025 / 2026 (9)
• April 2024 (3)
• May 2024 (7)
• June 2024 (9)
• July 2024 (15)
• August 2024 (11)
• September 2024 (14)
• October 2024 (13)
• November 2024 (15)
• December 2024 (16)
• January 2025 (8)
• February 2025 (10)
• March 2025 (9)
• April 2025 (9)
• May 2025 (8)
• June 2025 (9)
• July 2025 (10)
• August 2025 (9)
• September 2025 (9)
• October 2025 (8)
• November 2025 (10)

• Travel & Tourism
• What’s On
• Classifieds
• All Sections

• Arts & Entertainment
• Classical Connections
• Life at 33 1/3
• Mott the Dog
• Business News
• Money Matters
• Dorian Farmer
• It is What It is
• Life in Fun City
• Life with Bingo
• Around Town
• Our Community
• Health & Wellbeing
• Modern Medicine
• Care for Animals
• Coins of the Realm
• Daily Horoscope
• Heart to Heart with Hillary
• Khun Ocha’s Cookbook
• Agony Ivy’s Pattaya Postbag
• Odds and Ends
• Today in History

Real Estate

• GO Property of the Day
• Property & Real Estate
• Pattaya Sports
• PSC Golf Schedule
• World Sports

Tech & Science

• Science & Nature

What’s On in Pattaya & East Thailand

• Assoc. & Clubs
• Community Services
• Conventions
• Exhibitions
• Dining & Entertainment
• Events & Festivals
• Hotels & Spa

All Time Favorites

• Chiangmai Mail

Pattaya Mail

Hm king rama ix.

• Support Pattaya Mail – Click Here

Getting Help

• Embassies in Thailand
• Latest News

Thailand and Malaysia boost security and tourism cooperation

Thailand and Malaysia have discussed enhancing cooperation in security and tourism between the two nations.

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Registering rights and legal transactions for real estate and condominiums fee reduction in southern border provinces

MOPH signs MOU with IOM to address public health challenges among migrant populations in Thailand

SRT advances second phase of Thai-Chinese high-speed rail extending from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai

Thailand Or Malaysia: The Honest Comparison [2023] You Need!

S outheast Asia is one of those regions of the world everyone wants to visit at some point in their lifetime. The vibrant cultures, incredible food, breathtaking landscape and exotic wildlife sum up the lure of this part of the globe – and Malaysia and Thailand are no exception.

However Thailand and Malaysia are very different, so making the right decision about which to visit for your once-in-a-lifetime holiday is important.

For example, if you’re looking for some of the region’s best beaches, lively nightlife, cheap drinks and an all-round fun vibe, Thailand may be a better holiday destination for you than Malaysia. 

But if you want a quieter vacation which divides time between the beach, cities and other activities such as wildlife watching, then Malaysia will likely be better for you, as we’ll explain more on below. 

However that’s just scratching the surface when it comes to how these two countries differ.

That’s why we’re here to help! Having visited both destinations we compare them below, showing you their differences, similarities and what to expect in each.

So let’s dive in!

• A Quick Overview & Comparison
• How Do The Beaches & Landscape Compare
• How Does The Culture & Vibe Compare
• A Taste Of The East: How Does The Cuisine Compare
• Which Is The Better Choice

A Quick Overview & Comparison: Thailand vs Malaysia

Both countries have beautiful landscapes, mountains, jungles and waterfalls to explore. So they’re great destinations for a sunseeker that’s also looking for some adventure.

However if beaches are your main priority, then Thailand is a better choice than Malaysia. The white sand beaches in this country are better than Malaysian ones, and the countless Thai islands are also spectacular. We recommend some of our favorite beaches later on in this article.

But Malaysia with it’s 800+ islands also has a stunning coastline, and unlike the popular spots in Thailand, beaches in Malaysia don’t tend to get as busy, making them the perfect place to unwind.

In fact Malaysia would probably be the better vacation choice if you’re looking for a laid-back, quiet holiday.

Whereas if you’re seeking a lively nightlife scene, and a fun vibe, Thailand will be the best choice – as we explain later.

Both countries have spectacular landscapes away from the coastline as well as jaw-dropping wildlife – but Malaysia is probably the better choice for wildlife seekers. The country’s Borneo region is arguably one of the best places for wildlife in the world, with elephants, tigers, and leopards among other species.

And for Muslim tourists, it will be easier to find Halal food in Malaysia as it’s a majority Muslim nation, and sourcing Halal options in Thailand can be quite difficult.

However alcohol is also much more expensive in Malaysia, so if you love your evening drinks, then Thailand could be a better option.

Below we look at what sort of excursions are available in both countries, before comparing the culture and food in each. All so you can see which country will suit you best!

How Do The Beaches & Landscape Compare?

Thailand: the beaches & landscape.

This nation is one of those rare destinations that has it all. Beaches for relaxing, a famous nightlife and party scene, and food that’s known around the globe.

For fantastic beaches, head out into the islands. Phuket’s famous beaches include Kata Beach , which offers a busy slice of paradise with street vendors, upmarket hotels, and beach activities such as surfing and snorkeling.

Freedom Beach offers a more serene choice, whilst still providing convenient access to food vendors and beach chairs. In general, expect a livelier and busier beach experience than what you would get in Malaysia.

That said, if you travel away from Phuket there are more laid-back coastal options. One of our favorites is Sunrise Beach on Ko Lipe. This gorgeous long stretch of white sand has shallow warm water perfect for swimming. It’s laid back, quiet by Thai standards, and the perfect place to unwind.

After a day’s relaxing, head to the region of Krabi where you can go rock climbing, jungle trekking, and sea kayaking.

Krabi’s stunning natural beauty, jungle-covered interior and incredible cliffs and caves offer an array of activities for tourists who want more from their trip than just relaxing on the beach.

You’ll also find plenty of tourist excursions and activities in Krabi (and throughout Thailand) all set up and ready to go. And that’s another advantage to Thailand over Malaysia. With Thailand attracting over 20 million tourists a year, this country is well suited to tourists who want an easy holiday where there’s plenty to keep them occupied yet no hassle to sort out.

And for those looking for a more wholesome time, Koh Tao (meaning Turtle Island) on Thailand’s east coast is home to the country’s most beautiful coral reefs. Which naturally makes it the top destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Whilst if you want to see Thai wildlife head to Isaan . This barely visited region of Thailand – as we’ve written about before – is home to breathtaking national parks, hiking trails, elephants, and even temples built on volcanoes! It’s a region almost all tourists ignore, but it feels like Thailand before tourism took over.

Malaysia: The Beaches & Landscape

For the best beaches in Malaysia, one of our favorite spots is the Perhentian Islands (photo below). Although hotels have started to spring up in this region, it remains largely unspoiled – that’s a rarity in Thailand where many of the best beaches are highly developed.

Expect soft white sand beaches, warm water for swimming, and swaying palm trees at the islands. It’s calm, quiet, and a perfect place to unwind from the stress of everyday life.

For somewhere even more remote, but with some of the best turquoise water in Malaysia, head to the little island of Rawa .

There are no roads on this island making it a real secluded paradise. Our top tip is to rent a kayak and circle the island’s coastline – it’s surrounded by coral making it a great place to spot colorful reef fish.

Away from the coastline Malaysia has vast regions of wild mountainous rainforest – perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting, and jungle trekking.

Adventurous travelers should have a go at climbing the nation’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu, which stands at 4095 meters. Located in Borneo , you’ll have to pay a fee to climb the mountain (around 200 USD) but that pays for your accommodation over 2/3 nights, a guide, meals, and the permit to hike this World Heritage Site.

Staying in Borneo, a visit to Gunung Mulu National Park will expose you to some of the world’s most fascinating – but also rare – animals. This protected rainforest is packed with flora and fauna, and a trip down the jungle rivers will give you a chance to spot species like monkeys and porcupines.

A trip to northeastern Borneo and you may witness the rare endangered pygmy elephant. Whilst if you cross over into Indonesian Borneo you can visit Tanjung Puting National Park – home to majestic orangutans.

As you may have guessed by now, if you’re a wildlife lover then Malaysia is one of the best and most exciting countries in the world to visit.

How Does The Culture & Vibe Compare?

Both are culture-packed countries where you’re guaranteed to experience the incredible east.

Malaysia, whilst a majority Muslim country, is relatively liberal. Therefore bathing suits and discreet drinking may be fine at some public beaches. However drinking in front of mosques, for example, would be quite disrespectful.

In contrast, Thailand has a world-famous nightlife scene, especially in Koh Phangan (more on that below), Phuket and Bangkok. So if you’re looking for parties and fun past midnight, Thailand would be the best choice.

Although Malaysian cities like Kuala Lumpur also have decent bars and entertainment, a night out in Malaysia for the majority of people tends to involve a cup of milky tea and some sweet treats!

Below we look at some of the highlights in each country when it comes to culture and vibe, so you can see what you think you’ll like most:

Thailand: The Culture & Vibe

Thailand is a country known for its food, culture, stunning scenery, and more recently a great party scene.

For those looking for a wild time, Bangla Road in Patong offers its own selection of bars, go-go clubs and neon-covered craziness. As well as the famous adult entertainment clubs that have become synonymous with Thailand.

Koh Phangan is most well-known for its Full Moon Parties. This small East Coast island is home to the most famous parties in Thailand and 10,000 to 30,000 people flock to them every month.

Around 90% of Thais identify as Buddhists, and there’s also a significant Hindu influence in the country too. Therefore away from the parties and beaches, Thailand is a very spiritual place filled with spectacular temples.

One of our favorites – and one of the most serene – is situated in Phanom Rung Historical Par k. A remnant of the Khmer Empire, Phanom Rung is a breathtaking temple built on the rim of an extinct volcano.

You could – and should – also have a go at Muay Thai , Thailand’s national sport. Muay Thai (or Thai Boxing) can be traced back to 18th century Thailand, and has its roots deeply ingrained in Thai culture.

Gyms up and down the country offer training sessions (from a single day, to several months!) for foreigners and it’s a fantastic way to get to know this country and culture. In fact that’s something we’ve even written about in the past.

Malaysia: The Culture & Vibe

Malaysia is a multi-religious and multi-ethnic country, although 60% of the population are practicing Muslims.

A large minority of Malaysians are Hindu, and a trip to Batu Caves combines Malaysia’s rugged beauty with its religious side. Situated just outside the capital of Kuala Lumpur, this huge network of limestone caves have been turned into Hindu temples and are now an important pilgrimage site.

For something a little more contemporary, the Genting Highlands is a hill-resort built 1,800 meters above sea level on Mount Ulu Kali .

This colorful and eccentric resort can be reached by cable car, and has several large casinos to enjoy. It seems in a strange and quirky world of its own, and is definitely worth a visit.

Another hill town – and one with a longer history – is Cameron Highlands which was formally used as a retreat for the British during the colonial period. The production of tea was a major economic factor during colonization, and Boh Plantation – which you can visit – still exists from that time.

A Taste Of The East: How Does The Cuisine Compare?

Both countries will provide a treat for your tastebuds. Whilst Thai food gets all the plaudits, Malaysian cuisine is a rising star.

Thailand: The Food

Thai food is famous around the world – and no wonder – so if you’re a food lover, Thailand is going to be a dream destination and arguably better than Malaysia. We just hope you like your food hot – Thai cuisine is some of the spiciest in the region!

If visiting make sure you try the iconic Pad Thai – a stir fry dish made with thin rice noodles, meat or shrimp.

For something a little less known, Thailand’s remote and rarely visited northeast – Isaan – has a traditional dish called Laap which is delicious. It’s made up of minced meat seasoned with fresh herbs, lime juice and fish sauce, and is served with sticky rice.

You must try Thailand’s comfort food – Khao Phat – as well. This is good hearty fried rice that comes combined with a variety of ingredients. It’s perfect for a long day exploring Thailand’s sights.

Malaysia: The Food

Malaysian food is beginning to appear around the world, with dishes like Satay now found in the US, UK, and other nations.

Satay are tasty skewers of meat are seasoned with a variety of spices and usually accompanied with a peanut sauce.

One of the most popular foods in Malaysia is Rendang . This spicy meat dish (usually beef or chicken) is made by slow-cooking the meat along with coconut milk, chilli and spices. The result is exceptionally rich and tender.

A beloved Malaysian dessert – and a great one on hot days – is Ais kacang . Made from red beans, palm seeds, sweet corn, peanuts and shaved ice (an eclectic mix!), this multi-colored treat will cool you down on a hot summer day.

Thailand vs Malaysia: Which Is The Better Choice?

A holiday to either Thailand or Malaysia is going to be an unforgettable experience with great food, scenery and culture. But both countries provide very different vacations.

If you’re looking for the best beaches, lively nightlife, cheap drinks and an all-round fun vibe, Thailand will be a better holiday destination than Malaysia.

However if you want a quieter vacation which divides time between the beach and other activities such as wildlife watching in Borneo, then Malaysia should be your choice.

Recommended For Your Trip To Thailand Or Malaysia

*This article may contain affiliate links which allows Wandering our World to make a small commission on any sales made – and keep the coffee flowing! It involves no extra cost to yourself. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, but only recommend products we believe in.

Related Posts

Langkawi vs Perhentian Islands: An Honest Comparison To Help You Choose!

Miami Beach vs South Beach: An Honest Comparison To Help You Choose!

The Tuk Tuk In Thailand: An Insider’s Guide & Tips For This Iconic Three Wheeler!

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit sed.

Follow us on

Malaysia’s tourism recovery flops as Thailand, Indonesia cash in

Malaysia is struggling to bring back tourists compared with its Southeast Asian peers after scrapping pandemic curbs.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – For Arthur Wilkinson, a Penang-born entrepreneur who opened Malaysia’s first flotation therapy centre on his tropical island home, nearly two years without tourists marked the end of the road.

Float For Health, located in Tanjung Tokong, a coastal township on the northeastern side of Penang island, shut up shop for good in January 2021 as border restrictions introduced to keep out COVID-19 reduced customers to a trickle.

Keep reading

Australia’s battered tourism puts hope in china’s reopening, taiwan, once world’s factory, taps tourism to keep plants alive, thailand economy grows at fastest pace in year on tourism rebound, japan to reopen to mass tourism from october.

“Eighty percent of my customers were tourists, and at that time, anyone working in this industry suffered for obvious reasons,” Wilkinson, who also runs the restaurant Heap Seng at 29 in George Town, told Al Jazeera.

Malaysia reopened its borders to tourists in April, before dropping all vaccination and PCR-test requirements in August.

But nearly a year since hailing the return of international visitors, Malaysia’s tourism sector is not only struggling but playing catchup to its Southeast Asian peers.

Malaysia welcomed about 3 million visitors in 2022, up from 134,728 visitors the previous year, according to Tourism Malaysia. The intake was just about 12 percent of the number that arrived in 2019.

Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia — which welcomed 10 million, 4.6 million and 4.58 million visitors, respectively — saw arrivals return to about one-quarter of pre-pandemic levels.

Vietnam’s 3.6 million foreign visitors, although short of the government’s target, was about one-fifth of its intake in 2019.

Tourist industry figures have offered a range of explanations for Malaysia’s weak rebound from the pandemic compared with its neighbours, from poor cost competitiveness to the country’s reputation as a buttoned-up, predominantly Islamic society. Tourism Malaysia declined to comment.

Earlier this month, the Malaysian Islamic Party-backed state government in Kedah, home to the popular duty-free resort island Langkawi, caused jitters in the tourism sector when it floated a possible ban on alcohol sales.

Kedah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md later clarified that the sale of alcohol in Langkawi is under the jurisdiction of the Finance Ministry, not the state government, and the state government had no authority to interfere with the tourist island’s duty-free status.

Malaysia already has some of the world’s highest alcohol taxes and imposes harsh punishments for drug offences, including the death penalty for trafficking.

Neighbouring Thailand, meanwhile, has built on its reputation for having a tolerant attitude towards vices, decriminalising cannabis in June 2022.

“From mid-December to mid-March, I used to have 80-90 percent of clients from Europe, and now I only have about 60 percent,” Anthony Wong, owner of Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa, one of the island’s oldest eco-resorts, told Al Jazeera.

“Flights to Malaysia from Europe are less [frequent] and more expensive, and Langkawi is not as cheap as its neighbours, especially the accommodation. … Europe is also going into recession, with inflation going up, and issues related to the ongoing war in Ukraine make it more challenging for them to spend money on travelling,” Wong said.

Wilkinson, who relocated his flotation therapy business to Indonesia’s Bali to take advantage of the higher tourist numbers and what he said was more dependable labour, said Malaysia could not afford to be complacent about its attractiveness to foreign visitors.

“We need to stimulate tourism somehow before it’s too late, as Malaysia is losing massively to Thailand and Indonesia,” he said.

“Even though Malaysia has a much wider variety of cuisines, our food and beverage scene and quality isn’t quite up to par compared to our neighbours, which also have lower alcohol tax and are more open to new ideas of tourism.”

Fabio Delisi, manager of Kuala Lumpur-based inbound tour operator Lotus Asia Tours, said he believes Malaysia’s potential has been held back by lacklustre promotion and relatively poor connectivity compared with other parts of the region.

“Malaysia does not lack attractions, especially natural ones. Tourism development suffers from inconsistent policies and promotional activities over the past decades,” Delisi, who has more than 30 years of experience in tourism across the region, told Al Jazeera. “Tourism is a very long-term public relation exercise.”

Delisi, whose company also operates in Indonesia and Singapore, said Malaysia’s fortunes have stood in stark contrast to those of Indonesia.

“We are wholesalers operating in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore since the early nineties, and in 2022 have experienced a decline of arrivals of up to 90 percent from our main Western markets into Malaysia, while we have seen double-digit growth in Indonesia for the same period,” he said.

In East Malaysia, which is separated from Peninsular Malaysia by the South China Sea, there are signs that tourism is rebounding much faster.

Operators there have benefitted from a niche market of high-spending Westerners seeking out tropical adventures in Malaysia’s eastern states on the island of Borneo, which is renowned for its wildlife and unspoiled nature.

“We hit the same revenue as 2019 last year despite it being an eight-month operation,” Jessica Yew, director of boutique tour company Sticky Rice Travel, which has its headquarters in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah state, told Al Jazeera.

“It’s mostly because of our market segment. [We cater to the] high-end/deluxe US market — the pandemic had little to no effect on their finances, and they were just waiting for the border to reopen. Europeans and British inquiries trickle in, but closing the sale for these is harder.”

For those with less to spend, travel and accommodation costs in Borneo, which are at their highest in years, could be off-putting.

“Most lodges and transport providers introduced a hike of up to 20 percent, while government agencies such as Sabah Parks doubled the price of some permits and entrances,” Yew said.

The higher prices include permits to climb Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s highest peak standing at 4,095 metres (13,435 feet), which this month doubled from 200 ringgit to 400 ringgit ($46 to $92).

When added to the costs of guides, food, and accommodation, the cheapest packages to tackle the summit come to about $550 per person.

While Sabah is generally cheap outside conservation areas, only some of the state’s protected parks are promoted by authorities as the main selling points for visitors.

“I tell people to go to Sumatra [in Indonesia] to see orangutans, as it costs one-third to one-fifth of Malaysian Borneo’s prices,” Yew said.

For many other operators, the return of Chinese and South Korean visitors, the biggest cohort of visitors to Sabah before the pandemic, will be crucial to their fortunes in the coming year.

Businesses, in particular, are keeping a close watch on China’s reopening of its borders last week after three years of international isolation.

Still, some within the sector are sceptical of any quick fix to the sector’s struggles.

“We are paying the price for more than twenty years of random policies without focus and continuity,” said Delisi of Lotus Asia Tours.

“Despite the effort of a number of good technocrats, without a framed, coordinated and consistent strategy, I don’t see how things may change or improve soon.”

Weather Report :

'Why is food cheaper in Thailand than here?'

S HAH ALAM - TikTok influencer Saify Akhtar has called for lower food prices and improved cultural preservation at tourist destinations to attract more visitors to Malaysia.

Saify highlighted the issue of expensive food, claiming that many tourists choose Thailand over Malaysia due to its affordability.

He compared the cost of seafood in Hatyai, Thailand, to that in Malaysia, stating that a meal easily exceeds RM100 in Malaysia despite the stronger Thai baht.

"How is food in Malaysia more expensive than Hatyai?

"If you eat seafood, the bill will definitely be more than RM100 for a family.

"In Hatyai it doesn't reach RM100 even though the (currency) bath is higher than the ringgit, but why (food prices) still expensive?

"Restaurants in tourist areas cannot make a profit (up to) two to three times. That's why Malaysians 'run' to Hatyai," he said.

Saify further slammed the lack of engagement and historical immersion at tourist attractions.

Citing the Sultan Abdul Samad Building in Kuala Lumpur as an example, he expressed disappointment that the building serves as an office and theater instead of a museum showcasing Malaysia's rich history.

He compared it to Petrosains, a museum that actively engages visitors, especially children, with its informative displays.

Saify also questioned the low ranking (314th) of the National Museum, attributing it to uninspiring exhibits.

He expressed frustration that despite Malaysia's rich history, museums fall short in presentation, ultimately failing to engage visitors.

"It should be a museum that tells about the history of this place, (to be) a place that my children should want to go to, like Petrosains.

"I don't know why the National Museum is ranked 314th best museum in the world, lagging behind Cambodia, the Philippines and Singapore.

"What's in the museum is just rocks and replicas. It's sadder that Malaysia has a lot of history but we are the ones who make this museum boring," he said.

Saify also criticised the inauthentic cultural experiences offered at tourist hotspots like Melaka.

He expressed his disappointment at seeing rickshaws decorated with cartoon characters and irrelevant features like disco music and "tom yam lights."

He stressed the importance of preserving authentic cultural experiences and providing clear explanations for tourists, which he believes are currently lacking.

• The Star ePaper
• Subscriptions
• Manage Profile
• Change Password
• Manage Logins
• Manage Subscription
• Transaction History
• Manage Billing Info
• Manage For You
• Manage Bookmarks
• Package & Pricing

Thailand leads push for six-nation visa to lure moneyed tourists; Malaysia among countries in programme

Sunday, 07 Apr 2024

Related News

Thailand sets up ad hoc committee to monitor unrest near Myanmar border

Heatstroke kills 30 in thailand this year as kingdom bakes, thailand to appoint former energy executive pichai as its new finance minister, sources say.

BANGKOK (Bloomberg): Thailand is steering an initiative for a joint-visa program with countries that together hosted about 70 million tourists last year as Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin ramps up initiatives to attract more long-haul and high-spending travelers.

Srettha - who’s pledged to elevate Thailand’s status as a tourism hotspot into an aviation and logistics hub - has discussed the Schengen-type visa idea with his counterparts in Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam in recent months.

The facility is meant to ensure seamless mobility for travelers among the six neighboring countries.

With most leaders positively responding to the single-visa concept, tourism-reliant Thailand aims to generate more revenue per traveler and cushion its economy from headwinds such as sluggish exports and weak global demand that’s hurt its manufacturing industry.

The six South-East Asian nations reported a combined 70 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2023, according to official data. Thailand and Malaysia accounted for more than half of the tally, generating about $48 billion in tourism revenue.

The single-visa is the most-ambitious among Srettha’s lineup of tourism initiatives but targeted for the long-term. The industry has served the country well, accounting for about 20% of total jobs and making up about 12% to the nation’s $500 billion economy. Barring the pandemic years, tourism has flourished and provided a cushion against a slump in manufacturing and exports, the traditional bulwarks of the economy.

The tourism industry is upbeat, with Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, a former president of the Thai Hotels Association, saying "a common visa could entice long-haul travelers to make an easier decision.” The visa validity will need to be extended to 90 days from the usual 30-day period to make it attractive, she said.

Srettha’s administration has set a goal of attracting 80 million tourists by 2027. And since taking power about seven months ago, his government has signed a reciprocal visa waiver deal with China - Thailand’s largest market for tourists - and offered temporary visa waivers for travelers from India, Taiwan and Kazakhstan.

It’s also mulling a plan to open casinos inside large entertainment complexes and event-based tourism will help the country generate more revenue.

If done right, the benefits of visa-free travel won’t be confined to tourism alone as ease of travel would be a boon for business travelers and trade, according to Bill Barnett, managing director of hospitality and property consultancy C9 Hotelworks.

But a Schengen-type visa, which allows free travel around the border-free zone within Europe, may be an uphill task given Asean’s poor track record in expediting multilateral policy framework and the group’s standing as a talk shop.

"Country by country seems to be the best way to do it,” Barnett said. "Bilateral agreements, where governments are leading the way for this type of thing, make a lot of sense as they are looking outward and not inward.”

For a joint visa scheme, approvals have to be coordinated and the absence of standard immigration criteria among participating nations unlike the European Union can pose challenges, according to Thitinan Pongsudhirak, professor at Chulalongkorn University’s political science faculty. Asean, as a grouping is a divided body with a poor immigration record, he said.

With Srettha being neophyte in politics, he may lack the clout to push through the visa proposal, Thitinan said.

"All the various things he’s been trying to do, I see it as picking low-hanging fruits and picking fruits off the ground,” Thitinan said."Sometimes fruits on the ground are rotten.”

-- ©2024 Bloomberg L.P.

Tags / Keywords: Thailand , Plans , Six-Nations Visa , Malaysia , Included , Moneyed Tourists

Found a mistake in this article?

Report it to us.

Thank you for your report!

NESTLE’S ‘SALARY FOR LIFE’ CONTEST RETURNS

Next in aseanplus news.

Trending in AseanPlus

Air pollutant index, highest api readings, select state and location to view the latest api reading.

• Select Location

Source: Department of Environment, Malaysia

Others Also Read

Best viewed on Chrome browsers.

We would love to keep you posted on the latest promotion. Kindly fill the form below

Thank you for downloading.

We hope you enjoy this feature!

• International

Asean Business

• Global Enterprise

Thailand pitches to host Formula One race to bolster tourism

THAILAND is staking claim to host a Formula One race, with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pitching Bangkok as a circuit for a street race that will help burnish the South-east Asian nation’s status as a major tourism hub.

Srettha, whose administration has focused on entertainment and sports events to draw high-spending tourists, met with F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali on Monday (Apr 22) and said the country has all it takes to hold the competition.

F1 executives were in Bangkok to survey and study the routes for the race at the invitation of the Thai government, Srettha said in a post on X. The visit followed the leader’s meeting with Domenicali in Paris last month where the two discussed the possibility of Thailand hosting a street race, Rudklao Suwankiri, a deputy spokeswoman for the Thai government, said in a statement.

A third of the 24 F1 races scheduled for the 2024 season, which began on Mar 2, will be held on a street or hybrid circuit, compared to around 15 per cent a decade prior. These are races that take place either entirely or partially on closed-off public roads that have been transformed briefly into motorsports venues, home to high-tech racers that can hit over 200 miles per hour.

In South-east Asia, Singapore hosts the F1 race on the Marina Bay Street Circuit, located on the city’s waterfront. Since its debut in 2008, the F1 Singapore Grand Prix has attracted more than 550,000 foreign visitors and generated around S$2 billion of incremental tourism receipts, according to the island’s government.

Srettha has vowed to elevate Thailand’s status as a tourism hotspot into an aviation and logistics hub as his administration taps the so-called quick wins to stimulate the nation’s economy. He has pushed promotional campaigns to extend holidaymakers’ stay and year-round festivals to boost the number of foreign tourists and pitched Thailand as an ideal location to host the Formula E competition and MotoGP.

A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU

Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies.

If Thailand lands the rights to host an F1 race in 2027, it could generate about four billion baht (S$147 million) in economic value and generate more than 1,000 jobs, Jakkaphon Tangsutthitham, a deputy secretary-general to the premier, said on X.

Tourism is one of Thailand’s key industries accounting for about 20 per cent of total jobs and making up about 12 per cent of the nation’s US$500 billion economy.

Srettha’s administration has set a goal of attracting 80 million tourists by 2027 and to achieve that it has signed a reciprocal visa waiver deal with China – Thailand’s largest market for tourists – and offered temporary visa waivers for travelers from India, Taiwan and Kazakhstan.

This year, the country aims to welcome 35 to 40 million foreign tourists, close to the pre-pandemic record of 40 million visitors in 2019. It’s also mulling a plan to open casinos inside large entertainment complexes and promote event-based tourism to help the country generate more revenue. BLOOMBERG

KEYWORDS IN THIS ARTICLE

• Thailand leads push for 6-nation visa to lure moneyed tourists

BT is now on Telegram!

For daily updates on weekdays and specially selected content for the weekend. Subscribe to   t.me/BizTimes

Malaysia ex-PM Mahathir facing anti-graft probe in a case involving his sons

Malaysia mulls over plans for casino in forest city as part of johor-s’pore special economic zone: sources, philippines central bank not seeing rate hike despite peso weakness: finmin, heatstroke kills 30 in thailand this year as south-east asia bakes, malaysia’s march inflation steady at 1.8%, beats economists’ forecast, axiata, sinar mas move closer to us$3.5 billion telco merger, support south-east asia's leading financial daily.

Get the latest coverage and full access to all BT premium content.

Browse corporate subscription here

• Opinion & Features
• Companies & Markets
• Startups & Tech
• Working Life
• Events & Awards
• Breaking News
• Newsletters
• Food & Drink
• Style & Travel
• Arts & Design
• Health & Wellness
• Paid Press Releases
• advertise with us
• privacy policy
• terms & conditions
• cookie policy
• data protection policy

SPH MEDIA DIGITAL NEWS

MCI (P) 064/10/2023 © 2024 SPH MEDIA LIMITED. REGN NO. 202120748H