TORONTO — Malaysia is aiming to become a top choice for Canadian travellers seeking both serenity and excitement, with the launch of 36 new wellness and eco-adventure travel packages valid through to the end of 2026.

Curated by Tourism Malaysia and now available online, the itineraries are crafted to combine healing traditions with immersive outdoor experiences, offering a deeper connection to Malaysia’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

“We just launched our 2025-2026 wellness and spa packages, with around 30 itineraries available,” Linawati Ismail, Deputy Director, Americas, for Tourism Malaysia, told Travelweek. “They include everything from traditional Malay massage and herbal treatments to spiritual temple visits and rainforest retreats. Canadian agents can find these packages on our website, and they’re available through licensed local DMCs who work directly with our tour operator partners in Canada.”

Malaysia’s wellness scene is rooted in centuries of tradition and offers distinct practices not found elsewhere in Southeast Asia. From herbal postnatal therapies to Qi Gong sessions, many experiences draw on Malay, Chinese and Indian influences.

A standout offering is the luxury Eastern & Oriental Express train, which now includes an onboard Dior-branded spa – a first-of-its-kind experience that blends rail travel with luxury wellness.

“You’ll journey through Malaysia’s lush countryside, enjoying green scenery and high-end spa services while in motion,” said Ismail. “It’s one of the most unique offerings in the region.”

Taman Negara, Malaysia’s oldest national park, offers canopy walks, river safaris, and rainforest trekking in a jungle ecosystem over 130 million years old

But Malaysia is not only about self-care – it’s about discovery, as Malaysia is one of the world’s most biodiverse nations in the world. In Sabah and Sarawak, intrepid clients can explore the Maliau Basin, known as the ‘Lost World of Borneo,’ or hike through UNESCO-listed Mulu National Park to see the world’s largest cave chamber. Wildlife lovers can track orangutans at Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre or spot pygmy elephants and sun bears in the wild. Taman Negara, Malaysia’s oldest national park, offers canopy walks, river safaris, and rainforest trekking in a jungle ecosystem over 130 million years old.

For soft adventurers and families, Malaysia’s extensive coastline and highlands provide even more options. Snorkelling and scuba diving around Sipadan Island reveals vibrant coral reefs, turtles, and hammerhead sharks. In the Cameron Highlands, visitors can tour tea plantations, pick strawberries, and hike mossy forest trails. The country’s commitment to eco-tourism is reflected in its increasing number of community-based lodges, conservation programs, and responsible wildlife sanctuaries.

Green sea turtle swimming the waters near Malaysia’s Sipadan Island

Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) will spotlight these offerings on a global stage, with eco-tourism, sustainability, and cultural heritage as the key themes. While VM2026 builds momentum, the current wellness and adventure packages give Canadian travel agents a strong product to promote now – especially for clients who have already explored Bali, Thailand or Mexico and are looking for something fresh.

“Malaysia is one of the few destinations where you can go from luxury spa to jungle hike to island dive — all in one trip,” said Ismail.

She added that packages are commissionable and can be tailored for various client interests through Malaysia’s network of qualified DMCs. “We’ve seen strong interest from the Canadian market, especially in Borneo and Penang, and we want to grow those relationships further.”

There are currently no direct flights to Kuala Lumpur from Canada, but seamless connections are available via major hubs in Asia and the Middle East. “From the East Coast, Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways are great options,” said Ismail. “From Vancouver, airlines like Korean Air, Japan Airlines, and Philippine Airlines provide convenient access to Malaysia.”

For agents, Malaysia’s year-round travel potential and visa-free access for Canadian passport holders (up to 30 days) make it an easy sell. Peak travel season runs May through September, while monsoon months on the East Coast (October-January) can be balanced with trips to Borneo, Langkawi, or the West Coast, making it an all year destination.

Malaysia’s tourism infrastructure is evolving rapidly to meet growing global demand, with a wave of high-profile hotel openings set to transform the country’s luxury and leisure landscape.

At the forefront is the Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, scheduled to open in September 2025. Occupying the top 17 floors of the iconic Merdeka 118 – the world’s second-tallest building – the property will offer 232 rooms and suites with panoramic skyline views, along with elevated dining, exclusive wellness amenities, and Park Hyatt’s signature understated luxury. Reservations are already open, signalling a bold new chapter in Malaysia’s luxury hospitality scene.

Further north, the Hard Rock Hotel King’s Park Genting Highlands – slated to be Asia’s largest Hard Rock – is set to debut in 2027. This 1,001-room resort will include a Rock Spa, diverse dining options, and access to branded theme parks, a 200-square-metre retail complex, and even the world’s largest terrarium. It will join existing Hard Rock Hotels in Johor and Penang and marks a major draw for both families and music lovers.

Meanwhile, Marriott International is planning the addition of 20 new hotels across Malaysia by 2029, strengthening its footprint in popular destinations like Langkawi and Penang. The Holiday Inn & Suites Penang Prai, opened in March 2025, is one of several projects supporting Penang’s rise as a business and leisure hub under Malaysia’s Vision 2025 strategy.

More information is at Malaysia.travel.

George Town, Penang, Malaysia