August 2025

Destination of the Month

Malaysia’s east coast is at its best between August and October, when calm seas and clear skies create the perfect backdrop for island escapes.

Redang, with its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and protected marine parks, is ideal for snorkeling, diving, and incentive groups seeking luxury stays with private beachfront settings.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, the Perhentian Islands offer hidden coves, vibrant coral reefs, and a setting well-suited for team building, eco-tours, and leisure retreats.

Imagine enjoying beachfront dinners under the stars and combining island stays with the vibrant city life of Kuala Lumpur.

Best Time to Visit:

Redang and the Perhentian Islands are at their best from August to October, when the seas are calm and skies are clear. Both islands close from 31 October as the monsoon season begins, making early planning essential for groups.

Recognition & Milestones

GMTC is proud to share that we have been nominated once again for Malaysia’s Leading Destination Management Company at the World Travel Awards 2025. 

This recognition follows our previous wins in 2020, 2021, and 2022, underscoring our consistent commitment to excellence in delivering seamless group, incentive, and MICE experiences across Malaysia. 

This nomination underscores the confidence our partners and clients place in us and highlights our continued dedication to delivering seamless group, incentive, and MICE programs across Malaysia. We thank our partners and clients for their continued trust and support, which makes achievements like this possible. 

National & Cultural Highlights 

Merdeka Day (31 August) 
Merdeka Day filled Merdeka Square with parades, fireworks, and cultural performances, while locals enjoyed satay, nasi lemak, and cendol. For planners, it is an opportunity to add authentic national pride and festive energy into group itineraries. 

George Town Festival (August 2025) 
The George Town Festival turned Penang’s UNESCO streets into a hub of art, music, and food, with heritage walks, street shows, and local favorites like laksa and char kway teow. For agents, it is a ready-made cultural highlight that fits easily into incentive or leisure programs. 

Malaysia’s Must-Experience Destinations 

Kuala Lumpur: Asia’s Premier B2B Hub

Kuala Lumpur is one of Asia’s most connected cities, offering world-class venues, excellent hotel capacity, and strong air links. GMTC supports planners with ready-to-go land packages, room block management, and reliable group logistics.

Genting Highlands: Mountain Retreat with Modern Venues

Just an hour from Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands combines a cooler climate, modern meeting spaces, and year-round entertainment, making it ideal for group programs.

Penang: Heritage Meets Modern Hospitality 

Penang blends cultural charm with modern hotels and convention centers. Its UNESCO heritage sites, vibrant food, and scenic beaches make it perfect for incentive extensions. 

Langkawi: Island Escape for Incentives 

Langkawi offers luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and adventure-based team building, from beachside events to private yacht charters. 

Festive Season Highlights 
Malaysia’s festivals add cultural depth to group travel: 

• Diwali: Little India, Batu Caves, and Penang dazzle with lights and traditions.
• Christmas and New Year: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi host gala dinners, fireworks, and beachfront events, perfect for incentive celebrations. 

These festive seasons drive the highest demand for groups, making them ideal for themed incentive programs and festive travel packages. Booking early, ideally by September, ensures the best rates and availability.

Upcoming Events

• Borneo Trail Classic (6–7 Sept, Sarawak): International trail running challenge drawing athletes and adventure seekers to Sarawak’s rainforests, highlighting Malaysia’s sports and eco-tourism appeal. Checkout our Borneo Explorations Itineraries

• ASEAN Golf Invitational: Road to Visit Malaysia 2026 (12 Sept, New Delhi) Prestigious networking tournament where GMTC participates as a sponsor, supporting Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 chairmanship and promoting group travel ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026. 

• Sabah Fest (30 Aug–30 Sept, Sabah): Month-long celebration of Sabah’s cultural heritage with music, dance, and handicrafts, offering groups an authentic cultural experience. 

• World Tourism Day (27–29 Sept, Melaka): Tourism celebrations in historic Melaka featuring events, exhibitions, and cultural programs that connect Malaysia with global travel movements. 

Connectivity Updates 

• Firefly Jet Services (KLIA): Expanded services from 19 August, improving connections to Borneo and Singapore and giving groups more regional travel options.   

• Malaysia Airlines: KL ⇄ Trivandrum: Service increases to five flights per week from 12 September and will operate daily from 1 December, strengthening the India–Malaysia group travel corridor.  

• Jiangxi Air: Nanchang ⇄ Kuala Lumpur: New route launched on 25 August, opening a fresh feeder market from China and boosting potential group arrivals.   

• AirAsia X: KL ⇄ Istanbul: Service begins on 14 November, adding long-haul connectivity between Europe and Malaysia, useful for early 2026 group programs.