June 2025

Pangkor Island

Destination of the Month - Escape to Langkawi Island

Looking to combine luxury, nature, and group bonding in one destination? Langkawi Island offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. Ideal for incentive travel, wellness retreats, and team offsites. In June, planners leaned into Langkawi’s calm pace and scenic landscapes to design memorable, stress-free programs.

Highlights:

  • Beaches & Resorts: Relax at Pantai Cenang or Datai Bay with spa-ready, group-friendly stays. 

  • Nature & Adventure: Take the Sky Cab, explore mangroves, or kayak past limestone cliffs. 

  • Wellness & Culture: Enjoy beachfront yoga, visit craft centers, and explore local villages. 

Getting There is Easy!

From Kuala Lumpur:

  • Take a direct flight to Langkawi (1 hour) from KLIA or Subang Airport—multiple flights daily.

From Penang or Johor Bahru:

  • Direct flights available, or drive to Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis Jetty and take a ferry to Langkawi.

Where to Stay:

From luxury escapes like The Datai and The Ritz-Carlton to beachfront resorts in Pantai Cenang—Langkawi has stays for every style and budget.

Best Travel Time:

Visit February–March or June–July for pleasant weather and clear skies—perfect for outdoor group
activities.

Pangkor Island

Regional Highlight: Penang for Cross Border MICE

Update: On 26 June, Cambodia Airways introduced twice-weekly direct flights between Phnom Penh and Penang. 

Strategic impact: 

This new route further enhances Penang’s appeal for cross-border meetings and corporate site visits. With heritage charm, a top culinary scene, and upgraded MICE infrastructure, Penang is the first choice for planners across Cambodia and Vietnam. 

How GMTC adds value: 

  • Venue sourcing & inspection support 
  • Hybrid-ready conference setups 
  • Cross-border event logistics & delegate management 
Pangkor Island

June Highlights for Group Planners

Festivals and Celebrations​:

  • Kuching & Sibu, Sarawak: Enjoyed Gawai Dayak festive cheer with vibrant cultural dance showcases and lively airport festivities.

Cultural Picks and Seasonal Experiences

  • Pangkor Island Escapes: June saw renewed interest in Pangkor Island for laid-back group retreats, with beach hopping, sunset hornbill feeding, and cultural landmarks. 

  • Ipoh Heritage Sites: Planners explored Kellie’s Castle, Kek Lok Tong, and Perak Cave for heritage-focused programs.

  • Penang Rainy Day Experiences: Indoor food trails, museum visits, and boutique stays gained traction with incentive groups navigating early monsoon patterns.

Connectivity and Planner Updates

  • Penang / Phnom Penh: Welcomed a new Cambodia Airways route, introducing direct flights connecting planners across ASEAN.

  • Kuala Lumpur ↔ Darwin: AirAsia relaunched flights with 4× weekly A320neo service between Malaysia and Australia. 

What’s New for Planners: -

Coming soon: KL Land Packages
Launching in July for FITs and groups, these modular packages include airport transfers and city tours to make short stays in Kuala Lumpur effortless for planners. Look out for details in the next issue! 

GMTC Pro Tip — June Strategy Insight 

Flexible routing can make a big difference. With new connections to Penang and Darwin, planners can build more cost-effective group packages. It’s also the right moment to explore emerging markets like Central Asia, where early engagement can unlock fresh MICE opportunities.

Let’s Plan Your Next Program 

With expanded air connectivity and flexible land packages, Malaysia is primed for your next incentive or regional meeting. Contact GMTC for custom programs, site inspections, and seamless event delivery.