Eid al-Adha, the traditional Malaysian way
- BT
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
MUAR, JOHOR, 28 May 2026 – We were delighted to have experienced how it’s like to celebrate Eid al-Adha the traditional Malaysian way, thanks to Tourism Malaysia’s Eid al-Adha Celebration Package Showcase held at Homestay Sarang Buaya, here. The experience was part of a Familiarisation Trip (Fam Trip) aimed at bringing Malaysia’s rich cultural tourism experiences to the world.
The Fam Trip welcomed seven travel agents from Singapore, together with a number of international and local media representatives, us included. The trip is part of the ongoing Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, made possible with the warm hospitality of Homestay Kampung Sarang Buaya and the support of the Islamic Tourism Centre (ITC), who have both been instrumental in bringing authentic Muslim-friendly tourism experiences to Singaporean visitors.
Under the VM2026 theme of “Surreal Experiences”, the programme is a beautiful reminder of what makes Malaysia truly special, namely its people, its traditions, and its sense of community. Visitors were welcomed into village life with open arms, given the chance to slow down, connect, and gain a real appreciation of the local customs and values that make Eid al-Adha such a meaningful occasion.
It is also worth noting just how far the Malaysian Homestay Experience Programme (PPHM) has come. As of March 2026, there are now more than 250 homestay clusters spread over nearly 600 participating villages, supported by over 3,500 registered operators nationwide. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, the programme welcomed 176,376 visitors, 160,390 of whom came from abroad, with 15,986 being domestic travellers. This helped to generate total receipts of approximately RM12.93 million. The PPHM programme uplifts rural communities, keeps cultural heritage alive, and gives visitors something truly worth travelling for.
The Eid al-Adha celebration package itself is a wonderful mix of tradition and togetherness. Highlights include meat-cutting demonstrations (melapah daging) as part of the qurban practice, communal food preparation (merewang), guided village walks, and plenty of opportunities to chat and connect with the local community.
Director General of Tourism Malaysia, Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim said: “Malaysia offers more than destinations. We share experiences that allow visitors to connect with our people, culture and traditions. Tourism experiences that are authentic and community-driven like this homestay programme will not only enrich the visitor experience but also create economic impact for local communities.”
The numbers speak for themselves too. Throughout 2025, Malaysia welcomed 21.1 million visitors from Singapore, a solid increase of 11.8% from the year before. It is a clear sign that more and more people are eager to discover everything Malaysia has to offer, particularly within the Muslim-friendly tourism space.
Tourism Malaysia will continue championing high-value travel experiences, from Muslim-friendly tourism to cultural and community-based travel, with trusted partners like the Islamic Tourism Centre and Homestay Kampung Sarang Buaya by their side. If this showcase is anything to go by, Malaysia’s best experiences are very much found off the beaten path, in the heart of its communities, around a shared table, and in the warmth of its people.
