Star Karnival Cuti-Cuti Malaysia arrives in Penang from 24 to 27 September 2026, bringing together tourism operators, airlines, hotels and cultural acts in a domestic travel showcase. The event, organised by Star Media Group in partnership with Tourism Malaysia, travels to three cities in 2026 — Penang in September, Selangor in October and Sarawak in November.
What the Karnival Offers
The Penang edition takes place at a central exhibition venue in George Town and covers four days of travel deals, tourism promotions and live entertainment. Exhibitors include domestic airlines, hotel chains, Penang tourism operators and national park agencies offering discounted rates and bundled packages for travel within Malaysia.
Cultural performances run across the programme, drawing on Penang’s Peranakan, Malay and Tamil communities. Food sampling and local craft stalls typically accompany the main exhibition floors at these events. Entry is generally free for the public, with paid-for workshops and experiences running alongside the main floor.
Penang in Late September
Penang sits on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, sheltered from the worst of the southwest monsoon by Sumatra. September is within the transitional period between monsoon seasons, and while brief showers are possible, extended rain is less common than during peak monsoon months.
George Town itself is walkable and dense with heritage architecture, street food lanes and galleries. For visitors using the Karnival as a reason to spend time in Penang, we have a full Penang city guide and cover the island’s highlights in our Penang tours guide. You can also book Penang tours directly to secure spots in advance.
Travel Logistics
Penang International Airport (PEN) has connections to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok and several Chinese cities. AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines both operate frequent services from KL. The Penang Bridge and ferry from Butterworth provide road and rail connections from the mainland.
The Karnival dates fall on a Thursday-to-Sunday window, making it straightforward to combine with a long weekend if travelling from elsewhere in Peninsular Malaysia.