The moment I stepped off the plane, the humid air wrapped around me like a warm embrace. Driving into Kuala Lumpur, the skyline unfolded like a storybook. The Petronas Twin Towers gleamed against the afternoon sun, their silver spires piercing the sky. I found myself craning my neck, laughing at my own awe, while our guide narrated tales of how the city balances tradition and modernity. Street food stalls lined the roads, satay skewers sizzling, nasi lemak wrapped in banana leaves and I made a note to taste all of it later.

After a brief rest at our comfortable host hotel, Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre, we dressed up and drove to Hotel Imperial Lexis. Its pool deck is a hidden gem, offering the most spectacular sunset view of the Twin Towers and the soaring Merdeka 118. As city lights flickered on, we savoured pan‑Asian delicacies and raised a toast to a skyline that never loses its magic.

The next day was reserved for a visit to a Durian farm at Bukit Tinggi orchard in Pahang, less than an hour outside of Kuala Lumpur. At DSR Forest Orchard Cafe we tasted durian in all forms – durian ice cream in a cup, waffle cone, juice, coffee, chocolate and raw. The best part for me was a walkthrough of the Malaysian Musang King durian farm laden with durian trees. We also visited the Harriston Boutique, a premier Malaysian chocolate brand for an interactive tasting experience and unique tropical flavoured chocolates like Musang King durian, chili, and tongkat ali chocolate. My favourite was the dark chocolate here and I also brought back some of them home. Located at the Malaysia Tourism Centre on Jalan Ampang they make homegrown delectable chocolates in many delicious flavours.
Our evening was booked for the grand celebrations that we were in Malaysia for. The historic heart of Kuala Lumpur was transformed into a dynamic celebration of Malaysia’s cultural identity. The air was thick with the aromas of authentic Malaysian food, stalls lining the way to the main stage that was set for a gala evening in the presence of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and YB Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Having been to Malaysia several times and never returned disappointed, this time I was truly looking forward to an immersive experience at Citrawarna 2026, a cultural celebration at the historic Merdeka Square that brought together performers from across the country in a vibrant showcase of the nation’s diverse cultures, traditions, and heritage.

Hosted by Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), this year’s edition carried the theme “The Rhythm. The Soul. The Nation.” The evening kicked off on a musical note, followed by four signature experiences – Colours of Parade, Colours of Flavour, Colours of Culture, and Colours of Art. It was a riot of colours, with backtoback cultural performances representing different cities, heritage food discoveries, artistic showcases, and interactive cultural activities that celebrated Malaysia’s diversity.

I couldn’t have asked for a better way to experience Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry while supporting inclusive tourism. Colours of Parade was a spectacular procession combining music, dance, and storytelling, with performances from all 14 states. Colourful costumes, traditional dances, and rich heritage united to celebrate the spirit of Malaysia.

Colours of Flavour celebrated Malaysia’s culinary heritage with traditional delicacies and authentic gastronomic experiences. Colours of Culture showcased traditional performances, community activities, and diverse cultural expressions. Colours of Art presented local handicrafts, creative showcases, and live demonstrations by talented artisans.

Beyond its cultural significance, the event also generated a positive economic impact, creating opportunities for hotels, tourism operators, and local businesses, while serving as a model of sustainable tourism for a global audience. It was an evening soaked in Malaysia’s artistic heritage through traditional crafts, live demonstrations, and interactive art activities that reflected the nation’s creativity and craftsmanship. There were traditional activities like ketupat weaving, kolam art, and timeless games such as congkak and batu Seremban, alongside vibrant dance performances from various ethnic backgrounds. Live cooking demonstrations featured favourites like teh tarik, dodol, bak chang, and murukku, showcasing the culinary heritage that brings Malaysia’s diverse communities together.

Some of the dance forms that won our hearts included Keagungan Kesultanan Melayu: Mahkota Di Bawah Langit, Berdaulat by Aina Abdul & Artis Tari, Gelombang Panji Berlima by Kumpulan Zeppo Youngster, and the Malam Perarakan Persembahan Kebudayaan Negeri, which brought together vibrant contingents from Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Perlis, Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Sabah, and Sarawak. Adding to the kaleidoscope were community groups showcasing Orang Asli traditions, Indian bhangra, and Chinese cultural dances. The evening reached a crescendo when bhangra dancers lifted the tempo with their high-energy moves, setting the stage for a finale that celebrated Malaysia’s diversity in full colour and rhythm.

The best was saved for last: a grand finale where all the dancers came together on one platform, creating a spectacle that will never be forgotten. Fireworks lit up the sky as the night drew to a close well past midnight.
Travelling through Malaysia felt like moving through a living tapestry, woven with culture, cuisine, and landscapes that shift from skyscrapers to mangroves in a heartbeat.