Tourism Malaysia & Astro Gempak Team Up For MY Escape 2026 To Spotlight Pahang’s Attractions

Tourism Malaysia has partnered with Astro Gempak to launch MY Escape 2026, a three-day influencer explorace programme designed to showcase Pahang’s diverse tourism offerings ahead of the Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 campaign.

Taking place from 20 to 22 October, the programme brings together 24 media representatives, key opinion leaders (KOLs), and digital content creators from Malaysia as well as regional markets including China, Laos, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

Participants will travel across several destinations in Pahang, including Genting Highlands, Bentong, Kuala Gandah, Kuantan, and Cherating, experiencing a mix of nature, wildlife, culture, gastronomy, and local attractions through a series of interactive challenges.

Exploring Pahang through content creation

The programme sees participants divided into teams of three, with each group comprising members from different backgrounds and markets. Organisers say the format is intended to encourage cross-cultural collaboration while providing varied perspectives on Pahang’s tourism experiences.

Image Credit: Tourism Malaysia

Through destination-based missions and social media-friendly challenges, MY Escape 2026 aims to generate engaging digital content that can introduce Pahang’s attractions to wider audiences both locally and abroad.

The initiative also reflects Tourism Malaysia’s growing focus on digital-first storytelling by working alongside Astro Gempak.

Tourism Malaysia aims to boost Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 momentum

According to Tourism Malaysia Director General Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, the programme is part of broader efforts to promote Malaysia through immersive travel experiences.

“MY Escape 2026 reflects Tourism Malaysia’s commitment to promoting Malaysia’s destinations through immersive experiences and engaging storytelling. Our collaboration with Astro Gempak provides an opportunity to showcase Pahang’s attractions, local culture, gastronomy and communities through content that connects with today’s digital audiences,” he said.

He added that the initiative supports both the Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 campaign and Pahang’s efforts to further develop its tourism sector while showcasing the state’s unique attractions to a broader audience.

Teams must complete challenges to progress

A unique feature of MY Escape 2026 is its explorace-style format.

Image Credit: Tourism Malaysia

Each team receives a programme passport that tracks their progress at designated checkpoints throughout the journey. Participants must complete hidden challenges to earn a green stamp, allowing them to move on to the next stage. Teams that fail a task receive a red stamp and must overcome the challenge before progressing.

The format combines travel experiences with teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, turning the road trip into more than just a sightseeing tour.

Elephant encounters, tie-dye challenges & more

Among the highlights is a visit to the Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre, where participants will take part in elephant-feeding and bathing activities.

At Bentong Farm, teams will be tasked with identifying locations and objects using visual clues, followed by an animal-feeding challenge.

Meanwhile, participants visiting Cherating will take part in tie-dye creation and upcycling activities that showcase local creativity and sustainability efforts.

Image Credit: Tourism Malaysia

In Kuantan, challengers will test themselves with the Sky Walk Challenge at Kuantan 188, while the Colour of Kuantan task at Kuantan Art Street requires teams to capture creative photographs inspired by an assigned colour that represents Kuantan and Pahang.

The itinerary also includes an overnight stay at Swiss-Garden, giving participants additional opportunities to experience the destination and create travel-focused content.

Promoting self-drive tourism

Beyond destination marketing, Tourism Malaysia says MY Escape 2026 also promotes self-drive tourism, encouraging travellers to discover attractions at their own pace while uncovering hidden gems across the country.

Image Credit: Tourism Malaysia

By leveraging the combined reach of media organisations, influencers, and digital content creators, Tourism Malaysia hopes the programme will help raise awareness of Pahang’s tourism offerings while building momentum for the Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 campaign.

Featured Image Credit: Tourism Malaysia