Visit Malaysia 2026 Gets a Purr-fectly Whimsical Travel Companion
As Malaysia prepares to welcome the world for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, an extraordinary travel book is capturing hearts by telling the nation’s story from a completely unexpected perspective through the eyes of cats.
Launched in December 2025, A Book of Poems: The Meowgical Tails of Malaysia has already sold nearly 500 copies, signaling a growing appetite for travel narratives that go beyond maps and monuments.
Believed to be the world’s first travel book entirely led by feline storytellers, the book replaces traditional sightseeing lists with playful poems, charming illustrations, and symbolic paw prints. Each page invites readers to slow down and experience Malaysia not as tourists, but as curious explorers.
Guiding this imaginative journey is the beloved B.A.M. Trio Basyirah, Ashqar, and Muezza who lead readers across all 13 states and three federal territories. From bustling cities to quiet kampungs, vibrant festivals to everyday moments, Malaysia unfolds through a gentle, ground-level lens that celebrates culture, emotion, and connection.
Supported by the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts and Tourism Pahang, the book aligns seamlessly with the vision of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. It champions tourism that is heartfelt and immersive encouraging visitors to experience the country deeply rather than simply checking destinations off a list.
“This book was never about cats alone,” shares author Prof. Hj. Mohd Said Bani C.M. Din. “It’s about how we experience places with curiosity, gentleness, and wonder. The cats simply remind us to see slowly, playfully, and with heart.”
The official launch at Tropicana, Petaling Jaya, drew more than 100 guests, including media representatives, creatives, and devoted cat lovers underscoring a rising interest in culture-driven and story-led tourism.
Designed for children, adults, and travellers alike, The Meowgical Tails of Malaysia is a celebration of cultural diversity, imaginative discovery, and the enduring bond between humans and cats. It reminds us that some of the most unforgettable journeys begin not with footsteps but with paw prints.
