Gaya Travel Magazine Celebrates Two Decades

July 31, 2025

Issue 20.1 – Gaya Travel Celebrates 20th Anniversary

When Gaya Travel Magazine began producing its first issue in 2005, never did the founders imagine that the magazine or the ‘Gaya Travel’ brand would make it this far. It initially started as a labour of love, intended to highlight mostly places around Malaysia more stylishly for the benefit of the increasingly sophisticated audience, hence the use of the word ‘Gaya’ (the Malay word for ‘Style’) on its title as an alternative to the more newsy and overly straightforward coverage normally done by mainstream media. During that time, Malaysia – including destinations within the ASEAN region and even Asia, aside from the more established ones like Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, Singapore, and Bangkok – was beginning to get more attention internationally, while at the same time, the Malaysian consumers had already developed their taste for travel as a form of recreation that enhances their well-being, especially after coming out of the hard-hitting Asian Financial Crisis in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Since its humble beginnings in 2005 as a printed publication, Gaya Travel Magazine has grown from strength to strength, overcoming numerous challenges and evolving with the times. What started as a modest print magazine has now transformed into a dynamic establishment encompassing not only print and digital media, but also media and promotional activation services such as familiarisation trips for the media, key opinion leaders and influencers; technical visits relating to travel, tourism, culture, and heritage; launch events; concerts; and media production coordination.

Over the past two decades, we have had the privilege of working with remarkable individuals, influencers, and collaborators worldwide. Many of you have become more than professional partners—you have become dear friends. Your loyalty, creativity, and unwavering belief in our work have inspired us to evolve and grow.

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Gaya Travel Magazine thanks to all of its valued clients, past and present, including our trusted partners, collaborators, and influencers. Your faith and confidence in working with Gaya Travel Magazine have been instrumental in its success. Your continuous trust, support, and collaboration have empowered us to remain steadfast in promoting travel and tourism via print and digital media, including our refreshed website https://www.gayatravel.com.my, through meaningful storytelling and creative engagement, enabling the team to share stories, showcase destinations, and promote meaningful travel experiences across borders.

Thank you to everybody – especially you, dear reader – for being part of Gaya Travel Magazine’s story. Let us continue this journey together, with mutual respect, shared success, and a common passion for travel and discovery.

See you in the next issue. Safe travels!

JUHAN KAMARUDDIN @ JEREMY KHALIL
Email your comments to jeremy@gayatravel.com.my

Cover illustration by: Arif Rafhan Othman

DEPARTMENTS
Page 10. Editorial Jottings

GAYA SPECIAL FEATURE
Page 12. The Allure of Negeri Sembilan: From Ancient Traditions to Modern Thrills
Page 38. Escape to East Malaysia: Where Adventure Meets Comfort with Marriott Bonvoy
Page 40. Unleash Your Wanderlust with Visit Malaysia 2026!
Page 44. 48 Hours Embracing the Calm of Perak
Page 50. A City in Full Bloom: Discovering the Surprising Soul of Putrajaya
Page 55. Kuala Langat: Where Sea Breeze, Heritage, and Stillness Linger
Page 56. Discover Kuala Lumpur’s Heart & Soul on Foot in One Day
Page 64. Discover Malaysia with Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad
Page 68. First Glimpse of Langkawi: A Newcomer’s Guide to What’s Worth Seeing
Page 72. Charting Sabah’s Bright Future: How SEDIA is Leading the Charge Towards Sustainable Growth and Inclusive Prosperity
Page 76. A Revitalised Sultan Alam Shah Museum Opens its Door
Page 80. The 12 Icons That Define Perak’s Splendour
Page 88. . Beyond the Horizon: Terengganu’s Living Heritage and Natural Wonder
Page 92. Malaysia as a Top Destination for Muslim Travellers
Page 96. 11 Must-Visit Icons in Johor for Unforgettable Holiday
Page 101. Discover Wholesome Living at Aspire Residence, Cyberjaya and Vila Idaman, Chemor
Page 105. Kelantan for the Curious Travellers
Page 109. Transforming Putrajaya into a Preferred Destination that Celebrates People, Place, and Purpose
Page 110. PULSE Group Helping to Shape Putrajaya into a Well-Rounded Destination