The year 2015 marks two major things for us: the Malaysia Year of Festivals (MyFest) and Gaya Travel Magazine’s ten years anniversary. Though the launch of MyFest 2015 is cancelled to respect those who have suffered from the recent floods that engulfed many parts of Malaysia in late 2014 and early 2015, Malaysia is still brimming with festivities that are sure to excite travellers. We are also highlighting Penang (page 70) and Mabul plus Sipadan (page 122) as places worth checking out by travellers when they are in Malaysia, besides staying at efficient and even evocative properties like Bagasta Boutiques Guest House (page 142), Royale Bintang Penang (page 148), Ascott Sentral Kuala Lumpur (page 154) and M Boutique Hotel (page 160).
Reminiscing to the time when Gaya Travel Magazine first began, our intention was simple: to share with the increasingly sophisticated travelling public on where to go, where to stay and what to do during their domestic or international travels. Having to face various limitations and challenges from the start, we were not quite sure how far we could go – for all we knew, a decade has gone by!
It has indeed been an enriching and educational 10 years – we have learned and experienced so much, not only in terms of travel but also in terms of destination promotion and branding. And for that we are totally grateful to Allah and everybody who have crossed paths with us, bought and/or read our magazine, taught us, guided us and supported us.
Thank you very much to everybody who have trust and faith in us; who have hosted and treated us with kindness and generosity; who have been willing to take us in as part of their family; who have criticised and offered constructive views on what needed to be improved; who gave us strength; and who encouraged us to stay positive no matter what. We would not be where we are today if it not for Allah’s permission and everyone’s support throughout our ten-year journey.
Cover Illustration by Emila Yusof.