Madam Norliza Md Zain, Minister Counsellor (Tourism) at the High Commission of Malaysia officially launch the 37th Travel Malaysia Fair 2025
By TENGKU NOOR SHAMSIAH TENGKU ABDULLAH
SINGAPORE, May 3 – The iconic Melaka River Cruise is making waves at the 37th Travel Malaysia Fair 2025, showcasing a refreshed portfolio of attractions and exclusive deals to entice Singaporean travellers.
The event is held at Singapore Expo Hall 5B from May 2–4, with opening hours from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
Organised by the Express & Excursion Bus Association and supported by Tourism Malaysia, the fair is the largest Malaysian domestic tourism showcase outside the country.
It was officially launched by Madam Norliza Md Zain, Minister Counsellor (Tourism) at the High Commission of Malaysia.
Leading the Melaka delegation is Perbadanan Pembangunan Sungai dan Pantai Melaka (PPSPM), jointly with Tourism Melaka, with the goal of reintroducing Melaka’s river-based attractions to Singaporeans seeking meaningful, short-haul getaways.
“The Melaka River Cruise offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, historical storytelling, and scenic beauty — all in a relaxing river journey through the heart of Melaka’s UNESCO World Heritage zone,” said Shaharul Azuar Idris, CEO of PPSPM. “It’s a quick yet enriching escape that’s both family-friendly and educational.”
Perbadanan Pembangunan Sungai dan Pantai Melaka CEO Shaharul Azuar Idris
Available by day and night, the cruise offers distinct atmospheres — with the evening cruise especially popular for its vibrant riverside lights and historic charm.
Fair-Exclusive Offers and New Experiences
To celebrate its participation, PPSPM is offering special promotional discounts on Melaka River Cruise tickets throughout the fair.
But the offerings go well beyond the cruise itself. New attractions being promoted include:
- 🌿 Eco Cruise Sungai Linggi – A nature-focused ride through mangrove-lined waterways
- ✨ Premium Cruise – A luxury upgrade for those seeking a more exclusive experience
- 🚢 Restoran Kapal Mendam Berahi – A floating, ship-inspired restaurant celebrating Melaka’s maritime heritage
“We’re using this platform not just to promote the cruise, but to show how it’s part of a broader, evolving waterfront ecosystem,” Shaharul told TNS NEWS when contacted.
“Our goal is to offer a diverse menu of riverfront experiences.”
Reconnecting Singapore and Melaka
With Melaka just hours away by road, Singapore remains one of its most important tourism markets.
PPSPM’s presence at the fair, in collaboration with Tourism Melaka, is a strategic move to rebuild travel momentum.
“Our goal is to strengthen the Melaka River Cruise’s presence in the Singaporean market and forge strategic partnerships with travel agents and media,” Shaharul added. “We’re also listening — using this opportunity to collect valuable feedback and fine-tune our offerings.”
With upgraded infrastructure, curated cultural products, and convenient access, Melaka is being repositioned as a vibrant weekend destination — where history flows along the riverbanks.
As the Travel Malaysia Fair 2025 continues through the weekend, visitors are invited to explore booth D14 at Singapore Expo Hall 5B and rediscover why Melaka’s river isn’t just a route — it’s a story.
- TNS NEWS