Our Festivals
Malaysia - penang, ipoh & kuala lumpur
November 3-9, 2025
This festival gave members the chance to experience the soul of Malaysia and to create memories that will last a lifetime. What a festival it was. Malaysia’s three branches put on an amazing festival showcasing their rich history, culture, local attractions and fine wine and food. Penang and Ipoh arranged the pre-tour event followed by the Kuala Lumpur festival, Malaysia’s capital and home to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.
Michael Tamburri, Asia Pacific Chair wrote of his experience - It was an honour for me to witness the dedication and coordination of respective committees of Penang, Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur showcasing their regions.
Commencing with a pre-tour in Penang, an island state of Malaysia, we experienced the rich history dating back to its founding in 1786. International and local members enjoyed an exquisite taste of Penang Nonya cuisine - an intricate blend of Chinese and Malay flavours of the region. This was accompanied with iconic wines from France and Italy.
After we toured the historical UNESCO heritage listed city followed by amazing Penang cuisine lunch at the Maple Palace. In the evening, we had a black-tie dinner at Villa Primavera the residence of one of Penang’s founding members. This was truly an amazing experience for all including a delightful string quartet followed by iconic wines served with Japanese cuisine.
We had a farewell luncheon to experience Penang’s street food before embarking on a luxury coach to the Banjaran Hot Springs Retreat in Ipoh. This was nestled in a 23-acre valley alongside 260-million-year-old Palaeozoic limestone hills, a verdant rainforest, rejuvenating geothermal hot springs, natural caves and cascading waterfalls. What an amazing place.
After the Ipoh heritage tour of the old town, concubine lanes and Ho Yang Hor museum showcasing the history of tin mining. In the evening, we enjoyed an incredible Black-Tie dinner in Jeff’s Cellar. This restaurant is set in the caves surrounding the Banjaran Hot Springs.
Then commenced our bus journey to Kuala Lumpur. We had a welcomed reception at the Park Hyatt Hotel set in a prime location in the Merdeka 118 - the tallest skyscraper in the Asia Pacific Region. We were on 98 floor and were joined by 55 international and 35 local members where we enjoyed an international buffet with Malaysian flair and accompanied by international wines.
The following day members had the opportunity to try their hand at batik design or hammering out their own pewter bowls – and some showing they had a real flare. Then we shared lunch at the Chinta Restaurant which serves classic Malay cuisine, complemented by Tuak, a special rice wine originating from the indigenous people of Sarawak.
That evening, was the oustanding Gala Black Tie dinner in the ballroom of the Four Seasons hotel, and we were entertained by the Sutera dance troupe. The Festival was completed with a farewell lunch at Kumar’s. This was with Indian cuisine accompanied by iconic European wines, completing the Malaysian journey of Chinese, Malay and Indian cuisines.
My sincere gratitude to the three Festival committees for their exemplary voluntary commitment in the celebration of 130 combined years of the Asia Pacific - Penang, Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur Branches. I was immensely proud of the way they showcased their regional culture, cuisine and camaraderie. This will be an everlasting memory for me and no doubt all the members that participated.
Michael Tamburri
Chair, Asia Pacific