Hey, filed your taxes yet?
Don’t worry, most of us non-business owners still have until April 30.
But while you’re digging out old receipts for that juicy 2025 tax relief, don’t forget about 2026’s tax relief too!
Back during the Budget 2026 announcement, additional tax benefits for domestic tourism were announced in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026.
And with all the headaches about international travel recently, perhaps it’s time to take advantage of those rebates.
What are the Tourism Tax Incentives for Budget 2026?
Quoting from the official tax measures document:
To further stimulate domestic tourism activity in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, it is proposed individual income tax relief be given up to RM1,000 for expenses on entrance fee as follows:
i. tourist attractions such as museums, theme parks, national parks, marine parks,
zoos and geoparks; and
ii. cultural and art programs
So basically, for assessment year 2026, you can claim up to RM1,000 in domestic tourism on entrance fees to domestic tourist attractions (museums and parks) as well as cultural and art programs.
Okay, great, but where to start?
To give you some inspiration, here are four ways to rack up that sweet tax relief:
Theme Parks
Theme parks are always pricey propositions whether local or overseas. But if you’re already forking out the ringgit, you might as well get some tax rebates right?
Legoland Malaysia Resort
Asia’s very first Legoland is a great Johor getaway for both families and the young-at-heart. Also offers an aquarium and water park.
Legoland Malaysia Resort
Tickets: RM89 – RM345 Website: https://www.legoland.com.my/
SplashMania
This new-ish water park near Gamuda Cove comes with a giant pirate ship to live out your swashbuckling fantasies and tons of slides to scream your heart out. You could also go for a dive at Malaysia greatest diving destinations too!
SplashMania
Ticket: RM55 – RM135
Website: https://glplay.com.my/themepark-details/splashmania
Genting Skyworlds Theme Park
If you’re looking for some relief from the heat, Genting’s outdoor Skyworld’s Theme Park features nine fantastical zones full of rides along with an indoor theme park, arcade and bowling alley.
Genting Skyworlds Theme Park
Ticket: RM88 (online reservation), RM168 (walk-in) per adult
Website: https://www.gentingskyworlds.com/en.html
Cultural & Arts Festivals
These cultural festivals may be time-limited, but their exclusive experiences can be worth more the price of admission!
KL Festival
26 days, 80 events and 25 venues will grace the second edition of this festival that celebrates the history, creativity and communities of Kuala Lumpur. In the meantime, you can check out REXKL and its rebirth from cinema to hipster hub.
KL Festival
Date: 6 – 31 MayTickets: Varies depending on program Website: https://www.klfestival.com.my/2026-programmes
Comic Art Festival Kuala Lumpur 2026
Highlighting local and Asian comics, this festival hosts art panels, live drawings as well as meet-and-greets.
Comic Art Festival Kuala Lumpur 2026
Tickets: TBA (previously RM15 for two days)
Date: 13-14 June 2026 (10AM-7PM)Venue: Hextar World Exhibition Hall
Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/caf_kl/
Related: The Ultimate Otaku’s Shopping Guide to Akihabara (2025)
Rainforest World Music Festival 2026
International music festival that showcases diverse melodies amidst the unique rainforest setting of Sarawak Cultural Village.
Rainforest World Music Festival 2026
Date: 26 – 28 June 2026Tickets: RM235-RM635 (adults) *discounts for early bookings
Website: https://rwmf.net/
Museums & Galleries
Most museums and galleries in Malaysia are still reasonably priced for locals, so you won’t be saving much on your income tax. Still, it’s yet another reason to visit!
Ur-Mu
This classy art museum has three branches located around central KL that showcase the best and brightest in local and Asian art in general.
Ur-Mu Museum
Ticket: RM20
Website: https://ur-mu.com/
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
A sparkling ivory white treasure trove of diverse art, architecture and artifacts from all over the Islamic world like the Middle East, Andalusia and Turkey.
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Ticket: RM20
Website: https://iamm.org.my/
Malaysian Chinese Museum
Immersive museum full of historical recreations and dioramas that explore the origins and contributions of Malaysia’s Chinese community.
Malaysian Chinese Museum
Ticket: RM20
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/MalaysianChineseMuseum/
National Parks
Like our museums, Malaysia’s national parks are shockingly affordable, leaving only accommodation and transportation to worry about.
Kinabalu Park
One of Malaysia’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kinabalu Park features not only our tallest mountain but also a vast collection of hiking trails, chalets and even a hot springs!
Kinabalu Park
Tickets: RM10 (Conservation Fee)
Website: https://www.sabahparks.org.my/kinabalu-park
Gunung Mulu National Park
Another one of Malaysia’s UNESCO-recognized greats, Gunung Mulu National Park features the eponymous Mulu Caves and the alien spires of the Mulu Pinnacles.
Gunung Mulu National Park
Ticket: RM5 – RM15
*additional RM20 conservation fee required for groups with tour operators or guide
Website: https://mulupark.com/
Bako National Park
This little-known park offers a wide range of hiking trails that take you through gorgeous mangroves, pristine rainforests and secluded beaches.
Bako National Park
Ticket: RM10
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/officialpagebakonp/
For more local inspirations for your tourism tax break, try our ETS Travel Guide and skip the traffic while enjoying small town Malaysia. Or, you could pick a favourite from RapidKL’s Seven Ways to Explore KL.
