AdminredBus, the world’s largest online bus ticketing platform, has unveiled a new digital initiative — the redBus Malaysia Food Map — a curated culinary guide designed to elevate travel experiences through Malaysia’s diverse gastronomic landscape. Bridging the country’s two great passions — food and travel — the interactive platform highlights 40 must-try dishes across 160 eateries nationwide, aiming to transform redBus from a transport facilitator to a cultural connector.
“With the launch of the Malaysia Food Map, redBus is elevating experiences for its customers from practical offerings to playing a deeper and more meaningful role in their travel discovery and planning,” said Prakash Sangam, CEO of redBus. “Food is a reflection of a people’s culture and the launch of the redBus Malaysia Food Map is our tribute to the rich history of the country, and the passion which Malaysians bring to discovering and exploring food trends.”
A journey through flavours
The redBus Malaysia Food Map brings together a wide selection of iconic Malaysian dishes that reflect the country’s multicultural heritage — from Malay classics like nasi lemak and satay, to Chinese char kuey teow, Indian roti canai, and Peranakan favourites like asam laksa. The platform goes beyond mere listings, offering real-time mapping to eateries and hawker stalls where travellers can savour these dishes.
Designed for both local and international users, the map uncovers food destinations in major cities and small towns alike, including lesser-known eateries in places like Taiping, Temerloh, and Bintulu. With culinary tourism on the rise, this interactive tool is expected to play a significant role in helping travellers discover hidden gems that often go unnoticed in typical travel guides.
As part of its commitment to accessibility, redBus has made the platform available in English, with a Bahasa Malaysia version launching later this quarter.
Riding the wave of food tourism
According to redBus, the move comes amid a notable spike in food-related travel. Traveller expenditure in Malaysia surged by 43% in 2024 compared to the previous year, with food and beverages recording a 52% increase in spending — placing them among the top three travel expenditure categories.
Recognising this trend, redBus is repositioning itself not just as a booking platform but as a cultural partner aligned with the nation’s tourism ambitions. The initiative complements the goals of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign by encouraging both domestic and international tourists to explore the country’s food culture through bus travel.
To incentivise travel, redBus is also offering exclusive bus fare discounts to featured food cities, rotating every month to spotlight different regions and flavours. This is expected to encourage exploration beyond major urban centres, generating tourism spillovers in secondary cities.
Culinary discoveries
To keep the Malaysia Food Map dynamic and community-driven, redBus is launching social media activations that allow foodies to contribute their own recommendations. User-submitted entries will be acknowledged directly on the map, allowing contributors to showcase their knowledge while enriching the collective culinary journey.
The map will be continuously updated to reflect trending food spots and user insights. Travellers can access the Food Map through the redBus app or by visiting the dedicated microsite at www.redbus.my/foodmap. The campaign will also be promoted across redBus’ social media channels including Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, where users can follow new discoveries and deals.
“Our goal has always been to simplify and enhance travel experiences,” added Prakash. “We’re excited to connect people with the incredible flavours Malaysia has to offer, in a fun and accessible way.”
With its blend of curated content, community interaction, and travel perks, the redBus Malaysia Food Map is poised to become a go-to digital companion for food enthusiasts and travellers looking to taste their way across the country.
Jimmy Tan
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