When listing WA tourist hotspots, Katanning probably doesn't come to mind.

But after featuring in multiple Malaysian travel videos, it has grabbed the attention of more than 1 million YouTube viewers.

Nestled about 300 kilometres south of Perth, Katanning is one of Australia's most multicultural towns, with 50 language groups recorded in the last census among a population of about 4,000.

That reputation has launched the small Great Southern farming town into international fame. 

Since the videos have gone live, locals have noticed more Asian tourists coming through town.

Malay culture 'more prominent than in Malaysia'

Saiful Nang is a Malay-Malaysian YouTuber who has visited a dozen times.

He has posted multiple videos about the town, showcasing the warmth and diversity of the people and how Malay values are entrenched within the streets.

This stretches from the main street to the local mosque, which was built by the Cocos-Malays in 1980.

He said Malay culture was more apparent in downtown Katanning than in modern Malaysia, and he wanted to share that with the world.

"The culture to live and to have a great cooperation between the neighbours is not so much existent [in Malaysia] right now," he said.

"If I go to Katanning, I feel like I just go back to my hometown 40 years ago."

Mr Nang's favourite part about visiting is the welcoming nature of the people.

"They feel like family there, very warm," he said.

On his most recent visit, he brought nearly 60 students from his videography academy.

They toured southern WA, but Katanning was the highlight for most.

Based on the success of this year's trip, Mr Nang plans to conduct the same trip early next year, allowing the students to immerse themselves in culture and improve their creative skills.

He tells everyone he knows in Malaysia about Katanning, both through his hit YouTube videos and in conversation.

Locals welcome tourists to town

Home to more than 50 language groups, the town opens its arms to visitors and immigrants from all over the world.

Alep Mydie is a local cafe owner and the imam at the Katanning mosque, known around town for his kindness and delicious curry puffs.

He has lived in the town for 50 years after immigrating from Christmas Island and featured in some of Mr Nang's travel videos.

He said it was wonderful to see more people from different backgrounds come to visit.

"There's been an influx of Asian tourists, especially from Malaysia," he said.

"They have found out that there are Malays that [have] lived in Katanning for the past 50 years.

The imam preaches acceptance and harmony, which has been echoed by other community members.

The mosque has served as a focal point for the region's Muslim population and was also a highlight during the trip by Mr Nang and his students.

Shire president Kristy D'Aprile said it was an important part of town.

"I think visitors being able to see a mosque in such a rural setting is really unique and special," she said.

She said it was not unusual to see many different cultures down the main street of town at any given time.

"We've got a very multicultural and diverse population up against a backdrop of a very historical and regional community," she said.

"[Katanning] offers something really different to what you'd find anywhere else in Australia."