As more people use holidays as chances to travel, Malaysia’s travel habits are changing.
Recent data from Airbnb shows that more and more Malaysians are booking trips during big holidays like Ramadan, Hari Raya, and Chinese New Year.
The platform has also added a “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature in Malaysia, which gives travelers more options when booking a place to stay for future trips.
These trends show how travel planning in Malaysia is changing. More and more people are combining family events with trips within and outside of the country.
Festive Holidays Driving Travel Planning
Malaysians often travel and reconnect with loved ones during big holidays. Data from Airbnb shows that more and more people are interested in traveling during the holidays.
In 2025, searches by Malaysian users for places to stay during Ramadan went up by more than 200% compared to the year before. At the same time, the number of people looking for travel for Hari Raya went up by almost 50%.
The rise suggests that holidays, short trips, and family reunions are becoming more popular during the holidays.
More Travelers Exploring Different Parts of Malaysia
Big cities still draw many visitors, but interest in other regions of the country is growing.
Cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Ipoh, and Malacca continue to be among the most visited places.
But people are also looking for places to stay in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and Perak, especially during Hari Raya when a lot of people go home.
During the holidays, more people were interested in places in East Malaysia, such as Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.
Malaysians are also planning trips abroad, with Tokyo, Osaka, and Perth being some of the most popular places to search for.
Larger Stays for Family Gatherings
During the holidays in Malaysia, many people travel in groups, which is reflected in the places to stay.
According to Airbnb, more than 80% of searches for holiday travel are for stays with family or friends. A lot of people who travel like to rent whole houses so that everyone can stay together.
Around the holidays, the need for whole homes went up by about 95%.
Pools, washing machines, Wi-Fi, parking, and air conditioning were among the most requested amenities, suggesting that guests were planning longer stays.
Flexible Booking Options Are Important
When you plan trips with family and friends, you often have to work together, especially when it comes to paying.
To fix this, Airbnb added “Reserve Now, Pay Later” in Malaysia. This option lets travelers book a place to stay without having to pay the full amount right away.
Guests have more time to make their travel plans because they only have to pay closer to the end of the free cancellation period.
A survey of travelers from Malaysia found that:
- 68% say it’s important to have flexible payment options when booking a trip
- 67% of people already use flexible payment options
- 88% plan to use them for future reservations
- 46% of people who missed out on accommodations before because they needed time to work out payments with their travel companions
The new feature is meant to make it easier for people who are traveling with a group or planning a trip ahead of time to book.
Find Out More About Travel Trends In Asia
More and more people are combining vacations with important events, which is changing how people travel in Malaysia and all over Asia. People are planning their trips based on holidays, the ability to change their plans, and the fact that they can travel with friends.
Read more articles on RiseAsia to stay up to date on travel trends, tourism news, and lifestyle stories from around the region. Learn how business, culture, and travel are still changing in Asia.
FAQs
1. Why are Malaysians traveling more during festive seasons?
Festive periods such as Ramadan, Hari Raya, and Chinese New Year encourage people to reunite with family and friends, leading to increased travel demand.
2. What is Airbnb’s Reserve Now Pay Later feature?
It allows guests to book a stay without paying immediately. Payment is only required closer to the free cancellation deadline.
3. What type of accommodation do Malaysians prefer during festive travel?
Many travelers prefer booking entire homes because they allow families and larger groups to stay together comfortably.
