Malaysia’s travel sector saw strong momentum during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays in 2026, with more people choosing to travel both locally and internationally.
The festive season, combined with school holidays and a long weekend, encouraged Malaysians to take a break and explore new destinations. Data from Trip.com Group shows clear growth across both outbound and inbound travel, reflecting rising confidence in travel planning.
More Malaysians Travel Overseas
Travelling abroad has become more popular during the festive season.
Outbound flight bookings increased by 49 percent compared to last year. Many Malaysians chose destinations within Asia, especially mid haul and short haul trips that are easier to plan and more accessible.
China, Singapore, and Indonesia remained top destinations, while cities like Singapore, Guangzhou, and Bangkok continued to attract strong interest. On average, travellers spent around eight days on their trips, showing a preference for longer and more relaxed holidays.
Experience Based Travel Gains Attention
Today’s travellers are looking for more meaningful experiences, not just sightseeing.
Theme parks such as Shanghai Disney Resort, Universal Studios Japan, and Hong Kong Disneyland were among the most popular choices. At the same time, scenic destinations like Jiuzhaigou National Park and Shibuya Sky also saw strong interest.
This shows a shift towards travel that offers both fun and memorable moments, especially during festive periods.
Domestic Travel Remains Steady
Travel within Malaysia also stayed active during Hari Raya.
While many still preferred driving for balik kampung, flight bookings saw a slight increase. Popular local destinations included Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Penang, and Kuching.
Domestic trips were shorter, with an average of four days, making them suitable for quick breaks while spending time with family.
Rising Demand for Muslim Friendly Options
One of the key trends this year is the growing demand for Muslim friendly travel.
Hotel bookings with halal or Muslim friendly tags increased by 63 percent year on year. This shows that travellers are paying more attention to comfort and lifestyle needs when planning their stays.
Digital platforms have made this easier by offering filters that help users quickly find suitable accommodation
Digital Tools Support Smarter Planning
More Malaysians are using digital tools to plan their trips.
TripGenie, Trip.com’s AI assistant, recorded a 65 percent increase in Hari Raya related searches. Many users were looking for budget friendly options as well as Muslim friendly services.
This reflects a more thoughtful approach to travel, where convenience, value, and personal needs are all considered.
Malaysia Welcomes More Visitors
Malaysia also saw an increase in international arrivals during the festive period.
Inbound flight bookings rose by 26 percent compared to last year, with most visitors coming from China, Singapore, and Indonesia.
Many travellers were solo visitors or couples, staying for about seven days. There was also a strong preference for four star hotels, showing demand for quality and comfort.
Plan Your Next Trip
Thinking about your next holiday?
Explore travel platforms like Trip.com to compare destinations, find Muslim friendly stays, and plan a smooth journey that fits your needs and budget.
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FAQs
1. How much did travel grow during Hari Raya 2026?
Outbound travel grew by 49 percent, while inbound travel increased by 26 percent year on year.
2. What are the top destinations for Malaysians?
Popular destinations include China, Singapore, and Indonesia, along with cities like Bangkok and Guangzhou.
3. Why are Muslim friendly hotels becoming more popular?
Travellers want comfort that matches their lifestyle, leading to a 63 percent increase in bookings for such hotels.
