The domestic appeal: More Malaysians want to holiday within the country


KL is one of the top local destinations for holidaymakers in Malaysia. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star

For most Malaysian travellers, budget is an important factor when it comes to planning a holiday, according to a recent survey done by a popular booking platform.

The data collated by Klook revealed that 35% of holidaymakers in Malaysia who participated in the survey are willing to spend between RM500 and RM1,000 (excluding transportation and/or flights) per person on a trip within the country.

A good 23% of the survey participants are willing to invest between RM1,001 and RM2,000 (excluding transportation) per person, while only 8% don’t mind spending more than RM3,000 on a domestic holiday.

A whopping 87% of the participants go on holiday to relax and unwind, with 70% of them wanting to explore new places. Other reasons for travelling around the country include visiting family and friends (56%) and going for outdoor adventures and activities (54%).

The survey also found that 36% of the participants would go on a local excursion every three months. The top domestic destinations, meanwhile, are Kuala Lumpur (58%), Penang (57%) and Melaka (47%).

More than half (67%) the people on the survey have an equal preference for both domestic and international travel, with Asian destinations being the most popular option. In a way, this indicates that while most people can afford to travel abroad, they remain mindful or even wary of their expenses.

The top Asian destinations that Malaysians look forward to visiting in 2025 are China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Online reviews and ratings play a role in shaping travel decisions for 69% of travellers. Besides that, recommendations from friends and family members (67%), as well as travel blogs and websites (64%) are important, too.

“At Klook, we see a strong opportunity to cater to these preferences with cost-effective, yet memorable experiences that don’t compromise on quality. Our goal is to help travellers make the most of their journeys,” Klook general manager for Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, Sarah Wan.

This Merdeka marks a significant milestone for Klook as its celebrates its 10th anniversary. To celebrate, the company has special collaborations and offers lined up for users. Check out the Klook app for more information.

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