PETALING JAYA: The northern states and beaches are set to draw most of the domestic crowd over the coming mega break, as Malaysians enjoy the long stretch of school holidays and public holidays – but on a tighter budget.
In Pangkor, hotels there are already reporting healthy forward bookings, said Your Inbound Matters founder Uzaidi Udanis, who was there last week.
“That’s a good sign,” he said.
Uzaidi believes many Klang Valley families are trimming distance and risk.
“KL people now go for nearer places like Pangkor and Port Dickson,” he said.
With costs rising and supply chain issues weighing on small businesses, Uzaidi expects closer-to-home seaside towns and family-friendly spots will be the main choices this time.
Tourism Malaysia northern region director Abdul Hadi Che Man said Penang remains the top pick for Klang Valley travellers, with Kedah and Perlis riding on the Hari Raya Aidiladha rush.
“We expect a surge in domestic tourists in Penang, with a 20% to 30% increase compared to regular days.
“The spillover is expected for other northern states too.”
Abdul Hadi said younger travellers are chasing “experiential tourism” rather than just ticking off landmarks.
“Many want to go off the beaten path and find hidden gems,” he said.
Hotels are already seeing the early wave.
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) vice‑president CS Lim said coastal and leisure-focused properties are seeing stronger pick-up for the holiday stretch from May 27, which bundles Hari Raya Haji, Wesak Day, the King’s birthday and the May 22-June 7 school break.
“Some hotels are seeing occupancy rates above 90%,” he said.
However, Lim said it was lower than expected for such a prime window.
“Generally, many hotels are recording occupancy rates of around 60% to 80%, which is still below expectations,” he said.
To fill rooms, many are rolling out promotions and packages.
Johor, helped by Singaporeans driving across the Causeway, is doing relatively better although locals are opting for shorter trips amid the ongoing energy crisis.
MAH Johor chapter chairman Ivan Teo said most hotels are recording occupancy rates of between 70% and 80%.
“The number is particularly higher during the Hari Raya Aidiladha holidays, and we expect it to increase further in the coming weeks, especially with Singaporean visitors.
“The availability of the ETS has also helped, as many people are now more cautious about fuel usage,” he said.
However, Teo also said occupancy rates are still lower compared to other holiday seasons.
Malaysia Budget & Business Hotel Association president Dr Sri Ganesh Michiel said rural and East Coast locations are gearing up for a balik kampung surge.
“Hotels in the East Coast are expected to be full as many return home for Hari Raya Aidiladha,” he said.
“Many will start travelling back on Tuesday since the festival falls on Wednesday, and extend their holidays until the end of the week,” he said.
