PORT DICKSON remained the top local destination for holiday-goers, followed by Penang and Malacca.
According to online travel and accommodation platform - Agoda, domestic accommodation searches rose by +245% since September 15 was announced as a holiday.
With the announcement by the prime minister in conjunction with Malaysia Day (Sept 16), Malaysians will have a four-day break from Saturday to Tuesday.
Agoda country director for Malaysia and Brunei Darulsalam Fabian Teja told The Vibes that between July 23 till 29 (immediately after the announcement), searches by Malaysian travellers for accommodation between September 13 to 16 showed a marked increase compared to two weeks earlier.
Domestic accommodation searches rose by +245%, while international accommodation by +117%.
And the top five domestic destinations were Port Dickson 373%, Penang 260%, Malacca 254%, Kuala Lumpur 232% and Langkawi 175%.
The top five regional destinations were Batam Island 221%, Hatyai 203%, Singapore 169%, Bangkok 73% and Bali 60%.
"Whenever there's a chance for a break, travel quickly becomes part of the conversation.
“The data shows an immediate increase in search activities for both local and nearby regional destinations, suggesting that travellers are keen to make the most of an extended weekend, whether that means a quick city break or a cross-border getaway."
Teja said it is a clear sign that when extra time off appears, travel is one of the first things Malaysians start planning.
A veteran in the travel industry, Eric R. Sinnaya said that travel has indeed made a significant comeback following the lean years of the pandemic.
At the same time, Sinnaya said that it is good to spread out the travel destinations, so overcrowding does not occur in popular spots.
With a heightened sense of congestion, it will only invite more inconvenience and pollution either directly or indirectly, said Sinnaya.
He added that the travel trade community should also market eco-tourism as an alternative to commercial tourism, so more travellers are conscious of the need to conserve the environment while out holidaying. - August 2, 2025.
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