Budget remains a top priority, with one-third willing to spend up to RM1,000 per person for a holiday
Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Melaka are the top domestic destinations among Malaysians, nearly 3 out of 4 Malaysians want to visit Japan, South Korea, or China next year
Malaysians mostly travel for relaxation and exploration, although more than half also travel to visit friends and families
Kuala Lumpur, 19 August 2024 – In conjunction with the upcoming Merdeka holiday, Malaysia Day, and September’s school break, a recent survey¹ by Klook, Asia’s leading platform for experiences and travel services, has unveiled key insights into Malaysian travellers’ preferences. The survey revealed that budget remains a top priority, with most Malaysian travellers willing to spend up to RM1,000 per person for a holiday in Malaysia. More than half of Malaysians picked Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Melaka as their preferred domestic destinations, while nearly 3 in every 4 Malaysians expressed a strong desire to visit Japan, South Korea, or China in 2025. The survey also found that Malaysians primarily travel for relaxation and exploration, with over half also traveling to visit friends and family.
Budget-Conscious Spending for Domestic Travel
The survey found that 35% of respondents are willing to spend between RM500 and RM1,000 per person on domestic trips, excluding transportation. This spending range was the most popular among respondents, reflecting a preference for affordable yet fulfilling travel experiences. Additionally, 23% are prepared to spend between RM1,001 and RM2,000, while only 8% would consider spending more than RM3,000. This data highlights the importance of budget-conscious planning in today’s travel landscape.
Malaysians Show Equal Preference for Domestic and International Travel
More than half of Malaysians (67%) expressed an equal preference for both domestic and international travel. This balanced interest suggests that while Malaysians are eager to explore various destinations, they remain mindful of their expenses, and may often choose to travel domestically for holidays.
Asian Destinations Are the Most Popular for International Travel
For international destinations, East Asia, including Japan, South Korea, and China, is the most favoured region, with 74% of respondents expressing a desire to visit in 2025. While Southeast Asia (e.g., Thailand, Vietnam) follows closely, with 60% of respondents showing interest. This regional preference highlights the cultural ties and proximity that make Asia particularly attractive to Malaysian travellers.
Domestic Travel: A Quarterly Affair for Many
On the domestic front, 36% of respondents travel within Malaysia quarterly. Popular destinations include Kuala Lumpur (58%), Penang (57%), and Melaka (47%), showcasing the enduring appeal of these iconic locations.
Top Motivations: Relaxation, Exploration, and Family Visits
Relaxation and leisure are the primary reasons Malaysians choose to travel domestically, with 87% of respondents indicating this as their main motivation. Exploring new places follows, with 70% eager to discover fresh experiences within the country. Visiting family and friends influences 56% of travellers, while adventure and outdoor activities motivate 54%, reflecting a strong interest in active and nature-based tourism.
Digital Influence on Travel Decisions
The survey also revealed that 69% of respondents rely on online reviews and ratings, making these a key influence in their travel decisions. Recommendations from friends and family (67%) and travel blogs and websites (64%) are also crucial, underscoring the importance of both digital and personal advice in shaping travel plans.
“These findings clearly show that while Malaysians are enthusiastic about traveling, they are also highly conscious of their budgets. 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, whether exploring locally or venturing abroad,” said Sarah Wan, Klook's General Manager for Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore.
“This Merdeka holiday marks a significant milestone for Klook as we celebrate our 10th Anniversary. To commemorate this special occasion, we are excited to present a range of joyful experiences to our users. These include exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime travel adventures and the launch of our new music video ‘Klook World Kelas’, created in collaboration with Luqman Podolski. Luqman’s vibrant energy is sure to inspire Malaysians to #KlookDulu and make the most of their travels,” said Rachel Tan, Director of Marketing at Klook Malaysia.
Watch the ‘Klook World Kelas’ campaign video: Klook World Kelas
#KlookDulu
Save up to RM499 with Klook’s #KlookDulu campaign, running from 19 August to 22 September! Enjoy exclusive offers such as 31% off on 31 August for Discover Negaraku, 9.9 Big Sale deals starting at RM9 daily with a spin and sure win on 9.9, and Buy 1 Get 1 Free offers on 16 September for Jom Cuti Sekolah. Always #KlookDulu for the best deals! For more information and to book your tickets, visit Klook Website.
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