Malaysians are rediscovering the joy of domestic travel

THE joy of old-school region hopping has once more struck among local Malaysians as domestic travels surge like never before.

According to Airbnb’s latest travel insights and data, Malaysia was the number one most visited country by Malaysian Airbnb guests in 2024, surpassing worldwide-favourite international destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Australia.

As a result, this trend reflects a shift in travel behaviour as Malaysians seek out more intimate, flexible, and culturally connected experiences without leaving their own backyard.

“It is encouraging to see Malaysians continuing to explore and celebrate the richness of their own country.

“The growing trend of domestic travel, led by millennial guests, reflects a broader shift toward more meaningful, connected, and flexible travel,” Airbnb country head for India and Southeast Asia, Amanpreet Bajaj said.

While major cities like Kuala Lumpur remain firm favourites, off-the-beaten-path destinations are becoming increasingly popular.

Hulu Langat in Selangor and Kinta in Perak were among the top ten most visited local cities on Airbnb in 2024 by Malaysian guests — a clear indication of rising interest in nature-filled retreats and lesser-known escapades.

From rainforest getaways to riverside kampungs, these alternative destinations offer a different kind of travel, one that is much slower, more intentional, and often more rejuvenating.

Airbnb also interestingly noted that solo travel in Malaysia rose by 31 per cent year-on-year, showing a growing appetite for self-exploration and mindful escapes. Photo: Canva

Malaysia isn’t just winning local hearts — it’s also drawing international eyes.

Kuala Lumpur ranked among the top three most booked cities in Southeast Asia by international Airbnb guests in 2024, standing proudly alongside regional heavyweights like Bangkok.

This further positions Malaysia strongly as it gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026, with increasing global interest in its diverse travel offerings — from heritage-rich towns and island escapes to vibrant urban hubs.

The year 2024 also saw millennials (aged 30 to 39) emerging as the leading demographic for Airbnb bookings in Malaysia, further cementing the age group as one of the leading voices for travel buffs locally and globally when it comes to the Malaysian landscape.

It was also interestingly noted that solo travel in Malaysia rose by 31 per cent year-on-year, showing a growing appetite for self-exploration and mindful escapes.

Additionally, long-term stays increased by over 17 per cent, suggesting more travellers are opting for slower-paced journeys and “work-from-anywhere” lifestyles.

As Airbnb data suggests, the top cities visited by international Airbnb guests included Johor Bahru, Penang, Petaling Jaya, Melaka, Langkawi, and Kuching — a mix of culinary capitals, coastal gems, and culture-rich locales.

On the flipside, the top inbound travellers to Malaysia came from Singapore, China, Indonesia, the US, and South Korea, highlighting Malaysia’s continued appeal as a regional and global favourite.