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Malaysians Pivot Raya Travel to Staycations and Short-Haul Trips as Searches and Bookings Surge

Compressed holiday timing is pushing festive travel toward hotels, with regional trips gaining favor.

Overview

  • Agoda reports a 55% month-on-month rise in accommodation searches for March 20–23, led by interest in Bali, Yogyakarta, Bandung, Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo.
  • Airbnb says searches by Malaysian travelers jumped over 200% year on year for Ramadan and nearly 50% for Hari Raya check-ins on March 20–22.
  • Resort demand is climbing, with Langkawi’s Pantai Cenang topping 80% occupancy and Kuah around 60%, while Terengganu is near 70% and Kelantan exceeds 60% for the period.
  • Airlines cite robust demand, with Malaysia Aviation Group seeing double-digit booking growth and an expected 11% year-on-year lift in passenger load factor, and AirAsia’s Fly-Thru routes up 130% on certain sectors.
  • Rising jet fuel costs and Middle East disruptions are pressuring fares and operations, with carriers adding fuel surcharges and Malaysia Airlines pausing Doha flights until March 20.