Malaysian travellers are increasingly opting for alternative Asian city breaks and regional escapes, according to recent data from digital travel platform Agoda. Between 1 January and 31 May 2026, searches for accommodation in destinations such as Busan, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Batam Island, Lombok, Surabaya, and Ho Chi Minh City surged, indicating a shift away from traditional favourites for stays between 20 June and 31 August 2026.
Agoda’s data highlights a notable trend: whilst major capitals like Tokyo and Seoul continue to attract interest, with Tokyo searches up 24% and Seoul up 7% year-on-year, other cities are seeing even more significant growth. Fukuoka and Sapporo in Japan experienced increases of 91% and 63% respectively, whilst Busan in South Korea saw a 104% rise. This suggests that Malaysian travellers are keen to explore beyond the usual tourist routes.
In Indonesia, the trend is similar, with Jakarta searches up 71%, Batam Island 69%, Surabaya 45%, Lombok 39%, Medan 34%, and Yogyakarta 26%. Other Asian cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Shenzhen, Manila, and Da Nang also reported increased interest from Malaysian tourists.
Fabian Teja, Country Director for Malaysia and Brunei at Agoda, noted, “The surge in searches for places like Busan, Fukuoka, and Lombok tells us that Malaysian travellers are making more deliberate choices, moving past travel hotspots to find better value and newer experiences within the same regions they already love.”
Agoda’s extensive range of accommodation options and competitive deals are facilitating this shift, offering travellers a variety of choices to suit different styles and budgets. The platform’s mobile app and website provide access to over 6 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, making travel planning seamless.
