SINGAPORE: Malaysian families are approaching the mid-year school holidays with a more flexible approach to travel, balancing convenient domestic getaways with increasing interest in regional destinations across Asia, according to Agoda accommodation searches.
Based on Agoda searches that included at least one child, conducted between 1 January and 30 April 2026 for stays from 22 May to 7 June 2026, Malaysia ranked as the top destination country searched by Malaysian travellers, recording a 60% year-on-year increase. Interest in regional destinations also grew significantly, with searches for Vietnam up 85%, China up 51%, Singapore up 43%, and Japan up 43%.
City destinations within the region also remain popular among Malaysian families’ holiday plans. Tokyo saw a 53% year-on-year rise in family travel searches, while Phuket increased by 44%, Singapore by 43%, Bangkok by 33%, and Osaka by 19%. These figures suggest that while domestic locations continue to dominate school holiday travel interest, Malaysian families are also exploring familiar regional destinations across Asia for their mid-year break.
At a city level, domestic travel remains prominent, with Malaysian destinations featuring prominently among Agoda’s top searched cities for the school holiday period.
Destinations showing notable growth in interest include Port Dickson, which experienced a 172% increase in family travel searches year-on-year; Kuala Terengganu at 149%; Kuantan at 105%; Cameron Highlands at 100%; and Genting Highlands at 85%. Other popular destinations such as Malacca, Ipoh, Penang, and Johor Bahru also continued to attract strong family travel search interest during the holidays.
The rising interest in these locations highlights the diverse range of school holiday options Malaysian families are considering. Coastal destinations like Port Dickson, Kuala Terengganu, and Kuantan offer beachside escapes without the need for long-haul travel, while Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands remain appealing for cooler weather and short breaks. Food and heritage destinations such as Penang, Malacca, and Ipoh also continue to be popular among family travellers.
“School holidays are no longer just about one big family trip. What we’re seeing is Malaysian families exploring a broader spectrum of travel options, from quick domestic escapes to regional destinations that are familiar, accessible, and family-friendly,” said Fabian Teja, Country Director for Malaysia and Brunei at Agoda.
“The strong interest in both local getaways and regional destinations indicates that families are becoming more flexible in their holiday planning, whether that means a beach break in Port Dickson, cooler weather in Cameron Highlands, or a city escape elsewhere in Asia.”
With access to over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda makes it easy for travellers to compare prices and plan trips—be it a quick domestic break or a more distant family holiday. For a wide selection of family-friendly accommodation options, visit Agoda’s website or download the Agoda mobile app.-pr/BNN
