Malaysians are making the most of September’s upcoming long weekends and school holidays, seizing the chance to enjoy extended getaways both at home and abroad.
This year, travels taking place around the Merdeka, Maulidur Rasul (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday), and Malaysia Day public holidays spans an average length of 6-8 days, according to leading one-stop travel platform Trip.com.
Travel Boom: Malaysian Bookings Skyrocket
The numbers tell an impressive story of Malaysian wanderlust:
- Domestic flights surged by almost 50% year-on-year during the Merdeka and Maulidur Rasul weekends
- International flights increased by 36% year-on-year during the Malaysia Day and school holiday break
- Mid-haul trips showed over 50% growth, indicating travellers are maximising extended breaks to visit farther destinations
East Malaysia Takes Centre Stage
East Malaysia emerged as a standout for local trips, with multiple cities in Sabah and Sarawak making it into the top 10 domestic destinations. This trend highlights Malaysian travellers’ growing appreciation for the natural beauty and cultural richness of Borneo.
For international travel, traditional favourites like Singapore and Bangkok continue to attract Malaysian travellers, but there’s a notable shift toward Chinese cities like Guangzhou and Shanghai, alongside Ho Chi Minh City, signalling Malaysians’ desire to explore new experiences.
Top 10 Destinations Rankings & Industry Insights
“Malaysians often look forward to the September holidays to take a break, and this year’s cluster of multiple long weekends marks a golden opportunity for them to stretch these into longer holidays both in Malaysia and abroad,” said Stephane Thong, General Manager, Trip.com Malaysia.
“It’s particularly exciting to see East Malaysia shine as a top domestic choice, alongside the growing popularity of mid-haul destinations in China and Southeast Asia. This reflects travellers’ eagerness to explore more diverse locations while making the most of their time off.”
With travel demand soaring, September is shaping up to be the ultimate getaway month. Start planning now and join thousands of Malaysians exploring near and far.
