Domestic Travel in Malaysia Hits New Heights with Millions Of Visitors

Published on December 19, 2025

Malaysia’s domestic tourism has shown robust growth in the first nine months of 2025, with 216 million visitors and spending amounting to RM88.4 billion. This represents an impressive 11.8% increase in the number of visitors and a 13.7% increase in tourism spending compared to the same period in 2024. The strong performance highlights the country’s continuing recovery and growth in the domestic travel sector, which remains a crucial component of Malaysia’s tourism industry.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, Malaysia has seen an uptick in local tourism, with Malaysians increasingly opting to explore the country’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant cities. The impressive rise in both visitor numbers and spending demonstrates that domestic tourism has become a key driver of the country’s overall tourism economy.

The Growth of Domestic Tourism in Malaysia

In 2025, Malaysia’s domestic tourism has continued to outpace expectations, with an increasing number of locals opting for vacations closer to home. According to the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry of Malaysia, this surge in domestic tourism is attributed to several factors, including greater affordability, increased consumer confidence, and a growing focus on sustainable travel and local experiences.

Local tourism has become an essential pillar of the country’s tourism recovery strategy. Malaysians have turned to domestic travel to explore the natural beauty, historic landmarks, and cultural heritage that the country has to offer. From the stunning beaches of Langkawi to the lush rainforests of Sabah and Sarawak, and the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, the increase in domestic travel has reinforced Malaysia’s status as an attractive destination for both local and international visitors.

Top Destinations Driving Domestic Tourism Growth

Several key destinations across the country have seen significant increases in domestic arrivals. Kuala Lumpur, the capital city, continues to attract a large number of local visitors, drawn by its shopping centers, fine dining options, and cultural landmarks like the Petronas Towers and Merdeka Square. The city remains a central hub for urban tourism with events, festivals, and conferences contributing to its popularity.

In Penang, the combination of heritage sites, food tourism, and its coastal attractions makes it a popular choice for domestic travelers. Penang’s George Town is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its unique blend of colonial architecture, street art, and local cuisine continues to attract a large number of local tourists.

Other destinations, such as the Perak region, known for its caves and cultural landmarks, and Melaka, with its rich history as a former trading port, have also seen substantial growth in domestic tourism. Langkawi, with its idyllic beaches, is another popular choice for family vacations and romantic getaways.

Increased Spending Reflects Strong Domestic Travel Market

Along with the growth in the number of visitors, spending by domestic tourists has also seen a significant rise. In the first three quarters of 2025, domestic tourism spending amounted to RM88.4 billion, a 13.7% increase from the previous year. This surge in spending reflects the growing trend of Malaysians opting for higher-quality accommodations, dining experiences, and recreational activities during their domestic trips.

The rise in spending is also driven by a growing interest in luxury tourism, wellness retreats, and adventure tourism. Eco-tourism and sustainable travel have become more popular, with travelers seeking experiences that allow them to connect with nature while minimizing their environmental impact. These trends align with Malaysia’s focus on promoting sustainable tourism practices that encourage responsible travel and local community support.

Promoting Domestic Travel and Government Initiatives

The Malaysian government has continued to promote domestic tourism through various initiatives, campaigns, and partnerships with private sector stakeholders. Programs like the Malaysia Travel Pass and MyCuti campaigns are designed to encourage locals to travel within their own country, offering discounts, promotions, and incentives for various attractions and accommodations.

In addition, Malaysia has seen the development of new tourism infrastructure, including high-speed rail links, improved road networks, and expanded airport facilities, all aimed at making it easier for tourists to access different parts of the country. These developments enhance the overall travel experience, making Malaysia a more accessible and attractive destination for local travelers.

The Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry has also worked to promote cultural tourism, highlighting Malaysia’s diverse heritage, including its Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cultures. Festivals such as Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali offer tourists the opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s unique traditions and celebrations.

Looking to the Future of Domestic Tourism in Malaysia

With domestic tourism showing such strong growth, Malaysia is focused on sustaining this trend by continuing to develop its tourism infrastructure and promoting its diverse attractions. As the country moves forward into 2026 and beyond, the focus will be on maintaining the momentum of the tourism recovery while balancing the need for sustainable travel.

The rise in domestic tourism not only provides economic benefits for Malaysia’s tourism industry but also helps to support local communities by generating income for small businesses, especially in regional and rural areas. The increase in spending and travel also underscores the resilience of the Malaysian tourism sector and its ability to adapt to evolving traveler preferences.

Conclusion: The Resurgence of Domestic Tourism in Malaysia

The record-breaking 216 million domestic visitors in the first three quarters of 2025 is a testament to the resilience and growth of Malaysia’s tourism sector. With more local travelers exploring the rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and modern attractions that Malaysia offers, the future of domestic tourism looks bright. The increasing spending by domestic tourists highlights Malaysia’s status as a leading destination in Southeast Asia for both international visitors and residents alike.

As Malaysia continues to develop its tourism offerings, domestic travel will remain an integral part of the country’s tourism strategy, with increasing focus on local experiences, sustainability, and high-quality services that cater to the needs of all types of travelers.