As the Lunar New Year gets closer, digital travel platform Agoda reveals that Kuala Lumpur is the top destination for both local and international travelers celebrating ‘The Year of the Snake’ in Malaysia. Agoda also notes that Hat Yai is the favorite choice for Malaysians looking to travel abroad during the Lunar New Year, based on accommodation searches.
Interest in Malaysia as a destination for Lunar New Year is growing, showing that more people want to visit. Searches for places in Malaysia by international travelers increased by 41% compared to last year, with the highest interest coming from Singapore, China, and Indonesia. China and Indonesia saw substantial increases in accommodation searches, with growth rates of 103% and 81% respectively. This trend supports the launch of Visit Malaysia 2026, which aims to attract 35.6 million visitors and strengthen Malaysia’s status as a global travel hub.
On the local front, searches for places to stay during the Lunar New Year have gone up by 30%. Kuala Lumpur is the most popular choice among Malaysians, with a 58% rise in searches compared to last year. The city’s festive atmosphere, with themed decorations in malls often competing for the most impressive displays, continues to attract domestic travelers who want to celebrate in the capital.
Additionally, Thailand’s famous hospitality is still a favorite for Malaysians traveling abroad to celebrate ‘The Year of the Snake’. Hat Yai and Bangkok are the top two outbound travel spots, with Hat Yai’s accommodation searches increasing by 30% compared to last year, while Bangkok’s searches grew by 76%. Tokyo has gained popularity this year, moving ahead of Bali to become the third most favored outbound destination, with a 78% increase in accommodation searches from Malaysian travelers.
Fabian Teja, Country Director for Malaysia and Brunei at Agoda at Agoda said, “The Lunar New Year holiday is one of Asia’s most popular travel periods and it’s great to see growing interest in Malaysia from international and domestic travelers alike. Cities like Kuala Lumpur come alive during this festive period, transforming into a spectacle of lights and colours. With a mix of traditional and modern performances, festive entertainment, and activities for all ages offered throughout the city, it leaves an unforgettable impression on all who visit. Whether welcoming the new year from Malaysia or traveling abroad, Agoda offers travelers great deals on flights, accommodations and activities to usher in the Year of the Snake.”
The Lunar New Year holiday brings new beginnings and the start of Spring, making it an important time for travel as people want to reunite with family and friends. ‘The Year of the Snake’ stands for rebirth and change, offering a great chance for self-discovery and new experiences. Snakes are seen as symbols of good luck, encouraging travelers to leave the past behind and embrace new adventures, whether by revisiting familiar places or exploring new ones during this festive time.
For travelers from Asia, Japanese cities are popular choices for the Lunar New Year, with Tokyo being the top pick, followed by Bangkok (Thailand), Osaka (Japan), Fukuoka (Japan), and Seoul (South Korea).
As people get ready to celebrate the Year of the Snake, Agoda provides great deals for the Lunar New Year holiday on over 4.5 million vacation properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities available on their platform. Check out the latest offers in the Agoda app or on agoda.com/deals.