Latest news with #AgodaMalaysia
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Agoda data highlights Malaysia's top cool-down destinations
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysians are increasingly heading to coastal destinations to escape the rising heat and humidity, according to digital travel platform Agoda. Its latest data shows that Semporna, Kuala Terengganu and Tioman Island are experiencing a surge in travel interest as the country braces for hotter weather through September. Searches for these destinations in May 2025, for stays between June and August, rose by a combined 35 per cent compared to the same period last year. In Semporna, search interest jumped by 38 per cent, Agoda said. The town's breezy seascapes, stilted accommodations and boat rides are popular with those looking for natural ventilation. Underwater exploration at Mabul, Kapalai and the coral walls of Sipadan is drawing visitors looking to escape the heat beneath the sea's surface. Kuala Terengganu saw a 37 per cent rise in search activity. The East Coast city offers cultural charm, beachfront views along Pantai Batu Buruk, and a laid-back escape with traditional markets and shaded cafes by the South China Sea. Tioman Island also saw increased interest, with searches up 27 per cent from the same period last year. With forest-backed resorts and jungle canopy coverage, Tioman provides pockets of calm for heat-weary travellers. "Visitors can enjoy jungle treks, natural freshwater pools such as Asah Waterfall, and shaded swims for a more relaxed retreat," Agoda Malaysia country director Fabian Teja said. The platform has seen a clear shift in travel patterns toward destinations that help Malaysians cope with the heat, he said. "With increased interest in coastal destinations, we are seeing that more travellers may be gravitating toward places that offer a reprieve from the heat. "The coast offers more than just a holiday, it provides natural ventilation, a slower pace, and the chance to recharge," he said in a statement. Fabian added that with six million holiday properties, Agoda continues to offer a wide range of accommodation designed to help travellers stay cool, from shaded rainforest lodges and breezy beachfronts to spacious pools and ocean-facing resorts.
New Straits Times
02-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Kuching is Malaysia's cheapest holiday spot, Surabaya is Asia's most affordable
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuching has reclaimed its title as Malaysia's most affordable holiday spot, according to digital travel platform Agoda. In its recently-released list of budget-friendly summer destinations for the June to August 2025 travel period, Agoda noted that Kuching offers the lowest average nightly room rate in the country at RM227.64, edging out Kuala Terengganu, which held the top spot for April to May this year. "Destinations like Kuching offer travelers rich cultural experiences without a hefty price tag. "Whether it's exploring heritage trails in Kuching, indulging in street food in Hatyai or discovering temples in Tirupati, these places give travelers the chance to explore without stretching their wallets," said Agoda Malaysia and Brunei country director Fabian Teja. Fabian said Agoda's data reveals a wide variety of travel options across Asia this summer. "From Surabaya and Tirupati to Hatyai and Kuching, the diversity of destinations on this list shows how summer travel can be both memorable and budget-conscious," he added. Agoda's Cheapest Summer Destinations ranking is based on the average room rates in the 10 most popular destinations across nine Asian markets, providing a regional snapshot of value-for-money getaways. At the regional level, Surabaya in Indonesia took the crown as Asia's most affordable summer destination, with average room rates of just RM150.33 per night. Tirupati in India (RM158.92) and Hatyai in Thailand (RM167.51) rounded out the top three.
