Malaysia is rapidly gaining popularity among tourists, but there is a nuance.
In 2025, Thailand expected to see an increase in tourist arrivals due to the popularity of the third season of the White Lotus series. However, a different country is gradually emerging as a leader in the region.
According to Travel Off Path, international travel interest in Malaysia has been growing so rapidly in recent years that it may overtake Thailand in popularity by 2026.
According to the latest Tourism Satellite Account 2024 report, as reported by the Malaysian newspaper New Straits Times, Malaysia expects to receive more than 47 million tourists next year, which is significantly higher than the projected 33 million tourists in Thailand for 2025.
What is the secret of Malaysia’s popularity?
“Despite the fact that Malaysia still seems like a hidden gem to many Western countries, it has become an undeniable center of attraction, largely due to its welcoming culture, untouched paradises that have yet to be discovered by the general public, and its safety,” the article states.
At the same time, the authors note an interesting nuance: the current increase in the number of tourists in Malaysia is primarily due to visitors from neighboring Asian and Australian countries.
For example, residents of Singapore, which is known for its strict laws, often take “beer tours” to neighboring countries where it is much easier (even though there is a strong Islamic influence).
Meanwhile, young Australians are heading to Malaysia on budget backpacking trips.
At the same time, there are still relatively few flights from the United States and Europe to Malaysia, especially when it comes to direct flights.
What Malaysia offers to tourists
According to Sam Sears, a journalist for Travel Off Path and an experienced traveler, Malaysia is one of the most diverse countries in Asia, offering a wide range of experiences without breaking the bank.
According to him, one of the most underrated attractions in the country is its phenomenal beaches, especially considering the many islands that are virtually unknown to the general public.
“Sabah is perhaps the most famous for its beaches. Some travelers compare it to Bali before its fame, where you can boast of wild, untouched nature, from lush rainforests to colorful coral reefs. And the best part is that you can get there by direct flight from Kuala Lumpur or other major Asian cities,” the journalist notes.
At the same time, adds the author of the article, Kuala Lumpur itself is a huge urban area with some of the best shopping in Southeast Asia, an impeccable cuisine reflecting Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultural influences, bustling night markets, labyrinthine bazaars, stunning rooftop bars, and the famous Batu Caves.
The latter are a sight in themselves, and best of all, they can be visited completely free of charge. The Batu Caves, which feature exactly 272 colourful steps, lead visitors into a huge limestone cave, which is also one of the most beloved Hindu temples in Malaysia. This famous attraction is truly impressive, and it is easily accessible by KTM Komuter train, which stops right at the entrance.
