Tom Yam prevails over Rendang this year, as Bangkok emerges as the most popular Hari Raya destination this year according to the latest data from Hotels.com™.
Bangkok’s popularity puts the Thai capital above popular domestic getaway destinations such as Langkawi, Penang and Melaka. Bangkok, the number one destination for Malaysian travellers according to Hotels.com™’s latest Hotels Price Index (HPI), has long been a popular getaway destination for Malaysian families for its affordable shopping, wide variety of halal cuisines and great entertainment options.
Most popular Hari Raya destinations for Malaysian travellers in 2018, domestic and overseas:
| Rank | 2018 | 2017 |
| 1 | Bangkok | Bangkok |
| 2 | Penang | Langkawi |
| 3 | Kuala Lumpur | Penang |
| 4 | Langkawi | Melaka |
| 5 | Melaka | Port Dickson |
| 6 | Singapore | Kuala Lumpur |
| 7 | Ipoh | Singapore |
| 8 | Port Dickson | Hat Yai |
| 9 | New York | Ipoh |
| 10 | Tanah Rata | London |
New York enters top ten, Tokyo rises
The top ten list of most popular destinations by Hotels.com™ also includes New York City for the first time, signifying Malaysian travellers’ growing appetite to explore the city, known for its pop culture references and exclusive shopping attractions fit for celebrities.
Apart from New York, Tokyo has also surged in popularity, beating popular regional destinations such as Bali and Phuket. Tokyo’s popularity is consistent with the rising appeal of Japan as a holiday destination for Malaysian travellers due to the attractive Japanese Yen exchange rate. Hotels.com’s latest Hotels Price Index (HPI) indicated a 6% drop in average accommodation prices paid by Malaysian travellers in Tokyo last year.
Most popular overseas Hari Raya destinations for Malaysian travellers in 2018:
| Rank | 2018 | 2017 |
| 1 | Bangkok | Bangkok |
| 2 | Singapore | Singapore |
| 3 | New York | Bali |
| 4 | Tokyo | Phuket |
| 5 | Bali | Hat Yai |
| 6 | London | London |
| 7 | Phuket | Krabi |
| 8 | Hong Kong | Hong Kong |
| 9 | Melbourne | Tokyo |
| 10 | Hat Yai | Ho Chi Minh City |
Riang Raya in Penang
Penang emerged as the most popular domestic Raya destination for Malaysian travellers this year. Long reputed as a foodie’s paradise, Penang also has the highest concentration of Hotels.com’s ‘Most Wanted’ properties in Malaysia this year, with four boutique and heritage hotels awarded with the distinction.
Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi complete the top three, with the latter continuing to attract Malaysians who seek some family fun in the sun. Other popular beach getaway destinations, Port Dickson and Kota Kinabalu are at number six and nine, respectively.
Most popular domestic Hari Raya destinations for Malaysian travellers in 2018:
| Rank | 2018 | 2017 |
| 1 | Penang | Langkawi |
| 2 | Kuala Lumpur | Penang |
| 3 | Langkawi | Melaka |
| 4 | Melaka | Port Dickson |
| 5 | Ipoh | Kuala Lumpur |
| 6 | Port Dickson | Ipoh |
| 7 | Tanah Rata | Johor Bahru |
| 8 | Brinchang | Brinchang |
| 9 | Kota Kinabalu | Tanah Rata |
| 10 | Johor Bahru | Kota Kinabalu |
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