27/02/2026

LYFE FRIDAY | FEB 27, 2026

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T RAVEL in the Year of the Horse is gaining momen tum as bookings for Chinese New Year (CNY) travel across Trip.com Group’s platforms saw strong growth, rising by double digits compared with last year. With extended public holidays across the region, travellers leaned into longer getaways, combining family gatherings with leisure. Malaysians were no stranger to this upward trend. According to its data, more than half of flights booked by Malaysians were to international destinations. While Southeast Asian favourites such as Singapore and Bangkok continued to be popular picks, Malaysians also showed a willingness to travel further during this year’s festive season to cities in Mainland China, Japan, South Korea and more. Domestically, top cities for flight bookings were Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. Unsurprisingly, most Malaysians took advantage of the weekend preceding the holidays to make their trip, with the busiest departure dates falling on Feb 14–15. Planning behaviour also shifted, as half of domestic bookings were made more than 60 days in advance, compared with the previous year when the majority bookings were made within two months of travel. Growth in inbound demand Malaysia continued to strengthen its appeal among international visitors during the festive period. Inbound travel bookings increased 33% year-on-year, with Kuala Lumpur recording double digit booking growth. Five-star hotels accounted for nearly half of all stays booked, demonstrating travellers’ clear preference for comfort and quality during longer trips. City exploration, immersive experiences and family fun were high on tourists’ itineraries. KL Hop-on Hop-off topped the list of most-booked attractions, indicating a strong interest in discovering the capital.

Top international destinations by flight bookings: 1. Singapore 2. Bangkok 3. Tokyo 4. Guangzhou 5. Taipei 6. Bali 7. Jakarta 8. Osaka 9. Hong Kong 10. Seoul Top domestic destinations by

flight bookings 1. Kuala Lumpur 2. Johor Bahru 3. Penang 4. Kota Kinabalu 5. Kuching 6. Langkawi 7. Sibu 8. Kota Bahru 9. Tawau 10. Miri Top

Malaysian

attractions

booked by inbound visitors 1. KL Hop-on Hop-off 2. Petronas Twin Towers 3. Langkawi SkyCab 4. Sunway Lagoon Theme Park 5. Legoland Malaysia 6. KL Bird Park 7. Skyline Luge Kuala Lumpur 8. Genting Highlands Premium Outlets Cable Car 9. Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park 10. Penang History Gallery

More travel abroad during CNY Holidays Kuala Lumpur is one of the top cities for flight booking.

o Majority of flight bookings outbound, while inbound rises 33% year-on-year for festive period

indicating a desire to make the most of their extended break as they return back to their hometowns. Meanwhile many also travelled abroad, showing shifting trends in how and where families are choosing to gather and celebrate. At the same time, Malaysia continues to attract strong international interest, with premium stays and diverse attractions enhancing its appeal.

Other attractions nationwide also drew interest – including in Langkawi, Johor, Genting Highlands and Penang – underscoring Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings. “CNY is traditionally a time for reunions and celebrations, and travel has become an undeniably integral part of how people mark this occasion. This year, Malaysians planned earlier for domestic travel,

Singapore is a popular destination for Malaysian travelliers. – PICS FROM 123RF

Strengthening Asean diplomacy through cultural festival in 2026 THE Chinese New Year Cultural Festival 2026, organised by Miss Malaysia Kebaya (MMK), brought together cultural representatives from Malaysia and across Asean in a celebration of heritage, unity and international cultural collaboration, supporting the national Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. More than a celebration, the festival serves as a cultural tourism platform, preserving heritage while positioning the nation as a premier global destination for cultural excellence. The festival showcased the timeless elegance of traditional Chinese cultural fashion, featuring the iconic cheongsam (qipao) and classical hanfu , symbolising the richness, dignity and enduring legacy of Chinese civilisation within Malaysia’s multicultural society.

The festival, held earlier this week, featured traditional lion dance performances, cultural music presentations and an international cultural fashion showcase with participation from Asean delegates representing Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. This regional participation highlights Malaysia’s growing role as a cultural bridge within Asean, fostering mutual respect, cultural understanding and regional unity through heritage diplomacy. MMK founder and president Dr Jason Hee emphasised the significance of the initiative in advancing cultural diplomacy and strengthening Malaysia’s cultural ecosystem. “This festival is a cultural platform that strengthens cultural diplomacy, preserves heritage and promotes

Hee (centre) says the festival is a cultural platform that strengthens cultural diplomacy, preserves heritage and promotes Malaysia’s multicultural identity to the global community.

VM2026, cultural initiatives such as the CNY Cultural Festival play a vital role in strengthening the nation’s cultural tourism ecosystem, enhancing international visibility and positioning Malaysia as a premier cultural tourism destination in Asia.

Malaysia’s multicultural identity to the global community. Through MMK, we continue to support national cultural initiatives and contributing to the growth of cultural tourism in alignment with VM2026.” As Malaysia progresses towards

MMK actively promotes traditional fashion, heritage preservation and international cultural exchange.