KUALA LUMPUR: Perhentian Islands in Terengganu have emerged as the fastest-growing destination for attracting international travellers visiting Malaysia, according to digital travel platform Agoda.
The platform's New Horizons list further reveals Shah Alam as the domestic destination with the biggest popularity leap for Malaysian travellers.
Meanwhile, Batam Island in Indonesia leads as the most trending international destination for Malaysians travelling overseas.
Agoda country director for Malaysia and Brunei Fabian Teja said the rising appeal of the Perhentian Islands as a top destination for international travelers excites us and highlights the success of ongoing efforts to showcase Malaysia's diverse attractions.
"Similarly, Shah Alam's growing popularity among domestic travellers reflects a shift in Malaysians' travel preferences, as they uncover the unique charm of hidden gems closer to home, signaling a new horizon for 2025," he said in a statement.
According to Agoda, the Perhentian Islands, in rising as a top emerging destination for international visitors, reflects the growing appeal of Malaysia's stunning coastal attractions.
For domestic travellers, Shah Alam has unexpectedly become a standout, offering appealing family-friendly getaways despite often being perceived as a suburban centre.
For Malaysians travelling abroad, Batam Island is gaining popularity as a sought-after destination due to its affordability, easy ferry connections, and diverse attractions such as water sports, golf, go-karting and beachside relaxation, which cater to all kinds of travelers.
Looking at the top emerging destinations for Asian travellers combined, it is Shanghai that tops the New Horizons list.
The Chinese metropolis is followed by Jeju (South Korea), Paris (France), Nha Trang (Vietnam), and Fukuoka (Japan).
Agoda's New Horizons list, released annually, compares the accommodation booking ranks of the two previous years to identify the highest climbers in both domestic and international travel.