PETALING JAYA: To celebrate their anniversary this year, Marcus Ng and his girlfriend decided to do something simple – they stayed overnight at a hotel and played tourist in the city.
While they live just outside Kuala Lumpur, the couple decided to book a hotel stay in the capital for a quick change of scenery from their usual routine.
“We wanted to go somewhere nearby because the both of us didn’t want to spend too much time travelling.
“We were both tired from working and just needed a break.
“Besides, with everything being more expensive, it’s much cheaper to just travel locally these days given the weaker ringgit,” said the 38-year-old company executive.
Ng said going to another state for a holiday would mean driving on the road for several hours, or even half a day, depending on the traffic.
“Cutting the travel time was good for us because we didn’t have many days of leave to spare.
“For me, I don’t mind going to the city as there are plenty of things to see and do, including shopping, treating myself to a nice meal and catching a movie,” he said.
Ng added that going for such “staycations”, or holidays spent near home, felt rather relaxing.
“It’s comforting because there are less preparations needed such as fewer things to pack and travel arrangements,” he said.
Ng is among the high number of domestic tourists who are choosing to travel locally.
According to data from the Domestic Tourism Survey 2023 by the Statistics Department, many took a break in their home state, with 35% of the total 79.6 million domestic tourists spending at least one night in their own state last year.
Most states – 11 out of 16 states and territories in Malaysia surveyed for the data – showed the same trend, whereby the top location being visited was a local tourist’s own state.
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Some Malaysians however prefer to travel to other states, such as Petaling Jaya resident, Zuliantie Dzul, 42, who recently went on a trip with her friends to enjoy the local food and sights in Terengganu.
“There are a few places I’ve never been to before like the Crystal Mosque and Kuala Terengganu Drawbridge.
“I enjoy architecture and history, and Malaysia is so full of it,” said the sub-editor.
She said Malaysia was full of many uncovered gems waiting to be discovered by locals.
“But at the end of the day, it depends on the person.
“For me, as a person who enjoys food, architecture and history, any trip that can provide me with those things will be enjoyable,” Zuliantie said.
In her home state, Selangor, she said she wanted to visit several quaint, independent bookstores located near LRT and MRT stations which she saw on social media.
“Local holidays can be just as fun as going abroad. Where else can you find halal food everywhere too?” she added.
Agreeing that there was a lot to see and do in Malaysia, an accounts executive who wishes to be known as Terry, said he has yet to step foot in some states in the country.
“I have never been to Sabah before but I wish to go there someday soon,” said the 39-year-old, who is drawn by the state’s beautiful beaches and majestic Mount Kinabalu.
He added that going for a local holiday also felt good, as he was giving back to the local economy.
“Aside from being cheaper, it’s also easy to travel within the country with all of us being able to speak the same language easily,” he said.
