KUCHING: Year-end breaks, snowy escapes drive peak travel season from November to March for many Malaysians, especially among Sarawakians, although some may opt to go during low-season because they are a lot cheaper.
Nevertheless, despite higher travel costs during peak season, travellers often have differing views on which destinations are worth the splurge.
One key consideration is the currency exchange, as stronger foreign currencies against the Ringgit Malaysia (RM) can significantly increase overall travel expenses.
For some families, visiting countries with a high exchange rate requires careful planning and disciplined savings, sometimes over the course of a year, or even several years.
As a result, such trips are often viewed not as routine holidays but as once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Travellers tend to prioritise destinations they consider truly special, whether for unique seasonal attractions, cultural value, or the opportunity to create lasting memories with loved ones.
This mindset helps explain why many are willing to absorb higher peak-season prices, seeing the journey as a meaningful reward after long-term financial preparation rather than a simple leisure trip.
For 16-year-old Muhammad Zafie Aiman Rafie, he said between November and December is the best time to travel, with family.
He said his last memorable holiday was being able to experience Genting Highland theme park in 2023 because Genting Highlands has cooler temperate weather.
“My parents have taken me to many places in Malaysia, I have never experienced overseas’ holiday. I think the best pick for me is Genting Highlands thus far, and being able to go for many rides. The weather is cool too.
“Definitely, the family bonding is something I appreciate so much,” he said.
This time round in 2025, he is looking forward to Sapporo, Japan, during the new year before the school reopens.
“I always watch social media about Sapporo, I think the snow is beautiful, and I am looking forward to my trip with my brother, an aunt and my Umi,” he said.
Another chooses to go during low peak, taking into account the advantages during low season.
Jacob Jason, 50, who runs a florist shop in Mile 3, said the advantage of low season is that you are more likely to afford better hotel accomodations.
“A big advantage of travelling during the low season is access to higher quality hotels, cheaper air tickets, cheaper logistics and not very crowded,” he said.
Some may not have the advantage to travel every year as they need to do a lot of saving to make their dreams come true, while travelling within Malaysia, is fair enough as within the country itself are beautiful places as well.
For 45 year-old entrepreneur, Gloria Benjamin, she said her last memorable holiday was to Laban Rata, Mount Kinabalu, for its cool temperature.
“In Malaysia, we have many beautiful places as well, and I have been to almost all of the states. It is good to see and learn about other states’ cultures as well.
“My last holiday outside Sarawak was in 2019 to Laban Rata, and for domestic travel, I think within Sarawak and West Malaysia, I have gone places,” said Gloria.
For Sahrein Mahloh, a Public Relations expert and a former Public Works Department (Sarawak Pan Borneo section) in charge of PR & Media Relations, December is the only period when children are out of school.
“And, parents have mandatory office shutdowns (annual leave), making it the most practical time for a long trip.
“While, it can be expensive, early planning could save costs compared to last minute arrangement,” he said.
The father of three and his little family was in London last year, but this time round, he said they went to Legoland Malaysia, for a short getaway.
“It is just a short flight away from Kuching, the theme park provides a stress-free break where parents can unwind while children immerse themselves in fun, creativity and hands-on learning, that encourage creativity, problem-solving and imagination at an early age,” said Sahrein.
For Sharifah Hanisah Wan Zain, a 42-year-old government servant, a trip to Thailand is less of a holiday and more of a ritual.
She jokes that no matter where else she travels, she somehow always finds herself returning to Thailand.
“It’s like a routine. This January 2026, I am breaking the ritual, that is travelling to Tokyo. I must go on a Mario Cart ride in Tokyo and it is legal to drive it,” she laughed, adding that the country feels so familiar it’s almost like a second home.
Whether it’s the food, the shopping or the easygoing vibe, Thailand keeps calling her back, proving that some destinations do not just make good travel memories, they become happy habits.
The period between November and March has emerged as the most popular travel window for Malaysians, driven by a combination of longer holidays, year-long savings and a growing appetite for winter experiences.
December, in particular, stands out as the peak month as it coincides with extended school holidays, festive celebrations and year-end company shutdowns. After working and saving throughout the year, many Malaysians see this period as the ideal time to reward themselves and their families with overseas trips.
