Solo travel has emerged as a mainstream choice in Malaysia, with 94% of respondents saying they intend to travel alone and 61% having already done so, according to a new survey.
The findings revealed that six in 10 Malaysians took multiple solo trips in the past year, with nearly one-third embarking on three or more. Millennials made up the largest group of current and aspiring solo travellers at 38%.
Freedom and flexibility were cited as the main motivations by 56% of respondents, while 53% said solo travel offered them a break to focus on themselves. Almost half valued the independence of exploring at their own pace.
In addition, 86% of Malaysians recommended solo travel to others, with many seeing it as an avenue for self-discovery and wellbeing. The trend was also linked to a wider lifestyle shift, reflecting demands at work and the growing emphasis on personal wellness.
The study showed solo travellers are highly intentional in planning, with 95% preparing for their trips. Budget management (56%), accommodation (52%) and safety (51%) were the top considerations, while online platforms and social media were the most relied upon for bookings and recommendations.
Looking ahead, most Malaysians prefer destinations within Asia-Pacific, with nine in 10 planning regional trips over the next year. Domestically, Malaysia ranked as the top choice with 36% opting for local travel, followed by Thailand (25%), Japan (23%) and Indonesia (22%).
Popular types of solo trips included cultural and historical experiences (46%), city breaks (43%), beach holidays (42%) and nature getaways (41%). Affordable travel remained a priority, with 70% choosing economy class and 28% preferring low-cost carriers.
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