Travel demand is on the rise across Asia-Pacific, with more travelers eager to explore new destinations and seek meaningful experiences. According to Traveloka, Southeast Asia’s leading all-in-one travel platform, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam emerged as the top three most-searched destinations by millions of APAC travelers during the EPIC Sale 2025, which ran from April 11 to May 5 and offered discounts of up to 60% on flights, accommodations, and experiences.
Launched simultaneously across seven key APAC markets, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and Australia, the EPIC Sale not only delivered unbeatable deals but also provided insights into shifting travel preferences. Beyond the numbers, the campaign reflects a larger trend: travelers are looking to make the most of long weekends and school holidays, with a rising interest in destinations that offer cultural discovery, nature escapes, and family-friendly experiences.
Traveloka’s EPIC Sale Insights: Top Destination Picks Unveiled
In addition to Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, Traveloka EPIC Sale recorded that international destinations like Japan, Malaysia, and Singapore remained popular choices for APAC travelers. Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Penang, Kuching and Langkawi continued to attract strong interest from Malaysian travelers as the top domestic destinations. This reflects a strong enthusiasm for both global adventures and local explorations. Highest searches for international destinations are Japan, South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, Vietnam and China.
Leisure travel and staycations continue to rise, indicating a growing preference for nearby travel with a more flexible itinerary. Based on accommodation searches, Traveloka observed high interest among Malaysian travelers in destinations such as Melaka, Cameron Highlands, Johor Bahru, Penang, Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur, with Kuantan seeing an increase as well. These locations were favored for short getaways, typically 3 days 2 nights stays to relax, enjoy local cuisine, and explore family-friendly experiences. This aligns with a broader shift toward more conscious travel, where convenience and affordability play a greater role.
While flights remain a top choice for long-distance travel, accommodation preferences are becoming more diverse. During the EPIC Sale, the top five accommodation types booked by Malaysian travelers were hotels, resorts, apartments, villas, and guesthouses. This mix indicates a rising preference for flexible lodging that can suit various travel styles, from solo traveler, couples, families and groups.
More Than Just a Trip, Travelers Making Every Journey Count
Baidi Li, Vice President of Commercial, Travel Activities at Traveloka, said, “Today’s travelers are increasingly focused on value—measured not just in price, but in relevance, flexibility, and the quality of experience. Through initiatives like EPIC Sale, we help partners respond to these evolving expectations by connecting them with the right customers through timely and personalized offerings. This campaign not only drove strong engagement across key markets, but also strengthened our role as a trusted partner in helping brands grow their visibility and reach through data-driven, customer-centric solutions.”
During the EPIC Sale, Traveloka also reported a clear shift in traveler behavior: users were no longer just booking trips, they were curating experiences. In Malaysia, this was reflected in the surge of interest for activities such as Genting Skyworlds, Discovery Park at Gamuda Cove, Wonderpark Melaka, KLCC Aquaria, and Berjaya Square Theme Park. In addition, cruise travel gained notable traction, with more users exploring unique seafaring getaways that combine leisure, exploration, and cultural enrichment.
From cultural performances to family-friendly attractions and all-inclusive cruise experiences, travelers are increasingly seeking out journeys that offer deeper meaning and lasting memories.
Chad Grospe, Vice President & Managing Director – APAC, Royal Caribbean International, said, “Today’s travelers are placing greater value on meaningful vacation experiences and seeking out journeys that create lasting memories. That’s why they turn to trusted platforms like Traveloka – partners who offer quality, curated travel experiences with seamless convenience. Our collaboration with Traveloka has allowed us to reach more travelers across the region, inspiring them to explore Royal Caribbean’s unique vacations both close to home and around the world. We’re proud to be part of their travel stories, helping to make every trip more exciting, meaningful, and unforgettable.”
To make the most of upcoming holidays, Traveloka encourages travelers to stay smart and save more by keeping an eye out for ongoing promotions, which offer significant discounts on flights, hotels, and attractions. Whether exploring nearby cities, discovering hidden gems within the country, or traveling to international destinations, these deals provide the opportunity to create unforgettable experiences every step of the way.
