European travellers searching for summer stays in Malaysia are looking beyond the capital. Agoda’s latest accommodation search data shows Kuala Lumpur, the Perhentian Islands and Langkawi were the three most-searched Malaysian destinations for July and August 2026.
Malaysia ranked fifth among Asian destinations searched by European travellers, behind Thailand, Indonesia, Japan and Vietnam. France generated the most searches for Malaysia, followed by the UK, Spain, Italy and Germany.
Kuala Lumpur held onto the top spot for a second consecutive year. The capital offers a mix of major attractions, shopping and food, with places such as the Petronas Twin Towers, Aquaria KLCC, Central Market and Petaling Street among the main stops. Jalan Alor is also a popular choice for evening street food.
The Perhentian Islands ranked second, offering a different type of trip. The islands are known for snorkelling, diving and boat trips, with accommodation options close to the beach. The focus here is largely on the sea and outdoor activities.
Langkawi came in third, also retaining its position from 2025. While its beaches remain a major draw, the island also offers activities beyond the coast. Visitors can take the Langkawi SkyCab, explore Kilim Karst Geoforest Park by boat or visit Tanjung Rhu. Langkawi is also a UNESCO Global Geopark, known for its mangroves and limestone landscapes.
The rest of the top 10 brings more destinations into the picture. Penang and Redang Island remained in fourth and fifth place, matching their positions last year.
Sabah then took three spots, with Kota Kinabalu staying sixth for a second year, Semporna entering the ranking at seventh and Sandakan rising from 10th in 2025 to eighth in 2026. Tioman Island ranked ninth, followed by Malacca in 10th.
The data also indicate stronger search interest in several smaller European markets. Searches from Bosnia and Herzegovina doubled compared with the same period in 2025, while searches from Lithuania and Türkiye were about 1.4 times higher than in the same period in 2025.
The rankings are based on Agoda accommodation searches for stays in July and August 2026. They show where European travellers were searching for places to stay, rather than confirmed bookings or actual visitor numbers. For European travellers planning a Malaysia trip, the rankings point to a broad mix of destinations.
