Tourist arrivals to Malaysia have skyrocketed in the early months of 2025, signaling a powerful resurgence in the country’s travel industry. In just January and February, 6.7 million international visitors entered Malaysia—marking a remarkable 31.3% increase compared to the same period last year.
Even more impressively, this surge puts Malaysia 14.5% ahead of its pre-pandemic performance in 2019. The country’s rebound is not only steady, but it’s also breaking records. Last year, Malaysia welcomed 38 million tourists, up from 29 million in 2023, and surpassing its 2019 milestone by more than 3 million arrivals.
Neighboring Singapore continues to be the top source of tourists, contributing a massive 3.1 million visitors in the first two months of 2025 alone. Other major markets include China, Indonesia, Thailand, and Brunei—each playing a key role in Malaysia’s tourism revival.
The momentum builds on Malaysia’s broader tourism strategy, which aims to position the country as a vibrant and diverse destination for global travelers. **Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan**, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, emphasized the success of ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility, promotion, and visitor experience across the nation.
“Last year, Malaysia recorded 38 million tourist arrivals, a significant 31.1% increase compared to the 29 million recorded in 2023. It also surpassed the pre-pandemic record of 35 million arrivals in 2019 by 8.3%,” he noted in a recent statement.
Sandakan Steps into the Spotlight
As international tourism booms, domestic travel is also getting a fresh boost. In collaboration with the Sandakan Tourism Association (STAN), Tourism Malaysia has just unveiled a new promotional tool: A Guide to Sandakan.
This freshly launched brochure highlights Sandakan, a coastal town in Sabah, as a destination that blends nature, culture, and adventure in one memorable escape. Known for its wildlife experiences—from orangutan sanctuaries to encounters with Bornean Sun Bears—Sandakan is being reintroduced as a key gateway to Sabah under the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.
The brochure offers more than a list of attractions; it presents an immersive invitation to explore lush rainforests, diverse flora and fauna, and rich culinary traditions. Whether it’s trekking through the jungle, tasting local seafood, or learning about Sabah’s indigenous heritage, Sandakan is being positioned as a go-to for travelers seeking something different from Malaysia’s urban centers.
“From cosying up with the orangutan in the wild to getting up close with Bornean Sun Bears, the mascot of VM2026, Sandakan offers a unique blend of wildlife encounters and adventure,” said Khairul Firdaus.
Designed for both domestic and international tourists, the guide is now available at key travel points such as airports and through travel agencies, making it easier for potential visitors to plan their weekend getaways or longer Sabah adventures.
This targeted campaign reflects a broader trend: travelers in 2025 are increasingly seeking authentic, nature-based experiences with a cultural twist. And Malaysia, with its varied landscapes and welcoming communities, seems ready to deliver.
With rising visitor numbers and new regional campaigns like the Sandakan guidebook gaining traction, Malaysia is proving that it’s not just back on the global travel map—it’s setting new standards. The year 2025 could well become the benchmark for Malaysia’s next tourism chapter.
