The Hunt for Affordable Year-End Getaways
As the year draws to a close, the global tourism industry witnesses a significant surge. Catering to the needs of budget-conscious travelers, Agoda has unveiled the most cost-effective destinations in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region for the final 10 days of the year.
The Data Dive
Agoda’s meticulous analysis of average room rates from 22nd to 31st December reveals that Kuching, Sarawak stands out as Malaysia’s most budget-friendly tourist hotspot, with an average room rate of RM 282.
Top 10 Wallet-Friendly Destinations
According to Agoda, spanning in the vast APAC region, top 10 the destinations offering the lowest average accommodation rates include:
- Hat Yai, Thailand
- Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Kuching, Malaysia
- Dalat, Vietnam
- Goa, India
- Baguio, Philippines
- Nagoya, Japan
- Taichung, Taiwan
- Melbourne, Australia
- Busan, South Korea
Rates fluctuate between RM 202 in Hat Yai to RM 742 in Busan.
Cleland Robertson, Director of Partner Services – Malaysia and Brunei at Agoda, commented, “2023 has seen a great resurgence in travel across Asia as people reconnect with friends, family and loved ones and that special end-of-year holiday window is likely to be no different. But whether you’re on a solo adventure or making memories with loved ones, traveling during peak season means higher demand, so finding that special bargain can make all the difference. By highlighting the tourist destinations with the most affordable average accommodation rates, Agoda helps travelers, whatever their budget, celebrate the year-end in style.”
More Than Just Savings
While these destinations are light on the pocket, they are rich in experiences. From bustling beaches, thrilling theme parks, spiritual sanctuaries, to gastronomic paradises, each location offers a unique blend of attractions. Here’s a sneak peek into what each destination has in store:
Hat Yai, Thailand: Trendy coffee shops, vibrant nightlife, and the Central Festival Hatyai shopping mall’s festive events.
Yogyakarta, Indonesia: Dive deep into Javanese culture and witness the Yogyakarta Night Festival’s fireworks.
Kuching, Malaysia: Experience the festive wonderland along the Kuching Waterfront and the annual Kuching Christmas parade.
Dalat, Vietnam: A winter wonderland with attractions like the Crazy House and Xuan Huong Lake.
Goa, India: From pristine beaches to the Bonderam festival and the serene Dudhasagar Waterfalls.
Baguio, Philippines: UNESCO Creative City with a thriving thrifting scene and delicious strawberries.
Nagoya, Japan: Winter illuminations in Nabana no Sato botanical garden and the Sakae and Osu districts.
Taichung, Taiwan: The Lishan Guguan Light Art Festival and a mix of cultural and natural attractions.
Melbourne, Australia: From Christmas markets to the Australian Open Tennis Tournament.
Busan, South Korea: Gwangalli Marvelous Drone Light Show and the serene Dalmaji-gil Road.
Also read: MDEC and Acxyn Forge Strategic Partnership to Propel Malaysia’s Web3 Revolution
Maximizing Your Travel Budget with Agoda
In addition to spotlighting affordable destinations, Agoda equips travelers with tools like Price Freeze, Price Alerts, and shopping cart discounts, ensuring a memorable travel experience without straining the wallet.