From Kazakhstan to Java, M’sians are exploring new travel horizons

Forget the usual shopping trips and beach holidays. Malaysians appear to be widening their travel horizons, with destinations offering mountain adventures, ancient temples and cultural discoveries attracting growing attention.

From the snow-capped peaks surrounding Almaty in Kazakhstan to the centuries-old wonders of Borobudur in Indonesia, travellers are apparently showing interest in experiences that go beyond conventional holiday itineraries.

According to Traveloka’s Southeast Asia Index released earlier this month, searches from Malaysia for Almaty surged 106% year-on-year during the third quarter of the year.

Meanwhile, accommodation bookings from Malaysia to the Indonesian destinations of Magelang and Yogyakarta also increased, reflecting growing interest in the region’s celebrated cultural landmarks.

The findings, based on the travel platform’s booking and search data between July and September, offer a glimpse of destinations capturing Malaysians’ imagination.

Almaty: A mountain escape with a difference

Nestled at the foot of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, Almaty offers scenery that feels worlds apart from Malaysia’s tropical landscapes.

Kazakhstan’s former capital combines leafy boulevards, lively cafés and cultural attractions with easy access to spectacular natural surroundings.

Just outside the city, visitors can explore the mountainous landscapes of Ile-Alatau National Park, while the turquoise waters of Big Almaty Lake make for a memorable excursion.

Those seeking winter adventures can head to Shymbulak, a mountain resort known for skiing and snowboarding, while the Medeu high-altitude skating rink is another popular attraction.

Almaty’s appeal also extends to its markets, museums and food culture, where Central Asian traditions mingle with Russian and other regional influences.

The destination comes with another advantage: Malaysian passport holders can visit Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 days.

Java: Where history comes alive

Closer to home, Indonesia’s Central Java offers a different kind of adventure, one shaped by ancient civilisations, religious traditions and remarkable architecture.

Traveloka reported growing accommodation bookings from Malaysia to Magelang and Yogyakarta, two destinations associated with some of Indonesia’s most celebrated historical sites.

Near Magelang stands Borobudur, one of the world’s greatest Buddhist monuments and a Unesco World Heritage Site. Built during the eighth and ninth centuries, the massive stone structure features tiered terraces, intricate relief carvings and 72 perforated stupas containing Buddha statues.

Its architecture reflects Buddhist cosmology, turning a walk through the monument into a journey rich with religious and philosophical meaning.

Not far from Yogyakarta lies another Unesco-listed treasure: Prambanan, Indonesia’s largest temple complex dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Its towering spires and elaborate stone carvings, including scenes from the Ramayana epic, provide a striking contrast to Borobudur’s Buddhist architecture.

Beyond the temples, visitors can discover Yogyakarta’s traditional batik workshops, bustling markets and Javanese performing arts, making the region an appealing destination for those who enjoy combining sightseeing with cultural experiences.

Of course, travellers should keep an eye on local conditions, as Yogyakarta and parts of Central Java remain unusually dry and susceptible to wildfires ahead of a delayed rainy season, even though widespread haze is currently more concentrated elsewhere in Indonesia.

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