Travel and stays interest in Malaysia surge ahead of major race event in October

With a major international motorsport race returning to Sepang from 2–4 October, Airbnb data points to a sharp rise in traveler interest for stays across Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding region.

Searches for Airbnb stays in Kuala Lumpur, Sepang, Selangor and surrounding areas for event dates 2–4 October 2026 increased by more than 160% year-on-year.¹ The rise reflects a broader shift towards experience-led travel, with festivals, sporting events and concerts increasingly shaping where people go and how they plan their trips.

International travelers are putting Malaysia in the front row

The event is drawing attention from Malaysians and travelers abroad. International guests accounted for approximately three-quarters of search interest for stays around Kuala Lumpur and Sepang, while Malaysia guests made up the remaining quarter.¹

The strongest international interest came from Singapore, China, Indonesia, Australia, the United Kingdom, as well as the United States, highlighting the broad regional and global appeal of major sporting occasions.¹

Travelers are positioning themselves closer to the action and staying longer

Within the surrounding areas, Kuala Lumpur accounted for more than 60% of searches, followed by Sepang at almost 25% alongside Petaling and Hulu Langat.¹ This suggests that while travelers are looking towards Sepang and neighbouring areas for stays closer to the event venue and airport, Kuala Lumpur remains the main base for visitors.

Rather than making a quick pit stop, travelers appear to be planning a longer visit in Malaysia around the event. Approximately 80% of searches are extending beyond the race weekend with the median intended length of stay reaching nearly six nights.¹ 

Two-person trips led search activity at more than one-third of searches. Together, searches for two or more guests made up close to seven in ten, showing how couples, friends and small groups plan to experience the event together while making time for Malaysia's food, culture, shopping and attractions.¹

Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s Country Head for India and Southeast Asia, said, “Travel today is increasingly shaped by experiences. People are making plans around concerts, festivals, sporting events and other occasions that bring communities together, and these experiences can create new opportunities for destinations to welcome visitors. From Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant city experiences to local attractions, Airbnb gives travelers the flexibility to plan a stay around the experiences, whether that means making a weekend of it or exploring more of the destination beyond the events.”

Airbnb and Mastercard bring more value to Malaysian travelers

As travel demand builds, Airbnb is also giving Airbnb guests in Malaysia more value on their next getaway. Through a new partnership with Mastercard, eligible CIMB Mastercard credit card holders in Malaysia can receive up to 10% off Airbnb bookings with a minimum spend of RM600, from 15 September 2026 to 31 December 2026, when paying with their CIMB Mastercard credit card.²