Agoda Highlights Malaysia’s Iconic Peaks This Merdeka Day

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- As Malaysia gears up for Merdeka Day celebrations, the nation has another reason to celebrate as digital travel platform Agoda’s latest booking data revealed that Kuala Lumpur is the fifth most popular international destination for the first half of 2024, behind Tokyo, Bangkok, Osaka and Seoul.

The accommodation ranking highlights Tokyo's appeal as a leading destination for travellers, with its blend of modernity and tradition attracting a diverse range of visitors. Bangkok, known for its vibrant street life and cultural landmarks, secured the second spot, while Osaka's culinary scene and historical sites placed it third.

Seoul and Kuala Lumpur, known for their unique cultural experiences and urban attractions, completed the top five.

In a statement, Agoda Senior Vice President of Supply, Andrew Smith was quoted as saying that the popularity of these Asian cities underscores their unique appeal to a wide range of travellers.

“Each destination offers a unique blend of experiences that cater to a wide range of travellers, and at Agoda, we offer great value deals for these top destinations and many others, helping travellers see the world for less,” he said. 

Meanwhile, zooming into Malaysia, the statement said the country’s appeal to international travellers extends beyond its capital with Johor Bahru, Penang, Kota Kinabalu, and Melaka being the top domestic destinations on Agoda for international travellers.

Therefore, in celebrating the country’s ranking this Merdeka, Agoda is showcasing Malaysia’s “peaks” across the nation, with each top spot offering a unique story of triumph, heritage, natural beauty and spectacular views.

The first in the list is Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, a 118-story skyscraper standing at 678.9 meters, making it the world’s second-tallest building. Its spire reaches 700.9 meters above sea level, the tallest in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, and offers panoramic views from its observation deck near Stadium Merdeka.

Next is Gunung Ledang or Mount Ophir, in Johor, which rises to 1,276 meters, making it the highest peak in the state and known for its stunning landscapes and the Legend of Gunung Ledang, attracting visitors and inspiring the film “Puteri Gunung Ledang”.

Up north, the Penang Hill, part of the UNESCO-recognised Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve and Malaysia’s third World Network of Biosphere Reserves, offers natural beauty and historical charm with its hill resort status since the late 18th century and features the Penang Hill Railway, a funicular operational since 1924 and recently upgraded in 2010.

Then there is Mount Kinabalu, standing at 4,095 meters, being Malaysia’s highest peak and the third-highest island peak globally. Located in Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is renowned for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural scenery.

Lastly, the Taming Sari Tower in Melaka, at 110 meters, provides 360-degree panoramic views of the city, including UNESCO World Heritage sites. Named after the mythical Taming Sari keris, its rotating observation deck offers breathtaking aerial views.

In celebration of Merdeka Day on August 31, Agoda invites travellers to explore these iconic peaks, each showcasing Malaysia’s heritage and natural beauty.

Agoda’s platform provides over 4.5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, offering great value deals and a seamless booking experience.

-- BERNAMA