Most Searched Travel Destinations For 2011 On Yahoo! Malaysia

MALAYSIA, 12 JANUARY, 2012 – Want to know the most popular travel searches for 2011 in Malaysia? The Yahoo! Search editorial team deep dived into the search logs to reveal the most popular travel spot that Malaysians checked online on Yahoo! before they embarked on a travel destination of their choice.

“Malaysia has some great travel spots that lure both Malaysians and international travelers. It has an ideal combination of islands, highlands and rain forests that provide great get-away destinations for travel-seekers. Yahoo! Search Trends consolidated the overall searches for travel for the entire year of 2011 and found that the top spot for travel was the Island of Tioman which was the most searched in Yahoo! Malaysia, followed by Langkawi and the Cameron Highlands,” said Zul Rejab, Editorial Manager, Search Content Analysis.

Here are the Top 10 travel destination searches on Yahoo! Malaysia for 2011:
1. Pulau Tioman: This small island in the state of Pahang is 32 km off the coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Its coral reefs, dense forests, and sparse population have made Tioman an increasingly popular getaway from the usual getaway destinations.

2. Pulau Langkawi: Located 30 km off the northern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, this island is part of an archipelago of 104 islands. Langkawi's main attractions include numerous beaches, duty-free shopping, and a steep cable car ride.

3. Cameron Highlands: Covering an area of over 700 square km, the Cameron Highlands in northern Malaysia are a famous weekend retreat for Malaysians. Its quaint townships, tea and agricultural farms, and chalets offer an experience vastly different from city life.

4. Pulau Redang: One of the largest islands off Malaysia's eastern coast, the island is part of an archipelago rich in marine life like sea turtles. A marine park was established around Redang, aimed at protecting these animals and other species.

5. Pulau Pangkor: Pulau Pangkor, off the coast of Perak state, is only 8 square km in size. However, it is bustling because of its fishing and aquaculture industries.

6. Pulau Perhentian: The Perhentian Islands off northeastern Malaysia are a draw because of their beaches and marine life. The whole area is protected, so only non-disruptive activities like sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling or scuba-diving are allowed there.

7. Genting: The Genting Highlands Resort, an hour's drive from the capital Kuala Lumpur, feature six hotels, a cable car system, theme parks, and a convention centre, among others.

8. Pulau Kapas: Kapas, an island 6 kilometers off the coast of Terengganu, is best visited between April and October when the monsoon rains aren't in season and the waters are calm. The island is known for its snorkeling and beach activities.

9. Port Dickson: This popular tourist destination in the state of Negeri Sembilan attracts those who love beaches, seafood, and yachting. It is on mainland Malaysia, so is accessible by bus and car from Kuala Lumpur and other cities.

10. Penang: An island and state at the same time, Penang is home to a highly diverse population, resulting to a rich history, culture, and cuisine. Its numerous beaches, parks, and other attractions welcome hordes of tourists year-round.