Malaysia Named Asia's Most Loved Destination, Ahead of Singapore, Japan

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Malaysia has been declared the most loved country in Asia, according to a new survey by American financial site, Insider Monkey. The nation, known for its diverse mix of cultures, defeated Singapore and several popular destinations among Western tourists, including Thailand and Japan.

Insider Monkey compiled a list of Asian countries and ranked them based on several metrics including respect, friendliness, diversity, democracy, and the number of foreign tourists. The survey revealed 20 Asian countries that are the most popular vacation destinations.

Malaysia topped the list, followed by Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, Indonesia is ranked 12th.

According to the site, Malaysia is a great example of unity and friendliness.  “It is a preferred destination for tourists eager to immerse themselves in the diverse cultures of its local communities. Malaysia's hospitality and friendliness enhance this cultural exploration, making it a memorable experience for visitors,” as quoted from the website.

Malaysia logs 29 million foreign tourist visits

Malaysia recorded nearly 29 million foreign tourist arrivals last year, making it the most popular tourist destination in Southeast Asia. The number was dominated by tourists from Singapore, reaching 8.3 million, followed by Indonesians, Thais, Chinese, and Bruneians, according to news site Focus Malaysia.

Recently, Malaysia relaxed its visa requirements for tourists from major economies, including China and India, for 30 days, hoping to achieve its goal of attracting 27.3 million international tourists this year.

VN EXPRESS | THE STAR 

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