By Vincent D’Silva

DESARU: As the long holiday break and school holidays converge, the familiar rhythm of family travel is returning strongly to Desaru, with hotels and resorts recording encouraging demand from Malaysians seeking rest, recreation and meaningful time together.

At Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa, the response has been positive, especially from families and leisure travellers looking for a convenient seaside escape without the complications of long-distance travel.

Indra Gandhi Rengasamy Pillai, Group Operation Director and Legal Advisor of Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa, said bookings have been encouraging as families take advantage of the extended break.

“So far, the response has been quite encouraging. With the long holiday and school holidays happening at the same time, we are seeing a good increase in bookings, especially from the family and leisure segments,” she said.

“We are also expecting more last-minute bookings closer to the holiday period.”

Her remarks reflect a broader shift in domestic travel, where holidays are no longer viewed merely as a change of scenery, but as an important pause from the pressures of daily life.

For many Malaysian families, the school break has become a time to reconnect, rest the mind, reward children after busy school terms and create memories that often matter more than the destination itself.

Indra Gandhi said this changing attitude is becoming increasingly visible in the way Malaysians travel.

“Yes, we are seeing some noticeable shifts in travel behaviour among Malaysians. Families today are placing greater importance on quality time, mental well-being and creating meaningful experiences together rather than just taking a holiday,” she said.

“We are seeing stronger demand for short getaways, family-friendly destinations and resorts that offer a balance of relaxation and activities for all age groups.”

At the same time, she said travellers are becoming more careful and value-conscious in their spending decisions. Families, she added, are looking for packages with added value, bundled experiences and destinations where they can enjoy several facilities in one location.

“Resorts like Lotus Desaru are appealing because families can enjoy accommodation, beach activities, waterpark experiences and quality bonding time without needing extensive travel arrangements,” she said.

Located along Desaru’s popular coastline, Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa continues to attract domestic travellers with its beachside setting, family-friendly facilities and spacious accommodation.

Indra Gandhi said one of the resort’s main attractions during the holiday period is its Splash Waterpark, which remains a favourite among families, especially during school holidays and long weekends.

“It offers a fun and convenient experience for parents and children to enjoy quality time together within the resort itself,” she said.
Beyond the waterpark, guests are also drawn to the resort’s private beach access, apartment-style suites and various recreational and outdoor activities.

For families travelling in groups or across generations, such facilities are increasingly important. Parents want convenience, children want excitement, and grandparents often prefer comfort and ease. Resorts that can bring these needs together under one destination are gaining stronger appeal.

“In addition to the waterpark, guests are also attracted by our private beach access, spacious apartment-style suites suitable for families and groups, as well as various recreational and outdoor activities available around the resort,” she said.

“Many travellers today prefer destinations that offer a complete holiday experience in one location, allowing them to relax, unwind and create meaningful family moments without extensive travel arrangements.”

Although consumers remain cautious with spending, domestic tourism continues to show resilience. Malaysians are still travelling, but many are choosing more carefully, weighing value, convenience and experience before confirming their plans.

Indra Gandhi said Lotus Desaru has adapted by focusing on what guests truly appreciate during a family holiday.

“Travellers today are more selective — they are looking for destinations that provide good value and complete experiences in one place,” she said.

“At Lotus Desaru Beach Resort & Spa, we adapt by focusing on what guests truly value. Families especially appreciate having everything conveniently within the resort, from our Splash Waterpark and private beach access to spacious apartment-style suites and recreational activities for all ages.”

Dining, she added, has also become an important part of the family holiday experience.

“Guests enjoy having a variety of food options within the resort, whether for breakfast, family meals, or relaxing after a day of activities,” she said.

The resort is also seeing a mixture of early planners and last-minute holidaymakers. While some families prefer to secure their dates in advance, others are waiting until closer to the break before making travel decisions.

“Yes, we are noticing a trend of more last-minute bookings, especially during long holiday periods and school breaks,” Indra Gandhi said.

“However, at the same time, many families still prefer to plan their holidays in advance to secure their preferred travel dates and accommodation arrangements.”

She said some guests are also choosing to extend their stays, turning what might once have been a quick overnight visit into a more relaxed family retreat.

“Rather than quick overnight trips, families are choosing slightly longer stays to enjoy more quality time together and fully experience the facilities available within the resort, including Splash Waterpark, beach activities, dining experiences and recreational offerings,” she said.

Looking ahead to Visit Malaysia 2026, Indra Gandhi believes domestic tourism will remain a vital pillar for the hospitality industry, even as international arrivals continue to grow.

“Domestic tourism will definitely continue to play an important role in supporting the hospitality industry as we move towards Visit Malaysia 2026,” she said.

“Over the years, we have seen how local travellers have become a strong and reliable market, especially during weekends, school holidays, festive periods and long breaks.”

She said Malaysians are now more willing to rediscover destinations within their own country, especially when travel can offer emotional value, family connection and memorable experiences.

“Domestic travel is no longer seen as just a short escape — it has become an important part of lifestyle and family bonding,” she said.

As the holiday season draws families once again towards the coast, Desaru’s appeal lies not only in its sea and sand, but in something quieter and more lasting — the laughter of children at the waterpark, the comfort of shared meals, slow evening walks by the beach, and the simple joy of families finding time for one another.