Airbnb Southeast Asia and India country head Amanpreet Bajaj said the findings showed that many Malaysians viewed being a good guest as second nature.
PETALING JAYA: Being a considerate guest is not merely about following house rules but it also reflects Malaysian values of respect, responsibility and consideration for others, with 85% of Malaysians saying respectful behaviour during homestay visits is highly important, according to a new Airbnb survey.
The survey commissioned by Airbnb found that nine in 10 Malaysians who stayed in a homestay within the past year considered themselves good or excellent guests.
Among 1,000 respondents aged between 18 and 45, common sense (61%), respect for hosts (60%) and personal values (59%) were the top reasons behind responsible guest behaviour, while 82% said they would feel bad if their actions disturbed neighbours.
Airbnb Southeast Asia and India country head Amanpreet Bajaj said the findings showed that many Malaysians viewed being a good guest as second nature.
“Many Malaysians already see being a good guest as second nature, not a rule they follow but a value they carry with them.”
He said two-thirds of Malaysians treated homestays like their own homes, with some going beyond basic expectations by washing dishes, taking out rubbish, leaving thank-you notes and tidying spaces beyond what was required.
“The bigger opportunity is helping international guests arrive at the same understanding that Malaysian travellers already have.”
Amanpreet said travellers should understand local customs and neighbourhood norms, such as respecting quiet hours, removing shoes before entering homes and being mindful when bringing strong-smelling foods such as durians into shared spaces.
He said to promote responsible travel, Airbnb will introduce its Good Guest Guide from August for first-time international guests booking stays in Malaysia, offering practical tips on local customs and neighbourhood etiquette.
The survey also found that Malaysian travellers actively practise responsible guest behaviour.
Around 60% of respondents said they consistently kept noise levels low after dark, parked without blocking others, followed house rules and disposed of rubbish properly.
Meanwhile, 66% said they treated homestays like their own homes, with many reporting that they washed dishes before checking out, took out rubbish and tidied the space.
Some also went the extra mile by leaving thank-you notes, watering plants and cleaning areas beyond what they had used.
The survey found that 77% regularly checked house rules before or at the beginning of their stay, not because they were required to but because they wanted to ensure they behaved appropriately.
With Malaysia currently in durian season, the survey explored how travellers handle the challenge of bringing the country’s favourite fruit into shared accommodation spaces.
Nearly eight in 10 respondents said they would ask their host first, consume durian outside or avoid bringing it into shared spaces altogether to not disturb others.
Airbnb said the response reflected how Malaysians often rely on social awareness and consideration rather than strict rules when interacting with others.
Amanpreet said home-sharing has become an increasingly vital part of Malaysia’s tourism ecosystem.
According to the Statistics Department, more than 71,000 holiday homes were operating nationwide in 2025, generating about RM2.2 billion in revenue.
Amanpreet added that Airbnb internal data showed nights stayed in non-urban destinations increased by 15% in 2025, helping to direct visitors beyond traditional tourism hotspots and into local communities.
“Maintaining trust with communities remains crucial as the sector continues to grow.
“We want to ensure growth is felt positively by guests, hosts and the neighbourhoods that welcome them.”
He stressed that Airbnb continues to provide resources including its basic ground rules for guests and hosts, a Guide to Responsible Hosting in Buildings, a Code of Conduct for short-term rentals and reference by-laws developed with Zaid Ibrahim and Co.
The platform also uses reservation screening technology, a neighbourhood support line, a global disruptive party ban and 24-hour assistance in English, Mandarin and Bahasa Melayu for hosts and guests.
For Airbnb host Lis, who operates a homestay in Langkawi, maintaining a balance between providing guests with a comfortable stay and respecting the surrounding community begins with setting clear expectations from the start.
She said welcoming guests upon arrival and explaining the unique experience of staying close to nature helps visitors better understand the environment they are entering.
“Our Airbnb home is surrounded by nature, so the experience is naturally very different from staying in a hotel in the city.
“Guests may wake up to birds singing in the morning, hear insects at night or hear our dogs barking when they sense wildlife nearby.
“These are all part of living close to nature, and when guests understand the environment they are staying in, they are more likely to appreciate it rather than be surprised.”
Lis said simple house guidelines, such as observing quiet hours between 11pm and 7am, avoiding parties and respecting the environment, are shared with guests before their arrival.
“These guidelines are not about restricting guests but about helping them understand the environment they are staying in and setting clear expectations from the beginning.
“We encourage guests to respect nature, be mindful of the surrounding community and treat the home as they would their own.”
She added that the most memorable guests are those who show genuine curiosity and interest in experiencing the local way of life, rather than simply using the accommodation as a place to stay.
“One memory that has stayed with me is a guest who arrived looking completely exhausted, but after spending a few days here, they told me it was the first time in a long while they had truly slowed down.
“They spent their mornings listening to the birds, playing with our dogs, cats and geese on the farm, and enjoying simple conversations with us over breakfast.”
Lis said such experiences highlighted how mutual respect between hosts and guests could create meaningful connections.
“Often, it is the small things that make the biggest difference, such as following house guidelines, communicating openly, treating the home with care and showing appreciation for the surroundings.
“These simple gestures build trust and help guests feel less like visitors and more like part of the community, even if it is only for a few days.”
Airbnb internal data showed that more than 97% of stays in Malaysia between March 2025 and March 2026 were completed without complaints or reported issues.
It also recorded a 40% increase in “Guest Favourite” listings between March 2024 and March 2026, recognising homes that consistently deliver positive guest experiences.
