Ringgit Kuat, Wallet Happy – Top 5 Countries You Should Travel to Right Now

Remember a few years back when the Ringgit was so weak that even a trip to Bangkok felt like a splurge? Well, 2026 is a different story. The Ringgit is now at its strongest level in nearly eight years — and if you’re not planning a trip, you’re honestly wasting this moment.

We’ve done the homework so you don’t have to. Here are the Top 5 countries where your Ringgit goes the furthest right now, and why you should be booking that flight ASAP.

1. Japan

Exchange rate glow-up: RM1 = 25 JPY (before) → RM1 = ~39 JPY (now)

That jump might not sound dramatic, but let’s make it real. A classic bowl of ramen priced at 999 yen used to cost you about RM40. Today? That same bowl costs you roughly RM25.60. That’s RM14 saved on one meal. Multiply that across 7 days of eating, shopping at Don Quijote, and buying matcha KitKats for everyone back home — and you’re talking about hundreds of Ringgit in savings.

Japan has always been a dream destination for Malaysians, but the cost used to be the one thing holding people back. Not anymore. A bowl of authentic ramen in Tokyo, cherry blossoms in Kyoto, snow in Hokkaido, or Universal Studios Japan in Osaka — all of it now fits into a much more comfortable budget.

Bonus: Flights from KL to Japan are plentiful and competitive, with AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines both offering regular routes.

Best for: Food lovers, anime fans, nature seekers, family trips

2. China

Exchange rate glow-up: RM1 = 1.50 CNY (before) → RM1 = ~1.70 CNY (now)

Small shift, big difference. A popular hotpot meal for two at 88 CNY used to cost around RM59. Now it comes to about RM52 — and when you’re eating out multiple times a day across a 10-day trip, those savings stack up fast. Hotel rooms, transport, and entrance fees to major attractions are all proportionally cheaper too.

On top of the better exchange rate, Malaysia enjoys a visa-free arrangement for stays up to 30 days — so there’s literally zero barrier to just going. Travel agencies are already seeing massive demand from Malaysians, with direct flights now opening up to cities beyond Beijing and Shanghai, including Guangzhou, Hefei, and Chengdu.

Best for: Culture buffs, budget travellers, first-timers wanting to explore beyond the usual cities

3. South Korea

Exchange rate glow-up: RM1 = 285 KRW (before) → RM1 = ~350 KRW (now)

Korean fried chicken is basically a religion in Korea, and a solid portion costs around 12,000 KRW. That used to set you back about RM42. Today the same order costs you roughly RM34. Now imagine that saving applied to your Myeongdong skincare haul, your Jeju hotel room, and your SMTOWN Museum ticket. The Won has weakened nicely against the Ringgit, and Malaysians are noticing.

K-pop, K-drama, Korean food — we already love everything Korean. 2026 is just the year to finally go experience it all live.

Best for: K-culture fans, shoppers, young travellers, food enthusiasts

4. Turkey

Exchange rate glow-up: RM1 = 5 TRY (before) → RM1 = ~10 TRY (now)

This is the wildcard on the list — and honestly, the most dramatic one. Turkey’s Lira has weakened so sharply over the past few years that your Ringgit now buys double what it used to. A generous kebab platter priced at 250 TRY that used to cost you RM50 now costs just RM25. Half price. For a full meal.

Think: stunning architecture in Istanbul, the magical fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, warm Mediterranean beaches, and world-famous Turkish cuisine — all at prices that will genuinely shock you (in a good way). Turkey is also a Muslim-majority country, so finding halal food is absolutely zero stress.

Best for: Muslim travellers, history lovers, couples, Instagram content creators

5. United Kingdom

Exchange rate glow-up: RM1 = £0.175 (before) → RM1 = ~£0.195 (now)

The British Pound is still the strong, expensive currency it’s always been — no sugarcoating that. But Malaysians are getting noticeably more Pounds per Ringgit than before. A classic £8 fish and chips by the Thames used to cost around RM46. Now it’s closer to RM41. Not earth-shattering on its own, but across flights, accommodation, and a week of exploring London — the difference adds up to a few hundred Ringgit easily.

And with a huge Malaysian diaspora already there, you’ll always find a familiar face, a mamak-style restaurant, or someone who knows where to get the best nasi lemak in London (yes, it exists).

Bonus: From the UK you can hop over to France, the Netherlands, or Belgium via Eurostar for just a short train ride — making it a great gateway to all of Europe.

Best for: Students, families visiting relatives abroad, first-time Europe travellers

Quick Recap: Before vs Now

Country	Before	Now	Real Example
🇯🇵 Japan	RM1 = 25 JPY	RM1 = ~39 JPY	999 yen ramen: RM40 → RM25.60
🇨🇳 China	RM1 = 1.50 CNY	RM1 = ~1.70 CNY	88 CNY hotpot: RM59 → RM52
🇰🇷 South Korea	RM1 = 285 KRW	RM1 = ~350 KRW	12,000 KRW fried chicken: RM42 → RM34
🇹🇷 Turkey	RM1 = 5 TRY	RM1 = ~10 TRY	250 TRY kebab: RM50 → RM25
🇬🇧 United Kingdom	RM1 = £0.175	RM1 = ~£0.195	£8 fish & chips: RM46 → RM41

The Ringgit won’t stay this strong forever — currency markets go up and down. So if you’ve been putting off that trip, 2026 might genuinely be your best window in years.

Book the flight. Pack the bag. Your Ringgit deserves this.

Note: Exchange rates are approximate and for illustrative purposes. Always check live rates before travelling.

Sources: TTG Asia, Apple Vacations Malaysia, Bank Negara Malaysia, MUFG Bank Research