How to choose a travel agency in Malaysia (2026)
Use a travel agency licensed by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) under the Tourism Industry Act 1992, and check that its licence covers the service you are buying, such as outbound tours or ticketing. Umrah packages need specific approval. Ask for a written itinerary with inclusions, payment schedule and cancellation terms, and consider travel insurance.
Last updated 31 October 2026 · See the Top 10 travel agencies in Malaysia →
Typical costs in Malaysia (2026)
| Item | Typical range / basis |
|---|---|
| Air ticket booking service fee | Often RM20–RM100 per ticket |
| Regional group tour | RM2,000–RM6,000 per person |
| Long-haul group tour | RM6,000–RM20,000 per person |
| Umrah package | Commonly RM6,000–RM15,000 per person |
| Travel insurance | Often RM50–RM400 per trip |
Editorial estimates from published rate cards and quotes. Always get written quotes.
Licence or registration to check
Travel agencies must be licensed by MOTAC under the Tourism Industry Act 1992, with licence categories for inbound, outbound and ticketing. Umrah operators need additional MOTAC approval.
Checklist before you hire
- Check the MOTAC licence number and its category
- For umrah, confirm the agency is approved for umrah
- Get a written itinerary with inclusions and exclusions
- Check payment schedule and refund terms
- Ask about tipping, visa and fuel surcharges
- Buy travel insurance that covers cancellation
Questions to ask
- What is your MOTAC licence number?
- Is the tour guaranteed to depart, and with how many people?
- Which hotels and airlines are confirmed?
- What happens if the trip is cancelled?
- Are there any extra charges at the destination?
Red flags
- No MOTAC licence number on materials
- Prices far below others for the same trip
- Requests to pay into a personal bank account
- Vague hotel names or 'similar' with no detail
Top-ranked travel agencies right now
- Five A Travel & Tours — George Town, category score 99
- AF Travel (Johor Bahru) — Johor Bahru, category score 90
- ACE Tours & Travel (PG) — George Town, category score 88
FAQ
How do I check an agency's licence?
Ask for the licence number and check it with MOTAC's published list of licensed agencies.
Should I pay in full upfront?
Usually a deposit is paid first, with the balance before departure. Pay to the company account.
Do I still need insurance?
Yes. Package terms rarely cover medical costs or personal cancellation.