Flip Flop Survey 2016: Malaysian Beachgoers Fear Sharks More Than Drowning
Every year, Expedia conducts a survey of the behaviour and preferences among beachgoers around the world. Beach destinations are of course very popular for people seeking a holiday, often the top choice for a break. The annual survey, the Expedia Flip Flop Report, reveals some juicy tidbits about what we do at the beach (like who likes to go nude!!), how we prepare our beach bods and what kind of beach atmosphere we seek — and the findings can be surprisingly different between nationalities! We even asked where the best-looking beach bods can be found. Expedia surveys over 11,000 people in different parts of the world.
Expedia.com.my® 2016 Flip Flop Report discovers not only the preferences of Malaysian beach lovers but our quirky nature too.
Expedia Flip Flop Report 2016
71% have taken a beach vacation in the last 12 months
Like most of the world, we love to spend our holidays on the beach. A large majority of Malaysians surveyed said they had spent some time enjoying a beach holiday within the last 12 months.
We prefer local beaches
Where do we go? Unlike Singaporeans who enjoy hopping to international locations for a beach break, we prefer our own Malaysian beaches. There are after all plenty of pristine beaches right here, no passport necessary. Pulau Pangkor, Pulau Tioman, Pulau Redang, Kota Kinabalu, Pulau Langkawi, Kuala Terengganu are just some of the places in Malaysia to visit for great beaches.
Malaysians more afraid of sharks than drowning
Jaws was an incredible film, but it really ingrained people with a deep deep fear of sharks. And it’s lasted all these years! The survey found that Malaysian beach-going vacationers were afraid of shark attacks. This despite the fact that shark attacks are extremely rarae in the country. But hey, fear is not always rational is it? Jaws seemed so real!
Water looks nice, but I tak nak swim
This fear of shark attacks led as the top fear for Malaysians on a beach holiday. The second fear was drowning. This might be related to the fact that Malaysians prefer to lay back and people-watch on the beach, rather than go in the sea. Almost half of the respondents said they rarely swim on the beach.
Getting ready to hit the beach
In Thailand, 32% of travellers said they would postpone a beach vacation just to get in shape. Serious discipline there!
Malaysians showed more interest in going shopping for some spanking new swimwear before a beach holiday. Some said yes they would work out to prep their beach bod, and some said they would go to the spa for some beautifying treatments so they look amazing lounging about the pantai like Cleopatra.
Beach Etiquette: Jangan Kotor, Jangan Kacau
Everyone wants to have a good time on a nice clean beach. But some people just have to leave their garbage behind after a big picnic on the beach, ruining it for the rest of us. Malaysians like their beaches pristine and well taken care of. So respondents rated ‘The Slob’ as the most annoying type of beachgoer.
Some other characters that annoy us are:
The Loud Mouth – the beachgoer who talks so loudly that you’re unwillingly submitted to hearing their entire conversations. Diam lah!
The Paparazzi – the beachgoer who photographs strangers. Invading one’s privacy, especially in beachwear, is a definite no-no
The DJ – Malaysia beachgoers go on holiday to relax and unwind. So when the pseudo DJ blasts his music, it ruins the peace. I know you damn cool lah, but maybe I don’t want to listen to Hardwell or Justin Bieber or Mat Rock songs, or whatever it is you’re into, okay?!
Need Wi-Fi!
A resounding majority of Malaysians said WiFi was important. Internet access is essential so we can share snippets of our lovely little beach holiday with all our jealous friends on social media. Holiday envy, it’s a thing. And we’re oh-so-guilty of loving it 🙂 After all, Malaysians are one of the world’s most active social media consumers. Instagram away kawan!
Austria takes top spot as most likely to go nude on the beach!
Over in Europe, the perfect tan is only one untied bikini strap away. Austrians wrestled this top spot from the German beachgoers to become the most likely to go nude on the beach. Barenaked under the sun.
Unsurprisingly, Asians are the most modest beachgoers. Very few have ever gone nude, only a couple of respondents from Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand and Japan admitting they have dared to bare. But don’t expect that nude sunbathing is celebrated everywhere in the West either. 77% of American females also said they would never go topless at a public beach.
Itching for the beach now? Jom! Find a last minute deal on flights and hotels for your beach holiday on Expedia.com.my