Airbnb Market Analytics, Statistics and Data in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
Last updated: 2025-01-31
Looking to make more money with hosting or rental arbitraging Airbnbs, short-term rentals, vacation rentals in Kota Bharu? AirROI have just the data insights! Over the last twelve months from February 2024 to January 2025, we've uncovered key trends and opportunities that successful hosts are leveraging in Kota Bharu:
How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month in Kota Bharu?
The short-term rental market in Kota Bharu shows distinct revenue patterns across different property tiers. Our analysis reveals that successful properties combine strategic pricing with quality management to maximize earnings potential. Market data demonstrates clear revenue differentiation among properties:
- Typical properties (median) earn $352 per month
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) make $811 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) achieve $1,183+ monthly
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) typically earn around $165
Revenue Variations by Month
Occupancy Rates Throughout the Year in Kota Bharu
The market in Kota Bharu shows distinct occupancy patterns influenced by seasonal trends and local dynamics. Properties that maintain high guest satisfaction scores and implement strategic pricing consistently achieve stronger occupancy rates. Current market data shows:
- Typical properties (median) maintain 21% occupancy rates
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) achieve 36% or higher
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) reach 54%+occupancy
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) average around 11%
Occupancy Variations by Month
Average Daily Rates Seasonal Trends in Kota Bharu
Daily rates in Kota Bharu vary based on seasonality, property quality, and market dynamics. Properties that effectively balance competitive pricing with strong amenities typically command higher rates. Market analysis shows the following rate structure:
- Typical properties (median) generate $49 per night
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) secure $62 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) pull in $80+ per night
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn around $36
Daily Rate Variations by Month
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Seasonality patterns in Kota Bharu
Peak Season (June, March, May)
- Revenue peaks at $782.26 per month
- Occupancy rates reach 31.79%
- Daily rates average $76.08
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $528.53 per month
- Occupancy maintains 26.23%
- Daily rates hold at $66.07
Low Season (November, January, December)
- Revenue drops to $289.83 per month
- Occupancy decreases to 17.34%
- Daily rates adjust to $54.09
Is it still profitable to do Airbnb in Kota Bharu in 2025?
Yes! Kota Bharu demonstrates highly seasonal trends requiring strategic adaptation, featuring a growing occupancy rate of 26% and monthly revenue averaging $529 and With 453 active listings, the market shows established demand while maintaining room for growth. There's also room for profit through rental arbitrage strategies, if you can identify competitively priced properties. To maximize your return on investment, consider employing the following strategies:
Peak Season Strategy
- Implement premium seasonal pricing strategies
- Set longer minimum stay requirements during high-demand periods
- Enforce stricter cancellation policies
Shoulder Season Strategy
- Maintain competitive market-based pricing
- Offer moderate-length stay incentives
- Target a mix of leisure and business travelers with flexible booking terms
- Focus on weekend getaway packages and mid-week business traveler promotions
Low Season Strategy
- Adjust pricing to remain competitive in the market
- Target different guest segments (business travelers, long-term stays, holiday visitors, event attendees, remote workers)
- Create targeted promotional campaigns to drive occupancy
Top Places to Start Airbnb in Kota Bharu
| Area | Why Choose This Area | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Kota Bharu City Center | The vibrant heart of Kota Bharu, known for its local markets and cultural experiences. Ideal for tourists wanting to explore Kelantan's heritage and local cuisine. | Siti Khadijah Market, Kelantan State Museum, Masjid Muhammadi, Istana Balai Besar, Bazar Buluh Kubu |
| Kampung Kraftangan | A traditional village area showcasing local handicrafts and Kelantanese culture. Great for guests interested in local arts and crafts, as well as cultural immersion. | Handicraft Village and Craft Museum, Cultural performances, Local craft shops |
| Pantai Cahaya Bulan | A popular beach destination near Kota Bharu, known for its beautiful sunset views and recreational activities. Excellent for families and beach lovers looking for relaxation and water sports. | Beach activities, Local seafood restaurants, Sunset viewing spots |
| Wakaf Che Yeh | A bustling night market area known for its food and shopping. Attracts both tourists and locals looking for a vibrant night out and local delicacies. | Night market stalls, Local street food, Shopping for souvenirs |
| Kota Bharu Golf Club | An appealing area for golf enthusiasts and those looking for leisure activities. Offers a green and tranquil environment amidst the urban setting. | Golf courses, Clubhouse amenities |
| Pasir Mas | A nearby town famous for its cultural heritage and local attractions. A good option for visitors wanting to explore the outskirts of Kota Bharu. | Pasir Mas Railway Station, Kelantanese traditional houses, Local food spots |
| Tumpat | A picturesque location close to the river and home to a variety of cultural sites. Perfect for tourists interested in nature and local history. | Wat Phothivihan, Tok Bali Beach, Riverside activities |
| Pengkalan Kubor | A border town known for its unique blend of Malaysian and Thai cultures. Attractive to those who want to experience cross-border influence and shopping. | Duty-free shopping, Local Thai food, Cultural exchanges |
Do you need a license for Airbnb in Kota Bharu?
We recommend checking directly with Kota Bharu's local government regarding short-term rental licensing requirements. Current market data shows limited licensing information (0% of listings), making it essential to verify current regulations before starting your Airbnb business.
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Kota Bharu
Ruma Jalan Raja Dewa - Kota Bharu
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
#Netflix #Cuckoo Troika Kota Bharu Homestay 0118
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
#Free Netflix 2BR Troika Kota Bharu by Aghome
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Jack Homestay KB 5 rooms 4 toilets - Max 21 pax
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
RiverView 8PAX 3BR in KBtown PS4, Netflix A-3-2
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
#Netflix #Cuckoo Troika Kota Bharu Homestay 01812
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Top Performing Professional Hosts in Kota Bharu
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheong | 32 | $219,591 | 395 | 3.60/5.0 |
| Ricky | 11 | $134,662 | 303 | 4.71/5.0 |
| Joy | 32 | $66,383 | 495 | 4.12/5.0 |
| Troika Kota Bharu Homestay | 4 | $57,432 | 176 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Kelmedic | 6 | $44,728 | 28 | 3.14/5.0 |
| Nurul Syafikah | 7 | $34,824 | 194 | 4.63/5.0 |
| Bintang Square | 19 | $28,030 | 5 | 0.19/5.0 |
| Fara | 7 | $27,018 | 104 | 1.42/5.0 |
| Noor Ashfarina | 8 | $26,050 | 60 | 2.40/5.0 |
| Vivian | 4 | $24,410 | 270 | 3.58/5.0 |
Additional analytics on vacation rental, real estate, short term rental data in Kota Bharu
AirROI also have other key metrics and comprehensive data for your vacation rental, real estate needs. Go explore the advanced metrics that can help you make informed decisions:
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Key Insights
- Market dominated by entire home listings (87.6%), with apartment & condo and house properties comprising 86.1% of inventory
- Untapped potential in others, outdoor & mobile segments (1.9% combined)
Room Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 453 properties in Kota Bharu shows that 1 bedroom properties are most prevalent, making up 34.2% of the market. The market tends to favor smaller properties, with 1 bedroom and 3 bedrooms together representing 58.1% of all listings.
Key Insights
- Most common: 1 bedroom (34.2%)
- Least common: 5+ bedrooms (2.2%)
- Market concentration: 58.1% in top 2 sizes
- Market skew: Favors smaller properties
Guest Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 453 properties in Kota Bharu reveals that 8+ guests properties dominate the market, representing 28% of all listings. The average property accommodates 5.2 guests, with a clear trend towards larger guest capacities. Properties accommodating 8+ guests and 4 guests make up 50.1% of the market.
Key Insights
- Most common capacity: 8+ guests (28% of market)
- Least common capacity: 1 guest (0.2% of market)
- Average guest capacity: 5.2 guests per property
- Market concentration: 50.1% in top 2 capacity sizes
- Market segmentation: Predominantly larger guest capacities
Booking and Availability Patterns
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Among 453 properties in Kota Bharu, the most common availability pattern is 271-366 days (70% of properties). For actual bookings, properties most frequently secure bookings for 31-90 days (39.5% of properties).
Key Insights
- Most common availability window: 271-366 days (70%)
- Most common booking duration: 31-90 days (39.5%)
- Properties with high availability (180+ days): 89.4%
- Properties with long-term bookings (180+ days): 11.0%
Minimum Stay Distributions
1 Night
393 listings
91.8% of total
2 Nights
32 listings
7.5% of total
3 Nights
2 listings
0.5% of total
30+ Nights
1 listings
0.2% of total
Key Insights
- Short stays (1-2 nights) dominate the market at 99.3%
- Mid-length stays (4-6 nights) represent 0% of listings
- Monthly+ stays (0.2%) suggest a stable extended-stay market
- High market flexibility with 99.8% accepting 3 nights or less
Recommendations
- Set minimum stays between 2-3 nights to align with market standards
- Adjust minimum stays seasonally based on demand patterns
- Implement different minimum stays for weekends vs. weekdays
Cancellation Policy Distribution
Flexible
192 listings
56.6% of total
Moderate
87 listings
25.7% of total
Firm
17 listings
5% of total
Strict
43 listings
12.7% of total
Key Insights
- Flexible is the preferred policy at 56.6% of listings
- Guest-friendly policies (Flexible & Moderate) dominate at 82.3% of the market
- Strong market consensus around Flexible policies
- Firm policies are least common at 5.0% of listings
Recommendations
- Consider starting with a Flexible policy to align with market preferences
- Strong market preference for Flexible policies suggests this should be your baseline
- Consider generous cancellation terms as a competitive advantage
- Strict policies are rare - carefully consider the impact on bookings before implementing
Booking Lead Time Trends
Key Insights
- Peak booking lead times occur in Apr, Feb, Jun, averaging 44 days
- Shortest booking windows are in Oct, Dec, Jul, averaging 18 days
- Spring shows the longest average booking window at 37 days, while Summer has the shortest at 24 days
Recommendations
- Implement dynamic pricing strategies for Spring bookings at least 37 days in advance
- Consider early bird discounts during Summer to encourage longer lead times
- Focus on last-minute booking promotions during Oct-Jul when lead times are shortest
Popular Airbnb Amenities in Kota Bharu
Below is the distribution of amenities across listings in Kota Bharu:
Traveler Demographics
Key Insights
- Domestic travelers make up 88.5% of total guests, indicating a dominant local market share.
- Primary international markets: Singapore (2.4%) and United States (1.2%)
- English is the top language at 46.6%, followed by Malay (43.4%)
- Notable demographic segment in <=1950s (Pre-1950s (Silent Gen)) at 4.2%
Recommendations
- Target marketing campaigns for Kuala Lumpur and Selangor markets
- Develop localized content for Singapore and United States
- Prioritize English and Malay language support
- Tailor experiences for Pre-1950s (Silent Gen) while maintaining broad age appeal
- Implement seasonal promotions aligned with key market travel patterns
Nearby Markets
Explore short-term rental performance in markets surrounding Kota Bharu. These nearby markets offer diverse opportunities for property investors and hosts:
| Market | Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kg Bukit Besar | 12 | $746 | $124.52 | 23% |
| Gong Dato | 18 | $618 | $66.28 | 35% |
| Kuala Besut | 10 | $488 | $47.79 | 35% |
| Kuala Terengganu | 323 | $442 | $71.41 | 23% |
| Kampung Tanjung Angsa | 27 | $426 | $118.86 | 25% |
| Kampung Air Leleh | 17 | $420 | $63.02 | 26% |
| Ketereh | 12 | $386 | $51.89 | 29% |
| Betong | 22 | $373 | $75.96 | 18% |
| Kampung Seberang Takir | 13 | $361 | $65.02 | 24% |
| Bachok | 13 | $298 | $57.72 | 27% |
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