Malaysia’s Tourism Tax is a flat RM10 per room per night, charged to foreign tourists only — and since 1 January 2026, major OTAs like Agoda and Booking.com collect it automatically at checkout.
If you are planning a stay in Johor Bahru and have noticed “Tourism Tax” as a line item on your booking, here is exactly what it is, how much it adds up to, and what happens when you book directly.
What is Malaysia’s Tourism Tax (TTx)?
Malaysia’s Tourism Tax, abbreviated TTx, is a government levy on accommodation stays by foreign nationals. It is charged at a flat rate of RM10 per room per night — regardless of the type of property or the room rate. Malaysian citizens and permanent residents are exempt.
The flat RM10 rate replaced the older tiered structure. It is a per-room charge, not per person: a couple staying in one unit pays RM10 per night, not RM20.
How much does the Tourism Tax add to a JB trip?
The maths is simple. For a 2-night stay in one studio or 2-bedroom unit, TTx adds RM20 to your total. A 3-night stay adds RM30. The tax does not compound: it is always RM10 per room per night, irrespective of the nightly room rate or number of guests sharing the unit.
Will I see the Tourism Tax on Agoda or Booking.com?
Yes. Since 1 January 2026, major OTAs including Agoda and Booking.com are required to collect and display TTx as a separate line item in your booking total. You pay it at checkout on the platform; the OTA remits it to Malaysia’s Customs Department on the property’s behalf. You will not be charged again at the property.
What about direct bookings with serviced apartments in JB?
When you book directly by WhatsApp or phone, the OTA collection mechanism does not apply. The property operator is responsible for collecting the RM10 per night and remitting it to the authorities. Ask the operator upfront whether TTx is included in the quoted rate, and request a receipt. Southern Homestay will add TTx to your bill in accordance with Malaysian law — WhatsApp us if you have any questions about your booking total.
Quick facts
- Rate: RM10 per room per night (not per person)
- Who pays: foreign passport holders; Malaysian citizens and permanent residents are exempt
- OTA bookings: shown as a separate line and paid on the platform
- Direct bookings: the operator adds it to your bill, so ask for a receipt
How do you check that the tax is not charged twice?
Look at your booking confirmation first. If the line reads Tourism Tax and it is marked as paid, you should not be asked for it again at the property. If you booked on an OTA and the host still asks for RM10 in cash, politely show the confirmation and ask them to check. If your total says it is not included, budget RM10 multiplied by the number of rooms multiplied by the number of nights, and keep the receipt.
Do you pay per person or per room?
Per room, per night. A family of five in one 2-bedroom unit still pays RM10 a night, while two rooms would be RM20 a night. That is why a 2-bedroom apartment can work out neatly for a group, since you split one tax charge instead of paying for several hotel rooms.
What should you bring to show at check-in?
Bring your passport, because the tax depends on nationality and operators are required to record it. Malaysians and permanent residents should bring their MyKad or MyPR. Rules and exemptions can be updated by the authorities, so for the latest wording check the official Royal Malaysian Customs Department or Tourism Malaysia pages before you travel.
Still planning your trip? Our JB money guide covers SGD to MYR and budget tips, and our Singapore to JB weekend guide covers the crossing itself.
Ready to book your JB stay? See our KSL D’Esplanade studios and 2-bedroom units or message us on WhatsApp for tonight’s availability.
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