Sibu Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Sarawak, Malaysia

Source: AirROI
Last updated: 2025-03-31

Is Airbnb profitable in Sibu in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Sibu, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 131 active listings.

Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Sibu, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Sibu Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.

Key Sibu Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$53
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Sibu.
Occupancy Rate(?)
25.9%
Lower demand, potentially seasonal or market factors at play.
Median Annual Revenue(?)
$4,901
Typical annual income for an Airbnb listing in Sibu. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
12.0%
Strong growth (12.0%) vs. last year.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
May
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Sibu.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
February
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Sibu.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
131
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Sibu (2025)

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Sibu is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Sibu is typically May, while February often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Sibu across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $1,196+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $892 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $503 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $214, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Sibu

Sibu Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Sibu STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Decembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while October experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Sibu:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 54%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 39% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 24%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 14% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Sibu

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Sibu (2025)

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Sibu involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Sibu typically peaks in February and dips lowest during August. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $77+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $66 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $53 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $38 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Sibu

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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Sibu (2025)

Peak Season (May, June, April)
  • Revenue averages $896 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 27.8%
  • Daily rates average $52
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $517 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 29.3%
  • Daily rates hold near $55
Low Season (February, September, October)
  • Revenue drops to average $404 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 25.4%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $54

Seasonality Insights for Sibu

  • The Airbnb seasonality in Sibu shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
  • During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Sibu's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $935, occupancy reaching a high of 34.5%, and ADRs peaking at $58.
  • Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $388, occupancy could drop to 23.1%, and ADRs may adjust down to $51.
  • Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Sibu.

Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit

  • Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
  • Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
  • Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
  • Regularly analyze your own performance against these Sibu seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Sibu (2025)

Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Sibu? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.

Neighborhood / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
Kampung Dato Usman Awang
A scenic village area that offers visitors a taste of traditional Sarawak life and culture, making it ideal for cultural tourism.
Sibu Town Square, Lanang Bridge, Rejang River cruises, Sibu Heritage Centre, Tua Pek Kong Temple
Sibu Jaya
A rapidly developing satellite town with modern amenities and a growing population, appealing for both short-term and long-term rentals.
Sibu Jaya Plaza, Sibu Jaya recreational park, local food stalls, community events
Bukit Assek
A popular residential area that is close to various public services and amenities, making it attractive for families visiting Sibu.
Sibu Sentral Market, Sibu Cultural Festival, Sibu Indoor Stadium, Sibu Golf Club
Sibu Waterfront
A vibrant area along the Rejang River with beautiful views, local eateries, and markets, perfect for tourists wanting to explore the local culture.
Sibu Waterfront Walk, Sibu Night Market, Rejang Esplanade, Taman Selera
Lanang Road
Known for its convenience and proximity to the Sibu main business districts, popular among business travelers and urban visitors.
Sibu Central Market, shopping malls, numerous dining options, local businesses
Oya Road
A growing suburban area providing access to more serene environments while still being close to the city, suitable for those seeking peace.
Oya River, Jumbo Seafood, local parks, hiking trails
Nangka
A peaceful residential area that offers a break from the bustle of the city, yet allows easy access to local attractions.
Nangka Mosque, local eateries, community parks, nature excursions
Sg. Merah
A charming neighborhood known for its riverside views and community vibe, making it attractive for authentic local experiences.
Sg. Merah Market, Rejang River views, local coffee shops, community festivals

Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Sibu (2025)

While Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysia currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Sibu to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)

Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Sibu (2025)

Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Sibubased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

B&W Homestay.

B&W Homestay.

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$16,027
Revenue
44.0%
Occupancy
$75.30
Daily Rate
Bright Cozy

Bright Cozy

Entire Place • 2 bedrooms

$15,473
Revenue
55.8%
Occupancy
$72.90
Daily Rate
_Redroof Homestay

_Redroof Homestay

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$13,093
Revenue
43.0%
Occupancy
$68.20
Daily Rate
Hanns&FreeWiFi+Washer+Pool@SunshineComfortHomstay2

Hanns&FreeWiFi+Washer+Pool@SunshineComfortHomstay2

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$12,959
Revenue
40.0%
Occupancy
$65.15
Daily Rate
Hanns&KingBed&WIFI + Pool @ SunshineComfortHMStay3

Hanns&KingBed&WIFI + Pool @ SunshineComfortHMStay3

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$12,876
Revenue
40.5%
Occupancy
$64.23
Daily Rate
C&T Sibu Hann's Residence Condo

C&T Sibu Hann's Residence Condo

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$12,703
Revenue
51.8%
Occupancy
$54.41
Daily Rate

Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.

Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Sibu (2025)

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Sibu based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.

Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
Tony13$92,3972694.38/5.0
Eric Kong5$56,773944.98/5.0
Siew Yien3$26,5441424.99/5.0
Kenny10$24,9023204.59/5.0
Wong2$20,384744.99/5.0
Leong Hung2$18,194304.62/5.0
Bana6$17,958714.54/5.0
Ping Ping4$16,538413.65/5.0
Jessie3$14,104173.26/5.0
Lin Yien1$13,093284.79/5.0

Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Sibu.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Sibu STR Market Data (2025)

Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Sibu. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.

Explore Advanced Metrics

Sibu Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Sibu

  • The Sibu Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 87.8% of the 131 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Sibu, House properties are the most common (51.9%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 51.9% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, others (combined 3.9%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Sibu Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Sibu

  • The dominant room capacity in Sibu is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 37.4% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
  • Together, 3 bedrooms and 4 bedrooms properties represent 64.9% of the active Airbnb listings in Sibu, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 68.0% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Sibu.

Sibu Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Sibu

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Sibu vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (42%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
  • Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Sibu STR market, accounting for 61.8% of listings.
  • 71.7% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Sibu.
  • On average, properties in Sibu are equipped to host 6.2 guests.

Sibu Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Sibu

  • The most common availability pattern in Sibu falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 64.9% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 85.5% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
  • For booked days, the 31-90 days range is most frequent in Sibu (36.6%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 14.5% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

Sibu Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (74.6%)

1 Night

94 listings

74.6% of total

2 Nights (11.1%)

2 Nights

14 listings

11.1% of total

3 Nights (0.8%)

3 Nights

1 listings

0.8% of total

4-6 Nights (1.6%)

4-6 Nights

2 listings

1.6% of total

30+ Nights (11.9%)

30+ Nights

15 listings

11.9% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Sibu is 1 Night, adopted by 74.6% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A strong majority (85.7%) of the Sibu Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
  • A significant segment (11.9%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Sibu, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 74.6% of Sibu hosts use this setting.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 11.9% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Sibu.

Sibu Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)

Flexible (28.4%)

Flexible

29 listings

28.4% of total

Moderate (28.4%)

Moderate

29 listings

28.4% of total

Firm (6.9%)

Firm

7 listings

6.9% of total

Strict (36.3%)

Strict

37 listings

36.3% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Sibu

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Sibu is Strict, used by 36.3% of listings.
  • There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (56.8%) and stricter (43.2%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Strict policy to align with the 36.3% market standard in Sibu.
  • With 36.3% using Strict terms, this is a viable option in Sibu, particularly for high-value properties or during peak demand periods.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Sibu.

Sibu STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Sibu

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Sibu is 33 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during January (average 52 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in July (average 25 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Winter (41 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (29 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (33 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Sibu.
  • For January stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 52 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 41 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Sibu averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Sibu (2025)

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Sibu

  • Essential amenities in Sibu that guests expect include: Air conditioning, TV, Washer. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Kitchen, Wifi, Hot water are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
  • Warning: Wifi is not universally provided but is considered essential globally. Ensure reliable Wifi is offered.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Sibu: Air conditioning, TV, Washer.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, TV, Washer.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Kitchen or Wifi to increase appeal.
  • Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
  • Regularly check competitor amenities in Sibu to stay competitive.

Sibu Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International
Top 5 Cities of Origin
Top 5 Countries of Origin
Top 5 Languages Spoken
Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

Guest Profile Summary for Sibu

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Sibu consists of primarily domestic travelers (86%), often arriving from nearby Kuching, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Malay.
  • Domestic travelers account for 86.2% of guests.
  • Key international markets include Malaysia (86.2%) and Singapore (4.2%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (42.3%) followed by Malay (30.1%).
  • A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Kuching and Sarawak.
  • Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
  • Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
  • Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.

Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison

How does the Sibu Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.

MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Kuching976$437$46.4335%
Kota Sentosa21$335$41.9030%
Kota Samarahan10$179$41.2428%

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