In a strong push to boost tourism and connectivity, Malaysia Airlines has added Kuching as a new stopover city in its Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme. This move opens up fresh travel opportunities for international passengers arriving in Malaysia.
The BST initiative now offers travellers the chance to extend their journey by exploring another Malaysian destination at no base fare—just paying applicable taxes. With Kuching introduced, the number of domestic stopover cities in the programme has grown to eight.
Why Kuching Is Significant
Kuching’s inclusion is a milestone. It becomes the first destination in Borneo featured in the BST programme, marking a strategic expansion beyond Peninsular Malaysia.
This addition aligns with national tourism goals and the launch of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, aiming to attract more global visitors and spread tourism benefits across the country.
What Travellers Can Now Choose
Under the updated programme, international passengers transiting through Kuala Lumpur can select from multiple Malaysian cities for a bonus side trip. Options now include:
- Kuching (Sarawak) — newly added
- Langkawi
- Penang
- Johor Bahru
- Kota Kinabalu
- Alor Setar
- Kuantan
- Kuala Terengganu
Each location offers its unique blend of culture, nature or heritage, making Malaysia a true multi-destination gateway.
Tourism Ecosystem & Local Impact
The expansion ties into Malaysia Airlines’ broader strategy of bolstering domestic tourism and improving connectivity. Kuching, known for its rich indigenous cultures, lush rainforests and vibrant urban-marine interface, gains global exposure through this stopover plan.
For the state of Sarawak, the inclusion is a win—reinforcing its positioning as a gateway to Borneo and offering international travellers an easy way to include the region in their plans. The collaboration between the Sarawak Tourism Board and Malaysia Airlines demonstrates how air connectivity and tourism promotion can go hand in hand.
Regional Connectivity Strengthened
Beyond Malaysia’s borders, the airline has simultaneously extended the BST programme to include three regional destinations for a limited time: Krabi (Thailand), Siem Reap (Cambodia) and Cebu (Philippines). These additions further reinforce network flexibility and align with regional travel trends.
Passenger Experience Enhancements
Alongside the stopover offering, Malaysia Airlines continues to upgrade the passenger experience. Economy-class travellers now enjoy pre-booked meal options and the “Best of Asia” menu featuring regional flavours. Loyalty programme members gain more benefits such as fare discounts and point-earning flexibility. These upgrades aim to make each journey seamless, enriching and aligned with the broader tourism push.
Why This Matters for Global Travellers
Such a stopover option means more value for international travellers. Instead of simply connecting through Kuala Lumpur, passengers can spend extra time exploring another city in Malaysia without adding base fare costs. It turns a transit into a mini-holiday, offering urban exploration, nature adventures or cultural immersion depending on the destination chosen.
What to Do Next
Travellers interested in the programme should check eligibility, available destinations and booking conditions. Ensuring transit timing, visa or entry requirements and side-trip options align with one’s schedule will help make the most of this offering. Booking directly through the airline’s website or mobile app is often recommended for full access to perks and flexible fares.
This strategic move by Malaysia Airlines not only positions Malaysia as a more attractive travel hub but also enhances regional tourism, supports local economies and gives travellers richer choices. With Kuching now onboard as a BST destination, the stage is set for more immersive and flexible travel across Malaysia’s diverse landscapes and cultures.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
