Malaysia Airlines has announced the expansion of its popular Bonus Side Trip (BST) program, offering international travelers a unique opportunity to explore more of Malaysia at no additional airfare. As part of its commitment to enhance travel experiences and promote Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the national carrier is enabling passengers transiting through Kuala Lumpur to enjoy a free domestic return flight to one of seven picturesque Malaysian destinations.
Designed for international travelers flying into or through Kuala Lumpur, the Bonus Side Trip allows passengers to visit a secondary Malaysian city—Langkawi, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kuantan, Alor Setar, Kuala Terengganu, or Kota Bharu—before proceeding to their final international destination. Fully integrated into the flight booking process, the BST program eliminates the complexity of traditional stopovers and transforms a single international journey into a multi-destination Malaysian experience.
Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines, Malaysia Aviation Group, emphasized the importance of this initiative in showcasing Malaysia’s diversity. “As the national carrier, Malaysia Airlines invites global travelers to experience more and uncover the vibrant beauty of Malaysia through a side trip to one of seven handpicked domestic destinations. The Bonus Side Trip reflects our commitment to championing Malaysia as a preferred destination in Asia. It goes beyond connectivity, curating experiences that extend our Malaysian Hospitality into every corner of the country,” he said.
The Bonus Side Trip program is part of Malaysia Airlines’ broader strategy to stimulate domestic tourism and support the government’s Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign. By encouraging travelers to explore beyond the capital city, the program highlights the country’s rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and vibrant local communities. It also supports regional tourism economies and promotes inclusive, sustainable growth across lesser-explored destinations.
To showcase the potential of the BST program, Malaysia Airlines recently hosted a group of international key opinion leaders (KOLs) from India, Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia, and Korea during the Malaysia Airlines Trade Elevation Summit in Langkawi. Their curated journey included visits to top attractions such as the UNESCO-listed Kilim Geoforest Park, Langkawi SkyCab, sunset cruises, and traditional craft centers—offering a glimpse into Langkawi’s harmonious blend of nature, culture, and local lifestyle.
The immersive experience brought to life how Bonus Side Trip destinations like Langkawi can elevate an international holiday, giving travelers deeper insight into Malaysia’s rich and varied tourism offerings. By delivering authentic Malaysian hospitality at every step, Malaysia Airlines continues to strengthen its role as a premier gateway to Asia, offering travelers not just flights but enriching experiences.
