Home » ASIA » Sarawak Malaysia and Kuching Join Malaysia Airlines Bonus Side Trip Programme to Boost Global Tourism, You Need To Know Published on
September 6, 2025By: Paramita SarkarSarawak in Malaysia, with Kuching as its capital, has officially become the eighth destination under Malaysia Airlines’ Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme, enhancing global access for international travellers. The announcement, made during MATTA Fair Kuala Lumpur 2025, marks a significant milestone in promoting Sarawak as a must-visit Bornean destination ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. The inclusion of Kuching in the BST initiative positions the state as a gateway for cultural, adventure, and culinary experiences for both international and domestic travellers.Who Is Involved?Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, are leading this initiative. The BST programme reflects a strong partnership between the tourism board and the national carrier, formalised in 2024 to improve air connectivity and drive joint tourism promotion in Malaysia. The programme is designed to facilitate travel for international passengers, allowing them to include an extra domestic destination at no additional airfare, paying only applicable taxes. With Kuching’s inclusion, Sarawak becomes the first and only Bornean destination featured in the programme.Advertisement At MATTA Fair KL 2025, Sarawak showcased the milestone alongside local and international audiences, utilising 19 exhibitors to highlight the state’s cultural, natural, and gastronomic attractions. The fair, held at MITEC from 5–7 September, serves as Malaysia’s largest domestic tourism stage, complementing Sarawak’s growing global profile.What Is the Bonus Side Trip Programme?The Bonus Side Trip programme by Malaysia Airlines is an international travel initiative aimed at encouraging visitors to explore multiple destinations within Malaysia during a single journey. Passengers arriving on international tickets can add a domestic destination, paying only minimal taxes. With Kuching joining the BST programme, Sarawak’s accessibility increases for travellers from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas.The programme encourages tourism by providing an opportunity to explore Sarawak’s Culture, Adventure, Nature, Food, and Festivals (CANFF) pillars. International travellers can experience Sarawak’s living cultures of 34 ethnic groups, UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Gunung Mulu and Niah Nationa …
