Malaysia Airlines allows you to fly to Kuching for FREE with MAS Bonus Side Trip program
As of September 2025, Kuching has been officially added as the eighth destination in the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Bonus Side Trip program.
This is a significant development, as it marks the first and only Bornean city to be included in the initiative, which was previously limited to destinations in Peninsular Malaysia.
The inclusion of Kuching in the Bonus Side Trip program is a major win for Sarawak’s tourism sector.
It directly addresses the long-standing challenge of attracting international visitors to the state.
By making a side trip to Kuching free of airfare (passengers still need to pay taxes and fees), the program offers a powerful incentive for international travelers to venture beyond the usual transit hub of Kuala Lumpur and explore the unique cultural and natural attractions of Borneo.
This initiative is the result of a strong partnership between the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, which was formalized with a Memorandum of Understanding in 2024. The collaboration aims to boost air connectivity and promote tourism for “Visit Malaysia Year 2026.”
Kuching can be concluded as one of Asia’s best kept secrets. It is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and is known for its rich cultural heritage, influenced by 34 ethnic groups.
The city is home to internationally recognized events like the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF), and is slowly growing into a concert destination with festivals like the Borneo Sonic Music Festival, Borderland Music Festival and more.
That said, having Kuching as a a bonus side trip is definately a good option!
What is the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Bonus Side Trip program
The Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Bonus Side Trip program allows international passengers flying with Malaysia Airlines to receive a complimentary domestic return flight to a secondary Malaysian destination.
This program is designed to encourage travelers to explore more of Malaysia beyond the main transit hub of Kuala Lumpur.
The free flight is included in the international ticket fare, with travelers only needing to pay the applicable taxes and fees for the domestic leg of the journey. This makes it different from a traditional stopover package, as it’s integrated directly into the booking process.
How it Works
To take advantage of the program, you must book an international flight with Malaysia Airlines that includes a transit or stopover in Kuala Lumpur.
During the booking process on the Malaysia Airlines website, you’ll be able to select the Bonus Side Trip option. You can add the domestic leg to either your outbound or return journey. The program is valid for international flights and not for routes originating or ending in Kuala Lumpur or within the ASEAN region.
Aside from Kuching, cities also made available for this program are Penang, Langkawi, Johor Bahru, Kuantan, Alor Setar, Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu.
The program is available for passengers on certain fare classes, including MHbasic, MHflex, and Business Class.
Book your flights at Malaysia Airlines now.
