How to experience the best of Southeast Asia with Malaysia Airlines
Create unforgettable micromoments by immersing yourself in Southeast Asia’s culture, nature and adventure, thanks to Malaysia Airlines and Firefly
Words by Laura Millar
Always wanted to discover more of sunny Southeast Asia, especially now that winter’s approaching? Happily, it couldn’t be easier. Embark on an exciting adventure with Malaysia Airlines and its sister airline, Firefly, which now flies to three captivating new destinations: Krabi, Siem Reap and Cebu. You can make the most of your journey through the airline’s Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme, which, as the name suggests, offers a bonus side trip to selected destinations within Malaysia and the region, including these newly launched routes, at no additional cost until 31st December 2025. Beyond attractive fares, Malaysia Airlines ensures every moment in the air and on the ground feels special, delivering its signature Malaysian Hospitality through thoughtfully crafted micromoments, from upgraded in-flight comforts to seamless digital experiences that make every trip truly memorable…
Krabi, Thailand
Dive into the lush, coastal region of Krabi, in southwestern Thailand, cradled by limestone cliffs and lapped by the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. One of the country’s most captivating destinations, it moves at a slower, more serene pace than neighbouring Phuket, and is now even more easily within reach, as part of Malaysia Airlines’ BST programme. It’s a place you come to explore your surroundings more deeply; a place where sheer karst formations rise from jade-green seas, where secret lagoons shimmer behind hidden coves, and where long-tail boats glide between powder-soft beaches, such as Railay or Phra Nang.
Discover Krabi’s fascinating underwater world; between November and April, seas are calmer and clearer, offering chances to see anything from leopard and blacktip reef sharks to turtles, manta rays and whale sharks. Sites like Bida Nok provide shallow coral reefs suitable for snorkellers and new divers, while for the more experienced, you can explore caves, overhangs and shipwrecks in locations such as Phang Nga Bay. Or take a day trip to a picture-perfect nearby island, like Koh Poda, Hong or Phi Phi, with their stretches of dazzling white sand and translucent turquoise waters. Back on the mainland, spend time in buzzy Ao Nang, where local cafes spill onto the streets and restaurants serve the freshest seafood.
Inland, emerald rainforests conceal hot springs and crystalline pools; head to the set of 1,237 steps which climb up to Wat Tham Sua, or Tiger Cave Temple, where you’re rewarded with panoramic views and the sound of monks softly chanting. Nearby is Khao Khanab Nam, a local landmark where two leaning hills rise out of the water. Whether you like to spend time kayaking through mangroves, exploring local markets or watching the sun dip behind the horizon, Krabi is a destination which has something for every traveller.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Gateway to the majestic temple complex of Angkor Wat, the historic town of Siem Reap, in northwestern Cambodia, is steeped in spiritual grandeur. The city that we know today originally grew up around the ancient capital of Angkor and is now the second-biggest city in the country.
Here you can stroll around museums (don’t miss the Angkor National Museum, which takes you back to the golden era of the Khmer Kingdom), enjoy traditional Apsara dance performances, browse souvenir and handicraft stores and immerse yourself in its cosmopolitan dining and drinking scene. Nearby are picturesque fishing villages, rice paddies and even a bird sanctuary, home to several rare breeds, by beautiful Tonle Sap lake.
Meanwhile, Phnom Kulen, a ninety-minute drive away, is a sacred mountain where you’ll find a 16th-century monastery housing the country’s largest reclining Buddha, and a set of gushing waterfalls. But most people are here for the temples, which are brought closer than ever thanks to Malaysia Airlines’ BST programme. The world’s largest religious monument, and a UNESCO heritage site, Angkor Wat is a masterpiece of Khmer artistry and devotion, its bas-reliefs and lotus towers evoking tales of gods and kings. Beyond this icon, the vast Angkor Archaeological Park unfolds like a lost world (indeed, it was used as a location in the 2001 film, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider): the tree-strangled ruins of Ta Prohm, the serene faces of Bayon, and the once-glorious city of Angkor Thom. Best seen at dawn, before the sun starts to rise, this is when the temples reveal their most breathtaking and ethereal side. As the first morning light spills over the site, Angkor Wat appears in silhouette against a sky that shifts from deep indigo to soft rose and gold. The reflection of the temple in the still waters of the surrounding ponds completes the scene – a view so iconic it’s become synonymous with Cambodia itself.
Cebu, Philippines
Cebu, an island in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines, has plenty to offer curious travellers. Its capital, Cebu City – known as the Queen City of the South – is where the story of the Philippines begins. As the first place that explorer Ferdinand Magellan landed in 1521, it’s the country’s oldest city and became its first Spanish settlement in 1565. Here you’ll find landmarks such as the Basilica del Santo Niño – the oldest Catholic church – and Magellan’s Cross, which between them tell tales of faith and discovery that have shaped the nation’s identity.
Yet Cebu also thrums with modern vitality: look out for vibrant markets – Sugbo Mercado is a buzzy outdoor night market with a wide variety of delicious food, such as lechon (roast pig), talaba (oysters) and kinilaw (ceviche), while Carbon Market is the oldest and largest traditional market for fresh produce and local goods – inventive cuisine and a creative energy that reflects the Philippines’ youthful spirit.
And its natural attractions are manifold; explore stunning waterfalls such as the Kawasan Falls, Tumalog Falls, and pristine beaches on the likes of nearby Camotes and Bantayan islands, which offer white-sand serenity and a glimpse of the archipelago’s untamed beauty.
Amid the crystalline waters of Mactan Island, coral reefs teem with marine life and the rhythm of the island slows to a serene pace, while South Cebu is known for its exhilarating, adventure-filled attractions, including canyoneering, whale shark watching, and diving. And best of all, it’s all within easy reach thanks to Malaysia Airlines’ BST programme.
Adventures in Malaysia
Travel deeper; why not visit eight of the other beautiful areas of Malaysia that the BST programme covers, as outlined below…
Langkawi
An archipelago of emerald isles adrift in the Andaman Sea, Langkawi is where rainforest meets reef. Wander through lush mangroves, unwind on powdery beaches, and watch the sun dissolve into gold – a serene escape wrapped in quiet luxury.
Penang
Malaysia’s cultural jewel, Penang blends colonial grace with vibrant modernity. In George Town, vivid street art decorates shophouses filled with aromas of spice and incense, while hilltop temples and inventive cuisine celebrate the island’s heritage and creative spirit.
Johor Bahru
Once a quiet border town, Johor Bahru has evolved into a stylish southern gateway to Singapore. Its dynamic art scene, heritage quarters and sleek waterfront developments blend seamlessly with authentic hawker fare and Malay hospitality.
Kota Bharu
Set against the northeastern coast, Kota Bharu reveals the soul of traditional Malaysia. Explore bustling markets, exquisite batik workshops and graceful wooden mosques – a city that honours its Kelantanese roots with charm, colour, and cultural pride.
Kuantan
Where forested hills roll gently towards the South China Sea, Kuantan is a coastal retreat of understated beauty. Enjoy fresh seafood on Teluk Cempedak Beach, wander tranquil fishing villages or venture inland to the emerald cascades of Sungai Pandan.
Alor Setar
Elegant and unhurried, Alor Setar blends paddy fields and minarets beneath vast northern skies. The city’s graceful mosques, royal museum and nearby traditional kampungs (villages ) offer a glimpse of authentic Kedahan life, steeped in enduring tradition.
Kuala Terengganu
Kuala Terengganu dazzles with its coastal charm and cultural depth. Explore floating mosques, centuries-old Chinatown shophouses and nearby idyllic islands. Here, heritage craftsmanship, from delicate songket weaving to boatbuilding, thrives, preserving a legacy as beautiful as its seascapes.
Kuching
The capital city of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, spectacular Kuching’s waterfront is the perfect setting for a stroll both day and night. The city is home to both the Sarawak Museum and the Borneo Cultures Museum, which are the best places to learn about Sarawak’s impressive history, archaeology and culture. Kuching is a gateway to then explore Sarawak’s abundant nature, whether at Kuching Wetlands National Park or Bako National Park.
Together with Firefly, Malaysia Airlines makes every journey smoother: just one booking and one check-in can take you to multiple destinations. You’ll find dozens of fantastic benefits, including a generous 20kg baggage allowance; a single ticket itinerary with luggage routed to your final destination for a smooth connection in KL; and an onboard meal*.
Every passenger will be treated to the signature Malaysian Hospitality, a unique service philosophy centred on the warmth, kindness, and care found in Malaysian culture. You’ll encounter a series of thoughtfully-crafted in-flight ‘micromoments’, like personalised meal options, the signature MH cocktail, extensive on-demand entertainment from the MH Studio, Wi-Fi, and comfortable cabin amenities, as well as details like the ‘Chef-on-Call’ service for gourmet meals and priority services for premium passengers, ensuring a seamless and personalised journey from pre-flight to arrival.
And with Malaysia Airlines’ Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme, travellers can make the most of their journey with a side trip to eight selected destinations within Malaysia and the region, such as Firefly’s three captivating new destinations: Krabi, Siem Reap, and Cebu. Firefly flights are also eligible for Enrich point accrual, so book yours today.
*(only if connecting to/from MH service)
