MalaysianUpdates

Category: Travel & Tourism

  • Batik Air Expands Penang Operations, Launching Direct Services to Singapore and Medan

    Batik Air Expands Penang Operations, Launching Direct Services to Singapore and Medan

    Batik Air has officially expanded its northern Malaysia network with the launch of two strategic routes from Penang International Airport (PEN): Penang–Singapore and Penang–Medan. The airline’s latest move underscores its commitment to developing Penang as a northern hub and reinforcing regional travel links across Southeast Asia.

    Singapore remains a powerhouse tourism market for Malaysia, contributing over 14.0 million visitors between January and August 2025. The launch of direct flights between Penang and Singapore is set to stimulate even greater travel flow between the two destinations. The route caters to a diverse mix of travellers—including leisure tourists, corporate guests, and frequent weekend travellers—offering them fast and convenient access to Penang’s attractions, culinary scene, and world-class hospitality.

    The Penang–Medan connection expands opportunities for travellers from Indonesia, particularly those seeking medical care. Penang’s globally recognized hospitals and medical specialists have long attracted Indonesian families in search of trusted treatment and wellness services. By introducing direct services, Batik Air further enhances accessibility and strengthens Penang’s reputation as a medical tourism hub.

    Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, Chief Executive Officer of Batik Air, explained that the addition of these routes aligns with the airline’s vision of creating a robust and future-ready network. With existing services to Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta, Batik Air is now positioned to deliver even stronger connectivity from Penang and better meet the growing needs of regional travellers.

    Penang’s tourism leadership welcomed the expansion, emphasizing that improved connectivity is crucial to driving economic growth and increasing international footfall. YB Wong Hon Wai highlighted that these new routes support Penang’s strategic goals in tourism, business, and medical travel, especially ahead of major national campaigns such as Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Malaysia Medical Tourism Year 2026. Tourism Malaysia also praised the launch, noting its importance in achieving the nation’s tourism objectives.

    The launch of these new flights signifies a forward-looking step for Penang, enabling smoother regional travel and setting the stage for increased tourism, cross-border business, and healthcare-driven mobility. With strengthened links to Singapore and Indonesia, Penang’s status as a northern gateway continues to rise—bringing the region closer to the world.

  • Malaysia Airlines and Trip.Biz Sign Strategic Agreement to Support SME Travel Needs

    Malaysia Airlines and Trip.Biz Sign Strategic Agreement to Support SME Travel Needs

    Malaysia Airlines and Trip.Biz, the business travel arm of Trip.com Group, have entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing business travel solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Asia, Europe, and key global markets. This long-term collaboration will allow Trip.Biz customers to seamlessly access Malaysia Airlines’ MHcorporate programme, strengthening the carrier’s position as a preferred travel partner on the Trip.Biz global booking platform. Through the agreement, Malaysia Airlines plans to extend access to its MHcorporate SME fares across 25 markets and IATA locations, providing greater flexibility, value, and convenience for business travellers worldwide.

    The partnership will also see Malaysia Airlines positioned as a preferred airline partner on Trip.Biz, enabling the carrier to reach a broader network of SME clients globally. Trip.Biz, in turn, may support the MHcorporate SME programme by promoting enrolment and exploring deeper technical integration, including potential API connectivity between its online booking tool (OBT) and the MHcorporate portal. This integration aims to streamline the booking process and improve accessibility for SME users seeking efficient and cost-effective travel management.

    Leaders from both organisations highlighted the shared vision behind the collaboration. Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), emphasised that the partnership reflects Malaysia Airlines’ commitment to simplifying corporate travel and empowering SMEs to explore new opportunities. He noted that the collaboration with Trip.Biz will enhance the airline’s reach across multiple global markets and strengthen its ability to deliver personalised travel experiences. Meanwhile, Dr. Tao Song, Chief Executive Officer of Trip.Biz, expressed enthusiasm for partnering with a carrier known for its Malaysian Hospitality and robust regional network, underscoring their mutual goal of providing smarter, more efficient, and cost-effective business travel solutions as SMEs expand internationally.

    By combining Malaysia Airlines’ extensive global network and service excellence with Trip.Biz’s digital innovation and expertise in business travel management, the partnership seeks to build a more connected and customer-centric travel ecosystem. This synergy aims to support companies of all sizes in managing travel budgets more effectively while enabling them to grow and thrive in an increasingly globalised business environment. Malaysia Airlines’ MHcorporate SME programme, which requires no minimum spend, offers SMEs access to corporate-level travel benefits such as exclusive discounts, flexible fare options, and simplified account management. Complementing this, Trip.Biz continues to lead with a digital-first approach, integrating predictive insights, bleisure travel trends, and strategic offerings within the Trip.com Group ecosystem to help businesses travel smarter, safer, and more sustainably—now and in the future.

  • “Trip.com’s 11.11 Mega Sale is Back with Unbeatable Deals and Exciting Offers”

    “Trip.com’s 11.11 Mega Sale is Back with Unbeatable Deals and Exciting Offers”

    Trip.com Malaysia is turning up the excitement once again with its highly anticipated 11.11 Mega Sale, running from 11 to 14 November 2025, offering travellers an extensive lineup of unbeatable deals, exclusive daily offers, and jaw-dropping promo codes. This four-day extravaganza presents the perfect opportunity for Malaysians and international travellers alike to plan their dream vacations, whether that involves a local getaway or a globe-trotting adventure, all while enjoying significant savings on flights, hotels, and attractions.

    The highlight of the Mega Sale begins at 9am on 11 November, featuring hours of continuous back-to-back deals, culminating in the biggest promo code deal of the event at 11am, which gives travellers up to RM1,111 off flights. Participating airlines, including AirAsia, are offering return fares starting from as low as RM199 to popular destinations such as Phuket, Bangkok, Lombok, Da Nang, Shanghai, Darwin, and more. Additionally, those planning a trip to Japan can benefit from the exclusive Buy 1 Free 1 promotion on the Have Fun in Kansai Premium Pass, which combines transport and attraction entry tickets in one convenient package, making it easier than ever to explore the Kansai region.

    Promo codes are also a central feature of the Mega Sale, with daily midnight drops providing travellers the chance to save up to RM200 across bookings for flights, hotels, and attractions. For those who miss the midnight window, additional codes will become available throughout the day, ensuring multiple opportunities to grab savings. Flash hotel deals add another layer of excitement, starting from just RM99 for stays at 4- and 5-star hotels across Malaysia. Special offers include Pay 2, Stay 3 night packages and guaranteed room upgrades, ensuring a luxurious yet affordable experience. Participating hotels include The RuMa Hotel and Residences, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur, Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, M Resort & Hotel Kuala Lumpur, G Hotel Kelawai, Swiss-Garden Hotel & Residences Genting Highlands, and more, catering to both local and international visitors seeking comfort and convenience.

    The 11.11 Mega Sale also extends to attractions, with Buy 1 Get 1 Free offers available from 12 to 14 November at some of the region’s most popular destinations. These include Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, LEGOLAND Malaysia, Skyline Luge KL, Genting SkyWorld, Ba Na Hills, and VinWonders Phu Quoc, making it an ideal time for family-friendly fun and adventure. Car rental deals are also part of the festivities, with up to 50% off limited-time bookings daily, and up to 30% discounts for selected cities such as Langkawi, Sapporo, Jeju, Sydney, Auckland, and more, providing travellers with flexibility and convenience on the road. New Trip.com users can enjoy an additional 50% discount (up to RM100) on their first flight booking, adding even more value for first-time users looking to explore the world.

    Beyond just savings, the Trip.com 11.11 Mega Sale is designed to inspire travellers to make the most of their trips with seamless planning, diverse options, and exclusive deals across multiple categories. With a combination of unbeatable flight offers, luxurious hotel stays, attraction discounts, and convenient car rentals, the Mega Sale delivers a comprehensive travel experience for all types of travellers. Those looking to plan their next adventure are encouraged to mark their calendars, check the Mega Sale schedule, and prepare to claim the best deals before they run out.

    For full details on participating flights, hotels, attractions, promo codes, and terms and conditions, travellers can visit Trip.com Malaysia Mega Sale. With limited stock and first-come-first-served promotions, the 11.11 Mega Sale promises a once-in-a-year opportunity to travel more for less, creating unforgettable experiences across Malaysia and around the world.