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Discover flexible travel to see the best of Asia

Feeling the call of Asia? Malaysia Airlines’ Flex fares support your holiday dream by making the whole process smoother, smarter and stress-free.

Favourable exchange rates, shorter travel times and greater value for money; it’s little wonder that – Asia with its rich tapestry of temples, islands, jungles, mega-malls, markets and spas – has surged in popularity to become Australia’s favourite holiday destination. Whether you want something luxe or low-key, chaotic or blissfully slow (often in the same afternoon), it’s a continent that delivers every kind of adventure you could ask for.

Destination sorted, the question must be asked: how best to book your dream trip to over 70 destinations with minimal stress or uncertainty? Enter Malaysia Airlines.

Why choose Malaysia Airlines?

Malaysia airlines satay served on board
Feast on in-flight meals introducing you to the street food of Malaysia.

Malaysia Airlines prides itself on warm, attentive Malaysian hospitality, and for those travelling in Business Class, the airline’s iconic signature satay cart rolls down the aisle to serve chargrilled chicken, beef or Lion’s Mane mushroom skewers.

You don’t have to be travelling in the pointy end of this premium airline to enjoy those five-star benefits, however. Economy Flex – designed for travellers who require an abundance of both comfort and flexibility (not to mention those who want Economy pricing without a strictly Economy product) – offers a generous 35-kilo checked baggage allowance, which is significantly more than the industry average of 23 kilos. And it’s a large 50-kilo allowance for checked luggage in Business Class.

Add to that spacious seating with complimentary seat selection (something that’s being phased out across many other airlines), regionally inspired meals tapping into Malaysia’s vibrant Malay, Chinese and Indian heritage, and an in-flight entertainment which includes free WiFi in all cabins on select flights.

Not only the domain of Business Class, Malaysia Airlines Economy Flex passengers also get to enjoy priority check-in, priority baggage and priority boarding. In other words, fewer queues, less carousel loitering, and more time for rest and relaxation before and after your flight.

Remember too, that Malaysia Airlines is an Oneworld Alliance and Qantas codeshare member – an alliance that gives you access to a global network of over 900 destinations across 170 territories, alongside top-tier privileges.

Malaysia Airlines Flex fares

malaysian airlines flex fares cabin staff on the plane
Enjoy Malaysian hospitality on your flight.

These are strange times for travel, and the need for a flexible approach has never been stronger. Happily, Malaysia Airlines offers a flexible approach, allowing unlimited date changes. This means you can change your travel dates as often as you need without being slugged with a change fee (although you’ll still pay any fare difference if the new flights cost more). You can also travel on an earlier flight on the same day at no extra cost and arrive at your destination sooner – subject to availability.

And if you’ve seen a great deal (no doubt you will) but you’re not sure if you can commit just yet, it’s helpful to know that Malaysia Airlines’ Fare Freeze – where you pay a small holding fee to lock in your chosen booking and fare – is available for up to 72 hours (through the website and app only). Once you’re ready, you can just come back and pay for the ticket.

Join Enrich, Malaysia Airlines’ award-winning loyalty program and not only will you get to enjoy exclusive privileges and rewards such as seat upgrades, hotel stays and access to Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounges, but you’ll also enjoy an additional five per cent off non-promotional fares. Simply sign up and sign in before booking your flight (via the website or the app) to receive your discount.

Bonus side trips

Rows of Chinese New Year lanterns in front of Kek Lok Si penang
Take advantage of Bonus Side Trips to destinations like Penang. (Credit: Getty/ Laughing Mango)

Forget bulk-standard stopovers – or the idea that there’s no such thing as a free lunch: Malaysia Airlines is so committed to the idea that you’ll enjoy the best holiday of your life that they’re offering a Bonus Side Trip to one of eight local destinations at no extra cost – all you have to do is pay the taxes.

To be eligible to enjoy a bonus holiday to Langkawi, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu, Kuantan, Alor Setar, Kuala Terengganu or Kuching, the trip must be booked in a single booking departing from Australia to the following destinations: Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Qatar, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, United Kingdom, France, Maldives and Saudi Arabia.

Take your stopover either on your way in or on your return home, whatever suits you best.

And with Malaysia Airlines’ fleet of brand new A330neo aircraft already operating three flights daily out of Sydney and Melbourne, and daily flights from Adelaide (with Brisbane just around the corner), expect a smoother, more luxurious adventure. Malaysia Airlines already flies regularly from Australian capital cities with 68 weekly flights including two flights daily from Perth.

You can book your next trip directly via malaysiaairlines.com or by downloading the mobile app.

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Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days.
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This is why cruising is the best way to see Asia

    Iconic destinations, unforgettable adventures and thrilling onboard adventures; say hello to your next Asia holiday with Royal Caribbean.

    When you want to explore the gleaming skyscrapers of Shanghai and the bars of Singapore, but also embrace centuries-old traditions in Japan before traipsing through the lush jungles of Malaysia, a conundrum presents itself: how do you do it all seamlessly without the stress of flying (or repacking)? Enter, Royal Caribbean.

    With a brand designed around maximising your holiday time, sip cocktails by the pool or watch Broadway-style performances on board as the ship glides effortlessly from one atmospheric port to the next.

    Now that you have Asia at your fingertips with minimal effort, the big question is: which all-inclusive experience (and itinerary) is best for you?

    Japan

    The itinerary

    Spectras Cabaret royal caribbean
    Prepare for a show, on and off the ship.

    The Land of the Rising Sun has never been hotter, and Royal Caribbean has a vast array of unforgettable Japanese itineraries – these range from eight-night adventures to 14-night holidays circumnavigating the country’s islands.

    The eight-night Best of Japan sailing is memory-making perfection, kicking off in Shanghai (Baoshan) on 24 October 2026. Stop at fascinating ports to soak in the sweeping landscapes and seascapes of Saikaiminato, Kyoto, Niigata and Hakodate while enjoying incredible dining and adventurous activities onboard Spectrum of the Seas®. Complete your journey back in Shanghai, ‘the Paris of the East’.

    Port highlights

    mt fuji in japan
    See iconic vistas of Japan.

    Off the ship, hike the dramatic volcanic peaks of Sakaiminato’s Daisen-Oki National Park, explore the iconic temples of Kyoto, enjoy traditionally brewed sake made in Niigata (the birthplace of many quality sake brands), and taste local flavours at Kanemore Red Brick Warehouse, a premier dining and shopping district in Hakodate.

    Don’t miss Royal Caribbean’s Amanohashidate Highlights shore excursion in Kyoto, an exhilarating experience that features a cable car ride up to Kasamatsu Park and includes a visit to Nariaiji Temple, a hillside Buddhist site.

    The ship

    Spectrum Of The Seas in Singapore
    Step on board Spectrum of the Seas®.

    Aboard Spectrum of the Seas®, days at sea are just as action-packed as those on land. Here, 17 dining venues, along with eight bars and lounges, take guests on the ultimate global dining tour. Stop into Sichuan Red, designed specially for this ship, where you can savour a rich tapestry of authentic spices and Asian-influenced flavours. Start with the chef-recommended royal sea cucumber, then move on to a hot and savoury bowl of mapo tofu simmered in a traditional spicy sauce, or authentic pickled radish and duck soup.

    Fancy a little post-dinner entertainment? Talk salsa lessons, or book front row seats to Showgirl, a multisensory spectacular that pays homage to the ultimate siren of the stage. You can also take a visual journey into the exotic cultures of the Far East with The Silk Road at Two70®.

    Kids (and kidults), as always, are well-catered for, with aqua park Splashaway Bay℠ and the largest indoor active space at sea, SeaPlex®, which offers everything from laser tag to bumper cars. Those looking to relax can find peace in the adults-only solarium, as well as a wealth of treatments at Vitality℠ Spa.

    Thailand and Malaysia

    The itinerary

    Izumi Teppanyaki on ovation of the seas royal caribbean
    Sit down to hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠.

    Royal Caribbean’s Southeast Asia sailings deliver the perfect fusion of culture, cuisine and coastlines, and the four-night Penang & Phuket cruise is proof that short escapes can still feel spectacularly rich.

    Kick off with Royal Caribbean’s iconic Sail Away Party as Ovation of the Seas® departs from Singapore on 27 February 2026. The itinerary then weaves through two of the region’s most mesmerising destinations: Malaysia’s melting pot of cultures in Penang and Thailand’s sun-soaked island of Phuket.

    Each port stop is layered with history, flavour and natural beauty, while each moment spent onboard Ovation of the Seas® is filled with fun and excitement.

    Port highlights

    iconic ‘James Bond Island’ made famous in The Man with the Golden Gun thailand
    Zoom around the ‘James Bond Island’.

    In Penang’s George Town, a maze of heritage architecture, vibrant murals and street stalls serving sizzling char kway teow and aromatic laksa come together, blending past and present. Visit the Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple to soak up its peaceful energy, ride the century-old funicular to the forested summit of Penang Hill for panoramic views, and wander Batu Feringhi Beach, where the Andaman Sea laps gently against golden sand. Jet skis? Why not?

    Then it’s north to Phuket, where both adventure and relaxation beckon. Make the most of the local beach scene at Kata Noi and wander up Monkey Hill for sweeping vistas (and mischievous company). Be sure to book Royal Caribbean’s thrilling shore excursion here – you’ll zip along in a three-engine speedboat to the iconic ‘James Bond Island’ made famous in The Man with the Golden Gun. After a day of exploration, you’ll have enough time to enjoy a sunset cocktail on the waterfront before returning to your ship for another unforgettable evening.

    The ship

    Ovation of the Seas®, royal caribbean
    Experience thrills aboard Ovation of the Seas®.

    Of course, life on board Ovation of the Seas® is just as exhilarating as your adventures off it. Sit down to 16 flavoursome finds, from Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver® to theatrical hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠.

    Build up an appetite with Royal Caribbean’s iconic onboard activities, from the FlowRider® surf simulator to soaring sky-high on RipCord® by iFLY® and zipping around in bumper cars in SeaPlex®. You can really choose your own adventure.

    End the night with Spectra’s Cabaret at Two70®, a fascinating fusion of music, robotics and light that redefines entertainment at sea.

    The result? A holiday brimming with discovery, indulgence and Royal Caribbean’s signature magic: Asia, perfectly packaged.

    Start planning a cruise around Asia that you’ll never forget at royalcaribbean.com.