This new flight to Paris comes with a bonus side trip around Malaysia

There's never been a better time to visit the city of love. (Image: Andy McCune)

| THIS ARTICLE WAS CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MALAYSIA AIRLINES |

BY Kate Bettes

Last updated . 29 October 2024

There’s never been a better time to visit the city of love, with a new offer from Malaysia Airlines.

Book yourself in for a European adventure with a bonjour and strap yourself in for a selamat pagi (a traditional greeting in Malaysia). This is because Malaysia Airlines will soon be introducing flights to Paris that include a bonus side trip to one of seven destinations in Malaysia.

Here’s what you need to know.

Experience the best of Malaysian Hospitality on a Malaysia Airlines flight.

How does it work?

The deal starts on 25 March 2025, taking Australia to Paris, with a stopover in Malaysia. And not just a stopover, buta chance to take add in a bonus side trip to one of seven domestic destinations in Peninsular Malaysia.

Malaysia Airlines offers a regular gateway between Australia and Asia, with 53 weekly flights from Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland to over 50 destinations in Asia and beyond.

Four weekly flights will begin in March between Kuala Lumpur and Paris, before expanding to seven from 29 March 2025, meaning there are plenty of options to continue the second leg of your journey.

Combine this with the 14 weekly flights from Sydney and Melbourne, five weekly from Adelaide, 12 weekly flights from Perth and eight weekly flights from Auckland, and you get a seamless travel experience to the city of love via Malaysia.

Don’t take too long though. You’ll have to book by 31 December 2024 to lock it in.

the streets of paris with eiffel tower in background

Start your Paris journey with a Malaysian adventure. (Image: Andy McCune)

Where can I go on my side trip?

If you book an Australia to Paris flight with Malaysia Airlines, your bonus side trip around Malaysia could go to Alor Setar, Langkawi, Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan or Penang.

Alor Setar is a bustling city and region in north-western Malaysia, close to the Thai border, and home to the Zahir Mosque and enormous paddy fields. A ferry ride away, the UNESCO Global Geopark of Langkawi is your classic Southeast Asian drop-and-flop holiday, with soft sanded beaches and jungles.

Malaysia’s southernmost city on the Singapore border, Johor Bahru is a unique blend of pumping city life, affordable shopping, and royal history. Make sure you stop by the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque and its night markets.

a beach on the Perhentian Islands in malaysia

Relax on the stunning beaches of the Perhentian Islands. (Image: Tourism Malaysia)

Stop at the gateway city of Kota Bharu on your way to a beach holiday to the Perhentian Islands, as well as a deep dive into the traditional Malay art scene.

To the east of the peninsula on the South China Sea is the regional capital of Kuala Terengganu. Here, don’t miss Chinatown, nearby beaches home to turtles, dive sites, islands like Redang, and the coastal villages.

Make your way from Kuantan to explore the waterfalls and beaches of Eastern Malaysia, get an introduction to batik art, and more opportunities to spot those adorable turtles.

The last option is the super international destination of Penang, with its world-famous street food scene, UNESCO-listed heritage city area of Georgetown, hilltop Kek Lok Si Temple, and rainforests and beaches.

Woman traveler at Kek Lok Si Temple in Georgetown, Penang island, Malaysia

See the historic architecture in Georgetown. (Image: Tourism Malaysia)

Why choose Malaysia Airlines?

They’re a premium airline which offers world-class service. Throw some drool-worthy Malaysian cuisine, like Nasi lemak, into the mix and there is pretty much nothing else we would want on a Malaysia Airlines flight. But let’s start with the practicalities of why to pick this carrier:

Malaysia Airlines operates with the welcoming mantra of ‘this is Malaysian hospitality’. This means you will experience Malaysian heritage: a warm blend of regional culture and multicultural customs. Treating guests like treasured visitors to one’s home and flying in comfort on this full-service carrier.

This is obvious from when you begin check-in to when you will land at your final, Parisian destination. Think of a generous 35-kilogram luggage allowance on Economy Flex, spacious seating, regionally inspired meals, and (maybe best of all on that long Kuala Lumpur-Paris leg) in-flight entertainment that includes free wi-fi in all cabins. Economy Flex also offers priority check-in, priority baggage and priority boarding.

Are you a student feeling a little overwhelmed by travel plans? Then Malaysia Airlines can give a helping hand with its MHexplorer. This student travel program makes it easier and more affordable for them to set out and explore the world, with potential bonuses like extra luggage, up to 30 per cent discounts on flights and complimentary flight changes.

Arrive fresh and ready to take in Paris. (Image: ichael Fousert)

Business class bonuses

If you’re lucky enough to be in Business class, there is even more to enjoy. A crowd favourite for business customers is the tasty regional treat awaiting you onboard: Malaysian satay’s world-famous blend of spiced peanut sauce and grilled meat.

Before you even get to that, though, there is the personal meet and greet at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Next, you enter the KLIA Golden Lounge. While each international lounge has individual offers and facilities, there are some stunning commonalities between them.

First, the regional and international have some of the most-needed amenities for long-distance travellers: washrooms with showers and an area for a much-deserved nap time between flights. Nothing says business comfort like a freshen-up.

While you get chef service on board, there is a noodle station in the KLIA Golden Lounge, where chefs cook up local favourites like laksa and curry noodle. Are you a traveller jet-setting for work? There are meeting rooms and free Wi-Fi for practicality and ease.