KOTA KINABALU, Sabah, Malaysia – AirAsia Philippines has reinforced its partnership with the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) as it doubles up on the promotions of Kota Kinabalu as a preferred tourist destination among Filipinos.

The strengthened collaboration with STB is also one of the many efforts of the airline in accelerating the restart of its operations in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), and the eventual expansion of its international route network.

AirAsia Philippines reiterated the “pivotal” role of attainable air transport for leisure tourists on “revenge travel” abroad, such as in Sabah, Malaysia.

In celebration of their renewed partnership, the STB and the “world’s best low-cost airline” held a media briefing and cultural event at The Pacific Sutera Hotel in Kota Kinabalu on July 5.

The event was attended by AirAsia Philippines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ricky Isla, AirAsia Super App Managing Director Ray Berja, AirAsia PH Spokesperson and Communications and Public Affairs Head Steve Dailisan, and 39 transport and lifestyle media from the Philippines and Sabah.

The Philippine delegation was graciously welcomed by Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Honorable Datuk Jafry Ariffin, Assistant Tourism Minister YB Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Sabah Culture and Environment Secretary Datuk Sr. Hj Mohd Yusrie Abdullah, and Sabah Tourism Board CEO Puan Noredah Othman.

Culminating the night is a cultural presentation that featured traditional ethnic dances, a three-piece ensemble, and a small group of singers.

The cultural presentation was produced and performed by the esteemed Sabah Cultural Board.

AirAsia Philippines CEO Isla said, “The resumption of our Kota Kinabalu flight last month has reopened this important border not only for Filipino traders and travelers but also for Malaysians here in Sabah who would like to visit their friends and relatives in Manila. This also opens the opportunity for tourism for the two sides to prosper, as both destinations have an array of exciting offerings for first-time and seasoned travelers.”

“In line with the transition to an endemic phase, I believe that this resumption of international flights comes at the ‘right time’ for both tourists and locals in Sabah, who have been excitedly anticipating and planning their travels,” said the Hon. YB Datuk Jafry Ariffin, the Minister of Tourism Culture and Environment.

“I believe with the support and cooperation of AirAsia, we can re-establish collaborations on new access into Sabah. I am looking forward to more connections AirAsia may bring from the island nation of the Philippines,” he added.

Home to cultural sites, and white sand beaches offering many eco-adventure activities, Kota Kinabalu is Malaysia’s answer to travelers who are more into the “extreme” outdoor experience.

However, the highlight of each trip to the island is its first UNESCO World Heritage site – Kinabalu Park, which is also home to Mount Kinabalu – the world’s third-highest peak on an island and the 20th most prominent mountain in the world in terms of topography.

“We invite everyone to include Kota Kinabalu in their list of must-visits, especially now that international borders have relaxed for foreign travelers. We also encourage our guests to download AirAsia Super App to experience our exclusive offerings in Kota Kinabalu as well as other ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] destinations,” Mr. Isla added.

AirAsia Philippines flies to Kota Kinabalu weekly every Tuesday and Saturday.

Manila-Kota Kinabalu flight leaves NAIA Terminal 3 at 12:10 a.m. and arrives at Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 2:10 a.m.

Its return flight leaves Kota Kinabalu at 2:50 a.m. and arrives in Manila at 4:50 a.m.

Guests visiting Kota Kinabalu must download the MySejahtera app, fill out the pre-departure form, and verify their digital COVID-19 vaccine certificate via the “Traveller” icon.

For more information about flight schedules and travel requirements, please visit the AirAsia Flysafe page.

Philippine quad-media’s visit to Kota Kinabalu was also powered by Tune Talk Traveller SIM from Tune Talk Sdn Bhd, Malaysia’s fastest-growing digital lifestyle and telecommunications company.