logo
AirAsia To Launch Kota Kinabalu To Fukuoka Route Via Taipei This August; Promo Fares Up For Grabs!

AirAsia To Launch Kota Kinabalu To Fukuoka Route Via Taipei This August; Promo Fares Up For Grabs!

Hype Malaysia3 days ago

Pack your bags, wanderlusters! AirAsia Malaysia has further strengthened connectivity from its second-largest hub, Kota Kinabalu, with the launch of a brand new fifth-freedom route to Fukuoka, Japan via Taipei!
Starting from 15th August 2025, AirAsia will be operating the additional route connecting Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka through a short stopover in Taipei with daily flights. The new route underscores the airline's commitment to expand its Kota Kinabalu hub, enabling more Sabahans to fly beyond ASEAN and offering more travel options for globetrotters seeking new adventures.
Taipei is one of AirAsia's key virtual hubs within its extensive network. The new route provides more flexibility for Malaysians looking to explore more destinations in Japan, offering an alternative to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Fukuoka via Don Mueang (Thailand), operated by Thai AirAsia.
Dato' Captain Fareh Mazputra, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia, said: 'We are excited to launch this new fifth-freedom flight from Taipei to Fukuoka, marking another significant milestone as we continue to explore new opportunities from our Kota Kinabalu hub. Since reinstating the Kota Kinabalu-Taipei route three years ago, we have flown more than 130,000 guests, and the numbers continue to grow. This launch aligns with our vision of connecting people across Asia, enhancing regional connectivity and boosting tourism opportunities.
'With this new route, Sabahans now have more choices and flexibility when travelling to their preferred destinations, while supporting the state government's vision of positioning Sabah as a top tourism destination. We remain committed to facilitating air travel for everyone through enhanced connectivity, convenience and accessibility.'
In celebration of the launch, AirAsia is offering special promotional fares for flights from Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka starting from just RM609* all-in one way, whereas flights from Fukuoka to Kota Kinabalu are also available from JPY21,390* all-in one way. Guests can book their flights from today onwards until 8th June 2025, for travelling between 15th August 2025 and 29th March 2026, available on the AirAsia MOVE app and airasia.com.
Flight Schedule Between Kota Kinabalu (BKI) & Fukuoka (FUK) Via Taipei (TPE):
Fukuoka is a popular destination in Japan where tradition meets modernity. The city is renowned for its iconic Tonkotsu ramen and serves as a paradise for foodies. It is also the best go-to destination for nature lovers, especially as the city offers tranquility for a perfect getaway trip – stroll through the Ohori Park or the Fukuoka Castle and immerse yourself in the city's rich history.
From 15th August onwards, AirAsia will operate flights to 13 international destinations across Asia from the Kota Kinabalu hub, with a total of 79 flights weekly, further solidifying the hub's position as Malaysia's second-largest hub.
*All-in fares are quoted for one-way travel only, including passenger service charge, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees. Terms and conditions apply.
What's your Reaction?
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0
+1
0

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

PJ mixed rice meal shocks M'sian at RM13.40
PJ mixed rice meal shocks M'sian at RM13.40

The Sun

time32 minutes ago

  • The Sun

PJ mixed rice meal shocks M'sian at RM13.40

ONCE the affordable go-to meal for many Malaysians, mixed rice — or economy rice — is now sparking outrage for a very different reason: its rising price. A recent post on Reddit's r/MalaysianFood went viral after one user shared that he was charged RM13.40 for a plate of mixed rice at a restaurant in Petaling Jaya. The dish? A modest serving of white rice, stir-fried cabbage and carrots, and what appeared to be braised meat. 'Mixed rice so expensive. RM13.40 for this, my friends. Long live 'economy' rice,' he wrote, sharing a photo of his meal. ALSO READ: Man charged RM28 for economy rice and drink in KL stall The post quickly drew attention from fellow Malaysians, many shocked at the steep price — especially given the small portion. 'RM13?! Luckily you didn't slap the owner,' one user joked. 'Penang area can get that for RM8–9! But wherever you are, that's pricey,' said another. READ MORE: Student disputes RM18 economy rice charge in Malaysia 'Sorry buddy, but that's too expensive,' a third chimed in. Some commenters suggested cheaper protein alternatives like beef lungs or eggs to keep costs down, while others lamented the irony of calling it economy rice. 'Nowadays they shouldn't label it just 'economy rice' but rather 'premium economy' rice,' one user quipped.

O'Briens Malaysia: Fresh, fast and balanced
O'Briens Malaysia: Fresh, fast and balanced

The Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Sun

O'Briens Malaysia: Fresh, fast and balanced

ON the sandwich shop spectrum, O'Briens Irish Sandwich Cafe Malaysia (O'Briens) falls on the slightly more premium end but customers are known to get what they pay for – sandwiches crafted to international standards with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Speaking to theSun, O'Briens managing director and master franchise holder Brian Pua explained that the success of the brand over the past two decades is the result of his team's relentless commitment in upholding the highest standards in food quality, customer service and healthy food products. Opening its first outlet in Malaysia at Great Eastern Mall in Kuala Lumpur back in 2002, O'Briens quickly expanded under Pua's stewardship to over 30 locations, largely in urban areas. Though the 'Irish' in its name may give some pause, Pua stressed that O'Briens is halal-certified, which was his very intention from the opening of the initial Malaysian outlet. 'As a cafe offering what many consider comfort food, it was important for us to target the halal status. Now, all our food is halal-certified, so our Muslim customers can enjoy their meals with confidence,' Pua explained. 'From the start, it was very clear how we would serve our customers,' he said. Healthy eating, local flavours O'Briens was one of the first businesses in the country's food and beverage landscape to push the concept of fresh and nutritious food – even if the general awareness on how both went hand in hand with living a healthy lifestyle was not as prevalent. Pua believes the pandemic drove a change in attitudes. 'It was when people began to have more awareness on the importance of taking care of their immune system by consuming more natural, fresh food products. 'People now look for meals that support their lifestyle, where they want something balanced, fresh and satisfying. We are proud to be part of that movement and it is great to see so many regulars who have made O'Briens part of their everyday routine,' he said. Yet, O'Briens is not rigid in its offerings. Over time, the brand has adapted – or rather tweaked – its menu to suit local tastes while maintaining its original values. 'Being a Malaysian myself has helped guide O'Briens. In the beginning, we looked at introducing Irish sandwiches, the concept and lifestyle to the Malaysian market. Over time, we looked into the taste of what O'Briens offered,' he said. Giving an example, Pua cited how Malaysians liked spicy food. This eventually led to the O'Briens menu adopting items such as the Piri-Piri Chicken Multigrain and the Volcanic Chicken Wrap. 'Another thing was the demand for vegetarian options and we answered it with a wide range of vegetarian offerings such as the Watercress Sandwich and even those that combined the spicy and vegetarian taste portfolio, such as the Sundried Tomato on Hot Ciabatta, which is popular with vegetarians,' he pointed out. 'We put in the effort to make each and every sandwich have its own unique identity by increasing the taste portfolio, while staying true to our Irish roots and the philosophy of clean, nutritious eating'. Listening to lifestyles Today, O'Briens continues to adapt to what consumers are looking for. To Pua, this means always having his ear to the ground. On top of integrating new technology into its operations, O'Briens is working with the fitness industry, finding new ways to approach the food and beverage landscape. They are already taking into consideration what gym-goers want. 'We have done surveys with them to develop our salads to be low in carbohydrates and high in protein, while striking a balance between the health aspect and the taste of our food,' Pua said. While the brand is known for promoting healthy foods and living, one element is conspiciously missing from its clean and attractive menu – nutritional information for each item, with calories, protein, carbohydrates, fats in gram and so on clearly stated. 'We are currently working on it,' Pua exclaimed with a laugh. 'In fact, our halal quality control team already has all the information for each product and very soon, we will incorporate it into our menu. 'We want our customers to know the nutritional value of what they consume and they can plan their meals. That is also what we want to encourage our customers to do, which is to have a balanced diet,' he said.

Healthy bites, local flavours
Healthy bites, local flavours

The Sun

timean hour ago

  • The Sun

Healthy bites, local flavours

ON the sandwich shop spectrum, O'Briens Irish Sandwich Cafe Malaysia (O'Briens) falls on the slightly more premium end but customers are known to get what they pay for – sandwiches crafted to international standards with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Speaking to theSun, O'Briens managing director and master franchise holder Brian Pua explained that the success of the brand over the past two decades is the result of his team's relentless commitment in upholding the highest standards in food quality, customer service and healthy food products. Opening its first outlet in Malaysia at Great Eastern Mall in Kuala Lumpur back in 2002, O'Briens quickly expanded under Pua's stewardship to over 30 locations, largely in urban areas. Though the 'Irish' in its name may give some pause, Pua stressed that O'Briens is halal -certified, which was his very intention from the opening of the initial Malaysian outlet. 'As a cafe offering what many consider comfort food, it was important for us to target the halal status. Now, all our food is halal -certified, so our Muslim customers can enjoy their meals with confidence,' Pua explained. 'From the start, it was very clear how we would serve our customers,' he said. Healthy eating, local flavours O'Briens was one of the first businesses in the country's food and beverage landscape to push the concept of fresh and nutritious food – even if the general awareness on how both went hand in hand with living a healthy lifestyle was not as prevalent. Pua believes the pandemic drove a change in attitudes. 'It was when people began to have more awareness on the importance of taking care of their immune system by consuming more natural, fresh food products. 'People now look for meals that support their lifestyle, where they want something balanced, fresh and satisfying. We are proud to be part of that movement and it is great to see so many regulars who have made O'Briens part of their everyday routine,' he said. Yet, O'Briens is not rigid in its offerings. Over time, the brand has adapted – or rather tweaked – its menu to suit local tastes while maintaining its original values. 'Being a Malaysian myself has helped guide O'Briens. In the beginning, we looked at introducing Irish sandwiches, the concept and lifestyle to the Malaysian market. Over time, we looked into the taste of what O'Briens offered,' he said. Giving an example, Pua cited how Malaysians liked spicy food. This eventually led to the O'Briens menu adopting items such as the Piri-Piri Chicken Multigrain and the Volcanic Chicken Wrap. 'Another thing was the demand for vegetarian options and we answered it with a wide range of vegetarian offerings such as the Watercress Sandwich and even those that combined the spicy and vegetarian taste portfolio, such as the Sundried Tomato on Hot Ciabatta, which is popular with vegetarians,' he pointed out. 'We put in the effort to make each and every sandwich have its own unique identity by increasing the taste portfolio, while staying true to our Irish roots and the philosophy of clean, nutritious eating'. Listening to lifestyles Today, O'Briens continues to adapt to what consumers are looking for. To Pua, this means always having his ear to the ground. On top of integrating new technology into its operations, O'Briens is working with the fitness industry, finding new ways to approach the food and beverage landscape. They are already taking into consideration what gym-goers want. 'We have done surveys with them to develop our salads to be low in carbohydrates and high in protein, while striking a balance between the health aspect and the taste of our food,' Pua said. While the brand is known for promoting healthy foods and living, one element is conspiciously missing from its clean and attractive menu – nutritional information for each item, with calories, protein, carbohydrates, fats in gram and so on clearly stated. 'We are currently working on it,' Pua exclaimed with a laugh. 'In fact, our halal quality control team already has all the information for each product and very soon, we will incorporate it into our menu. 'We want our customers to know the nutritional value of what they consume and they can plan their meals. That is also what we want to encourage our customers to do, which is to have a balanced diet,' he said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store