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MANILA, Philippines—Malaysian tourists will soon be closer to savoring the world renowned white sands of Boracay with AirAsia’s opening of direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kalibo, Aklan in April.
“As we move towards the attainment of the Asean Economic Community in 2015 and as close neighbors, it is high time for Malaysians and Filipinos to meet, engage and get to know more of each other’s peoples and countries,” Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Eduardo Malaya said in a statement Friday.
The Kuala Lumpur to Kalibo direct international flight is the first for Kalibo and will fly four times a week starting April 18.
The nearest airport to Boracay is the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in the town of Caticlan. From there, Boracay Island is just a boat ride away. Presently, only Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines Express have regular flights to Caticlan.
The new route of AirAsia will bring tourists closer to Boracay instead of having to go to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila.
“I have been to Boracay myself- and with its pristine waters, white sands, the bustling beach life, it is indeed one of the world’s best beaches,” Malaya said.
“The embassy considers tourism as a major factor in promoting and developing Philippine-Malaysia relations, notably in our people to people engagement,” he said.
Tourists from the Malaysia going into the Philippines numbered 109, 437 in 2013, the embassy said.
“Aside from the places they visited, what lingers in the minds of travelers after their stay in the Philippines is the warmth and hospitality of Filipinos,” Malaya said.
“I hope the Malaysians are excited enough to plan ahead to pack their bags, sunglasses and sarongs, stock up on sunblock and visit Boracay through AirAsia,” he said.
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