Hey there travelers! It’s an exciting news for everyone who are planning a trip to Andaman. Now you can visit Malaysia directly from Andaman! And it’s AirAsia who is kickstarting this dream destination route!
AirAsia has recently announced the launch of new direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Port Blair, marking a significant milestone as the first international flights to and from the Andaman Islands. This development is set to enhance regional connectivity and boost tourism in Andaman islands.

AirAsia’s New Routes: Dates & Schedule

Starting from November 16, 2024, AirAsia will operate three weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur to Port Blair. This route is particularly noteworthy as it is the first international service to the Andaman Islands, making it a new Andaman destination for travelers from Malaysia and beyond.

Flight Route	Days per Week	Timings	Booking
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Port Blair (IXZ)	Monday, Wednesday, Friday	Departure: 10:40 AM (GMT+8) Arrival: 10:20 AM (GMT+5:30)	Book from Air Asia
Port Blair (IXZ) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)	Monday, Wednesday, Friday	Departure: 10:55 AM (GMT+5:30) Arrival: 4:15 PM (GMT+8)	Book from Air Asia

Important Things to Know As Traveler Before Visiting Andaman from Malaysia

Reaching Andaman

• New Direct Route: AirAsia is launching direct flights between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Port Blair (IXZ), providing easier access to the Andaman Islands.

• Flight Schedule: Flights will operate three times a week – on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

• Launch Date: The new flight service is set to commence on November 16, 2024.

Documents Required

• Visa Information: Malaysian travelers can enjoy visa-free entry to India, including the Andaman Islands, for up to 30 days until June 30, 2025. Indian travelers can enter Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days from December 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024.

Andaman Tourism Highlights

• The Andaman Islands offer pristine beaches, rich marine life for snorkeling and diving, and cultural attractions like the Cellular Jail in Port Blair. Travelers can enjoy one of the most untouched beauty of Indian subcontinent by visiting 30 different islands in Andaman islands

General Information on Andaman

• Currency of Andaman: Indian Rupees (INR)

• Language Spoken: Hindi, English, Tamil, Bengali

• Govt. of Andaman: Andaman islands is under the administration of India and is a Union Territory of India.

Yu can also check the govt official website to now more about the permitted islands to visit as a foreigner. Know More

Location of Andaman Islands

The Andaman Islands due to its geographical location is much closer to South Asian countries like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia etc rather than the mainland India.

Even due to its proximity to ASEAN countries, the Andaman Islands have long been isolated in terms of connectivity to foreign countries. Now, with the introduction of the first ever international flight to the South Asian region, the island is expected to experience a unique influx of tourism and tourists for the first time.

Geography of Andaman: Indain Territory

Distance of Andaman from Malaysia: 1, 300 km

Area of Andaman Islands:

Known for: Virgin Beaches, Water Sports, Nature, Marine Life

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Visa Free Entry Convenience:

Visa Free for Travelers Visiting Andaman from Malaysia

Indian travelers can enjoy visa-free entry to Malaysia from December 1, 2023, until December 31, 2024. This visa-free entry allows Indian tourists to stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days per visit

Visa Free for Travelers Visiting Malaysia from Andaman Islands (India)

Malaysians can enjoy visa-free entry to India for up to 30 days until June 30, 2025, simplifying travel arrangements.

Flight Fares form Malaysia to Andaman (to and from)

Previously, travelers had to visit Chennai or Kolkata, which have the nearest airports to Port Blair’s Veer Savarkar Airport in order to travel Andaman and Nicobar. And the prices use to sky rocket, sometimes going above 50, 000 INR. Now with the introduction of direct flights, travelers can land directly in Port Blair or Kuala Lumpur minimizing travel time and fares. In order to further popularize this sector, Air Asia has come up with great offers and discounts.

Travel Benefits and Offers

• Special Launch Fares: Enjoy introductory fares starting at RM199 (INR 4990) one way, making your dream vacation more affordable.

• Air Asia has kept this offer valid till 19 August

• That means travelers can avail tickets at Rs4, 990 to travel anytime in between Nov 2024 till Oct 2025

So if you are someone looking to visit Malaysia while visiting Andaman or want to travel Andaman Islands from Malaysia, then take advantage of limited-time offer of Air Asia by booking early.

Impact on Andaman Tourism

These new routes will greatly improve connectivity between, Malaysia, Andaman Islands, and other Southeast Asian countries. Travelers will enjoy the convenience of direct flights, reducing travel time and making the Andaman Islands a more accessible destination. This enhanced connectivity is a win-win for both tourists and the local economy.

Benefits of Direct Flights to Malaysia from Andaman

Reduced Travel Time: Direct flights eliminate the need for layovers, making travel more efficient from Andaman to Malaysia.

Increased Tourism: Easier access encourages more tourists to visit Andaman from southeaster countreis or travelers visitng ANmdana to Malaysai, boosting local businesses.

Economic Growth: More visitors mean more revenue for local hotels, restaurants, and tour operators.

Crusie Tourism: Cruises and yachts will depart from to and from due to close proximity of both destination

The success of this new route could pave the way for additional international flights to other emerging destinations.

Impact of This New Route on Indian Travelers Visiting Andaman

The introduction of AirAsia’s new direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Port Blair will significantly impact Indian travelers visiting the Andaman Islands.

Imagine traveling to Andaman and then heading to Malaysia or Thailand from there. It’s like a heavenly treat. Due to the close distance of all these places, Indian travelers are going to have some epic experiences. Here are the important points to note that will have a great impact on Indian travelers traveling to Andaman.

1. While the route primarily connects Malaysia to the Andamans, it indirectly benefits Indian travelers by providing an additional gateway to the islands. Indian tourists can now consider flying to Port Blair and then taking a direct flight to Kuala Lumpur, potentially offering more flexible travel options.
2. The influx of international tourists may lead to increased cultural exchange and diversity in the islands, enhancing the overall travel experience for Indian visitors as well.
3. The new international connection is likely to increase overall tourism to the Andaman Islands. This could lead to improved infrastructure, more accommodation options, and enhanced tourist facilities, benefiting both international and domestic Indian travelers.
4. With AirAsia renowned for its low-cost model, the new route could introduce competitive pricing into the market. This has the potential to lead other airlines to serve the Andamans and connect it to Malaysia or other South Asian countries.

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Let’s see how Andaman and Nicobar Islands are going to entice you with its amazing beaches, attractions, historical monuments, and adventures. Here is a small list of the best places for anyone

Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep):

• Radhanagar Beach Known for pristine white sands and turquoise waters
  • Spectacular sunsets and swimming opportunities
  • Elephant Beach Popular for water sports like snorkeling and jet skiing
  • Glass-bottom boat tours available
  • Kalapathar Beach Scenic black rock formations along the shore
  • Quiet spot for relaxation and photography

Port Blair:

• Cellular Jail Historic prison turned national memorial
  • Light and sound show depicting the jail’s history
  • Ross Island (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Island)Ruins of British-era buildings
  • Deer and peacocks roaming freely
  • North Bay Island Known for coral reefs and water activities
  • Iconic lighthouse featured on the ₹20 note

Baratang Island:

• Limestone Caves Boat ride through dense mangrove creeks
  • Unique stalactite and stalagmite formations
  • Active mud volcanoes
  • Parrot Island Explroing thousands parrots in a single island in evening

Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep):

• Bharatpur Beach Ideal for water activities and swimming
  • Laxmanpur Beach Famous for stunning sunset views
  • Natural Bridge (Howrah Bridge)Unique rock formation created by coral deposits

Chidiya Tapu:

• Sunset Point Beautiful sunset views
• Bird watching opportunities
  • Chidiya Tapu Beach Secluded beach for treks (Mudna Pahad trek)

Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park:

• Jolly Buoy Island Rich marine biodiversity
  • Snorkeling and glass-bottom boat rides
  • Red Skin Island Coral reefs and colorful fish species
  • Part of the protected marine area

Explore More with Dekho Andaman

Note: Remember, most beaches remain open even during rainy weather, but it’s important to adhere to the guidelines of the lifeguards. On windy days, the waves can be mighty, so it is best to avoid entering the ocean during such conditions.

Important Travel Tips for Travelers

Weather Conditions:

• Heavy Rainfall: August is part of the peak monsoon season in the Andaman Islands, characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity. This can lead to waterlogging and limited outdoor activities.

Rough Seas: The seas can be rough and unpredictable, which can affect ferry services between the islands. Ferry cancellations or delays are common during this period due to safety concerns.

• Flight Disruptions: Adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain and strong winds, can lead to flight cancellations or delays. There have been instances where flights were unable to land at Port Blair and had to be diverted or rescheduled.

Impact on Activities

• Limited Water Activities: Many water-based activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water sports are often restricted or closed during the monsoon season due to safety concerns and poor underwater visibility.
• Heavy Rainfall: Unlike the previous months where there are few rainy days and also few good sunny days, the amount of rainfall is high. If it is followed by the winds, then many islands like Ross and Elephant beach will remain closed

Travel Logistics

• Ferry Services: Ferry services between islands like Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island can be disrupted. It’s advisable to book ferry tickets in advance and be prepared for possible cancellations or rescheduling.

• Flight Services: Flights to and from the Andaman Islands can be delayed or canceled due to bad weather. This can leave travelers stranded or cause significant delays in travel plans.

Transportation in Andaman

Getting around Andaman in August can be a bit challenging due to the monsoon rains, but several transportation options are available:

Ferries: The most popular and scenic way to travel between the islands. Regular ferry services connect Port Blair to Havelock Island, Neil Island, and other nearby islands.

Private Taxis: Readily available and can be a comfortable option for families or larger groups. It is advisable to pre-book your transportation to avoid any last-minute hassles.

Two-Wheelers: Renting a scooter or motorcycle can be a convenient option for exploring the islands at your own pace. Make sure to carry a valid driving license and wear a helmet.

Public Transport: Buses and auto-rickshaws are available, primarily in Port Blair. They are an affordable option for budget travelers.