Flight From Shanghai (PVG) to Kuching (KCH)

Traveling from Shanghai to Kuching opens a gateway between one of China’s dynamic megacities and the vibrant cultural heart of Malaysian Borneo. Travelers seeking to make this journey can expect a combination of modern airport facilities, efficient layover connections, and a diverse array of experiences upon arrival. This in-depth guide will walk you through every aspect of the Shanghai to Kuching flight route, including available flight options, key airport information, FAQs, alternative travel methods, and what to expect in Kuching.

Direct Flights

No direct flights are currently available between Pudong International Airport (Shanghai) and Kuching International Airport.

Layover Flights

While there are no non-stop services, several efficient one- and two-stop flights connect Shanghai and Kuching via major Southeast Asian hubs. Here are the best available routes:

• Flight 1:
  Route: Shanghai (China) → Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) → Kuching (Malaysia)
  Airlines: AirAsia X, AirAsia
  Total Flight Duration: 9h 30m
  Aircraft: Airbus A330, Airbus A320
  Layover: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), 2 hours
• Flight 2:
  Route: Shanghai (China) → Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia) → Kuching (Malaysia)
  Airlines: AirAsia
  Total Flight Duration: 10h 40m
  Aircraft: Airbus A320neo, Airbus A320
  Layover: Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), 4 hours 40 minutes
• Flight 3:
  Route: Shanghai (China) → Guangzhou (China) → Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) → Kuching (Malaysia)
  Airlines: China Southern, Malaysia Airlines
  Total Flight Duration: 13h 20m
  Aircraft: Airbus A330, Boeing 737MAX 8 Passenger, Boeing 737
  Layovers:
  - Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), 2 hours 5 minutes
  - Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), 2 hours 45 minutes

Information about schedule and airline subject to change based on airline policy. Please check regularly at Traveloka App.

About Pudong – Shanghai

Location

Pudong is a bustling district on the eastern side of the Huangpu River in Shanghai, China. Pudong International Airport (PVG) is one of Asia’s largest and busiest air travel hubs, approximately 30 kilometers from Shanghai’s city center.

Airport Terminal

Shanghai Pudong International Airport comprises two main terminals (T1 and T2). Both terminals offer numerous international and domestic services, with modern facilities and efficient passenger flows. International departures—including flights to Malaysia—are typically processed through Terminal 2.

More information and flight details can be found with this anchor: Pudong.

Transport to Airport

Travelers can reach Shanghai Pudong International Airport via:

• Maglev Train: The high-speed Maglev train connects Longyang Road Metro Station to the airport in about 8 minutes.
• Metro: Metro Line 2 connects central Shanghai with the airport.
• Airport Buses: Multiple airport shuttle lines run from key hotels, city squares, and other transportation hubs directly to the airport.
• Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services are readily available throughout Shanghai, offering door-to-door convenience.

Facilities

Pudong International Airport is known for its extensive facilities, including:

• Free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminals
• Currency exchange and banking services
• A wide range of restaurants, cafes, and duty-free shops
• Comfortable lounges for business and leisure travelers
• Dedicated children’s play areas
• Baggage storage, travel assistance, and multilingual information desks

About Kuching International Airport – Kuching

Location

Kuching International Airport (KCH) is located roughly 11 kilometers south of Kuching city center in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. The airport serves as the primary gateway for both domestic and international flights to the region.

Airport Terminal

Kuching International Airport operates a single, modern terminal facilitating both domestic and international arrivals and departures. The terminal layout is streamlined for easy navigation, with clear signages in English and Malay.

Find more flight options or airport-specific details with this anchor: Kuching International Airport.

Transport From Airport

Commuting from Kuching International Airport to the city is convenient with several options:

• Taxi: Official airport taxis queue at the arrivals gate, and fares are fixed based on the destination zone.
• Rideshare: Platforms like Grab operate in Kuching, providing an easy alternative to traditional taxis.
• Car Rental: Multiple international and local car rental agencies are located in the arrival hall.
• Airport Shuttle: Some hotels provide pre-arranged shuttle services for their guests upon request.

Facilities

Kuching International Airport offers:

• Free Wi-Fi for all passengers
• Duty-free shopping outlets and local handicraft stores
• Multiple eateries serving local and international cuisine
• Passenger lounges for added comfort
• ATM machines and currency exchange counters
• Information desks and travel assistance

FAQ Shanghai to Kuching Flight

• What airlines operate flights from Shanghai to Kuching? Most flights from Shanghai to Kuching are operated by AirAsia X, AirAsia, China Southern, and Malaysia Airlines, usually requiring layovers in Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, or Guangzhou.

• How long does it take to fly from Shanghai to Kuching? Total flight durations, including layovers, range from about 9.5 hours to 13.5 hours, depending on the chosen route and layover length.

• Are there direct flights between Shanghai and Kuching? No direct flights are currently available. All itineraries require at least one stopover.

• Which airports will I transit through? Major transit airports on this route include Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN).

• How do I find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Kuching? Flight prices vary by season. Booking in advance and comparing different dates and airlines on Traveloka is the best way to find the cheapest fares.

• Is a visa required for travel from China to Malaysia? Chinese passport holders generally require a visa to enter Malaysia. Check with the Malaysian embassy for the latest regulations or use Traveloka’s visa information section.

• What’s the best way to get from Kuching Airport to the city center? Taxis, rideshare apps, and car rentals are the most popular ways. The airport is just 15–20 minutes from central Kuching by car.

• How can I stay updated about changes in schedules or travel restrictions? Always check with your chosen airline and regularly monitor updates on Traveloka for the most accurate real-time information.

Other Ways to Travel From Shanghai to Kuching

Although flying is by far the most practical and fastest way to travel from Shanghai to Kuching, alternative multi-modal journeys combining train, bus, and ferry are technically possible but take several days:

• By Train and Bus: Travelers can take a train from Shanghai across southern China to cities like Nanning or Kunming, then continue by international coach or train to Hanoi, Vietnam. From there, you would journey south through Vietnam and enter Malaysia by bus or train, and finally continue eastward to Kuching. However, Borneo is separated from Peninsular Malaysia by the South China Sea, so the last leg necessitates a flight or ferry from Johor Bahru or Kota Kinabalu to Kuching.
• By Road and Ferry: Overland travel requires traversing multiple international borders and ferry crossings, which involve extensive planning, multiple visas, and significant travel time—often more than a week in total.

As such, air travel remains the primary and most efficient option for this route.

Explore Kuching

Popular Destinations in Kuching

• Sarawak Cultural Village: Experience traditional Sarawakian longhouses, cultural performances, and local crafts in this living museum.
• Kuching Waterfront: A scenic promenade along the Sarawak River, famous for its evening views and lively scenes.
• Semenggoh Wildlife Centre: Renowned for its orangutan rehabilitation program, offering visitors the chance to observe orangutans in their natural habitat.
• Bako National Park: Home to diverse wildlife, lush mangroves, and unique rock formations, this is Sarawak’s oldest national park.
• Cat Museum: Celebrate Kuching’s feline heritage with quirky exhibits dedicated to cats from around the world.

Popular Cuisine in Kuching

• Sarawak Laksa: A spicy noodle soup with a complex blend of flavors, unique to Kuching and beloved by locals and visitors alike.
• Kolo Mee: Springy noodles tossed in a fragrant minced meat and shallot sauce, commonly served for breakfast.
• Kompia: A chewy, baked bread stuffed with savory fillings, influenced by the local Foochow community.
• Midin Belacan: Stir-fried jungle fern with shrimp paste, a distinctly Sarawakian delicacy.
• Manok Pansoh: Traditional Iban dish of chicken cooked in bamboo with herbs, infusing the meat with unique aromas.

For seamless travel bookings, updated schedules, and more information on your journey from Shanghai to Kuching, visit Pudong for departure options from Shanghai and Kuching International Airport for arrival and onward services in Malaysia.

Information about schedule and airline subject to change based on airline policy. Please check regularly at Traveloka App.