More M’sians are heading to Antarctica – and getting there is easier than before

Antarctica has long been considered an unreachable destination for most Malaysians. However, a growing number of adventurous travellers are now making the journey to the White Continent each year. According to Antarctica21 senior commercial director Juan Cristobal del Pedregal Bravo, around 300 Malaysians take the expedition during the travel season, which runs from November to March. Many are seasoned travelers in their 50s to 70s who combine the trip with a broader South American adventure.

While Antarctica remains a luxury destination, the cost of entry has come down thanks to new travel options. Traditionally, visitors had to sail from Ushuaia, Argentina, and endure the challenging Drake Passage, a voyage that could take up to two days. Now, travellers can fly from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island in just two hours, skipping much of the arduous sea journey.

Antarctica21 pioneered this fly-and-cruise model in 2003, offering expeditions using aircraft like the BAE 146-200, Avro RJ85, and Avro RJ100, which can land on short Antarctic runways. The company expects demand for this format to grow, even among Muslim travellers if appropriate meal arrangements and other needs are met. The latest addition to their fleet, the hybrid-electric Magellan Discoverer, is set to start operating during the 2026-27 Antarctic season.

For those willing to make the trip, the experience is transformative. Zalifah Zakaria, a 50-year-old travel professional, described Antarctica as the most exhilarating and life-changing journey she has ever undertaken. "I have seen almost everything elsewhere in the world, but the experience and beauty of Antarctica was exhilarating and reset my view of Mother Earth," she said.

Another travel industry insider, Claire Wong, echoed similar sentiments after her December 2023 trip. "Antarctica should be on everyone's bucket list, especially if they love nature. Being there physically is so very different from watching it on video or television. It is something extraordinary," she expressed.

The allure of Antarctica extends beyond its accessibility. Travellers can cruise through the Lemaire Channel, visit volcanic Deception Island, or explore the South Shetland Islands. Expedition activities include Zodiac rides, wildlife watching, sea kayaking, snowshoeing, and even brief immersions in frigid water. Passengers dine aboard expedition ships like the Magellan Explorer, which serves as the gateway to this unique adventure.

Malaysia's scientific ties to Antarctica, including polar explorer Sharifah Mazlina's historic solo crossing in 2004 and recent climbs by local adventurer Wong Su Chung, further underscore the country's connection to this remote frontier.