Saturday 1 June 2013
Flight Review: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore using Jetstar
Scheduled flight was at 7.45pm but delayed to 8pm departure.
Check-in service today was very good. Excellent customer service.
Arrived ahead of schedule.
Tuesday 28 May 2013
Hotel review: Le Quadri Hotel, Cheras
This hotel is a part of the University College Sedaya International (UCSI) hostel and it is under the university management. I think it caters to parents of graduates as well as to business travelers.
Location:
To travel to the city, you will need to spend about MYR15. Not near the city center. It is located at the suburban area of Kuala Lumpur. I thought that it was a good hotel for business traveling given that you have someone in Kuala Lumpur to chauffeur you around.
Customer service:
There was only one person on duty upon my arrival as well as upon my departure but I thought it was an okay reception. Nothing to complain about.
Price:
It is considerably cheap;it costs about MYR 135.
Hygiene:
It was a very clean room. I booked the standard single room and I thought that its cleanliness is commendable. They provided a new box of tissue paper. They bed sheets were clean and comfortable. The room's cleanliness was not compromised despite its very reasonable room price.
Room size:
It contained two single beds and the room size was just nice. The bathroom size, though, was rather small; not much space in the bathroom.
There is only one little complaint: the smell of the room. I thought that they gave me a room with slightly moulded bathroom and hence the smell.
Clean bed with moderately sized pillows
A huge mirror with good lighting
Many plug points and a good tv panel.
Clean and neat
Friday 24 May 2013
Malindo air
Malindo air is a joint Malaysia-Indonesia airline based in Malaysia but I've never really heard of it before. Did some digging online and found out that it is only a few months old. It is a joint of Malaysian Nadi Sdn Bhd and Indonesian Lion Air. Found this newspaper ad in a local Malaysian newspaper.
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Sunday 19 May 2013
Where to Stay in Melaka? Hotel Review: Hatten Hotel Melaka
Hello fellow Readers! I've realised my travel blog is gaining more and more readers by day. I am happy to be able to share my traveling moments with all of you. Hope you would enjoy this post and the photos I've taken throughout my trip to Melaka.
In this post, I'll be sharing my experience of my weekend in the Hatten Hotel Melaka (otherwise known as Hatten Malacca. It was a relatively new hotel by the Hatten Group. The reason why we chose this hotel is that we wanted to try this strategically-located hotel. It is located just across Mahkota Parade and Dataran Pahlawan Melaka Megamall, the two most well-known shopping malls in Melaka. This hotel is situated at Melaka Raya, presumably the heart of Melaka as claimed by the hotel's official website.
We have stayed in several hotels and I am writing this review making these other hotels as comparison models:
1. Courtyard Heeren (A boutique hotel in Jonker Street)
2. Grand Continental Melaka
3. Mimosa Hotel Melaka / Hotel Mimosa Melaka
4. Bayview Hotel Melaka
From their official website, their published room rate for one night is MYR195++ for the weekdays and MYR245++ for the weekends. The promotion is valid until the 30th of November 2013. Bear in mind that you need to count in the 10% service charge, 6% government tax and heritage charge of MYR2.00 has to be paid when you check out. When I first checked in, I was impressed by how professional the receptionists are. It left me a very good first impression. They were all well-groomed and dressed neatly.
Next I was wowed by the impeccable interior design. Such lavish interior layout for a very reasonable price! It was adorned with chandeliers and decorations that swept me off my feet. And I have to remind you of how picky as a person to start off with. I was truly amazed. After checking in, we waited for the hotel lift. There were a lot of people waiting for the lifts too. There were many lifts but this is one area that I hope they would improve if they read this. Everyone had to wait for a considerably long time. I overheard people complaining about how long they had to wait on several occasions so I think I am not an exclusive case. After waiting anxiously for the lift and with impatient anticipation of the room, I quickly walked to the room to check out the room.
As I entered the room, my jaw dropped! A picture is worth a thousand words. Take a look for yourself. It was a very spacious room with complete facilities. Yes, complete. Bar fridge? Checked. Iron? Checked. Iron board? Checked. A good shower head? Checked, checked. Two shower heads!
A comfortable bed with four pillows! A little bit like Four Seasons Singapore although really no other hotels I have stayed in, even the Hotel Michael in Sentosa World Resorts Singapore.
Hatten Hotel Melaka
Hatten Square, Jalan Merdeka, Bandar Hilir, 75000 Melaka, Malaysia.
T I +606 286 9696 FI +606 281 9696
Email : reservations@hattenhotel.com
Why I love Sir Richard Branson? A man of his words, indeed! Air Asia's 'Air Stewardess'
In this 5-minute video, Sir Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group has presented himself as a witty man with great humour. I thought he portrayed his playful side and a great amount of charm. A humble man who stays true to his words.
Saturday 18 May 2013
Thursday 16 May 2013
Reading in The Plane... Using Kindle? Paperback? Qantas' way?
For the past two flights, I have noticed two middle-aged men holding Kindle's and read so religiously. The irony is that we would expect them who were accustomed to paperback books would prefer to read the old-school way. But that's the trend! More and more aged flight passengers are carrying around Kindle's; the elderly are adapting well!
There goes the good Ol' days of reading right from the paperback books or novels then. Nonetheless, many people still adhere to the conservationism of reading. I have spotted many still carrying around paperback novels to spend time in the plane.
Whether it's Qantas' way of reviving the good ol' days or trying to improve the passengers' satisfaction of reading, I must applaud their innovative measure. They have come up with a series of books which are customised to your flight duration. Simply put, if your flight is 5 hours long, you would be able to finish reading the book within your flight. The books are written to match your flight duration!
In the effort of introducing this revolutionary way of reading in the plane, they have joined forces with award-winning art director Paul Bedford and the Hachette publisher.
They have specified their target audience too: Qantas Platinum Frequent Flyer. I thought that it was a good measure to keeping their passengers satisfied with frequently-improved service. I must commend their effort in reeling in new customers while keeping the customers returning to them when they have never ceased to introduce positive elements into their system. Good job, Qantas!
There goes the good Ol' days of reading right from the paperback books or novels then. Nonetheless, many people still adhere to the conservationism of reading. I have spotted many still carrying around paperback novels to spend time in the plane.
Whether it's Qantas' way of reviving the good ol' days or trying to improve the passengers' satisfaction of reading, I must applaud their innovative measure. They have come up with a series of books which are customised to your flight duration. Simply put, if your flight is 5 hours long, you would be able to finish reading the book within your flight. The books are written to match your flight duration!
In the effort of introducing this revolutionary way of reading in the plane, they have joined forces with award-winning art director Paul Bedford and the Hachette publisher.
They have specified their target audience too: Qantas Platinum Frequent Flyer. I thought that it was a good measure to keeping their passengers satisfied with frequently-improved service. I must commend their effort in reeling in new customers while keeping the customers returning to them when they have never ceased to introduce positive elements into their system. Good job, Qantas!
Wednesday 15 May 2013
Where to Stay in Ipoh? The French Hotel? Hotel Review
Hello, readers! As I've mentioned in a an earlier post, I made a trip to Ipoh, Perak. Well, a food trip, actually. :-)
I've been to Ipoh a few times for its food but I always had trouble looking for a decent hotel. Most of the hotels in Ipoh looked very ancient and dowdy. Some would prefer to stay at the Sunway Lost World Hotel at Tambun, Ipoh which highlights its Lost World Theme Park. Since I was traveling with my husband, I didn't think I would want to pay extra for something that I wouldn't utilise. It didn't seem like an ideal choice to us because we wanted to stay in the Ipoh city center, nearby the foodie spots.
There are some well-known hotels in Ipoh which locals would know but I didn't like that they're worn-out. Yes, I am a little picky. All I want is just a decent hotel: clean, reasonable and good hospitality. I understand that if it is strategically located, it would most probably cost more but then again I do not really mind the location that much compared to the hospitality and the cleanliness. I have stayed in an array of hotels, both budget and luxury. I do not wish to have red carpet everywhere but I just need a clean room with nice mattress, clean blanket, clean towels, clean floor, clean bathroom... :-D Clean everything!
Nowadays, I look for boutique hotels which usually are smaller-sized but with mediocre to great service and hygiene. I usually do my bookings online and via telephone calls. This time I realised that booking directly through the phone was cheaper than booking it online. I placed a reservation order and arrived late in the evening.
Surprise, surprise! When I arrived, I was carrying three big luggage bags into the hotel while I waited for my husband to park his car. And guess what? The security guard just sat there comfortably, watching me entering the hotel. Well, I just feel that you could at least open the door for me? And then he went closing his eyes and rested. When my husband came, he felt so bad for me because he asked me to wait for him. He complained about the poor service when he saw the security guard basically just rested on the couch. I went roaming around and realised that it was a rather new hotel. It was officiated in January 2012. It was just a little over a year!
The interior was very pleasant looking, a contrast compared to the hotel surrounding. I think it was a cinema next to the hotel, across a small alley. As you can see in the photos, the receptionist area was very well-lit, very welcoming but as I looked up, it was quite dark. I agree with energy conservation but somehow I felt that it was a bit dark upstairs. That aside, the hotel should be valued by its location. It is right across a money exchanger store and a twenty-four-hours convenience store next to the hotel. That alone, made me feel that it was the right hotel to stay in.
The corridor was clean! Hurray!
When I entered the room, voila! Amazing! It surpassed my expectations!
The room looked extraordinary. It gave out a comforting vibe. Notice the green bamboo portraits? Tranquilising...
I am always concerned of the bathroom. I prefer a bathroom with a big shower head for a relaxing bath. The bathroom was adorned with good features and guess what? Stainless steel everything!
When I left, there were two receptionists at the reception desk. While waiting for my husband to drive his car over, I noticed a really good act of kindness. The receptionist quickly asked the man in the photo if he wanted the bottle of shampoo and other toiletries his family members left in another room. And then when I entered my car, the receptionist kindly helped the man to load his bags into his car, without even being asked! What an amazing hospitality, isn't it? I left the hotel with a great impression of the hotel. Thanks to this receptionist who restored my faith in this hotel after a negative first impression from the security guard the night before.
Monday 13 May 2013
Flight Review 6: Flying from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur with Tiger Airways Review 2
Timing:
This flight, it was excellent! No complaints at all regarding the timing.
Flight Attendants:
Despite their very mediocre uniform, Tiger Airways starts to grow on me because their flight attendants are very attentive to their cabin passengers (well, at least for this flight). Their hospitality is definitely better than Air Asia flight attendants, to be very honest. For this flight, we had this wonderful batch of flight attendants who were very friendly. This imprinted a good memory of the flight and hence would help me to make my flight booking easier. If I could choose between Air Asia and Tiger Airways, based on their hospitality, Air Asia is the way to go.
Kuala Lumpur: City Taxis in KLIA
Starting from the 15th of May 2013, there will be additional supply of taxis in the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). The new system is reportedly to be implemented to improve the waiting time. The announcement was made by the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar. This is definitely good news for city taxi drivers as previously the City taxis were allowed to ferry passengers to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) but restricted from ferrying passengers out of the airport.
If you would like to get a limousine, feel free to go to Level Three of the main terminal. On the other hand, if you would like to get a taxi, go to Level One of the main terminal.
If you're traveling in Malaysia and do not wish to be overcharged, be adamant for a metered taxi. I have settled down for non-metered taxis and I was charged a sum of taxi fare before even starting the journey. Be smart to ensure that the trip fare is calculated based on the meter reading. Apparently, you will have to purchase a Two Ringgit ( RM2 ~SGD0.80) to use the City taxi.
A taxi trip to the city from KLIA is plus minus MYR100 for a four-seater taxi. KLIA is not located in Kuala Lumpur although you might mistakenly perceive so. It is approximately 60 km away from the capital, Kuala Lumpur, in the Sepang district.
Of course, there are other options: KLIA express, bus, hotel transfer.The ACI Asia Pacific ranked KLIA to be the 5th busiest airport as of 2009.
If you would like to get a limousine, feel free to go to Level Three of the main terminal. On the other hand, if you would like to get a taxi, go to Level One of the main terminal.
If you're traveling in Malaysia and do not wish to be overcharged, be adamant for a metered taxi. I have settled down for non-metered taxis and I was charged a sum of taxi fare before even starting the journey. Be smart to ensure that the trip fare is calculated based on the meter reading. Apparently, you will have to purchase a Two Ringgit ( RM2 ~SGD0.80) to use the City taxi.
A taxi trip to the city from KLIA is plus minus MYR100 for a four-seater taxi. KLIA is not located in Kuala Lumpur although you might mistakenly perceive so. It is approximately 60 km away from the capital, Kuala Lumpur, in the Sepang district.
Of course, there are other options: KLIA express, bus, hotel transfer.The ACI Asia Pacific ranked KLIA to be the 5th busiest airport as of 2009.
Sunday 12 May 2013
#Richard Branson as #Air Asia Air Stewardess
Richard Branson? Air Asia? Richard Branson Air Asia? What's the link? Richard Branson's the Briton billionaire who owns the Virgin Atlantic Airways, notably one of the most influential men in the world. But why was he donning an Air Asia air stewardess uniform? Yes, you heard me right. Air stewardess, not air steward. Full make-up, fishnets, red pumps and the Air Asia air stewardess uniform!
Source: gettyimages.co.uk
Richard Branson was an Air Asia air stewardess! Well... Not really. He served as an air stewardess for the Air Asia special flight from Perth, Australia to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
So why was Richard Branson an Air Asia air stewardess? Indeed, a man of words! He lost a Grand Prix bet with the Air Asia founder, Tony Fernandes. He had his bet on the Virgin team which was two spots behind lotus and hence had to serve as an air stewardess in Tony Fernandes' Air Asia airline.
Richard Branson was reported serving a special flight from Perth to Kuala Lumpur and a fraction of the proceeds will go to an Australian charity foundation. It was an approximately five-an-a-half-hour flight in which Richard Branson served drinks and stuck up conversations with the passengers! What an admirable trait that he's a man of his words and he's living up his principle above ego. Apparently, he had his legs shaved, a full-face make-up and dressed in the Air Asia air stewardess uniform!
What an amazing marketing strategy isn't it? To have an influential man to participate in such controversial event ( in fishnets and make-up), the Air Asia branding would propagate to the entire world. Now, people across the world know of Air Asia more! From this single event alone, it is more powerful than any other marketing strategy that Air Asia has employed. To be honest, whether Tony Fernandes won or lost, he would serve an amazing opportunity to bring the Air Asia name to a greater height of prominence. If you had not heard of Air Asia, you have now! Traveling in Southeast Asia, Air Asia is a very common budget airline name that you'd hear often. I have (and many Southeast Asians have) flew with Air Asia and I have complimented their air stewardess presentations of themselves: professional and well-maintained. Just in case you came to this post looking for more information on Air Asia flights, check out my reviews on Air Asia flights: Kuala Lumpur to Singapore (KL-SIN) : Review 1, Kuala Lumpur to Singapore (KL-SIN) : Review 2, Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur.
Wednesday 8 May 2013
Is It Safe to Travel to Malaysia Post-General Election 2013? Post-Election Rally?
Again, many people asked me if it is safe to travel to Malaysia this period. In my previous related post, I wrote about the traveling safety before and during the General Election. So what about now?
A general insight:
A general insight:
1. The Malaysian General Election 2013 was held on the 5th of May 2013.
2. Traveling concerns were raised due to concerns over protests or rallies.
My two-cents:
I would understand that many would be worried especially if they have never been to Malaysia. Malaysia has been a peaceful country and many national issues have been resolved (or partially dealt with) without any bloodshed for several decades already. However, non-violent rallies were held in the past few year in pursuance of a cleaner election. I believe you would have read on the peaceful rally held last year which was publicised worldwide. On the 8th of May 2013, the Leader of the Opposition Party will be organising a rally to dispute the election results which was claimed to have resulted from 'irregularities' throughout the General Election 2013. The rally is said to be held at Kelana Jaya stadium. Should travelers worry? Well, it will be held in a stadium about 20 kilometers away from the Kuala Lumpur city center.
Saturday 4 May 2013
Flight Review 5: Flying from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore with Tiger Airways (KUL-SIN)
This batch of flight attendants seem professional and presentable. This flight looks relatively new too. Surprisingly the cabin is only 25% full. Row 1, 12 and 13 are the rows for more leg room, according to the announcement by the flight attendant. You may switch your seat to those rows if you find your current seat not comfortable enough, with a minimal fee.
We landed ahead of the scheduled time and I find this flight really pleasant. Throughout the flight, the flight attendants were very friendly with the cabin passengers and helpful. I think that the flight attendants' hospitality plays an important role in securing returning customers. For now, I definitely already have favorited Tiger Airways and Jetstar over Air Asia.
I made my booking only a day before my flight and still manage to get a really good bargain for this flight! Notice how empty the cabin was? I find this rather puzzling because Jetstar seems to be a great airline to travel with but yet people often flock to other airlines. It could be because other airlines' flights are cheaper if advanced bookings are made.
We landed ahead of the scheduled time and I find this flight really pleasant. Throughout the flight, the flight attendants were very friendly with the cabin passengers and helpful. I think that the flight attendants' hospitality plays an important role in securing returning customers. For now, I definitely already have favorited Tiger Airways and Jetstar over Air Asia.
I made my booking only a day before my flight and still manage to get a really good bargain for this flight! Notice how empty the cabin was? I find this rather puzzling because Jetstar seems to be a great airline to travel with but yet people often flock to other airlines. It could be because other airlines' flights are cheaper if advanced bookings are made.
Although my first Tiger Airways flight was not pleasant, it has improved over time. I think Tiger Airways flights are economic but they need to improve on their timing. If you're always a late-comer who arrives at the scheduled gate-closing time, most probably you do not have to worry since I have noticed that for most of my flights with Tiger Airways, their gates closed later than the scheduled timing.
Wednesday 1 May 2013
Bank Money Exchanger in KLIA Airport
The CIMB Bank and the Maybank are the two banks that you'd encountered very frequently in Kuala Lumpur. They offer competitive rates but then again, they're bank counters. These money exchange counters would be trustworthy but if you are in a hurry you might want to linger around in the city center for better rates from the independent money exchangers.
The CIMB Money Exchanger in KLIA
The Maybank Money Exchanger counter at KLIA
These two counters can be found just near the luggage pick-up area. Whenever I travel, I would rather change the currency at trustworthy banks in the airports and then hunt for better bargains in the city center. A word of precaution, though, that not all money exchangers in the city are comparably better than these bank money exchangers.
Usually the currency rate at the bank money exchanger counter is standardised throughout Malaysia. The exchange rates, however, vary with the banks.
These two counters can be found just near the luggage pick-up area. Whenever I travel, I would rather change the currency at trustworthy banks in the airports and then hunt for better bargains in the city center. A word of precaution, though, that not all money exchangers in the city are comparably better than these bank money exchangers.
Usually the currency rate at the bank money exchanger counter is standardised throughout Malaysia. The exchange rates, however, vary with the banks.
I have changed some money in different branches of Maybank and I realise that there is a slight discrepancy. Maybe it's because of different days but still, slight discrepancy.
Shopping for Cosmetics in KLIA Airport
Since I have been flying a lot, I often spend time sourcing for my cosmetic supplies in airports instead of departmental stores like BHG, Isetan or Parkson. Nowadays, I find it a better bargain to shop in the duty-free airport stores.
How cheap can it get? Well, it depends! I still find shopping at the Changi Airport better than in KLIA. Reason being, some cosmetics that I buy at the GST-Free Changi Airport are cheaper than those in KLIA. Yes, you read it correctly! Despite the common perception that things are generally cheaper in Malaysia due to the currency conversion, I still like shopping at Changi Airport.
I replenished some stocks: Estee Lauder, Mac, Bobbi Brown and Shu Uemura. Guess what? They are no cheaper than buying in departmental stores in Kuala Lumpur! I was utterly surprised after I purchased them and went shopping at the Kuala Lumpur City Center just to find out that they cost as much as buying at KLIA!
I went into the Victoria Secret outlet which was opened just a ripe few years back and I couldn't believe my eyes when it was so empty! All the Victoria Secret outlets I have visited back in Singapore are usually busy: ION Orchard and Sentosa. I struck up a conversation with a friendly sales assistant and she convinced me that the customers usually flock in, in groups.
I conclude that Changi Airport is by far, the better airport to shop in, in my personal opinion. Nonetheless, some items in the KLIA Airport are worth browsing through as well.
