Firefly Airline-Media Fam Trip(part5) Malacca Full Day Tour.

When Firefly Airline started the jet fleet services using new fleet B737-800s.The people now started to compare between Malaysia first budget airline using fleet A320 by Airbus and Firefly's is using B737-800s by Boeing.'Which is better A320 or B737-800 ??'
The B737-800s and A320 are quite similar as they are both rigid and sophisticated.The B737 -800s is a huge sucess story as it very popular with the latest 1028 ordered by the airline business company.The most successful two airlines in the world use only B737-800s are Ryanair and Southwest Airline.However none of these airplane is better to the other, one might be better for an airline due to operating cost,but for the average person it does not make any difference.
The Firefly Airline is using new fleet  B737-800s flying from Kuala Lumpur(KLIA) to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu for booking just log on to their web site
Firefly's Holiday

I was told that our day two of this Fam trip hosted by Firefly's and Tourism Malaysia that we would be going on full day tour of Malacca.I have been to Malacca before but there's just something about this place that attract my attention and that this Malacca City does not get old no matter how many time I visit.I always fell a sense of peace through me the instant I step into its boundaries


Media friend taking a short ride by trishaw (another trade mark in Malacca City).
After getting our breakfast at Istana Hotel in Kuala Lumpur we pack ourselve  into a tourist bus and begin our 2-hours journey to Malacca.Along the way everyone of us is sleeping and I guess everyone sleep late last night.If you know what  I mean,,,those blasting night life at Bukit Bintang area . Come on people don't be naughty ..we are just sleeping in a bus so we can have a fresh and tip-top energy in Malacca. After all there is nothing to see when your bus is at 100 KM per hour

In Malacca  our first up on the itinerary is the Duck Tour using the World War II waterboat that travel by land and water.We hopped  aboard the duck tour with a few Tourism student and few members of Melaka Tourism official .The duck tour bus located beside Menara Taming Sari,the ticket booth for this tour is easily noticeable with its bright yellow colours.

This is Duck Tour Bus..a WWII water boat that travel by land and water...The Chief Minister of Malacca is a creative Tourism minded person...Congratulation to the people of Malacca.Malaysia's First Land and Sea Adventure.So when the duck almost reach the water the driver seat is taking over by the Captain and only the qualified person certified by Marine Department are given a permit to pilot the Duck .The duck went splashing into the water..
 
Become one of the guest is definitely the most entertaining way to explore Malacca.The 45 minutes touring is entertaining when the ducky tour guide entertain us fact about  duck tour in a TV show presentation style (picture above).Every line of his  presentation will end up with beautiful 'Tuan-tuan dan Puan-puan' and last 'Terima Kasih and Thank You'.For me I enjoy every view and scenery of  a clam blue ocean from the boat especially the Mosque.


Masjid Selat Melaka, is a mosque on the man-made island of Pulau Melaka near Malacca Town in Malacca state, Malaysia. It looks like a floating structure if the water level is high. Construction cost of the mosque is about MYR10 million. The Opening Ceremony was done in 24 November 2006 by the Supreme Ruler of Malaysia ( Yang di-Pertuan Agong) Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail
Well it almost time for lunch at Restoran Indori.
To be continue...................

Firefly Airline-Media Fam Trip (part4) 'Kamik Nait Belon Firefly'.

Firefly Airline is a subsidiary company from Malaysia Airline offering budget flight mostly in the Peninsular Malaysia,taking over MAS route flying from south to north and east to west.January 15th in the year 2011 firefly's offer flight from KUL (KLIA) to Kuching and Kota Kinablu.When firefly's announce new route last December 2010 every Sarawakian especially those from Kuching was delighted to hear which mean there will be a choice of lowcost or budget Airline from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur .

More information about firefly's promotion just log on to their web site   KAMEK NAIT BELON FIREFLY

In case you guy confuse what is 'Kamek Nait Belon' this is local malay Sarawak for" Let's us fly by Firefly Airline "(correct me if I'm wrong)

The word belon mean  aero plane.Beautiful isn't it, Malaysia has so many beautiful dialect .

I'm still on day one of the  Fam trip hosted by Fireflys's & Tourism Malaysia and our last stop before heading to Kuala Lumpur and check-in at Hotel Istana is the Putrajaya Maritime Centre, which was said to be the next big thing in Putrajaya as it’s home to practically any water sport .I don't snap any photo here..well,you see  so many people swimming in the pool .You know what i mean don't you...women swimming gear and people relaxing at pool site.They don't want to be disturb.

Photo by Justin KC Yap...(Thanks Justin )

The handsome uncle our tour guide from day one till last day of our tour.Thank You uncle, for your hospitality and he's  kind of happy go lucky person.Some time he talk alone as many of the media are tired and sleepy .No wonder, no matter afternoon or night whenever he started to say a word.. he say 'Good Morning People' ..,

Photo by Justin KC Yap.

Thank You to the Hotel management .I have XXXL size polo t-shirt and cap ,complimentary from Hotel Istana.This Hotel is one of the 5 star hotel around Bukit Bintang.We reach hotel quite late due to traffic congested.We stay here  for 2 nights including breakfast and hosted by Tourism Malaysia.Thank You to Tourism Malaysia.

 

I was impressed with the friendly greeting by the hotel staff and was amazed to see such splendid decor in the lobby area.
The rooms were comfortable, modern, well equipped and the bathroom was modern, very spacious and clean and soundproof! The housekeeping staff were very efficient, we only had to wait a matter of minutes when requesting extra towels or what ever etc.Breakfast buffet was delicious with lots of variety - hot and cold food. The restaurant staff were helpful and made polite conversation although not overbearing.The perfect location for sight seing and only a 10 minute walk to the Pavilion and other shopping centre.I would recommend this hotel to anyone who wishes to have city break in Kuala Lumpur and of course we have to poke up more monies from our pocket (in case you pay by cash).Me..hehehe.all paid by Tourism Malaysia or Firefly's.

 

Photo by Justin KC Yap.

Our mission is not complete yet,I only have one hour break for a shower ( hot shower of course).I am rushing, the bus is waiting to take us to Ampang.

Photo by Justin KC Yap.

We had dinner with Tourism Malaysia officers at Bora Ombak Restaurant in Ampang.The food was scrumptious with modest presentation (picture above) and most of them are unique to me as it was my first time tasting this kind of food.It had a Balinese theme scenery .We  arrived quite late  because of traffic congested.We sit indoor due to humid and raining has started.We are a group of 20 people and the only customers at that time.I look around as there are still ample seats empty.To be honest,do you know that for a free meal some people would go to the end of the earth almost. hehe..he.

Anyway I enjoy the food, like i said my first time haha..Our tour guide purpose a mall tour for us at Bukit Bintang area but not for me as i need energy for day two of our Fam Trip that is we are heading for Melaka at 0745 hours.

End of day one and my next entry is trip to Melaka. Watch out guy........more photos  on next entry.

Firefly Airline-Media Fam Trip (Part3)

First of all many Thanks to Miss Sin Hoi from firefly's marketing & communication team being so kind greet & meet us at Kuching International Airport and flew with us onboard FY601. And  also, thanks for arranging  in flight meal for us.

FY601 new fleet B737-800 touch down KLIA smoothly  and the flight slightly delay  from ETA: 11:15 to 11:35 AM...That's normal .To the fleet Captain and the crew ,congratulation and job well done .I know few of the passengers onboard comment negative about the in flight services and I  agree with them but we must bear in mind that most of the cabin crew are new to this kind of working environment with 190 seated aircraft .I am very sure they can improve when most of them have clock about 10 hrs flying and get use to serve the guest by asking what the passengers wanted for meal etc,etc..Like I say during my trip back KUL/KCH the cabin crew have improve a lot and the services is just superb for a low cost fleet...Well, I suppose 'We get  what we pay for' & this is low cost premium flight that I am really proud off and I'm sure you guy should continue to support our Community Airline.

On arrival we are introduce to firefly's local staff and to our tour guide which is arrange by Tourism Malaysia.Later we go to Putrajaya Seafood Restaurant as a special guest launch with Tourism Malaysia staff and we are then introduce our self .The media from Sabah could not join us for lunch due to unforeseen problem but manage to join us for the tour.Our lunch at Putrajaya Seafood Restaurant is superb and the food is 'Marvelous'. Thanks to Tourism Malaysia

 

Photo of Putrajaya Seafood Restaurant by Justin KC Yap ( Business reporter from The Borneo Post) Credit to Justin's Photo.

The 5 star services & the food 'marvelous ' .....Credit to Justin's Photo.My new friend from Sarawak Tribune (sub-editor) enjoying the food.

Credit to Justin's Photo.

This are the transport that carry us from Seafood restaurant to Taman Botani,Morocco Pavillion and Cruise Tasik Putrajaya.If you are in for a little exercise and some leisure activities then the lake Boardwalk is absolutely perfect for you.Tram ride (picture above) around the park is suitable for families

 

After lunch we proceed to Taman Botani where we are being brief by the Senior Officer from both  Taman Botani & Perbadanan Putrajaya regarding the tourism product, Q&A from the media etc,etc..very educational information indeed .

The photojournalist in action at Moroccan Pavilion in Putrajaya and we discover the unique and amazing Moroccan Pavilion.

 

The architectural features based on the heritage of Morocco are actually inspired by the world of plants.Here, you can plan your exciting family day or even a splendid garden wedding at a very affordable price.

We are welcome by the crew members of Kelah Cruise  in Putrajaya lake.

 

The best way to see and experience or discover Putrajaya is by taking a leisure cruise to see and marvel at the city's many attractive landmarks and view the beauty of the lake and I can see and experience the most breathtaking sights of Putrajaya.

For those of you who is planning for a family vacation I suggest this is the place.To discover Putrajaya  fly to KLIA from Kuching by  logon to Firefly Airline web site.

Next entry I will blog about our trip to Putrajaya Maritime Centre ..still on first day of Familiarisation Trip.Isn't it wonderful in just 2 night and 3 days I can discover Putrajaya,Melaka and Kuala Lumpur.

So see you guy on part4 ...Cheers.

Firefly Airline-Media Familiarisation Trip.(Part 1)

Firefly,Your Community Airline and wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines,is inviting me to the launch of  their inaugural flight to Kuala Lumpur International Airport in their newly announced Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

The new fleet of Firefly Airline B737-800.

On the 15th of January ,2011 Firefly Airline made a history the firefly's flight number FY602 from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Kuching International Airport touch down on time and the traditional aviation welcome the new fleet by spraying the water from the rescue unit water engine.As promise they use the aero bridge for the convenient of the passengers.

 

My media pass and the photograph of coming guest from Kuala Lumpur been greet by traditional dance of Sarawak.

The best is as a blogger and freelance photographer .A very big Thank You to firefly's for inviting me to be part of this great event.

Passengers to Kuala Lumpur at departure hall and on board the B737-800 fleet.

The flight crew of firefly's........

I'm one of the first guest that flew from Kuching to KLIA with the new fleet B737-800 and if you guys want to go to Kuala Lumpur with lower fare just log on to firefly's website    F I R E F L Y    Airline   .

This is part 1 of my blogging about my FAM Trip with firefly's and InsyAllah will continue part 2 in few days time.

Cheers and Thanks. 

Melaka-Menara Taming Sari.

During my trip to Melaka last March 2008,I did not realize the tower that i saw is the menara taming sari(revolving tower).Revisited Melaka on July 2008, this tower is already open to public.
Menara Taming Sari is located at Bandar Hilir,beside Dataran Pahlawan.This 110m high revolving tower was build at a total of Rm23mill.It is the first of its kind in the country with a revolving observation cabin,which provides a breathtaking 360-degree view of the entire historical areas if Melaka. This photo taken with my Zuiko lens 14-54mm f2.8-3.5.

The Journey Continues

20th March,Thursday.Kuching International Airport(KIA) passengers "Q" at gate 4 ready to board the aircraft .This is a free seating flight ..airasia policy is passengers with family.senior citizen age from 65 yrs,those paying extra Rm10.00 for express boarding is the special passengers and the rest don't worry there are always empty seat waiting for you but the choice is always the middle seat(If the flight is full). The whole online booking experience is an adventure in itsself.You have to be at the side at the right time in order to get the best fare.The best about web-check in with airasia is self service check-in but your printer must be ready to print your boarding pass(pic.above).So you don't have to "Q" at airport check-in counter.

LCCT food garden,fair price for budget travellers e.g I take an order of 1 pc roti telor and cup of coffee just for Rm3.80.....This food garden is just 2 mins walk thru walkway not far from public car parks.

20 th March,Thursday arriving LCCT at 10:15 pm.I call my Sister In-law and her husband ,telling them I'm now in LCCT and no need for me to drop by to thier home in Ampang.I better hang out at this food garden in LCCT.Cheap food here...and to kill my time here I play with my laptop...the 3G coverage is pretty fast here.Oh yes....my cyber pal akmal of wiseup88 SMSing me "Welcome to Peninsula uncle,happy adventurous"(10:39 pm).

Thank you..akmal.

20 March,Thursday. Arriving LCCT by AirAsia .

People say the cheaper the airfare you gonna end up at your destination like our tourist friend here.

21 March,Friday KL Sentral.

Dep 04:45 am . Arr: 05:45 am.

21 March ,Friday arrived Melaka Sentral from Pudu Raya by Transnasional.

Dep: 06:30 am Arr:08:00 am.

Express bus Q @ express way to pay ...TOLL

I was told that Melaka famous chicken rice ball is a must try when you are in Melaka.As soon as I arrived Melaka Sentral I try this rice ball at the Melaka Sentral outlet.Definitely it is Halal because the Chief Minister(Menteri Besar) of Melaka was here and his picture with the oulet staff is seen hanging on the wall ....

Cendol/Ais Kacang and durian cendol...must try if you are in Melaka.

Don't miss the local dessert in Melaka.Original Nyoya Baba cendol with a lot of gula melaka(Melaka brown sugar)as well as the durian cendol.Both taste really ice cool,nice and perfect after long walk at Joker Street.

Hi ! you lost your way Sir? maybe I can help you.......btw my name is Mr xxxx and Welcome to Melaka sir...enjoy your stay.

I'm now standing just about 273 KM to Johor Bahru from Melaka.

Clean and non polluted Melaka river. Maritime Museum .Nostalgic to me because my brother is one of the crew members of this petrol boat of Tentera Laut Di-Raja Malaysia(TLDM) during 60s or 70s.

Walking and walking so shoot this picture .

Welcome onboard sir......and Welcome to Melaka.
MUZIUM SAMUDERA:Enterance fee Rm3.00

Melaka Maritime Museum.This is a place that should be visited.
Dutch Square The Stadthuys is just at the coner.

This is not an Air Show..btw...you can see this aeroplane not far from the Dutch Square.
A'FORMOSA

The hallmark of Melaka and perhap the most photographed subject.Built by Portuguese in 1511.

Nice decorated trishaw the icon of Melaka and got music some more......
CLOCK TOWER.The brick-red clock tower is located at Dutch Square.

Evening in Melaka river.

Beautifull landscape some where near to Melaka river.

The famous Jonker Walk.

Free show@ Jonker Walk. This Sifu sale medicated oilment.

I stay here for one night.I did the reservation on line.Nice and friendly staff.Every room is internet access or you can surf the net on the ground floor of the Inn.Room rate please refer to http://www.fenixinn.com/ A nice place to be.I check in on 21st March(Friday) and check-out 22nd March(Saturday).

Continue my journey to Johor Bahru by KKKL Express bus via Melaka Sentral.From Fenix Inn to Melaka Sentral I go by taxi and cost me Rm10.00.Friendly taxi driver is Encik Abd,Raman 012-2418742.He told me that if I happen to come back and visit Melaka again do not hesitate to contact him and the charges is Rm25.00 per hours.

22nd March,Saturday I arrived Johor Bahru at 11:00 hrs from Melaka.The express bus stop at Larkin Bus Terminal.

Just at about 14:30 hrs weather is not suitable for me to go around the city and tourist spot.
From the Singapore TV mediacop news weather forecast a very heavy tunderstrom happen in Singapore.Heavy down pour until 20:00 hrs .This also happen in Johor Bahru.

Weather still fine and time now is 12:00 hrs.I have my lunch somewhere @ this area is not very far from the hotel I stay.

I guess the owner of this machine must be still in Singapore.Picture taken @Jalan Tun Abdul Razak near to railway station .Time now 14:00 hrs.

After teh tarik and take order a simple dinner @ near by mamak stall I go back to my hotel room and shoot this picture from the hotel room # 808.
Just after rain stop I go to City Square and shoot this photo @Jalan Wong Ah Fook.

The building in the centre is the hotel where I stay.A'Vista Melati Hotel,budget hotel Rm100 and below per night.I rated the hotel zero star ...Why....The hotel staff is hopeless,no sense of courtesy and have no knowledge of information about Johor Bahru .No "Thank You " greeting while check-out from the hotel.The hotel room is just not worth if you pay Rm98 *********

From the hotel of Jalan Station to Senai Airport City Lounge is just about 15 mins walk.Not to worry because I have done my web check-in (22nd March Saturday) for my flight to Kuching.

The Airport coach start at 05:30 AM

23rd March,Sunday.OnBoard AirAsia flight AK5702 . Departure Johor Bahru 06:55 hrs.

Arriving Kuching 08:20 hrs.

WELCOME HOME.