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. 

Revisited Ritchie The Orang Utan.

 

Semenggoh Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre is undoubtedly one of the best attractions in the Kuching area. It offers the opportunity of getting close to some highly mischievous, semi-wild Orang Utan. Semenggoh became the first forest reserve in Sarawak in 1920. It was turned into a wild life rehabilitation centre for monkeys, Orang Utans, honey bears and hornbills in 1975.
The aim is to reintroduce as many of the animals as possible to their natural habitat, as many had been orphaned by logging or were being illegally kept as pets. There is more to see in the morning as the young monkeys and Orang Utans are put back in their cages at 3pm. The best time to visit Semenggoh is during feeding time, which takes place between 8.30-9am and 3-3.30 pm.
The semi-wild Orang Utans are good timekeepers and as feeding time approaches they start to make an appearance. They descend from the trees of the surrounding forest reserve to offer visitors a unique wildlife experience and some excellent photo opportunities. They often make their way to the lower branches and small trees, which surround the various Orang Utan enclosures, the very same cages, where they used to stay before graduating to the forest. Here, they play with each other, swing about in the hanging vines and occasionally descend to ground level to 'charge' groups of tourists.

Just don't hope too much on the above statement .

 

 

 

My last trip to Semanggoh wild life centre in Kuching was on September 2009 & I was here to accompany the members of my family from Ampang Selangor.To-day I was here to assist my friend to accompany him to bring a group of tourist from Italy & Germany.To-day trip is not very interesting as I already told my friend & the tourist  that we are indeed very lucky if we can see one or two orang utan around this time of December. Even though its not a fruits season yet but normally  December is the wild fruits season (wild fruits that not on sale in town).I'm not a tourist guide but I'm just helping my friends  to photograph the tourist .

 

 

24 orangutans live freely in the jungle. ...

 

After briefing by the Ranger we proceed to the forest trying  to look for Ritchie the oldest & the biggest orang utan in this wildlife.Normally feeding time is 09:00am & 3:00pm daily and the ranger don't have to call the orang utan to feed  but to-day Orang Utans are no good timekeepers and as feeding time approaches they did not  make an appearance.Out of 24 orang utans only three is descending from the trees of the surrounding forest reserve to offer visitors a unique wildlife experience and some excellent photo opportunities. (my photo to-day is not excellent).

The ranger who guide us try to call Ritchie..he did not shout 'RITCHIE !!!!" your have visitors. Please, come out they have fresh fruits for you""""animal always an animal so the ranger only shout 'WOOHOOOO'.....just a normal signal to orang utan that there is  a human to visit you guys for photograph .Well, orang utan is an animal & an animal is always an animal so keep your distance and no camera flash allowed or else they become wild.(sorry my snap is not that sharp to-day)just like the orang utan they have no mood to come out to meet human to-day.

Flower.flower.......

Just a wild orchid in the forest ... To-day I saw many tourist, foreign or local visiting the wild life but very,very sorry out of many orang utan only three are willing to meet us and this three orang utan  seem not in a mood to welcome us.For Ritchie perhaps on holiday to-day ,no sign of him in spite of many call.You guys can E-mail me (uncleawang at G mail dot com) for assistance & don't e-mail Ritchie the orang utan.

www.fireflyz.com.my

 

I have been travelling not a lot but quite a few time for the past 2 years and have had a chance to see,feel and appreciate or dislike the airline that I travel with.So far,I can say that I'm quite fond of low cost carrier 'Air Asia' and her tag line 'Now everyone can fly'.To be honest I'm always travel with zero fare offer by this carrier and enjoy the smooth flight of Airbus 320 .The wonderful thing about this budget airline is that the arrival/departure terminal is in LCCT(Low Cost Carrier Terminal) and I can take a bus ride to KL Central just for Rm8.00 for one way.This is very good for backpacker like me who carry only my camera & laptop backpack which is less then 10 kg.

To travel overseas maybe many budget Malaysian still prefer AirAsia X.

 

 

Firefly’s first Boeing 737-800 arrives in December 2010 and will begin its operations on the 15th of January 2011 from the Main Terminal Building, KLIA.

Next year onward or perhaps some of you have already plan ahead your trip from East to West Malaysia ...Now you have option..Yes,yes.the community airline which is spread its wing and lovely bright orange has decided to show off their newly B737-800.Oh!!! how I wish I'm onboard to photograph this beautiful still bird

From 15th of January 2011:

• 2x daily Kuala Lumpur – Kota Kinabalu
• 2x daily Kuala Lumpur – Kuching

From 24th of January 2011:

• 3x daily Kuala Lumpur – Kota Kinabalu
• 4x daily Kuala Lumpur – Kuching

 

   Passenger reviews on Firefly SKYTRAX.

Malaysia budget carrier- Healthy Competition.

Today with prices rising,the airlines will not raise prices and instead try to run other companies into the ground by lowering prices.Is this a healthy competition?

AirAsia Bhd was cut to "underperform" from "outperform" at RHB Research Institute Sdn Bhd to reflect a potential price war after Malaysian Airline System Bhd announced plans to expand its Firefly budget carrier unit.

AirAsia's indicative fair value was cut to RM2.10 from RM3.01, RHB said in a report today. -- Bloomberg

B737-800  has 189 seats -. nine more seats than the Airbus 320.

The B737-800 cabin view......

Firefly is FINALLY buzzing its way to Sarawak. To celebrate this new sector, to East Malaysia, they are throwing 50,000 tickets at rm9 per ticket.

Go check it out NOW! FIREFLY OFFER

AirAsia , AirBus A320.....

AirBus Cabin View.....

AirAsia is giving away FREE SEATS yet again!

We know you can't wait to visit AirAsia website to book yours! But hold on - we want to remind you that there are also plenty of low fares to ALL AirAsia destinations, which won't be more than RM 99*!

Try AIR ASIA OFFER

 

I like Firefly because when you pay one fare price and you will be allowed 20kgs of checked in baggage, 7kgs of hand carry luggage, you may choose your desired seat no, and be served soft drinks and snack on board without any additional charges.

For AirAsia each passenger is permitted to check in bags with a maximum weight of 15 kg. A baggage fee is charged for the carriage of checked baggage, which will be charged at a discounted rate if purchased at time of booking or up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled time of departure or at a full rate at the airport check-in counters. Passengers have to pay RM 20 when checked online and RM 30 when checked at the airport.

I wish every one a happy holiday .

Sarawak’s Traditional Boat Cruise.

On the weekend before last I went to water front and I stumbled on this 'Local Gondola" so I grab my camera and snap.

 

Now, you can still enjoy sight-seeing cruise the TRADITIONAL WAY in our ‘LOCAL GONDOLA' along the Sarawak River where the adventure,the modern history herewith began.

Read here for more info

S'wak Traditional Boat Cruise

Strictly Malaysian-Balik Kampung.

Loosely translated, "balik kampung" means to go back to one's hometown. However, it is most applicable when used to describe the annual pilgrimage of city folk to their respective hometowns during festive seasons.

It's not uncommon to find cities like Kuala Lumpur turning into ghost towns during Hari Raya Puasa and Chinese New Year due to this yearly exodus. This feeling of desolation in cities is magnified when festivals fall close together, such as Kongsi Raya (Hari Raya Puasa and Chinese New Year) although this happens only occasionally.

Welcome Ramadan Al-Mubarak

Ramadan come again. Muslims in Malaysia start fasting to-day Wednesday 11 August,2010 and so do other muslims around the world although the date may not be exactly the same.

I would like to wish all muslim brothers and sisters in Malaysia and around the world, Selamat Berpuasa/Happy Fasting. May all our ibadah be acceptable to Allah and may we always be blessed with His mercy and compassion even more in the holy month of Ramadhan. Insyaallah.

“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious).

(Fasting) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (i.e. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a poor person (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know.” (2:183-84)

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet said: Allah the Majestic and Exalted said: “Every deed of man will receive ten to 700 times reward, except Siyam (fasting), for it is for Me and I shall reward it (as I like). There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts: one when he breaks the fast and the other when he will meet his Lord” (Muslim).

Amin.......

Street Vendors -T Shirt.

There is another thing which is popular in Malaysia - bargaining. When going to street market, prices are usually not displayed. Let's take for example T-shirt. It costs 5 to 20 ringgit in super market, but seeing foreign tourist vendor might ask 2-3 times higher price. Now when vendor announces price, tourist wants to bargain. Let's say price asked was 45 ringgit, but tourist bargains down to 40 ringgit. Still its rather expensive, but tourist person might feel happy about being able to strike a bargain. Other side - seller is also happy because still he managed to sell that thing for 3 times higher price. In my situation I was looking for places with prices already displayed or what price locals are paying.

Trip to Batu Ferringhi...

My last trip to Batu Ferringhi  was in 1992 ..10 years ago.My second was few weeks ago..Wow !!!! it's change a lot ,I like it.I would say Batu Ferringhi,where some of the most breathtaking beaches in Penang lay.Its balmy and scenic surrounding provided the perfect climate for blissful vacation.For these reasons the tourist foreign and local  flock here,and for that matter,it is also haven for a string of world-class resorts including rows of specialty restaurants and shops.Business is often brisk here especially during Pubic Holiday & weeks end.

 

This prime of stretch of beach is always a hive of activity .Their facilities include water sport  and windsurfing .

The Batu Ferringhi  sidewalk bazaar,night market start from 7pm-12pm  most nights,offering tourist a verity of cheap merchandise.This business that's currently thriving and attracting the tourist is this night market.........

Jalan TAR & Jalan Masjid India-Kuala Lumpur.

 

If we talk about hunting for carpet,textile,fabrics and hijab(tundung in Malay),I always talk about this street of Jalan TAR(Tuanku Abdul Rahman).In fact ,Tuanku Abdul Rahman is the name of the first Yang di-Pertua Agong(His Highness or King) of Malaysia.However there is another area near little India(or Jalan Masjid India) that you can find many textile store and fabric outlets.

Normally this place will be crowded when festive season are around "Hari Raya".We can see many new street vendors.For women Jalan TAR & Jalan Masjid India is a place to seek matching hijab(Tudung in Malay) and spending the whole day checking & hunting every store for the perfect colours.

 

 

On saturday and as expected the crowd begin for a night market(Pasar Malam) hunting and bargaining for their goods from the street vendors.

 

 

Beside many textile,clothing,carpet and fabric store I also notice there are many budget hotel around Jalan TAR and Jalan Masjid India.Most budget hotel around this district offer very competitive discount & more discount if we book online.

Public Bus- Penang.

 

 

On my recent trip to Pulau Penang the public bus as my mode of transportation.I was using the Rapid Penang from Sg.Nibong bus terminal to Batu Ferringhi,bus No 102 and it is inexpensive.The bus itself was very convenient,you can go anywhere using public bus & it is also enable you to see the true color of Penang with it's culture diversity.The cheerful,helpful bus drivers were marvellous.The most important is the 'frequency' schedule was great for us on holiday.

The Sarawak Rainforest Interhash 2010.

The Sarawak Rainforest Interhash 2010 is being held here in Kuching,Sarawak,Malaysia.The city centre is curretly crawling with hashers from around the World.  There’s a lot to be said for holding Interhash in Malaysia.  It’s the spiritual home of hashing, for one thing.  It’s cheap, for another . . . as are almost all other potential hash venues in Asia, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, etc.  

The hashers..enjoy to shop for printed T-Shirt .

 

The Hashers...

 

Even local go to shop for T-Shirt here but most item are in US Dollar (US$).

This Interhash 2010 is nothing to do with the coming festival in Sarawak that is'Rainforest World Music Festival 2010'

Draft BEER are ready to serve the Guest..Well, I don't drink this ...sorry.

To be honest..I don't know about this hash...and I have a chance talking to one of the hash member and I ask him What is Interhash? It is where Hashers from different groups get together to run and drink beer together.

 

They were having the red dress charity run,to benefit a few locals foundations.There were plenty of hairy men in red dresses and red hair in town.

Most of the hashers wore fancy dresses. Some men wore women outfits while few others sported American Red Indian headgears and Afro hair wigs. Several were even seen sporting fake horn and tails of the imaginary Red Devil.

To the locals, the culture of these international hashers may be strange and eccentric but the Red Dress Charity Run, in particular, has a unique history.

Street Scenes.

I decided to capture the beauty and energy of the exciting street around Kuching City by portraying it's different characters and candid scenes and below is some of my project.

The word Selamat Datang ke Sarawak is 'Welcome to Sarawak" .The young tourist  enjoying the heat of the city.

Local lady...in western style.

Pesta Benak -Part Two.

It's hot humid Saturday(01/05/2010).Thousand of people flocked to Sri Aman town for the annual Pesta Benak (28 Apr-02 May).

Thousand of people...to this Pesta Benak.

Young & Old....

of many races in Sarawak and  also foreign tourist to witness the Pesta.

More..on part Three (Let's the picture speak a thousand words).

Cheers....