Thank you Malaysia Airlines for inviting me to experience their spanking brand new Airbus A330-300. Lately, I have been invited to experience new airplanes such as Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737-800 and also Garuda Airlines Boeing 738.

The Airbus A330-300 is an improved from the former version. It is cost efficiency equipped with new technology and design without compromising the comfort of the passengers. Hence, the Airbus A330-300 is also more environmental friendly.

Check out the preview pictures first before I blog about the whole event and experience.

The “Red” themed economy class seats, with seating arrangements of 2-4-2.

A bigger and wider LCD TV on board.

Business class seats, blue themed.

There will be more to come, be patient and come back again next week!

Today I was invited for the preview of Garuda Indonesia’s new aircraft, the Boeing 737-800NG. Firstly, I must thank Garuda Indonesia for inviting me for the inaugural preview of their new aircraft. Garuda Indonesia is Indonesia’s national airline and they will operate the new Boeing 737-800NG aircraft on the Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta route starting from today, 15^th January 2011. The new aircraft features the carrier’s ‘Nature’s Wing’ livery, signature interior and upgraded on-board service, the aircraft comfortably seats 156 passengers in two class configurations. The total capacity of the aircraft is 162. (12 executive class and 150 economy class).

The Garuda Indonesia’s Boeing 737-800NG, parking at KLIA

According to the airline, compared to the current fleet of aircraft servicing the route, the new aircraft will significantly increase the airline’s capacity by up to 40%. The move by Garuda Indonesia is set to boost tourism industry on both Malaysia and Indonesia at the same time it will further allow both countries to enjoy increase in bilateral trade.

The Garuda Indonesia’s Boeing 737-800NG, up close and personal

The inaugural flight from Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta on 15^th January 2011 is only RM 111 for a return ticket. I should have bought the ticket earlier to spend the weekend in Jakarta.

The VIPs at the launch of the The Garuda Indonesia’s Boeing 737-800NG
It was a brief event today, previewing the aircraft. I am looking forward to experience the new Boeing 737-800NG in the near future. Congratulations Garuda Indonesia on their new aircraft and thank you again for inviting me for the special preview.

It’s me and the other invited bloggers and rep from Garuda Indonesia. Yap Thomas, Nicole and Tian Chad are the bloggers in this picture. The cute girl with the black jacket is from Garuda Indonesia.

For more info on Garuda Indonesia flights, please visit www.garuda-Indonesia.comor call the office at +603-21622811.

How cheap is the airfare to travel to Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur? That was my conversation with my friend as we traveled back from Hat Yai yesterday on the road. There are a few prominent airlines that fly to Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur. The list includes Air Asia, Cathay Pacific and Malaysia Airlines. Hong Kong has been my target destination this year so I did check the air fares from Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong from time to time. My friend told me that he recently bought a return airfare from Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong for only RM 686 via Malaysia Airlines for later this month. I was having tough time believing him.

So then, I went back home and checked the dates this month and I found out that the RETURN AIR FARE from Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong with Malaysia Airlines is only RM 686 with tax! My friend was telling the truth! Come on, seriously with Malaysia Airlines?

From 10^th Jan to 27^th Jan 2011, the MHLow fare is only RM 686. That includes meals, personal entertainment (LCD), 20kg baggage allowance and 30% to my Enrich Miles points. This deal is a steal! Since it’s a MHLow fare, it will be first come first serves basis. I am now looking at my calendar and probably will do a last minute travel to Hong Kong before Chinese New Year.

I hope sharing this would help others to acknowledge such a great deal is available now. I believe that sharing is caring and there will be more travel tips on PlacesAndFoods.com. To check out this great deal, go to MalaysiaAirliners.com. Have a great year ahead!

On the 15^th of November, 2010, MAS (Malaysia Airlines) made history as Malaysia Airlines launched Kota Kinabalu in Sabah as its Eastern hub with 2 milestone events – the inaugural flight of its new B737-800 from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu and the first flight from Kota Kinabalu to Haneda, Tokyo.

I’m the lucky few to first to fly B737-800
The best is I am part of the history. Thank you Malaysia Airlines for inviting me to be part of this eventful day. I was part of the first 160 guests that flew from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu with new Boeing B737-800.

MAS Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Tengku Dato’ Sri Azmil Zahruddin was seen greeting all the passengers one by one. Video is shot with Nokia N8 with 720p HD format.

Then, he sat in the economy class with everyone else. Coincidentally, he sat a row in front of me and he personally pointed a few new cool features to me. I was astonished by his humble character.

The B737-800 has 16 business class seats and 144 seats. The most notable feature within the plane is the new Boeing Sky Interior and blue skylike lighting. After a demo on the all the colors of lighting, I still prefer the blue skylike lighting. Personally, I felt very comfortable with the blue.

A smiling MAS Flight Attendance…
Did I mention about the high ceiling and also the bigger storage bins of hand carry items? They work perfectly fine to me.

I loved the 9” LCD Wide Touch Screen video monitor and also the in seat power supply – 115 VAC Power and the USB Port. USB port in a plane is a brilliant idea.

On top of bigger window, the best deal is the handset console is designed below the LCD monitor instead of the located at the conventional hand-rest.

Meal of the day, Beef Lasagne on board

My interview on NTV7 Malaysia News, I was sleeping and the next thing I knew, I got swarmed by TV crews for interview. I was so blur!
Upon the aircraft’s arrival in Kota Kinabalu, the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman will launch the city as Malaysia Airlines’ Eastern Hub.

Can you spot the difference? The new dynamic livery with red and blue lines, Malaysia Airlines’ corporate colours.

Malaysia Airlines is leveraging on the strategic location of Kota Kinabalu as an ideal gateway to promote travels to and from Australia, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan and Korea.

The first commercial flight on the B737-800 will be from Kota Kinabalu to Haneda, Tokyo, departing at 4.35pm.

Thank you again MAS for inviting me for such historic event. Thank you for reading.

Travelers can make in-flight calls and access data at cheaper rates with Maxis on AirAsia

Have you ever feel like calling or texting someone when you are flying up on the air in an airplane with your own mobile phone? Seriously, you might forget to pass an important note to your colleague or even unsent email to your clients, what would you do? Usually you can’t do a thing when you are flying up in the air. However, all of that is going to change.

(L to R) Mr Ian Dawkins, CEO of OnAir, Mr Jean Pascal, COO of Maxis & Dato’ Abdul Aziz, Chairman of AirAsia launching the in-flight mobile communications service

A partnership in between Maxis, Air Asia and On Air offers seamless voice and data roaming services to its customers, wherever they are whether on ground or 30,000 feet in the air. As an added convenience, this partnership will enable Maxis customers flying on AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur Low Cost Carrier Terminal to stay connected with their friends, family and business colleagues whilst en route to their overseas destinations. Using their own GSM mobile phones or smartphones they can make and receive voice calls, send text messages or emails and access the internet through GPRS. In particular, Maxis customers can take advantage of its attractive call charges and the cheaper data roaming rates that Maxis offers to more countries, compared to its nearest competitor.

The services are only available on selected Air Asia airplane. At this trial stage, AirAsia has equipped four out of its ninety six fleet of A320 with the GSMOB (GSM onboard) system to selected South East Asian routes from the Low Cost Carrier Terminal. The installation of the GSMOB system has proven that it does not compromise the airworthiness of the aircraft at any stage of the flight as it has undergone a rigorous certification process by aviation authorities. AirAsia considers safety to be the most important aspect of its operations and is stringent about complying with the highest international standards and procedures.

How do you know that which Air Asia airplane has installed the GSMOB? The flight attendants will announce the services availability if there is on board. Please check out the video below for an example how to use your mobile phone up in the air:

As an added enticement to use this service, randomly selected lucky Maxis users who switch on their mobile devices during their flight will receive an SMS that will entitle them to redeem a free drink on board the flight.

Make and receive those important calls and sms, send and receive emails, browse the web or even instant messaging 30,000 up in the air now with Maxis and Air Asia !

For more info and RATES please check out it at http://www.maxis.com.my/personal/mobile/intl/ir_airasia.asp

A few months ago, I flew to Bangkok from Kuala Lumpur via Thai Airways. It was an afternoon flight and I missed my lunch by chance. I was getting hungry and worried of the gastric attack. As soon as I got seated, I asked for salted peanuts. With something to munch, I slowly wait for the proper meal and playing around with their touch screen in-flight LCD.

For some unknown reason, I chose the dark sauce noodle with chicken. Normally, I rather pick something else rather than the noodle because it tends to be dry. However, I got a surprise that day.

The noodle was delicious. It raises my eye brows. And for once, I finished everything including the apple crumble. The texture of the noodle was smooth and it was good. The food is HALAL (I asked). After a good meal, the rest was good.

It could be an amazing experience of Berjaya Redang Resort after a two nights stay there. However, the excitement turned ugly when we got told that our flight delayed to 4.30pm through our friends. Then it got delayed again until 7 pm. Well let me explain how it happened.

The flight from Kuala Lumpur to Redang was smooth. Kudos to them. However the return flight today was disappointing.

Our initial flight to fly from Redang to Kuala Lumpur with Berjaya Air was 12.30 pm. We were supposed to check out our Berjaya Redang Resort room by 11.3o am. At 11.30 am, we received call by our friends telling us our flight got delayed. The announcement here was conveyed by our friends instead of the airline representatives or the hotel representatives. We were told by our friends, the flight got delayed to 4.30pm and our rooms were extended to late check out until 2pm and we supposed to leave Berjaya Redang Resort by 3.30pm.

Okay, until 12.30pm, we received no phone calls from them telling us the flight delay. Imagine if our friends didn’t call us, we would miss the plane. Since the flight delayed till 4.30pm, we went for lunch at a  restaurant nearby. At 2pm, we received another call that we could board the 3 pm flight. Again, why is the 12.30pm flight delayed till 4.30pm while the 3pm flight remained? Nobody knows.

So then, we went back to the lobby and asked about the availability seats for 3 pm flight, she told us it was full. Then, to make matter worst, she told us the flight got delayed furthermore till 6 pm. Then, she told us there was lunch available for free until 2.30 pm after we had our lunch. We got really upset.

1. NO ONE from Berjaya Redang Resort or Berjaya Air bother to inform us about the initial 4.30 pm flight delayed.

2. NO ONE from Berjaya Redang Resort or Berjaya Air can explain why that we could not take the 3pm flight.

3. NO ONE from Berjaya Redang Resort or Berjaya Air bother to tell us that we got FREE LUNCH in the hotel.

4. NO ONE from Berjaya Redang Resort or Berjaya Air bother to inform us the flight got DELAYED AGAIN till 6pm.

The person in charge kept arguing that she has informed us, called our hotel room and such. What a big liar and bullshit I’ve heard. They got my mobile number records, she could have call us if she wanted to and we were in the hotel room until 12.30pm and there were no calls.

So then, we requested for an extra room and free meal which they agreed. However, while taking order for our free meal at 4pm, they created a mess again stating we can only have cakes and tea while the other group can order what they want. Everyone got really upset and only then, they agreed to what we were promised.

After wasting our valuable half day in the resort, we went to the airport for another 1 hour wait. We reached Subang at 8 pm. We couldn’t arrange transportation because they kept changing the timing.

I wouldn’t mind 6 hours delay if they could inform us properly. No phone calls or notices in the lobby showed how irresponsible they were. It was really a sour note to a great holiday.

I wasn’t worry about the lengthy flight since I had 2 stop overs in South Africa. However, I was having a slight fever before that so it was quite tough for me. Of course, I did visit the doctor before hand, but I was still recovering and stuck on the plane for so long didn’t help much.

The flight from Kuala Lumpur to Johannesburg was pretty relax, we got ourselves the back seats and managed to chat with the hot stewardess. The flight was say 80% full on economy class?

From Johannesburg to Cape Town, it was fun. The chief steward, Mr. Azmi/Azri (sorry I forgot his name) allowed me to go to the business class for me to take pictures. He shared some of his Cape Town experiences and I must not forget the lovely crews that chat with me as well.

With his help, I managed to capture this picture and also many other wonderful pictures of Cape Town, South Africa.

Well, the nightmare started when we flew from Cape Town to Buenos Aires. My fever shot up as I missed one of my medicine session. Thankfully, the MAS crew, Mexican lady Adrianna took care of me. She gave me a tray of ice with towel to keep myself cool throughout the journey. It was very kind of her. And also not forgetting Khairul who made the “teh tarik” for me. This were the crew that make Malaysia Airlines the award winning “Cabin Crew Of The Year”. Without them, I would not have enjoyed my journey, took nice pictures from the business class area and also keeping my fever away. Having fever on board was no fun, trust me on that.

Thank you MAS Crews for your special treatments, you all deserved the Cabin Crew Award!

Another post written by me, Rachel been busy taking care of the house, asking her to write will add up more work for her. She will love to write a few upcoming ones, but for now I’m to write this.

I blogged about flymas.mobi recently and we used it for our bloggers’ Penang “makan” trip.

It all happened on last Sunday. I fetched Bryan, Ivy Ai Wei and Wei Zhi of Kampungboycitygal to KLIA. Luckily, I managed to grab this picture out of no where.

Then, we met the rest. Camwhore session. After the rest of the bloggers came, it was time to rock!

While many would wonder only high tech new phones like iPhone and BlackBerry, that is so wrong. Well, I checked in using my old pariah Sony Ericsson K770i. This was the QR code that I received via sms. Well, the usage is as below:

Basically I need to put my screen to the mobile check-in scanner to get validated! That’s it! No need ticket, no need email, just like that.

In case you doubting, Rachel used her HTC to check in also! Of course her screen bigger but for the mobile check-in scanner, size doesn’t matter!

Me camwhoring with Yap Thomas behind.

The flight was full. I liked how they did the seats. So colorful.

Once we reached Penang International Airport, we spotted our tour guide. Her name is called Protein, no reason given. Anyways, we spotted her and our food fest begins!

MAS booked a tour bus of us and I just can’t seems to stop camwhoring. Me and wifey, Rachel.

We arrived at the first pit stop.  Nasi Kandar Line Clear at Penang Road. A very popular nasi kandar place in Penang.

Nice ladies fingers. Took this while we were queuing up.

The fresh curry, yum yum!

The curry and the menu.

The utensils that makes the sweet and tasty “teh tarik”.

The fish…

and the fried chickens…

Check out the food available at the counter, it was massive.

This was mine!

My nasi kandar! Fried chicken and fish, squid’s egg, fried egg and nasi kandar. RM 11 for all of this. The fried chicken and fish was ordinary to me, so do the fried egg. My first attempt of the squid’s was one to remember, not really a big fan of it. The nasi kandar was alright.

This was Rachel’s! Squid, big prawn and nasi kandar, cost RM 18. Cough cough.

The other bloggers, Dale, Thomas, Aaron, James, CK Lam (very popular Penang foodies), Ivy, Wei zhi, Bryan, Wingz, Ee win and Rachel.

Checked out the queue while our way out. No joke.

Queue until outside. This Nasi Kandar Line Clear is a really clearly very FAMOUS!

Then we walked to another famous “makan” place. The Penang Cendol!

The Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendul! This was good!

We ordered 18 bowls. Well, it was really nice! Sweet and tasty!

Ivy and Wei Zhin posing with their banana fritters (pisang goreng).

Well, if you do not believe me, see for yourself. Another long queue!

We didn’t stop there. No, no, no…

We continued our journey for this recommendation from CK Lam, the coconut jelly! Located in Dato Keramat Road, this coconut jelly place is must try place!

The coconuts…. “fresh, fresh”…

Their “panel of fame”. Their newspapers write-ups.

The amazing thing about this place was the jelly. Somehow they cooked the jelly within the coconut. The taste of the cold jelly was refreshing! This is highly recommended!

Rachel and me camwhoring again.

Ivy and Wei Zhi with their beloved coconut jelly.

The gang posed.

Then we proceeded to Padang Kota. Lovely area!

Well, we were there for our last pit stop, Pasembor of Padang Kota. Out of the many stalls we chose this Hussain Pasembor by random.

The fried stuffs for Pasembor.

Our order. I loved this but Rachel felt it was too ordinary. Well, it was quite dependent on our crispy and fresh of the pasembor and of course their paste as well.

Rachel and me camwhoring at Padang Kota.

That was our last stop and we proceeded to the airport. It was short and sad but we still had to go back to Kuala Lumpur, Penang we missed ya.

Oh did we forgot our air tickets? Hell no fear! We checked in again using Flymas.mobi using our mobile phone. Checking in was easy and simple, hassle and stress free.

Penang was really fun. It was all made happened by MAS and also their efficient Flymas.mobi system.

That was one of the best way to spend a Sunday. Fly to Penang for food and fly back to Kuala Lumpur. Flying made easier with Flymas.mobi

Thanks MAS for the trip and also the first hand experience on Flymas.mobi! Thanks! We loved it!

A few days ago I was invited for the preview of the MAS MH Mobile at Frames, TTDI Plaza. While many other airlines still using the internet via laptop or desktop, MH Mobile offers booking and check in via mobile phone!

Everyone was pretty excited about it.

We gone through the whole process and it was as easy as 1,2,3. We even tried to book using our own phone. (Pictures below).

Right after the demo, we had the “makan” session together gether with the other bloggers.

Of course, I did try to book using my own mobile…

Mission accomplished! It was pretty easy and basic. And it can be used by most phones.

Lastly, we mingled around till late. Simon, Wingz, CincauHangus and us.

Thanks MAS for the invite and it was nice meeting up the rest of the bloggers as well.

*To log on, pls type flymas.mobi on your mobile phone!*