I’ve long heard about the beauty of Sabah in Northern Borneo – its alluring beaches and many exotic islands such as Pulau Sipadan which is one of the world’s top dive sites, and the highest mountain in South-East Asia – Mt Kinabalu. Little did I expect that I would get a sponsored trip to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah by Malaysia Airlines in November!
The service oriented airline has won Skytrax World’s Best Cabin Staff Award for the sixth time this year. It’s interesting to know that MAS airline code “MH” actually stands for “Malaysia Hospitality“. I thought I would only experience that when on board the plane but it starts 24 hrs before departure: the quick web check-in service on MAS website!
So convenient. I just need to present our printed boarding passes at MAS counter for a hassle free check-in. We were also invited to experience MAS Golden Lounge at the Changi Airport.
It makes waiting a breeze at the Golden Lounge. Here is an impressive spread of mouth-watering complimentary food to indulge in! Yum yum!
There is also a business centre fully equipped with the necessary office facilities for executives to carry on business as usual, like a travel blogger who can update her whereabouts at the PC with Internet access.
For ultimate rest and relaxation, you’ve to try the Chair Spa for a full body massage with OSIM’s award-winning iSymphonic Massage Chairs and iSqueez Foot Massagers, and get rejuvenated before your next flight!
The lounge also features an arcade room for the kids!
We were embarking on a direct flight to Kota Kinabalu (KK). The flight would briefly stop over at Kuching airport for transit passengers.
A simple yet delectable meal on board! Of course, MAS was awarded the “Best Inflight Meals in Economy Class 2008” at the Monitor-Galileo Airline of the Year 2008 Awards.
Malaysia Airlines is currently having Airfares Promotion for flights to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. A one way flight to Kota Kinabalu costs only SGD97 inclusive of all fees, tax and insurance. That’s what I like, at one glance you know what you gonna pay in total, unlike some budget airlines that show very low fares on their websites but you only realise it adds up a lot when you are about to pay after going through a few pages. So, if a world class airline like MAS can offer such competitive rates yet uncompromising its service level, why fly on budget?
After another 1hr 20mins from Kuching to Kota Kinabalu, we finally touched down at KK International airport. An aerial view of KK from the flight. Wonderful crystal blue sea, isn’t it?
Next, Filipino Night Market in KK! Also check out my posts on island-hopping in Pulau Sapi and Pulau Manukan.
wow… good write up even though it was just from the Changi Airport, haven’t reach KK yet…
I am quite attracted to the services, facilities and food variety offered by MAS lately but just that nowadays majority people would rather go for the quantity more than quality unless for those who are considered to be in the professional level. Anyway, I would love to travel in MAS to experience it’s Golden Lounge someday.. what a privilege you have there. Can’t wait for ur next post!! 🙂
eunice~—it’s preferable that when you go to the Philippines, you plan for it. Unless you want adventure which includes being stranded or stuffs like that. hehe. peace out.
wow–the last photo just got me excited and curious. never knew there are beautiful beaches in Sabah—really looking forward to your next posts about Sabah……
Sabah’s water always more beautiful than Sarawak.
How nice to get sponsored ticket.
wow! sponsored trip! i like i like! 🙂
ive read a lot about borneo in many travel magazines even the national geographic. now it’s nice to see it here too. amazing borneo!
yup, some did mention that during promotion, MAS is more worthwhile compared to Air Asia, the budget airline of M’sia’s.
terrific service on behalf of MAS.
never been to Borneo yet. The island is look very nice with clear beach
How can I buy the Air tickets only for MAS in Singapore?