Weekend Trip to 'Paris of Java', Bandung via QZ & MI
Apr 18, 2015, 7:27 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
Weekend Trip to 'Paris of Java', Bandung via QZ & MI
Having had a rather hectic 1st quarter of the year at work, I booked a rather last minute short trip over the recent weekend to a nearby city also nicknamed as the 'Paris of Java', Bandung in Indonesia. Being an increasingly popular destination for Singaporeans and Malaysians, I had wanted to see what the hype is regarding this city just a short 1h40m flight away from Singapore.
Our tickets were booked rather late, with the flight up booked on a promotional Indonesia AirAsia fare and return on SilkAir due to the favourable timings. Even with the slightly dearer fare on SilkAir back, it was still very affordable for a short trip.
09 April 2015
Indonesia AirAsia
QZ 368
Singapore (SIN) - Bandung (BDO)
A320
PK-AZA
Budget Class
Check-in for our departure flight at Changi's Terminal One and was issued the default supermarket-like receipt.
Changi is not too busy at this time of the afternoon. Spot the 2 European heavyweights (LH A380 and KL B773ER).
Jetstar A320 in "Asia's Got Talent" livery! Preparing for departure to HKG.
The inbound flight arrived on-time from Bandung for a quick turnaround. We boarded from Gate D47. Flight was not too full this afternoon.
Our plane, PK-AZA, being prepared for the flight to Bandung.
BA OneWorld B744 was parked beside us.
Soon, boarding was called and it was conducted orderly.
View from my seat at 23A.
As expected, seat pitch was tight, similar to all other LCCs' A320s.
A range of inflight magazines (both International and Indonesian versions), menu and duty free available in the seat pocket.
Boarding soon completed and we were on our way for the 1h35m flight to Bandung. It was a long taxi to Rwy02C, with quite a number departures ahead of us.
CX B773 to HKG
3K A320
Our tickets were booked rather late, with the flight up booked on a promotional Indonesia AirAsia fare and return on SilkAir due to the favourable timings. Even with the slightly dearer fare on SilkAir back, it was still very affordable for a short trip.
09 April 2015
Indonesia AirAsia
QZ 368
Singapore (SIN) - Bandung (BDO)
A320
PK-AZA
Budget Class
Check-in for our departure flight at Changi's Terminal One and was issued the default supermarket-like receipt.
Changi is not too busy at this time of the afternoon. Spot the 2 European heavyweights (LH A380 and KL B773ER).
Jetstar A320 in "Asia's Got Talent" livery! Preparing for departure to HKG.
The inbound flight arrived on-time from Bandung for a quick turnaround. We boarded from Gate D47. Flight was not too full this afternoon.
Our plane, PK-AZA, being prepared for the flight to Bandung.
BA OneWorld B744 was parked beside us.
Soon, boarding was called and it was conducted orderly.
View from my seat at 23A.
As expected, seat pitch was tight, similar to all other LCCs' A320s.
A range of inflight magazines (both International and Indonesian versions), menu and duty free available in the seat pocket.
Boarding soon completed and we were on our way for the 1h35m flight to Bandung. It was a long taxi to Rwy02C, with quite a number departures ahead of us.
CX B773 to HKG
3K A320
Apr 18, 2015, 7:45 am
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
Malindo B738 to KUL.
AF B773ER to Jakarta.
Still a rather long queue of planes behind us.
And we are good to fly! Departing from Rwy02C.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpmrJDbIJZ0
Climbing out from Changi.
After takeoff announcements.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gs2n1rT40mk
With the low load, we had 3 seats for the 2 of us to stretch out on. Service began with the distribution of Indonesian custom forms followed by handing out of pre-booked meals and onboard sales. We had pre-ordered a meal each for the flight, at a very affordable SGD$5 for a meal with cuplet of water.
The famous AirAsia Pak Nasser's Nasi Lemak.
Surprisingly. QZ's version of the Nasi Lemak was actually tastier, of bigger portion and nicer in presentation than the one offered by its Malaysian sister, AK!
The order meal I pre-booked was the Nasi Kuning Manado, only available on QZ flights.
The contents looked exactly as the picture and it was very tasty as well! Thumbs up for QZ!
Cruising at 34,000ft.
Rows of empty seats towards the rear of the plane.
AF B773ER to Jakarta.
Still a rather long queue of planes behind us.
And we are good to fly! Departing from Rwy02C.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpmrJDbIJZ0
Climbing out from Changi.
After takeoff announcements.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gs2n1rT40mk
With the low load, we had 3 seats for the 2 of us to stretch out on. Service began with the distribution of Indonesian custom forms followed by handing out of pre-booked meals and onboard sales. We had pre-ordered a meal each for the flight, at a very affordable SGD$5 for a meal with cuplet of water.
The famous AirAsia Pak Nasser's Nasi Lemak.
Surprisingly. QZ's version of the Nasi Lemak was actually tastier, of bigger portion and nicer in presentation than the one offered by its Malaysian sister, AK!
The order meal I pre-booked was the Nasi Kuning Manado, only available on QZ flights.
The contents looked exactly as the picture and it was very tasty as well! Thumbs up for QZ!
Cruising at 34,000ft.
Rows of empty seats towards the rear of the plane.
Apr 18, 2015, 8:39 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
Crew in the rear galley after service. Service wise, this set of crew just did the necessary required, and a couple were not as friendly and cheerful as the usual AirAsia crew I encountered. They also seemed to be more "experienced".
Sun setting as we entered Java.
Starting our descent into Bandung shortly after flying past Jakarta. It was rather cloudy during our descend.
Making a turn for finals.
Overflying the city of Bandung during approach. The airport is just a couple of kilometres from the city centre.
See the video of the approach and landing into Bandung Husein Sastranegara International Airport's Rwy29. We landed right on schedule. The runway is only 2.2km, ensuring heavy braking after our touchdown!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdBFKbu3J98
Backtracking down the runway.
No airbridges and we disembarked the traditional way via stairs.
Lionair B738 parked beside.
While walking across the tarmac to the arrival hall in the sunset....
No-frills, comfortable flight with QZ, along with good pre-booked meals and on-time arrival. Service, though efficient, could be improved as half of the crew lacked smiles and did not seemed to want to be there. However, for the promotional fare paid, definitely no complaints.
Immigration and customs was fast as we were the only international arrival. Bandung is currently expanding the international part of the terminal as the current area is pathetically tiny!
Soon, we were on our complimentary hotel transfer to the hotel just 15min drive away from the airport. We booked our accommodation at Hotel California Bandung, which offers clean, modern, comfortable rooms at very affordable prices.
Shortly after check-in, we strolled to Cihampelas Walk, where a nuber of shopping and dining outlets are located. Being of higher altitude, Bandung actually gets a bit chilly in the evenings, which was very comfortable for us!
Sun setting as we entered Java.
Starting our descent into Bandung shortly after flying past Jakarta. It was rather cloudy during our descend.
Making a turn for finals.
Overflying the city of Bandung during approach. The airport is just a couple of kilometres from the city centre.
See the video of the approach and landing into Bandung Husein Sastranegara International Airport's Rwy29. We landed right on schedule. The runway is only 2.2km, ensuring heavy braking after our touchdown!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdBFKbu3J98
Backtracking down the runway.
No airbridges and we disembarked the traditional way via stairs.
Lionair B738 parked beside.
While walking across the tarmac to the arrival hall in the sunset....
No-frills, comfortable flight with QZ, along with good pre-booked meals and on-time arrival. Service, though efficient, could be improved as half of the crew lacked smiles and did not seemed to want to be there. However, for the promotional fare paid, definitely no complaints.
Immigration and customs was fast as we were the only international arrival. Bandung is currently expanding the international part of the terminal as the current area is pathetically tiny!
Soon, we were on our complimentary hotel transfer to the hotel just 15min drive away from the airport. We booked our accommodation at Hotel California Bandung, which offers clean, modern, comfortable rooms at very affordable prices.
Shortly after check-in, we strolled to Cihampelas Walk, where a nuber of shopping and dining outlets are located. Being of higher altitude, Bandung actually gets a bit chilly in the evenings, which was very comfortable for us!
Apr 18, 2015, 10:41 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
Cihampelas Walk mall.
Some Sudanese food for dinner.
On the second day, we hired a driver for the day to visit some of the attractions in Bandung.
First stop, Kawah Putih, 2 hours out of Bandung. It is a crater lake which is white due to the very high sulphur content. Definitely worth a visit.
Lots of tea plantations around the area due to the rich volcanic soil.
Next stop is a scenic lake. With the exorbitant entrance fee for foreigners, I feel that it is not worth the amount paid to visit the attraction (and we have definitely seen better ones for free...).
Then it was off to a strawberry farm where we just paid a small nominal amount and pluck fresh and juicy strawberries to take back!!
Some Sudanese food for dinner.
On the second day, we hired a driver for the day to visit some of the attractions in Bandung.
First stop, Kawah Putih, 2 hours out of Bandung. It is a crater lake which is white due to the very high sulphur content. Definitely worth a visit.
Lots of tea plantations around the area due to the rich volcanic soil.
Next stop is a scenic lake. With the exorbitant entrance fee for foreigners, I feel that it is not worth the amount paid to visit the attraction (and we have definitely seen better ones for free...).
Then it was off to a strawberry farm where we just paid a small nominal amount and pluck fresh and juicy strawberries to take back!!
Apr 19, 2015, 7:47 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
Really sweet and juicy strawberries!
Dinner at a local Sudanese dining place.
On the third day, we visited some of the many factory outlets along Jln Dago.
And lunch at one of the many cafes in Bandung.
Along Jln Braga, another street with a number of cafes to chill out.
Visiting the most upscale shopping centre in Bandung, Paris Van Java.
More Indonesian food.
On our last day, we purchased some Indonesian pastries and cakes from a famous store Kartika Sari.
And a final lunch of Nasi Padang before checking out from the hotel.
Dinner at a local Sudanese dining place.
On the third day, we visited some of the many factory outlets along Jln Dago.
And lunch at one of the many cafes in Bandung.
Along Jln Braga, another street with a number of cafes to chill out.
Visiting the most upscale shopping centre in Bandung, Paris Van Java.
More Indonesian food.
On our last day, we purchased some Indonesian pastries and cakes from a famous store Kartika Sari.
And a final lunch of Nasi Padang before checking out from the hotel.
Apr 19, 2015, 9:11 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
Again, we took the complimentary hotel transfer to the airport. However, instead of the 15min ride from the airport to hotel, the 3km journey to the airport now took almost 45min! This was due to the heavily congested single-lane road to the airport terminal building, and with it being a Sunday with many Indonesians flying back to their hometown after a weekend shopping, it certainly made the traffic worse. Luckily we heed the advise of the hotel staff and left for the airport earlier.
The terminal is currently undergoing a much needed expansion to handle the increasing flights.
Finally reaching the terminal after a long crawl along the airport access road.
The tiny check-in hall was very crowded with passengers checking in for their flights.
However, SilkAir's two check-in counters were surprisingly empty. Having done online check-in, our bags were tagged and we received our boarding passes with barely a wait.
Boarding pass issued. SilkAir seemed to have changed the design of their boarding passes, with the "A Joy to Fly" tagline.
With nothing much to do, we proceeded through immigration and security to the holding area/room of the sole international departure gate. There was a small café and a shop within the holding area as well.
For reasons unknown, our flight was never listed on the flight information display.
The airport was rather busy at this time, with up to 6 planes parked on the tarmac awaiting departure.
And at times, boarding passengers of various flights were strolling along the tarmac to their aircraft at the same time(makes me wonder if anyone had boarded the wrong aircraft before).
Our baby airbus landed on schedule from Singapore, backtracked down the runway and taxied in. From the terminal, the A319 seemed huge as it taxied past.
Wondering how the aircraft will move into its parking bay, the A319 stopped and shut down its engine...
Before being pushed back into its parking bay by a push-back truck.
The terminal is currently undergoing a much needed expansion to handle the increasing flights.
Finally reaching the terminal after a long crawl along the airport access road.
The tiny check-in hall was very crowded with passengers checking in for their flights.
However, SilkAir's two check-in counters were surprisingly empty. Having done online check-in, our bags were tagged and we received our boarding passes with barely a wait.
Boarding pass issued. SilkAir seemed to have changed the design of their boarding passes, with the "A Joy to Fly" tagline.
With nothing much to do, we proceeded through immigration and security to the holding area/room of the sole international departure gate. There was a small café and a shop within the holding area as well.
For reasons unknown, our flight was never listed on the flight information display.
The airport was rather busy at this time, with up to 6 planes parked on the tarmac awaiting departure.
And at times, boarding passengers of various flights were strolling along the tarmac to their aircraft at the same time(makes me wonder if anyone had boarded the wrong aircraft before).
Our baby airbus landed on schedule from Singapore, backtracked down the runway and taxied in. From the terminal, the A319 seemed huge as it taxied past.
Wondering how the aircraft will move into its parking bay, the A319 stopped and shut down its engine...
Before being pushed back into its parking bay by a push-back truck.
Apr 20, 2015, 7:44 am
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
Following the arrival of our baby airbus, there was a wave of departures, including Citilink A320 with winglets. Note the disembarking pax from the SilkAir flight were held on the tarmac till the aircraft taxied pass, before crossing the tarmac to the arrival hall.
LionAir B738. also heading for departure.
12 April 2015
SilkAir
MI 195
Bandung (BDO) - Singapore (SIN)
A319
9V-SBF
Economy Class
After the aircraft was serviced (surprisingly including catering of meals as I though MI often do round-trip catering from Singapore), boarding was announced. As expected on MI, boarding was conducted very orderly. Boarding pass torn and down the stairs to the tarmac we went.
Walking to our A319 aircraft and boarding from the rear. As usual in Indonesia, nobody bat an eyelid at my photo-taking on the tarmac.
Was welcomed onboard at the rear galley by a very cheerful SilkAir girl and proceeded to our seats at 20A/C. Again, the middle seat was kept empty as the flight was not full.
Row of seats.
Settled at our seats with boarding still in progress.
Seat pitch is decent for the short flight. Newspapers and blankets were immediately offered by the crew shortly after boarding. There were 4 crew on board this flight, 3 crew serving in Economy and the purser in Business.
At our parking stand. The skies are gradually turning dark and stormy.
A look at the seatback contents. This aircraft is also equipped with SilkAir's wifi IFE system, SilkAir Studio.
LionAir B738. also heading for departure.
12 April 2015
SilkAir
MI 195
Bandung (BDO) - Singapore (SIN)
A319
9V-SBF
Economy Class
After the aircraft was serviced (surprisingly including catering of meals as I though MI often do round-trip catering from Singapore), boarding was announced. As expected on MI, boarding was conducted very orderly. Boarding pass torn and down the stairs to the tarmac we went.
Walking to our A319 aircraft and boarding from the rear. As usual in Indonesia, nobody bat an eyelid at my photo-taking on the tarmac.
Was welcomed onboard at the rear galley by a very cheerful SilkAir girl and proceeded to our seats at 20A/C. Again, the middle seat was kept empty as the flight was not full.
Row of seats.
Settled at our seats with boarding still in progress.
Seat pitch is decent for the short flight. Newspapers and blankets were immediately offered by the crew shortly after boarding. There were 4 crew on board this flight, 3 crew serving in Economy and the purser in Business.
At our parking stand. The skies are gradually turning dark and stormy.
A look at the seatback contents. This aircraft is also equipped with SilkAir's wifi IFE system, SilkAir Studio.
Apr 20, 2015, 9:02 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
Refreshing towels are handed out. Flight time was announced to be 1h40m.
Safety video is played from the overhead screens.
A shot of the safety video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHaLKOrIpnU
Unlike the arrival, there was no need to be pushed back for departure. Engines started, flaps down and we started taxi. The weather also turned for the worse and it started raining.
Holding for an AirAsia flight to land.
Soon, we were cleared for the backtrack down the runway, make a U-turn, followed by a powerful departure from Rwy29, bound for Singapore.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuCZeM8524Q
Climbing through the bad weather. However the ascent was as turbulent as initially expected.
After takeoff announcement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVYsLlEKRVk
Meal service started about 15min after takeoff. 2 carts were used, 1 from the front and the other from the mid of the cabin.
Meal cart slowly making its way to our row. The set of crew on this flight was excellent, being really friendly and cheerful while conducting the service. Also, this flight was 3 days before the SilkAir crew change their uniform, hence will also be my last flight with them in the old uniform.
A choice of either Chicken with pasta or Spicy fish with steamed rice was offered. We chose one of each (and actually got the last fish option). The meal came with a dessert and cuplet of water. I had an orange juice and a tea to go along. The meals are catered out of Bandung instead of Singapore. Guess it is cheaper than to uplift a round-trip of meals?
Spicy fish with steamed rice. The supposedly spicy fish was tasteless with minuscule portion, and the vegetables were chemical-tasting. Really disappointing meal...
Chicken pasta was slightly better, but also very ordinary. Give me a AirAsia nasi lemak anytime!
Dessert was an artificial-tasting strawberry mousse cake. SilkAir's catering out of Bandung really disappoints....
Safety video is played from the overhead screens.
A shot of the safety video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHaLKOrIpnU
Unlike the arrival, there was no need to be pushed back for departure. Engines started, flaps down and we started taxi. The weather also turned for the worse and it started raining.
Holding for an AirAsia flight to land.
Soon, we were cleared for the backtrack down the runway, make a U-turn, followed by a powerful departure from Rwy29, bound for Singapore.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuCZeM8524Q
Climbing through the bad weather. However the ascent was as turbulent as initially expected.
After takeoff announcement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVYsLlEKRVk
Meal service started about 15min after takeoff. 2 carts were used, 1 from the front and the other from the mid of the cabin.
Meal cart slowly making its way to our row. The set of crew on this flight was excellent, being really friendly and cheerful while conducting the service. Also, this flight was 3 days before the SilkAir crew change their uniform, hence will also be my last flight with them in the old uniform.
A choice of either Chicken with pasta or Spicy fish with steamed rice was offered. We chose one of each (and actually got the last fish option). The meal came with a dessert and cuplet of water. I had an orange juice and a tea to go along. The meals are catered out of Bandung instead of Singapore. Guess it is cheaper than to uplift a round-trip of meals?
Spicy fish with steamed rice. The supposedly spicy fish was tasteless with minuscule portion, and the vegetables were chemical-tasting. Really disappointing meal...
Chicken pasta was slightly better, but also very ordinary. Give me a AirAsia nasi lemak anytime!
Dessert was an artificial-tasting strawberry mousse cake. SilkAir's catering out of Bandung really disappoints....
Apr 20, 2015, 9:24 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 1,681
I tried out SilkAir Studio on my smartphone, and watched an episode of the Singapore comedy, The Noose. Check out the famous Lulu!
A selection of music albums are also available.
Descend soon commenced, with a nice view of the sunset during approach.
We came in from the south, flying along the busy Singapore harbour during the approach to Rwy02L for landing.
Video of the approach and landing on Rwy02L. We landed slightly ahead of schedule.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrW2JfoTakw
Had a rather long taxi to Terminal 2 where we would be parked.
And arrived at the gate awaiting disembarkation.
It was a short and pleasant flight on SilkAir, with excellent and responsive cabin crew, along with all frills provided as expected of a full-service airline. The only disappointment was the meal served, which could be improved much upon. However, as mentioned in its latest marketing tagline, SilkAir is still "A Joy to Fly".
Thanks for reading. Your comments are much welcomed!
A selection of music albums are also available.
Descend soon commenced, with a nice view of the sunset during approach.
We came in from the south, flying along the busy Singapore harbour during the approach to Rwy02L for landing.
Video of the approach and landing on Rwy02L. We landed slightly ahead of schedule.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrW2JfoTakw
Had a rather long taxi to Terminal 2 where we would be parked.
And arrived at the gate awaiting disembarkation.
It was a short and pleasant flight on SilkAir, with excellent and responsive cabin crew, along with all frills provided as expected of a full-service airline. The only disappointment was the meal served, which could be improved much upon. However, as mentioned in its latest marketing tagline, SilkAir is still "A Joy to Fly".
Thanks for reading. Your comments are much welcomed!
Apr 21, 2015, 3:18 pm
#13
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Toronto, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan Airmiles AMEX-MR Alaska Airlines
Posts: 692
