#TSDayOut – Subang Skypark Airport Tour

Assalammualaikum and Hi there!

#TSDayOut? Yeap! It’s Tourism Selangor Day Out. That was our first time joining in. It all started when we saw the twitter announcement, we sent out an email to the administrator and the rest is all history. We got attracted to be part of the programme since most of our travel blogger friends that we knew had made an involvement with it. So, we thought that why don’t we just give it a try. #TSDayOut is just not a day out to show what Selangor can really offer but it is also a platform and medium to get to know other bloggers and make new friends.

Subang Skypark Terminal and Firefly

The whole #TSDayOut this time around will covered the tour to the Subang Skypark Terminal with an overview of the Firefly Airlines operation and SimFlight KL simulator. And not to forget an introduction to Peugeot Lounge  as well.

Talking about Subang Skypark, this is definitely where i had my first plane ride back to Kuantan and Kuala Lumpur during my school days. I even had my first ‘TRAVELLING ALONE’ trip with Malaysia Airlines System (MAS) at the age of 8 from here and Kuantan. It really hold back a lots of memories. At that point of time, it is still known as Terminal 3.  I still remembered how busy the terminal is where this terminal is the only terminal hosting local flight (inter state) before  the existence of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT). The terminal had undergone a major renovation in 2008 and it was fully completed in 2009.

Subang Skypark Terminal Building Exterior

For security purposes, we’re required to register in and individual pass were given to us.  We’re then been welcomed by Mr. Francis Anthony, the Head of Operation for Subang Skypark and his ground crews who assisted us all the way for the tour.

Currently, Subang Skypark Terminal serve Firefly Airlines, Berjaya Air and private aviation. But you can actually purchase the Air Asia ticket here as well. Oh ya, we were told that Malindo Air will be joining them as well somewhere in June 2013. Wow!

From here on, En. Rusdi from the Firefly Airlines then take charged on giving us the full explanation on the Firefly operation. We are then been highlighted on the destination that Firefly flies which includes Penang, Langkawi, Kuala Terengganu, Kerteh, Johor Bahru, and Alor Setar with regional routes includes Koh Samui, Medan, Pekan Baru and Batam from two hubs which is Subang and Penang.

Firefly check in counter.

The check in counter personnel. She’s been soo kind enough giving us her fullest smile when requested by both of us.

One of the best part is that we’re given a chance to sneak peek on the day-to-day Firefly operation office. This is where all the ground operation works are in action from observing the weather, flight and route schedule and others related. I even overheard a tele-conversation in between a flight operation personnel and a captain regarding on the amendment of schedule. Not to be ‘KIASU’ but just being an observer. Everything seems new to me! Hahaha. What a safe words there!

The flight schedule

We are then brought to the departure and arrival hall. Even though all of us are not flying out, we’re still required to pass by the security check and to surrender all our belongings upon the x-ray scanning.

The way to the Departure Hall.

We even bumped with the Firefly cabin crew flying off to Johor Bahru.

Saw a lil boy staring at the bunch of passengers queuing up. I guess this is what on his mind – “Hey, are we ready for take off? How about me? I want to be on the plane as well!”

The overview of the Firefly ATR72.

While browsing around and chit chatting with the rest of the participants, my eyes caught up with this lady wearing a pair of shirt, a cargo pants, safety boots with a Firefly safety vest. OMG! It’s Hui Ping. My primary and secondary schoolmates. We haven’t met each other for the past 1-2 years. I never thought of seeing her there. The only things that i knew is that she’s previously working with Malaysia Airlines System and busy focusing on her exam. She told me that she’s currently attached with Firefly Airlines and she’s now a certified aircraft maintenance engineer! She finally passed the exam. What a joy! She had a degree in a Quantity Surveying (QS) from UM but maybe because of her enthusiasm and interest, she finally decided to change her career from being a QS to an aircraft engineer. You rock girl! I had to say goodbye since i need to catch up with the group tour.

We are then walked towards the Arrival Hall before we end our airport tour.

As we passed by the Arrival Hall, you’re then welcomed with shopping and dining ambience. It’s just not a terminal but you can actually shop and dine here too. And not to forget other kind of facilities such as Bank, ATM and even a postal services by POS Malaysia. It really suits their tagline which is,

“Don’t just transit, stay on for a unique retail experience at Subang Skypark”

SimFlight KL

After the airport tour, the whole group headed to the 1st Floor which is to SimFlight KL. This is definitely where you can get your hands on the control panel of the Airbus and Boeing kind of things. I guess, every one of us out there would dream to fly a plane and to sneak into the plane cockpit. Currently, SimFlight KL is offering their best simulator for both Airbus A320 and Boeing B737. The whole replica was made exactly and close to the real plane. How cool is that?

The interior of SimFlight KL

Briefing was made by Pilot Wafi on the introduction of SimFlight KL assisted by another to Pilot. He answered to all of our questions even on air pocket and etc before we could be on board. All the so-called ‘pilot’ are then given a chance and they can actually choose where to take off and land which includes KLIA, the most challenges airport in the world which is Kai Tak Airport (International Airport of Hong Kong) or only touring around Kuala Lumpur.

Boeing B737 Simulator.

On board, I’m Captain Lily Riani, your captain for today! *How cute is she?

Last but not least, “KEEP CALM AND LOVE A CAPTAIN”!

Peugeot Lounge @ Subang Skypark
With trumbling stomach on, we then headed to our final pit stop which is the exclusive Peugeot Lounge where lunch was served by Bubba Gump. Super delicious! Just in time! We were informed by En Azman, General Manager of Nasim Sdn Bhd, a proud owner of Peugeot can just show their Peugeot car keys and a privilege card as one of the admission criteria here.

It’s about time when we gathered for a short speech by all the VIPs right after lunch. Everyone was soo excited for the prize giving ceremony of the Best Blog Write Up for #TSDayOut – Amazing Race FRIM and for today Best Photograph. FF won this time around and it was our first time of #TSDayOut.

Getting around in an airport is not something new to us but touring in and out until the flight operation office, trying the simulator and having lunch and mingling around with new friends at an exclusive lounge was really something. It was such an experience. Again, million thanks to Tourism Selangor #TSDayOut, Subang Skypark, Firefly, SimFlight KL and Peugeot Lounge  for making it possible!

Simply us,
Zara AB & FF
The Province of Chroma

A Short Trip To Kuala Selangor

Assalammualaikum and Hi there!

2nd June 2012, the Agong’s birthday. It’s one of the 10 days of public holiday gazetted in the company I’m currently working. Lucky me! Another 24 hours quality time with FF. Hubby’s are working in the government sector so he could actually make used the 2 days over the weekend meanwhile i had to work 6 days a week. Oh ya, don’t ask me why i was only given 10 days of public holiday throughout the year. Do some reading and please read the Malaysia Labour Law then. Pity me!

FF came up with an idea for a short trip to Kuala Selangor. We haven’t been there together. I was there somewhere in 2006 or 2007. I couldn’t remember. Since we stayed up late the night before, we only managed to leave house just about lunch time. We opt for a quick-lunch somewhere nearby our home before we start our journey and it seems the best decision that we’ve made at that point of time. We drove all the way to Kuala Selangor using the new Latar Highway and we caught in a bad traffic just after the Kuala Selangor / Ijok exit. Oh ya, school holiday, weddings invitation here and there and Agong’s Birthday. Just the right time. We thought we are smart heading there on Agong’s Birthday but we guess everyone else had the same BRILLIANT idea as well.

It took us almost 1 hour plus to release us from the traffic all the way from the Kuala Selangor Latar Highway exit to the town itself. Phew! Stopped for half an hour at Masjid Jami’ Sultan Ibrahim to perform our prayer there since we reached there around 2.30pm. Dah macam pesta kat situ. Ramai betul orang.

All set and we then headed to Bukit Malawati. Bukit Malawati is actually a hill overlooking Kuala Selangor and the Strait of Malacca. You need to pay RM5.00 (for adult) and RM2.00 (for kids) which covered Bukit Malawati and Taman Ikan Air Tawar. Tram are provided and its only operated on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday. So plan your trip!

Omg! We just realized how shiny our skin are (compared to the lady next to us)! Baru lepas berjemur kat Cambodia, berjemur kat sini plak.

This is basically the history of Bukit Malawati taken from asiarediscovery.com –

“Bukit Malawati was once the epicenter of many struggles. Steep in history, the story began in 18th century after Sultan Ibrahim built a mighty fortress on the hill to safeguard the state from Dutch. Soon after, the hill witnessed battles with Dutch. After Dutch conquered Bukit Malawati, the fort was reinforced with Dutch’s cannons and it was renamed to Fort Altingsburg. However, a year later the fort was recaptured and returned to the sultanate during a night raid.”

You can actually see a lots of silver leafed monkeys species on top of the Bukit Malawati who will greet you once you got off from the tram. They roam freely here and you can actually see the mother’s holding her golden babies attached to the body. Besides, there’s also ancient canons and forts, museum, light house, Baitulhilal and others.

The signature of Bukit Malawati, the light house.

Ancient canons

Baitulhilal Bukit Malawati Kuala Selangor. This is definitely the place to sight the new moon to determine the beginning of Ramadhan and Syawal. Oh yaaa, Selamat Berpuasa to all!

The museum on top of Bukit Malawati

We spent almost an hour here reading and browsing through the Selangor and Kuala Selangor history in details. If we haven’t been here, we definitely didn’t know the how Selangor got his name, the types of cannon found here and others. Just to quench your thirst, you probably could try the local cendol there. Just nice. Hot steaming weather and a cup of cendol while waiting for the next trip of tram, awesome!

Makam Diraja Kota Malawati

Making our way down. Such a skillful drivers where he had to make a big u-turn in a small junction.

Since our tickets covered Taman Alam, the tram stopped over at Taman Alam but none of the visitors get off from the tram since it’s almost 4pm plus and its almost 50 peoples queuing to get into the tram. So, we decided to drop off just in front the entrance to complete the whole visit there.

The normal view of the old town of Kuala Selangor. We decided to make a big round at the old town before we proceeded back to Pantai Jeram. Our initial plan is to go to Pasar Pasir Penambang where you can actually get a supply of fresh seafood and dry seafood. Pasir Penambang is a Chinese fishing village just after crossing the Kuala Selangor bridge. There are even Seafood Restaurant but we opt for the one in Pantai Jeram as reviewed by most bloggers.

As mentioned by bloggers, it’s quite difficult to get a place during a public holiday at the Seafood Restaurant in Pantai Jeram. We google around and made a quick phone call for a booking and confirmation. Lucky us! The most reviewed seafood restaurant are Restoran Aroma Ikan Bakar and Restoran Ikan Bakar Pantai Jeram. We just made a random choice by choosing Restoran Ikan Bakar Pantai Jeram this time around. The girl at the counter even gave us a quick direction on how to get there.

Making our way there.

We went straight to the seafood counter! Seafood fiesta!

Our booking number. Just imagined, we came as early as 5pm and our lucky number are number “5”. Bertabahlah hoping that it won’t take them long enough to prepare all the foods. If you get here early, you don’t have to worry if you need to perform your prayer. Clean and comfortable surau are provided by the restaurant.

The view just in front of the restaurant.

We only waited for 20 minutes to get all of our food. We ordered ketam cili, lala masak pedas, sotong goreng tepung and ikan stim ala Thai.

Our rating is 3.5 out of 5. We found that the way that they cook doesn’t impressed us much but the freshness of the seafood itself save the whole things. But we managed to swallow everything and again, it’s just two of us at the crime scene. Melantak namanya ni. Just in a split second, the restaurant is full of people’s. Most of them had their family and friends reunion and gathering here where they came in a very big group.

While waiting for FF to finish his food, i went down to the beach to capture the sunset in Pantai Jeram. Oh ya, the bill came and we ended up paying RM62 which we find very cheap for that 4 kind of dishes.

We wrapped up the whole journey somewhere at 8pm and headed back home. Since we came from Latar Highway, we decided to go back by using local road heading to Klang. There’s goes our day! A one day trip to Kuala Selangor. Insya Allah, we definitely gonna return here for another visit to Pasir Penambang, Kg Kuantan Fireflies and others. Or its best to stay overnight at the local homestay kan?

Simply us,
Zara AB & FF
The Province of Chroma