And what if the HKG – BKK en BKK – SIN segments of CX 713 were booked separately?
Stay tuned.
Travel arrangement
Although we were transiting in Singapore several times, my proper visit to the country dated back from 1989 while Herman’s from 1990. So, we figured that we should do a stopover this time.
Oops, I forgot to mention one last, but not least important thing!
Do you know what got me even more excited?
A.net meeting
How about meeting a famous local A.net mate? Do you know who he is?
Yes, it is the best video reporter ever, the one and only… Gavin!
Coincidentally, Gavin was returning from his Vietnam getaway on the day of our arrival. Would it be great if we had our first meeting at the airport already?
Unfortunately, our arrival times did not really match. So, we decided to catch up with each other the following day which was fine.
Yet I was excited!
After the short meeting with Robert (Parton87) and Eric (Airbuseric) at Schiphol Airport, I wanted more!
Online check in
Mates, do you believe me if I tell you that I rose once before daybreak and got up again few hours later just to do two separate check-in sequences?
Flight check-in selection. Note separate booking references.
Our boarding passes for HKG – BKK were swiftly issued.
My boarding pass
But look what we got for BKK – SIN.
Online check-in confirmation instead of boarding pass
Could this have anything to do with our complicated itinerary?
Airport check in
Thankfully, Customer Service Officer Steve was there to help us out.
Did I tell you about the half hour he needed to finalize our check-in at AMS? Apart from issuing our boarding passes for BKK – SIN, he made sure that our luggage did not get offloaded in BKK.
Upon filing detailed instructions in two different systems he apparently had to deal with for checking in passengers, still he left nothing to chance by sending away a telex for reconfirmation. How about that?
Mates, will you join me to find out how everything turned out?
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2325 posts, RR: 53 Reply 1, posted (1 year 2 weeks 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 15193 times:
Hong Kong International Airport
‘Somehow it resembles Terminal 1 of Barcelona. Do you not think?’
‘Oh, Ariel. I was missing you for a while. Well, at the first glance, you might be right,’
Between gate 27 and gate 29
‘On the second thought, I tend to disagree. Just look over there,’
Overview
‘Ah, I know what you mean. Being the third largest airport passenger terminal building in the world, Terminal 1 of the HKIA is just different to the BCN one,’
‘Anyway, where are you going now? Doing some shopping?’
Designer shops
‘Ariel! Do you see me wearing any of those brands?’
‘Actually not! Cathay Pacific brand would suit you better. Too bad, there is no CX shop around. No shopping then?’
’I am thinking more of lounging. We have got our lounge invitations anyway,’
Lounge invitation
‘So which one?’
‘How about The Pier?’
‘Well, it is supposed to be the most sophisticated CX lounge after its renovation. But do you not think that you may better visit it on the way back when you will have much more time? Besides, it is a rather long walk from your assigned gate 15,’
‘You may be right. Any other suggestion?’
‘G16 perhaps? It is closer to your gate,’
‘Alright,’
‘All you have to do is go up to the level 7,’
G16 Lounge
Lounge façade
Friendly Customer Service Officer Melissa took our invitations and welcomed us in.
‘Well, that makes sense,’
‘What, Ariel?’
‘Where the lounge name comes from. Its location,’
Gate 16 overview from the lounge level. Note gate 15 at the end of the corridor
‘What do you think of the facilities?’
Comfortable seating area
Computer with internet access on the back. Note newspaper and magazine rack in the middle
‘How about something to drink?’
Juices, milk, water, canned soft or alcoholic drinks
Coffee corner
Spirits. Note breakfast cereals underneath
‘Whisky with muesli perhaps?’
‘Nice try, Ariel!’
’Sorry. What about munchies to go with your drink?’
Pastries and croissants
Sandwiches
Dumpling
‘So, have you decided?’
‘Sure,’
Orange juice for Herman and me
Dumpling
Herman was not into dumpling much to my delight.
The full shrimp flavor explosion along silky sensation of the dough skin at every bite of the ball, how I missed that sensation for a long time.
‘Are you not supposed to be boarding now?’
‘Oh, dear! You are right,’ I quickly finished my serving while Herman was done already.
‘Well, be quick and enjoy your trip,’
”Xie Xie,” I said goodbye to Melissa before going downstairs with Herman towards gate 15.
Gate 15
Gate column. Note delayed departure time of 09.30
Boarding
There was no one at premium boarding queue, but Customer Service Officers Sarah and Cherrie.
“Business Class?” Sarah asked.
“Yes,” Both Herman and I replied.
My boarding pass
Instead of tearing our boarding passes, Sarah just stamped them and waived us on.
“Have a pleasant flight,” Cherrie said as we walked past her. ”Xie Xie,”
Gate corridor
Down the corridor, nobody should get lost.
Signage
Empty air bridge
Apparently, we were among the last premium passengers to get on board. Nevertheless, there were still enough reading materials at the end of the bridge.
Newspaper trolley
I only bothered one thing though.
Before entrance
I was about to tick off another Triple Seven subtype.
With a warm ‘Good morning’, Cantonese Flight Attendant Joann inaugurated us on board of the first 777-300 ever delivered in the world.
Another Cantonese Flight Attendant Chloe was distributing blankets to Mr. 18H and Mrs. 18K as we entered the front cabin.
As soon as Chloe noticed our presence, she quickly put away remaining blankets she was holding and greeted us.
“Good morning. What is your seat, Sir?”
“17H and K,”
“Here they are,”
17H and K. Note the pillow on each seat
17K for me
“Do you care for a blanket?” Chloe asked once we were seated.
Herman accepted Chloe’s offer. I was yet undecided.
“I give you a blanket as well. Just in case,” ”Xie Xie,”
To be honest, I cared more for my recliner seat.
Legroom
45 inch seat pitch
Chloe appeared on our side with a tray of welcome drinks.
“Can I offer you anything to drink? I have water, apple juice and orange juice,”
“Orange juice, please,”
“Orange juice for me as well,”
Our glasses of orange juice
Refreshing orange juice was something I needed to sharpen my senses, while the hot towel offered by third Cantonese Flight Attendant Qweeny, made me aware of something I missed earlier for eleven hours.
Cebu Pacific Air RP-C3191
Window view within my arm reach and a sight of another familiar type to Lufthansa747! 1st October 2007, right?
The euphoria diverted my attention from the welcome speech of both Captain Jedwood and In-flight Service Manager Sharon until suddenly, I heard the last door being closed.
Another thrilling moment struck me immediately as intensely pure love song was performed by the Rolls Royce Trent twin during pushback.
Safety card came in handy as safety video instruction on the front main screen was a way off for some.
Front page
Back page
Taxi and take off
B-HNH glided adroitly towards 07R – 25L runway.
Cabin view
Nose wheel camera view might be projected on the main screen, but my window view was just more interesting.
Dragonair B-HYG.
Especially when PH spotted her exactly two years ago at the very same airport.
Hongkong Airlines B-LPB and Kingfisher VT-VJK on the background
Air traffic control tower
Sister ship B-KPG
B-HNH’s younger sister then lead our way.
Nepal Airlines 9N-ACB with another sister B-KPY behind
Hongkong Airlines B-LNC missing one engine
Upon seeing off B-KPG, B-HNH proceeded to enter the runway.
Lining up with a view of Sha Lo Wan on lush green hills
While calling out to the skies, B-HNH accelerated.
Take-off roll
Rotated around 2,000 m point of 3,800 meter runway.
Asia Airfreight Terminal apron
Ascending along interesting properties on the other side of the water.
Carribean Coast, Coastal Skyline, Seaview Crescent, to name a few
Through thick cloud layers towards the sunshine.
Sunshine above the cloud
In flight
As soon as seat belt signs were extinguished, Cantonese Senior Purser Andy made his appearance and greeted every passenger in the front cabin while distributing menu booklets.
While co-passengers were preparing themselves for breakfast, I took the opportunity to freshen up in the lavatory.
Expertíse collection of cleansing milk, all in one lotion and hand lotion along with Templespa fragrance
Ready for breakfast…
Forward cabin view. Note Andy with drink trolley
And I really felt like it.
Breakfast menu
Drink list. PH, you have got to love the soft drink list!
“Can I offer you anything to drink?”
“Can I have tomato juice, please?”
“Sure. And how about you?”
“I will have orange juice, please,”
“Sure,”
Tomato juice for Herman and orange juice for me
Chloe took charge of meal tray distribution on our side.
Chloe in action on the right. Note Joann on the other side
Thanks to her prompt action…
Nicely set up trolley
Our meal tray was served soon.
My tray with a bowl of assorted fresh seasonal fruit and a bowl of fruit yoghurt on it
Along with bread basket offering.
Croissants, chocolate muffins and a bun. Guess which one I chose?
As soon as Chloe retreated, Andy rolled out the main meal trolley.
Main meal trolley
“What would you like for breakfast?”
“I will have the omelette, please,”
Herman’s serving with Omelette with Ricotta cheese and pepper, Cumberland pork sausage, back bacon, potatoes and tomato as main meal
“How about you, Sir?”
“I would like to have the dim sum, please,”
Clockwise from left to right: chicken and ham in bean curd skin, pork siu mai with crab roe, seafood dumpling, mushroom and vegetable in triangular dumpling, pork and chive dumpling
Of course, with appropriate sauce and utensils.
Pre-packed Guilin chili sauce and chopsticks
“Do you want any coffee or tea?” Andy asked Herman.
“No, thank you,”
“Anything else? Water of juices?”
“No, thank you. I am fine,”
“Sure. How about you, Sir?” Andy turned to me.
“Can I have Hong Kong milk tea, please?”
“Sure. Just a moment,”
As soon as Andy looked back towards the galley, Qweeny emerged and quickly slunk off after getting whispered my drink order.
“Your drink will be ready, soon,”
“Thank you,”
Wine list was not distributed at the time of the day, but alcoholic drinks were available on request. Thanks to Mr. 18H, Herman hit upon an idea to order a glass of red wine.
I just stuck to my milk tea.
My Hong Kong style milk tea
The creamy milk tea was just perfect accompaniment as I picked up the delightful sensation of dim sum I had at G16 Lounge. While the chili sauce saw to simultaneous spicy shots!
Just before eleven o’clock, breakfast came to an end. With another hour to go, co-passengers made themselves comfortable at their recliner seats.
Seat controller
I was rather undecided which position to take.
Landing
“….descent to Bangkok…”
I suddenly woke up at this part of Captain Jedwood’s announcement and yet undecided in which position.
Soon enough, seat belt signs were illuminated.
Banking to the right, B-HNH broke through cloud layers and gradually revealed the view of aligned rice field area of Thailand.
Bang Sombun in the middle
“Cabin crew prepared for landing,”
These were last words of Captain Jedwood ten minutes before touchdown.
Bangkok skylines on the background
Chonburi motorway
Seconds before touchdown. Note Koh-Lan-Ta on the left
B-HNH’s wheels kissed 01L – 19R runway. It was 11.25 Bangkok time.
Landing roll
In 2006, I missed the opening of Suvarnabhumi airport by one day and therefore had to fly back to Amsterdam from Don Mueang airport.
Now I could put it right. Could I?
Transaero EI-DBU
Transaero EI-DBG and EI-UNN
Did I end up at a wrong airport?
Turkish Airlines TC-JND, China Southern B-6292 and B-5157
Luckily not!
CZ does not deploy either A320 or B737 altogether to Russia.
Sibir Airlines S7 VQ-BBI
JetairFly OO-TUC
Vietnam Airlines VN-A332, yet two months old
Slightly past 11.30, B-HNH came to a complete stop.
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2325 posts, RR: 53 Reply 3, posted (1 year 2 weeks 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 15083 times:
Layover
Apparently, everyone from the front cabin had Bangkok as final destination as we did not see any familiar face returning later on.
Herman decided to ask Cantonese Flight Purser Audrey what to do.
“We are continuing to Singapore. Can we stay on board or do we have to disembark?”
“It is up to you. You can either remain on board or leave the aircraft and visit our lounge,”
“How far is the lounge?”
“Well, we have one and a half hour transit. After you go through the security, you still have to walk a bit far,”
“How long do you think that we can stay at the lounge?”
“I think about twenty minutes depending on security checks,”
Herman and I decided to stay on board anyway.
“What about our luggage? We have got two suitcases. Will they remain on board and not get offloaded?”
“Let me check with our ground staff. Can I have your boarding passes, please?”
Audrey left with our boarding passes. She was actually in charge of Economy cabin but it did not keep her from attending our needs.
Sharon came along soon, undoubtedly upon notification of Audrey.
“You are going to Singapore?”
“Yes,”
“Do you have any checked bags?”
“Yes. Two,”
“Do not worry. My colleague is seeing to it,”
Nicely arranged magazine rack. Jonas (LH4116), you have got to love this!
Joann appeared with welcome drink tray.
“Can I offer you anything to drink?”
“Yes, please,”
Champagne, finally
Some twenty minutes before our scheduled departure time, new customers trickled in. Interestingly, menus and wine lists were distributed right after the first welcome drink round.
Lunch menu
The wine list was otherwise similar to the one we got on our flight from Amsterdam.
At one stage, my window view got me mesmerized.
Air France F-GSPD
The aircraft which flew PH to Los Angeles on 9th September 2011 was docked next to us.
“IT IS TOO COLD! WATER AT ROOM TEMPERATURE, PLEASE!” New Mr. 18H suddenly made his presence loudly.
Joann slunk off and promptly returned with requested glass of water.
Maybe it was just me, but I did not hear anything from Mr. 18H when Joann served him.
Chloe stopped by for second round of welcome drinks.
“Do you want more drink?”
“No, thank you,”
Hot towels were distributed as Captain Jedwood greeted his new passengers on the microphone.
At 12.45, after third and last run of welcome drinks, 1L door was closed. Yet another ten minutes to go before actual pushback.
Taxi and take off
At 14.00, B-HNH started her long exciting trek to 01R – 19L runway.
Gulfair A9C-KI
KLM PH-BFK with control tower on the background
Thai Royal Air Force HS-TYQ
Well mates, will you believe the following?
Nordwind Airlines VQ-BMQ
Lufthansa747 flew her on 14th January 2002 from Heathrow when she was still wearing KL’s registration PH-BZE.
Air Austral F-OMAY
Lars (The777Man) flew her on 21st May 2007.
Thai Airways HS-TKJ
Airpearl flew her on 23 May 2009 from Kuala Lumpur when she was on wet-lease with Gulf Air under Jet Airways’ registration VT-JEJ.
Somehow with all those details, it just made sense to me that the last segment of CX 713 felt better.
B-HNH smoothly joined the flow to the runway…
A spread of 4,000 m
And reaching for the skies.
Climbing after rotation at 2,100 m point
The Gulf of Thailand up front
In flight
Around fifteen minutes into the flight, Andy rolled out the beverage trolley.
“May I offer you something to drink?”
“I will have the red wine please,”
“Sure,”
“And how about you, Sir?”
“Can I have Bloody Mary, please?”
“Sure. Just a moment,”
Again, it was amusing to see similar interaction between Andy and Qweeny after my drink order.
Also Joann seemed in charge of bread basket offering today.
Garlic bread and bread rolls
While Chloe took charge of meal tray distribution.
My meal tray
Poached marinated salmon with tomato and mesclun salad
My Bloody Mary. Cheers, Roni!
Can you imagine how delightful spicy Bloody Mary washed down intense salmon flavor?
So tingling peppery, so sweet velvety, so…
“WHAT IS THIS? DO YOU HAVE MUSLIM BREAD? I DO NOT WANT GARLIC BREAD!”
There was Mr. 18H again.
As Joann walked by with the bread basket, I could not help having pity on her.
I was wondering what Mr. 18H meant by Muslim bread until Joann returned with a basket of freshly baked Arabic bread. Had I known earlier, I would rather having those than garlic bread.
“I DO NOT LIKE IT! JUST GIVE ME GARLIC BREAD!”
“Sure,”
Joann did not raise her voice whatsoever and calmly fetched the garlic bread for Mr. 18H. I was amazed!
Knowing the garlic bread was a labor of love, mine tasted even better than before.
Following love masterpieces were rolled down the aisle.
Roasted pandan chicken with steamed jasmine rice and mixed vegetables for Herman
Stir-fried beef tenderloin with tomato onion sauce, egg fried rice, kalian, carrots and lotus root for me
Can you imagine juicy tenderloin gliding over mischievous sweet, sour and spicy spread with vegetables acting as cushions to soften taste collisions?
Herman was enjoying his nicely aromatic chicken as well.
What do you think of the cooling down after meal tray recollection?
Häagen-Dazs Vanilla ice cream
With finishing touch of...
Pralines
As the scenery was passing by…
Narathiwat Airport
Town of Narathiwat
Sultan Ismail Petra Airport of Kota Bharu
How exciting to know that Markus had similar view last 20th February 2012.
‘Suryo,’
‘Oh, Ariel. Nice to know you are still around. I am just enjoying the view,’
‘I can understand that. But, do you not think that you should praise some people for their labor of love?’
‘Why on earth did it not occur to me earlier?’
I called upon Andy who happened to be in conversation with Audrey at aft J galley.
“I just want to thank you and your colleagues for the marvelous service so far,”
“You are welcome. Would you like to write your experience on our comment form?”
“Sure,”
Comment form
“Thank you for taking your time,”
“No problem. I have a small request, though,“
Andy and me upon my request. Courtesy of Audrey
Before I knew, Captain Jedwood was on the microphone to announce our descent. Our flight was coming to an end.
Landing
At 15.50 Singapore time, seat belt signs were illuminated. B-HNH slowly banked to the right towards Malaysian Peninsula.
Big island of Pulau Babi Besar off coast of Mersing
“Cabin crew, prepared for landing,” Captain Jedwood called on his colleagues as soon as B-HNH joined the approach route to 02L – 20R runway.
Tanjung Langsat platform
Pulau Ubin
Gliding above displaced threshold with a salute of…
Green engineless 747
Onto Singapore soil.
Touchdown at 16.15
‘Welcome to the next spotter’s heaven on earth!’
China Eastern B-2330
Singapore Airlines 9V-SKK
SQ 9V-SPP
Another thrilling sequences were following.
Vietnam Airlines VN-A374
She was used to be Swiss’ HB-IQK which flew Roger (RogerBCN) from Mumbai on New Year’s day of 2008.
Jetstar VH-EBJ
While joining Qantas in 2008, she was christened ‘Margaret River’, a Western Australian town in the neighborhood of the house of Valerie, my sister-in-law.
Jetsar 9V-JSC
She welcomed Daniel (Initious) on his way back from HKG last 17th March 2009.
In all excitement, I was surprised when B-HNH came to a complete stop.
Docked next to gate D46
B-HNH was taxiing for ten minutes to the gate and I was oblivious to it.
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2325 posts, RR: 53 Reply 4, posted (1 year 2 weeks 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 15009 times:
Changi International Airport
Too bad, I did not see anyone while disembarking but Sharon.
Xie Xie B-HNH
Since I could not bid farewell properly, I just hoped my comment form would make it to CX department.
Anyway, can you imagine what I felt when our next stop this time would be downstairs?
Arrival immigration overview. Do you notice any queue?
Herman and I walked leisurely to the next available counter until we in all sudden got shouted at, “One at a time!”
So, I had to let Herman go before me.
Soon enough, it was my turn to hand over my passport to Immigration Officer Lydiawati along with the disembarkation card.
It was just a matter of seconds before Lydiawati proceeded to find an empty page on my passport, stamped it and returned my document. I was legal to enter Singapore!
Past Immigration, one should not miss where to go next.
Baggage claim screen
While baggage belts are just around the corner…
Belt 22 for our flight
Including a last minute shopping opportunity for your acquaintances in Singapore.
Arrival Duty Free outlet
Our souvenir suitcase was indeed among the first luggage batch. I wish I could say the same about the other suitcase as it just emerged with the last batch.
Nevertheless, Herman and I were delighted that both of them made it to SIN despite our complicated itinerary.
Yet I could hardly believe my eyes some ten minutes later.
Skytrain interior to Terminal 2
‘Am I in Singapore now?’
Singapore
‘I am in Singapore!’
The Merlion
Inaugurated by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on 15th September 1972, the 8,6 meter tall Merlion statue in Merlion Park has become a well-known tourist icon.
Since 23rd June 2010, the statue has company of integrated resort of Marina Bay Sands on the other side of the water.
Marina Bay Sands
Alongside Marina Bay on the site of former “Satay Club”, Esplanade – Theatres on The Bay was erected and officially opened on 12th October 2002.
Esplanade. Note the aluminum sunshades ornament on the roof
Speaking of ornaments, what about the following?
Sri Mariamman Temple, dedicated to Mother Goddess Sri Mariamman
Since the construction of this oldest Hindu temple in Singapore in 1827, Sri Mariamman Temple attracted many devotees who turned to her healing power.
Entrance tower that frames Sri Mariamman Temple
The entrance or called gopuram resembles a pagoda where the street around the corner erroneously got the name from.
Pagoda Street
What about another street view?
Bussorah street with Sultan Mosque at the end
Sultan Mosque was designed by Swan and McLaren and built in 1924 – 1928 on the site of earlier mosque as a testimony to Sultan Hussein’s generosity.
The Sultan
“You are upgraded from Junior Suite,”
Janna’s words were music to our ears during check-in.
Personally, she lead us to room number 223…
Room entrance
Of Sultan Suite.
Master bedroom
With…
Comfortable sitting area
Overlooking…
Long writing table. Note the flat screen
In the neighborhood of…
Coffee corner and cupboard
And behind nicely patterned wall divider around the corner…
Well appointed bathroom
What about outside?
Sun lounger of Rooftop Bar
The atmosphere was too good to be true that we did not mind ordering drinks for 28 Singapore dollars (about 17 Euros)…
Hoegaarden for Herman and Stella Artois for me
Until we noticed an occupant of one of the loungers, doing nothing but drinking wines, smoking cigars and bossing around. Could he be the proprietor?
In any case, it was a bad omen which sadly became reality.
While there was nothing wrong with á la carte breakfast, we were rather surprised by limited drink option considering the price we paid…
“Coffee, tea or orange juice?”
Just to find out afterwards that we could actually have both of them.
To add insult to the injury, the coffee machine was broken the following morning so that we missed out both selection again.
What do you think of my breakfast plate, especially the salad garnish?
My breakfast plate
It was not fresh at all!
No one seemed to care about it. But to be fair, what would you expect if Mr. Bossing Around did not care about his employees?
Shining star like Janna just deserved better.
Quest Food House
Thank Heaven, more heartwarming experience was just down the street.
Facade
Where waitress Gwat enthusiastically greeted us as soon as we arrived…
Gwat and me
And brought us our favorite drink right away.
Tiger beer
How about enjoying some dishes together with a very special friend..
Shrimp fried rice
Chicken red curry
Stir-fried vegetables
Who brought along a very sweet gift…
Philatelic commemoration of Singaporean aviation
And undoubtedly into longish evening aviation talk.
Cheers! By Suryo and Gavin
Conclusion
First of all, my gratitude to Herman for being my precious all time travel companion. Gavin for the inspiration, lovely gift and memorable evening in Singapore.
Secondly, I wish to thank Andy, Joann, Chloe, Qweeny and Audrey for their labor of love on board.;
Furthermore, I wish to thank Gwat, for accommodating our needs very well; Janna, for her remarkable hospitality; PH, Markus, Lufthansa747, for unexpectedly, therefore well appreciated virtual companion.
Last but not least, my gratitude to all of you for joining me all the way from Hong Kong to Singapore. I sincerely hope that you enjoy this second part of my journey to The Land Down Under.
Please feel free to leave comments, suggestions, questions or anything else. I will do my best attending to them properly.
767747 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 1748 posts, RR: 26 Reply 9, posted (1 year 2 weeks 5 days 18 hours ago) and read 14299 times:
Thanks, akhmad for sharing another good report!
CX always provides a really nice service, and it looks like you had a great flight with them. I would love to visit Singapore, so I enjoyed your photos very much. It is definitely on the short list of places I'd like to go too!
rvxkaz From Singapore, joined Apr 2011, 182 posts, RR: 3 Reply 10, posted (1 year 2 weeks 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 13608 times:
Dear Suryo,
I woke up this Monday morning to this really lovely surprise from a friend who unfailingly conjures magical journeys in his amazing trip reports! Now, let me soak in your magic dust!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Can you imagine my excitement about my Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong to Singapore via Bangkok?
I am so happy that you didn't fly nonstop! As mentioned in our long conversation, flying CX from SIN-BKK-SIN is something I'd love to try and I am most happy that a friend showed me a wonderful sampling of this sector!!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): My good friend Gavin (RvXKaz) covered HKG %u2013 BKK with his blockbusters of Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines.
Thank you sooo much for the mention of my videos! You make me blush, for making them sound like Battleship or Transformers!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Neither Gavin nor Markus was flying CX in particular, but the idea got me excited already.
hehe.. I am so happy I am in the list of things that get you perked up for your flight! haha...
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Thanks to Airline Route, I found out that CX has been serving HKG %u2013 BKK %u2013 SIN since 1973. Convair 880 was deployed at that time.
Wow, thank you so much for this precious information. I didn't know that! CX is now one of the rare remnants of 5th freedom legacy carriers which once flooded the BKK-SIN route. Just off my head, LX, SK, AY, AI, GA, SU used to ply this busy route. Quite tragic actually.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Although we were transiting in Singapore several times, my proper visit to the country dated back from 1989 while Herman%u2019s from 1990.
Its long overdue
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Yes, it is the best video reporter ever, the one and only%u2026 Gavin!
You make me blush!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Coincidentally, Gavin was returning from his Vietnam getaway on the day of our arrival. Would it be great if we had our first meeting at the airport already?
Yes, it would have been amazing! I'd love to explore every hook and cranny in this expansive airport with you!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Mates, do you believe me if I tell you that I rose once before daybreak and got up again few hours later just to do two separate check-in sequences?
I believe, only because its you.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Our boarding passes for HKG %u2013 BKK were swiftly issued.
I love the presentation! I hate print-out boarding passes but this one grows on me!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Did I tell you about the half hour he needed to finalize our check-in at AMS? Apart from issuing our boarding passes for BKK %u2013 SIN, he made sure that our luggage did not get offloaded in BKK.
Upon filing detailed instructions in two different systems he apparently had to deal with for checking in passengers, still he left nothing to chance by sending away a telex for reconfirmation. How about that?
Excellent service, something I'd imagine CX would do!
Actually I'm on Ariel's side this time. I'd love to see you try! :P
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): The full shrimp flavor explosion along silky sensation of the dough skin at every bite of the ball, how I missed that sensation for a long time.
I loved how you described it. I love shrimps so my mouth waters as I imagine how succulent they must have been!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): I was about to tick off another Triple Seven subtype.
Congratulations on flying something new and reaching a new aviation height!!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): With a warm %u2018Good morning%u2019, Cantonese Flight Attendant Joann inaugurated us on board of the first 777-300 ever delivered in the world.
Wow, the first B777-300, now thats an honour indeed!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): Flight deck: Captain Jason Jedwood, First Officer Darryl Jenkins
Wow, it does seems to me CX hires a number of expatriate flight deck crew!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): %u201COrange juice, please,%u201D
%u201COrange juice for me as well,%u201D
You know I'd choose the same
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): Another thrilling moment struck me immediately as intensely pure love song was performed by the Rolls Royce Trent twin during pushback.
I got really excited when I saw that! Something I'd never got to see in my seat at the back of the plane!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): Herman’s serving with Omelette with Ricotta cheese and pepper, Cumberland pork sausage, back bacon, potatoes and tomato as main meal
Looks lovely!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): “How about you, Sir?”
“I would like to have the dim sum, please,”
I'd choose the same!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): Clockwise from left to right: chicken and ham in bean curd skin, pork siu mai with crab roe, seafood dumpling, mushroom and vegetable in triangular dumpling, pork and chive dumpling
Wow, Hong Kong flavors at its best! I love it!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): Of course, with appropriate sauce and utensils.
haha cool chopsticks and I spy the chili sauce!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): My Hong Kong style milk tea
wow! I am so happy that you tried the Hong Kong milk tea. I really love those! Very rich milky flavour that is really unique!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): In 2006, I missed the opening of Suvarnabhumi airport by one day and therefore had to fly back to Amsterdam from Don Mueang airport.
Well, today's your payback time!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): Transaero EI-DBG and EI-UNN
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): Audrey left with our boarding passes. She was actually in charge of Economy cabin but it did not keep her from attending our needs
Excellent service on CX!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): “Do not worry. My colleague is seeing to it,”
Good job on CX's part on getting back to you!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): But seeing them disappearing inside refuse sacks, I just had to go to the rescue.
Speaking on behalf of the menus, they are very grateful to you.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): We were declared legal on board!
Wow, yet another rare bird. Your spotting experience (from a B777-300 plane nonetheless!) gives testament of what a great spotting heaven BKK is! Just pity that the design of the windows at the airport are not very good for spotting!
Now that the SQ B744s are retired, this is a really nice photo to keep, especially of the *alliance livery plane!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 4): I was legal to enter Singapore!
I hope its not too late but.. Welcome to the Garden City!!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 4): Our souvenir suitcase was indeed among the first luggage batch. I wish I could say the same about the other suitcase as it just emerged with the last batch.
lol.. its so weird! But thinking about it, perhaps one luggage got accidentally offloaded in BKK but thankfully your intervention during transit in your query to Audrey put things back on track again! Well I am just speculating! haha...
This picture tells more about Singapore than a thousand words could!
The hotel you've stayed in looked really stunning, with its shophouse heritage and luxurious transformation, and I will definately recommend it to my overseas friends, if not for the horrible breakfast!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 4): Where waitress Gwat enthusiastically greeted us as soon as we arrived…
It heartens me to see my fellow Singaporean service-staff treating guests with such hospitality Gwat has really great service from the heart! I am sure she appreciates your gift so much.
And undoubtedly into longish evening aviation talk.
I certainly enjoyed it!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 4): Cheers! By Suryo and Gavin
I must say, it makes me so happy to think of that wonderful night of endless chat about travelling and flying with Herman and yourself! We make great tourism ambassadors for Singapore, don't we! You with Singapore's iconic beer and me with my Iced Lemon Tea - a refreshing drink to cool off Singapore's tropical heat! Do help me thank Herman for taking this wonderful photo!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 4): First of all, my gratitude to
Herman for being my precious all time travel companion.
You're a most lucky man!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 4): Gavin for the inspiration, lovely gift and memorable evening in Singapore.
I am touched by both Herman and yourself for your hospitality, as well as your wonderful gifts as well! From that one night, I could really see both of you are filled with kindness and generosity, not just towards the wonderful cabin crew you've met but for so many others you've met along the way in your journeys, and it makes me feel so lucky to have met both of you, two wonderful angels who came from half-way round the world. It was truly an honour to have met you both.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): Secondly, I wish to thank
Andy, Joann, Chloe, Qweeny and Audrey for their labor of love on board.;
What better way to say it.
Thanks so much Suryo, for sharing your CX713 journey, as mentioned, a route that I'd loved to try but never had the opportunity, so it was immense pleasure to have experienced it through the eyes of such a wonderful friend and also, knowing that you've always put your heart and soul into your writings. Very remarkable is how you had looked up the history of each of the aircraft you had spotted to include information on those the fellow a.netters have flown on! Thats a really lovely thing to do and really gives testament to how you treat your friends and the people you share this world with. I am most delighted that you've decided a stopover in my country and introduced to the world some of the wonderful heritage icons of the Garden City!
What can I say to you except that: The pleasure was mine. Thank you.
They say that I'm a dreamer. But I'd only Dreamt Skyward.
aflyingkiwi From New Zealand, joined Nov 2010, 487 posts, RR: 7 Reply 11, posted (1 year 2 weeks 5 days 13 hours ago) and read 13539 times:
Hi Suryo,
Great report of your mini milk-run down to SIN. CX looks fantastic as always. Always great to hear about lovely crews & the meals don't look too bad as well.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): on board of the first 777-300 ever delivered in the world.
... all the way to Singapore for Belgian beer? Couldn't you have just phoned Sultanils and told him you were driving over for a couple of beers?
Ah, but then we wouldn't have had this splendid trip report.
As always an entertaining and detailed insight into the on-board experience. Your description of the food and of eating it is classy. Do you write for food magazines, by any chance?
...on the world's first 777-300? Wasn't the first one delivered to CX May 21, 1998 with the registration B-HNH? A bit of historic interest there, Suryo.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): “It is up to you. You can either remain on board or leave the aircraft and visit our lounge,”
It's good that you have the choice as at some airports it is a requirement to deplane and re-board. Being able to get up and stretch the legs is sometimes welcome but with the extra security checks can be a hassle.
How nice to be able to meet with Gavin and what a thoughtful gift for a fellow A.netter.
Thanks once more for bringing an entertaining and enjoyable read.
Roy / Quokka
“Not to laugh, not to cry, not to hate, but understand.” Spinoza
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6183 posts, RR: 79 Reply 13, posted (1 year 2 weeks 5 days 11 hours ago) and read 13428 times:
Hi Suryo,
fantastic second part of your new Asia series! I really enjoyed the great pictures and well-written text as usual! Good to see you had two more pleasant flights on CX.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): I was about to tick off another Triple Seven subtype.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter):
With a warm ‘Good morning’, Cantonese Flight Attendant Joann inaugurated us on board of the first 777-300 ever delivered in the world.
Nice, you were really lucky! Unbelievable that 14 years have already passed since the first 773 delivery.
I still remember well my first trip to Asia in early 1997 when CX was still operating the good old 743s. VR-HON operated my first ever CX flight from HKG to BKK - and it was my first flight with PTVs! I'm glad the bird is still active, operating as AP-BGG for PIA.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Especially when PH spotted her exactly two years ago at the very same airport.
Ha, very nice! But it's amazing how dirty that bird is. Not even AF can match this...
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Herman’s serving with Omelette with Ricotta cheese and pepper, Cumberland pork sausage, back bacon, potatoes and tomato as main meal
That looks very good, it would have been my choice.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Clockwise from left to right: chicken and ham in bean curd skin, pork siu mai with crab roe, seafood dumpling, mushroom and vegetable in triangular dumpling, pork and chive dumpling
Well, no thanks.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): The aircraft which flew PH to Los Angeles on 9th September 2011 was docked next to us.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Furthermore, I wish to thank PH, Markus, Lufthansa747, for unexpectedly, therefore well appreciated virtual companion.
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2202 posts, RR: 14 Reply 14, posted (1 year 2 weeks 5 days 10 hours ago) and read 13293 times:
Hi Suryo
Nice to see your next installment here! CX seemed to make you very happy.
While still having the old CX product, it still is nice.
Good to see your bags where all the way checked trough to SIN as well.
The777Man From United States of America, joined Jul 1999, 6079 posts, RR: 56 Reply 15, posted (1 year 2 weeks 5 days 9 hours ago) and read 13267 times:
Hi Suryo!
Thanks for yet another amazing report with fantastic pictures and wonderful narrative!
Meals looks very good for a regional flight and service seems to be of high standards as usual on CX.
Very lucky to get to fly on the very first 777-300 delivered! I had a great flight on B-HNK KUL-HKG in Oct99 where I got upgraded to J class and it was a great experience as well.
Very nice pictures from BKK and especially nice to see F-OMAY there which I had a great flight on as well. Thanks for remembering my flight on Air Austral!
Very nice pictures from Singapore; I went to both the Indian temple and the Sultan Mosque the first time I was there in February 1994. I'm going again in a week so looking forward to see Singapore again.
The hotel room looks very modern and spacious!
Always nice to have a Stella which is much better than Heineken in my opinion. Good choice!
Also good to meet up with fellow A.netters and try local beer! I hope to do that soon as well
Looking forward to your next report and don't rush it; take your time since we all appreciate your time and effort you put into these reports!
Thanks again!
The777Man
Need a Boeing 777 Firing Order....Further to fly....GA, T5, CI and LX 777s
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 14 Reply 16, posted (1 year 2 weeks 5 days 7 hours ago) and read 13081 times:
Very nice report Suryo - looks like you had another nice flight with CX! I was suprised that there was only a choice to 2 breakfast items from HKG to BKK. Still, the dim sum looked good. Sorry that 18H was so loud and obnocious! And great that you met up with Gavin!
nethkt From Thailand, joined Apr 2001, 985 posts, RR: 3 Reply 17, posted (1 year 2 weeks 5 days 7 hours ago) and read 13055 times:
A quick nice regional J report.
I love flying any legs between 3 major SE/E Asian Hub between BKK/SIN/HKG, lots of spotting, large airports, good shopping and food along the way.
It's so sad to see more and more airlines stop their 5th freedom rights.
I used to non-rev BKK-SIN-BKK on SK/LX 340-300 Business class, cozy European interior Biz class on short haul no more
Hope to see you over here in Phuket sometimes.
Enjoy your trip report as always,
net-hkt
Don't be annoyed knowing the passengers around you are non-revs and op-upgraders, be grateful for them. Life is beautifu
NZ107 From New Zealand, joined Jul 2005, 5672 posts, RR: 40 Reply 18, posted (1 year 2 weeks 5 days 6 hours ago) and read 12929 times:
Hi Suryo,
Another great report from you. Thanks for sharing!
It's nice from my perspective to see the regional configuration after spending so many hours on CX's long haul planes!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): ‘How about The Pier?’
‘Well, it is supposed to be the most sophisticated CX lounge after its renovation. But do you not think that you may better visit it on the way back when you will have much more time? Besides, it is a rather long walk from your assigned gate 15,’
The Wing is the lounge which has had the renovations (and the F Lounge is currently closed for upgrades). I found The Pier to be rather substandard compared to The Wing but it might have been a different experience going to one of the bigger lounges due to the offerings provided in them. The Wing is a great lounge.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): ‘Whisky with muesli perhaps?’
The Scottish version of Bircher Muesli which Luke might enjoy!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): ”Xie Xie,” I said goodbye to Melissa before going downstairs with Herman towards gate 15.
Cantonese is spoken in Hong Kong and thank you in Cantonese is "dor jeh" - maybe something to use next time you're in HK or on CX! Of course, xie xie would be accepted as everyone would know what it means.
The meals and service look great for the 2 short hops. I believe there's a new Regional J product on its way as well although I'd presume that these seats are pretty comfortable as they are.
Thanks again, looking forward to reading the continuation of your journey!
flightsimboy From Canada, joined Sep 2005, 848 posts, RR: 4 Reply 20, posted (1 year 2 weeks 4 days 22 hours ago) and read 12305 times:
Hi Suryo,
Great to see the continuation of your journeys. Looks like you are really starting to love CX. Though is EK still one of your favourites?
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Mates, do you believe me if I tell you that I rose once before daybreak and got up again few hours later just to do two separate check-in sequences?
Okay I'm a little lost here. CX 713 is a HKG-BKK-SIN sector. From what I recall you actually booked a special to BKK correct, and then booked this separetly to SIN from BKK using the same flight to get to your final destination, while availing the J class special AMS-HKG-BKK. Quite nice that you could actually book it this way, if that was the case.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): ‘Oh, Ariel. I was missing you for a while. Well, at the first glance, you might be right,’
Ah here we meet Ariel again at HKG airport where he mysteriously disappeared after the encounter with the dragon on the AMS-HKG sector lol
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): The full shrimp flavor explosion along silky sensation of the dough skin at every bite of the ball, how I missed that sensation for a long time.
I love seafood, but I am not quite sure I'd enjoy it this way!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 1): ‘Well, be quick and enjoy your trip,’
I see Ariel refusing to get on board another CX Flight!!! I wouldn't blame gentle Ariel lol
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): sight of another familiar type to Lufthansa747! 1st October 2007, right?
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): The aircraft which flew PH to Los Angeles on 9th September 2011 was docked next to us.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): PH spotted her exactly two years ago at the very same airport.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): Lufthansa747 flew her on 14th January 2002 from Heathrow
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): Airpearl flew her on 23 May 2009 from Kuala Lumpur
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): How exciting to know that Markus had similar view last 20th February 2012.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): She was used to be Swiss’ HB-IQK which flew Roger (RogerBCN) from Mumbai on New Year’s day of 2008.
I frist thought that Ariel was reminding you about all these dates, but he left you in the lounge. How do you remember all these, do you actually log them somewhere. You surely don't remember these just off the back of your head do you??
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): “What about our luggage? We have got two suitcases. Will they remain on board and not get offloaded?”
“Let me check with our ground staff. Can I have your boarding passes, please?”
I can understand the confusion but since your flight was right through to SIN they would have remained on board. Usually if a connection time exceeds 24 hours then your bags get off loaded.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): KLM PH-BFK with control tower on the background
Ah PH-BFK (City of Karachi)
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): ‘Suryo,’
‘Oh, Ariel. Nice to know you are still around. I am just enjoying the view,’
Ah Ariel does decide to come on board, while just at the last stages of landing!!
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): Andy and me upon my request. Courtesy of Audrey
Usually FAs shy away from such photo requests, but I think your kind and warm nature wins their hearts. Keep such pics coming.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 4): Cheers! By Suryo and Gavin
Glad you could meet up with Gavin.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 2): My Hong Kong style milk tea
Is this the equivalent of Doodh pati chai. Suryo I am sure you probably had this on your India trips.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): “WHAT IS THIS? DO YOU HAVE MUSLIM BREAD? I DO NOT WANT GARLIC BREAD!”
There was Mr. 18H again.
As Joann walked by with the bread basket, I could not help having pity on her.
I was wondering what Mr. 18H meant by Muslim bread until Joann returned with a basket of freshly baked Arabic bread. Had I known earlier, I would rather having those than garlic bread.
“I DO NOT LIKE IT! JUST GIVE ME GARLIC BREAD!”
“Sure,”
Joann did not raise her voice whatsoever and calmly fetched the garlic bread for Mr. 18H. I was amazed!
FA's know that characters such as these are there just for the duration of the flight. Once the flight ends they are gone. But then every flight brings a reminder of such Mr. 18Hs and if they will be on board. I wonder how many FAs after meeting you, long to find other such Suryos on their next flights
Quoting akhmad (Reply 4): I sincerely hope that you enjoy this second part of my journey to The Land Down Under.
Sorry for my losing the entire story with this journey but now I recall your final destination was Down Under. I actually seem to remember more about Ariel in your past reports lol
FLIEGER67 From Georgia, joined Sep 2003, 4387 posts, RR: 57 Reply 21, posted (1 year 2 weeks 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 11787 times:
Superb, Suryo,
that´s for sure the really welcomed afternoon read.
I´ve been saving it for today and time enough to follow it en detail.
Also you´re picture´s, really good.
It seems once again that CX does perfectly good biz on you flights.
Looking for the next part now.
Best greetings,
Markus(FLIEGER67)
sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1173 posts, RR: 29 Reply 22, posted (1 year 2 weeks 3 days 7 hours ago) and read 11496 times:
Hallo Suryo,
Very nice 2nd episode of your latest travels to the Southern hemisphere. The narrative style and attention to detail is striking. And I applaud you for mentioning all these a.netters and the flights they have taken in the past. That’s a labour of love: looking all that up in your database
A good solid performance on CX again: I feel a sense of ‘falling in love’ here lol! One thing I wonder is why these flights were on separate tickets?
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Can you imagine my excitement about my Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong to Singapore via Bangkok?
I can imagine. After all you’re flying one of the world’s premium carriers!
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): And what if the HKG – BKK en BKK – SIN segments of CX 713 were booked separately?
Yes, what if? Can you enlighten me on the reason for that?
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): Yes, it is the best video reporter ever, the one and only… Gavin!
Ha, mr RvXKaz, the one and only. I’m a bit envious that you met him in person...
eastafspot From France, joined Jan 2008, 467 posts, RR: 4 Reply 23, posted (1 year 2 weeks 3 days ago) and read 11308 times:
Hi Suryo,
a very well detailed TR, i really like how you managed to remember the name of all the employees, what a nice touch.
Also, i discovered in a picture of the lounge at AMS on your previous TR (shame on me as i did not comment), that your camera is compact digital one, is it possible?
If yes the quality of these photos are incredible
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): HKG – BKK with his blockbusters of Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines.
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): the best video reporter ever, the one and only… Gavin!
100% agree with you, i do adore his videos and remember perfectly his delightful 1st report here: an African comparison
Quoting akhmad (Thread starter): he made sure that our luggage did not get offloaded in BKK.
At least, that is what would be expected.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 3): Andy and me upon my request. Courtesy of Audrey
A classy attention, very kind!
Thank you so much for this new TR, awaiting for every stop over up to Australia
Fly with Air Burundi, Air Tanzania, Air Uganda, Kenya Airways and Rwandair...Jumuiya ya Afrika mashariki
Quoting LH4532 (Reply 5): your TR is the perfect thing for me this evening. I was very looking forward to a new part of your TR series. It was worth the time waiting for it.
Quoting filoflyer (Reply 6): very nice trip report!!! enjoyed every bit of it! =)
Quoting luv2fly (Reply 8): I have been eagerly awaiting this report and like always it was well worth the wait.
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): from a friend who unfailingly conjures magical journeys in his amazing trip reports!
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 11): Great report of your mini milk-run down to SIN.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 12): Ah, but then we wouldn't have had this splendid trip report.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 12): As always an entertaining and detailed insight into the on-board experience.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 13): fantastic second part of your new Asia series! I really enjoyed the great pictures and well-written text as usual!
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 14): Nice to see your next installment here!
Quoting The777Man (Reply 15): Thanks for yet another amazing report with fantastic pictures and wonderful narrative!
Quoting nethkt (Reply 17): A quick nice regional J report.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 18): Another great report from you. Thanks for sharing!
Quoting OA260 (Reply 19): I have been looking forward to reading this I loved the whole report and lovely photos as usual. I dont know which bit I liked more it was all great.
Quoting flightsimboy (Reply 20): Great to see the continuation of your journeys.
that´s for sure the really welcomed afternoon read.
I´ve been saving it for today and time enough to follow it en detail.
Also you´re picture´s, really good.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 22): Very nice 2nd episode of your latest travels to the Southern hemisphere. The narrative style and attention to detail is striking.
Quoting bedo (Reply 7): Looking forward to read next part of the trip.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 15): Looking forward to your next report and don't rush it; take your time since we all appreciate your time and effort you put into these reports!
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 18): looking forward to reading the continuation of your journey!
Quoting OA260 (Reply 19): Thanks again and looking forward to the next one already .
Quoting eastafspot (Reply 23): awaiting for every stop over up to Australia
Thank you for encouraging me.
Daniel, Gavin, Lars, Philip, Nils:
Quoting LH4532 (Reply 5): I should go there sometime ...
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): The hotel you've stayed in looked really stunning, with its shophouse heritage and luxurious transformation, and I will definately recommend it to my overseas friends, if not for the horrible breakfast!
Quoting The777Man (Reply 15): The hotel room looks very modern and spacious!
Quoting OA260 (Reply 19): Love the hotel pics , certainly a nice place to stay .
Quoting sultanils (Reply 22): My signature hotel. Too bad it wasn’t up to your expectations...
It was the breakfast which just disappointed. Perhaps a bit more compassion from the proprietor with his employees would be appreciated as well. But overall, it is luxurious and stylish hotel.
Daniel, Lars:
Quoting LH4532 (Reply 5): I very much enjoyed your pictures from Singapore. It is always nice to see pictures of the country I was born in.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 15): Very nice pictures from Singapore; I went to both the Indian temple and the Sultan Mosque the first time I was there in February 1994.
We truly enjoyed our stay in Singapore. That is why I need to share with you.
Daniel, Gavin, eastafspot:
Quoting LH4532 (Reply 5): That is very kind of him. FA´s don´t do that very often.
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): A very nice photo! You look so happy
Thank you. I really enjoyed the evening we spent together.
Matthew, aflyingkiwi:
Quoting 767747 (Reply 9): I would love to visit Singapore, so I enjoyed your photos very much. It is definitely on the short list of places I'd like to go too!
Quoting aflyingkiwi (Reply 11): Lovely photo's of Singapore. I really need to visit that place sometime
Do visit Singapore, I would say!
Gavin, aflyingkiwi, PH, Lars:
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): Congratulations on flying something new and reaching a new aviation height!!
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): Wow, the first B777-300, now thats an honour indeed!
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): I loved how you described it. I love shrimps so my mouth waters as I imagine how succulent they must have been!
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 12): Your description of the food and of eating it is classy.
Thank you.
Gavin, PH, Lars, Nils:
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): Very remarkable is how you had looked up the history of each of the aircraft you had spotted to include information on those the fellow a.netters have flown on! Thats a really lovely thing to do and really gives testament to how you treat your friends and the people you share this world with.
Quoting The777Man (Reply 15): especially nice to see F-OMAY there which I had a great flight on as well. Thanks for remembering my flight on Air Austral!
Quoting sultanils (Reply 22): And I applaud you for mentioning all these a.netters and the flights they have taken in the past. That’s a labour of love: looking all that up in your database
Your appreciation really touched me. Thank you so much
Gavin, Atthaphon:
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): CX is now one of the rare remnants of 5th freedom legacy carriers which once flooded the BKK-SIN route. Just off my head, LX, SK, AY, AI, GA, SU used to ply this busy route. Quite tragic actually.
Quoting nethkt (Reply 17): It's so sad to see more and more airlines stop their 5th freedom rights.
I used to non-rev BKK-SIN-BKK on SK/LX 340-300 Business class, cozy European interior Biz class on short haul no more
I know the feeling. CX was used to have fifth freedom flights as well between Amsterdam and Manchester.
Gavin, Nils:
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): I believe, only because its you.
Quoting LH4532 (Reply 5): I am very looking forward to August 18th. I will be meeting few A.netters.
I can imagine your excitement.
Benito:
Quoting bedo (Reply 7): Looking forward to meet you at BER in jun.
Looking forward to meeting you too.
TEW:
Quoting luv2fly (Reply 8): I now have to wait for the last part, please be quick.
I am doing my best. But I am afraid you will have to wait for a while for the last part.
Gavin:
Every nice word of a good friend is like a drug to carry on. I am truly honored with your lengthy reply. I vividly recall the wonderful experience in your country and in particular, the unforgettable evening we shared together.
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): Now, let me soak in your magic dust!
You should not have.
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): As mentioned in our long conversation, flying CX from SIN-BKK-SIN is something I'd love to try and I am most happy that a friend showed me a wonderful sampling of this sector!!
Such beautiful words!
Yes, I remember our conversation about CX on SIN-BKK-SIN segment. I am not sure whether I told you about this, but I would be delighted to experience CX through your eyes.
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): Thank you sooo much for the mention of my videos!
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): I was giggling when I saw dim sum with chili sauce. It sounds like a very Singaporean thing - to add chili sauce to anything!
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): Wow, Hong Kong flavors at its best! I love it!
Hong Kong flavors with Singaporean twist!
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): I am banking on chocolate muffin! Which one did you choose in the end!
The one which more A.net mates would appreciate.
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): I got really excited when I saw that! Something I'd never got to see in my seat at the back of the plane!
Gavin, before you know, you will be flying up front!
Good to know what we can have together for breakfast.
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): wow! I am so happy that you tried the Hong Kong milk tea. I really love those! Very rich milky flavour that is really unique!
Yes, it surprisingly went very well with the dim sum.
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): I got excited when I read these words, I am going to find out how CX's service is like from BKK-SIN!!!
Me on the other hand, getting excited of the idea that you would get pampered by Singapore girls from HAN!
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): Well, today's your payback time!
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): Speaking on behalf of the menus, they are very grateful to you.
They have a nice place at our home.
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): OMG! It is just amazing that both of you had the whole plane to yourselves!
It was such a feeling!
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): Just pity that the design of the windows at the airport are not very good for spotting!
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): The choices of the main sounds really delicious! I would have been undecided!
I wish you were there so that we could taste all three options!
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): Mouthwatering! Though I seem to prefer Herman's choice more! haha... just my personal preference!
Wait! Did you just say difficult to choose?
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): Now that the SQ B744s are retired, this is a really nice photo to keep, especially of the *alliance livery plane!
It sure is.
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): I hope its not too late but.. Welcome to the Garden City!!
Thank you.
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): lol.. its so weird! But thinking about it, perhaps one luggage got accidentally offloaded in BKK but thankfully your intervention during transit in your query to Audrey put things back on track again! Well I am just speculating! haha...
Do you know what? We were just speculating the same way as well.
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): It heartens me to see my fellow Singaporean service-staff treating guests with such hospitality
It heartened us even more.
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): Gwat has really great service from the heart! I am sure she appreciates your gift so much.
I certainly hope so. It was a gift from the heart too.
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): I remember how Herman and yourself likes it oh-so-spicy! Both of you will do so well in Singapore with all its spicy-hot flavours!
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): We make great tourism ambassadors for Singapore, don't we! You with Singapore's iconic beer and me with my Iced Lemon Tea - a refreshing drink to cool off Singapore's tropical heat!
I never thought about it. I love the idea!
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): Do help me thank Herman for taking this wonderful photo!
Quoting rvxkaz (Reply 10): I am touched by both Herman and yourself for your hospitality, as well as your wonderful gifts as well! From that one night, I could really see both of you are filled with kindness and generosity, not just towards the wonderful cabin crew you've met but for so many others you've met along the way in your journeys, and it makes me feel so lucky to have met both of you, two wonderful angels who came from half-way round the world. It was truly an honour to have met you both.
25 akhmad: You have slightly brought tears in my eyes. Thank you for these honorable words. I can only echo you. The pleasure was us as well. aflyingkiwi: We lo
26 The777Man: Hi Suryo! I think the colors ware different but the seats probably were the same. Surprise ! It will be revealed in due time...... The777Man
27 signol: Hi Suryo, excellent, thank you, up to your usual high standard Lol, Baileys might be a substitute for milk... Looks lovely, I do like proper Chinese f
28 NZ107: Thanks! Haha, whenever I'm able to find time for it! Hopefully this year. Cheers, Nicholas
29 717Flyer: Hi Suryo, Having finished reading your previous CX experience on the Queen of the Skies I could not wait for your connecting flight and the continuati
30 LH4116: Hey Suryo, nice report! I don't like the system of lounge invitations as they don't allow you to do some lounge hopping. Did they take the invitation
31 FlyingFinn76: Hi Suryo, Well, what can I say? More of the good stuff done in that special way only you and nobody else can do. Brilliant.
32 ba319-131: Great read and pictures Suryo, most enjoyable! - I never knew these still existed! - Congrats, always a nice feeling. - I don't recall ever having tha
33 win1290: Hi Suryo, A Brilliant trip report! Really enjoyed reading it Cathay Pacific overall service and crew seems very nice indeed. The food looks great, par
34 adamspotter: Hoi Suryo, Another amazing report you made here. A very enjoyable read with excellent pictures! cheers, adamspotter // Brendan
35 airbuseric: Hi Suryo, I (finally) read this report with pleasure. All those details, also from other users flights. Impressive. Regards Eric
36 akhmad: Dear Signol, 717Flyer, Jonas, P., Mark, Win, Brendan, Eric, Thank you so much for your replies. Dear Lars, Nicholas, How nice to meet you again. Signo
37 signol: Hi Suryo, thanks for your continued kind words You are correct, but phoentically they sound the same It would have been possible, but before the jaunt
38 deltamartin: Hi Suryo! As usual a great report, which was very nice to read. Again it seems like CX took good care of you. There are some similarities. Congratulat
39 CrimsonNL: Heya Suryo, thanks for sharing! Another great report as expected. The pictures of the food and beverages made me hungry and thirsty for sure I do have
40 lukeyboy95: Hi Suryo! A wonderful report yet again. So much detail for these sector which you know we all appreciate! Service looked impressive in all flights! I
41 Initious: Hi Suryo, A wonderful report on CX on a regional flight! Great to see that you the nose wheel view was projected on the screen during taxi, it did not
42 CaptainRed: Hi Suryo, finally I have found the time to read your wonderful report about your Cathay flights. And again a very enjoyable read it was Absolutely lov
43 burj: It has been so nice to catch up on your trip reports! They are always so nice to read with a good cup of tea pretending that I am traveling with you a
44 Knightsofmalta: Hi Suryo Thanks for this lovely continuation of your Cathay Pacific experience. It's amazing how much detail you manage to pack into the text and pict
45 abrelosojos: As usual, fantastic report. I am not usually a fan of Cathay - especially with those regional seats, but seems like they are trying to re-create the m
46 akhmad: Dear Martin, Martijn, Luke, Daniel, CaptainRed, Burj, William, Alex, Thank you so much for your replies. Dear signol, How nice to meet you again. Mart
47 infodesk: Hi Suryo, Thank you, thank you, thank you. Thank you for bringing me some memories of Singapore, it was only a week ago that we arrived there! What gr
48 SloAir: Hi Suryo, better late than never right? Your trip report brought back many nice memories of my first trip to Australia a few years back, when I starte
49 dkdaviator: Hi Akhmad, What a nice story you told there about your experience flying from Hong Kong to Singapore via Bangkok! I have done HKG to SIN before, but i
50 kurt: Love love love your trip report, Suryo! Your writing style never fails to bring a smile to my face!
51 akhmad: Dear Hannah, Palmjet, Blaž, D., kurt, Thank you so much for your replies. Hannah: Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can imagine that you got a lot o
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