AIRASIA TO OPERATE FROM KOTA KINABALU TERMINAL 1

The Malaysia Airports Authority has announced that the KK LCCT or popularly known as Kota Kinabalu Airport Terminal 2 (KKIA 2) will no longer be used for passenger flights from 01 December 2015 as this Terminal is over congested. The facilities there could no longer meet the needs and comfort of the travelling public. AirAsia, the only carrier currently operating from this terminal will move their operation to Terminal 1 (KKIA 1).

 This KKIA 2 will be converted to cargo operation.

KKIA 2 with the last AirAsia aircraft?

From 01 December 2015 Kota Kinabalu International Airport Terminal 1 (KKIA 1) will be the only Passenger Terminal for all Airlines.

There are 4 check-in islands at KKIA 1 and AirAsia check-in counters are located at at island D. 

 Spacious check-in area comparing to the congested KKIA 2

The new AirAsia ticketing and information counter is on the second floor on the right hand side of the terminal.

Currently the only problem in KKIA 1, is the congestion of "drop off and pick up" traffic on the terminal roads. It may become worse once AirAsia starts their operation. The Airport authority should and hopefully will come up with some plans to ease the congestion.

Moving to Terminal 1, AirAsia has in a way enhanced their customer services. Their passengers will be happier and more comfortable than in the old KKIA 2. Good luck to AirAsia and all their passengers. 

VIETNAMESE NOODLE SOUP AT CAFE O-MAI BRISBANE

Cafe O-mai is a family run business specialized in Vietnamese dishes opening daily from 06:30 to 15:00. In the morning, they offer a combination of Western and Vietnamese breakfast. Lunch is strictly the traditional Vietnamese food such as claypot of baked eggs, premise-made lemongrass and chilli sausages, tamarind sauce and sour dough or banh mi with pork meatballs including noodle soup, curry and papaya salads. If you are in Brisbane, this cafe is strongly recommended.

Cafe O-Mai located at 15 Cracknell road, Annerley, Brisbane.

I never missed Vietnamese beef noodle soup whenever I visit Brisbane. It's difficult to resist a good bowl of noodle soup like this one consisting of rich broth, tender beef slices and meat balls with aromatic herbs.   

WEEKEND IN TAWAU

In Tawau, my friend and I put up in Prince hotel  in Jalan Bunga where majority of the 2-3 star hotels are.

The busy street of Jalan Bunga

Like most visitors, we went shopping at this Tanjung market, the biggest market in town.

On the ground floor - Local food stuff ranging from fresh fruits to the popular "keropok"(cracker) with various favours were available.  I noticed that there were also a rich variety of produces including cashew nuts from Indonesia. 

Dried preserved food such as salted fish, anchovies, prawns and others on the first floor. We bought some dried prawns and anchovies.

 The dried prawns

 Dried Anchovies

It's dinner time and we were invited to dine at this open-air seafood restaurant.

Gong-Gong shells and fish eggs

 Deep fried Mantis shrimp

The popular steamed "Sea chicken" fish was superb.

Dinner ended up with a delicious "雞蛋茶" a sweet egg tea soup.

Our flight returning to Kota Kinabalu was also on AirAsia. We boarded last to avoid all the boarding hassle.

 Good-bye Tawau

AIRASIA KOTA KINABALU-TAWAU

It's my first time traveling on Air Asia to Tawau last weekend. AirAsia  operates thrice daily from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau with A320 aircraft. This budget airline offers low fares through web booking. Their web check-in is available from 14 days up to 1 hour before departure. Overall, the fares are not that cheap as there are optional charges such as check-in baggage, in-flight refreshment or meals, seat selection, insurance, wheelchair, sporting equipment and others. All passengers must be at the boarding gate at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure. Being a frequent flyer of other airlines, I was disappointed over the poor standard of customer services at the departure hall. There was no announcement when the flight was delayed for almost an hour. During boarding, there was no priority for families with children or those who  might need assistance. I realized that extra payment is required for priority boarding!  

Boarding through stairs both front and rear. No aerobridge comfort.

Some passengers who were allocated to the back rows boarded through the front stairs while those holding seats at the front rows used the rear stairs causing a congestion in the aisle. It took almost 30 minutes for all passengers to settle down. AirAsia should guide passengers through boarding announcement so that the boarding process could be done smoothly. They should train their ground staff and emphasize on customer services and standard procedures.

Next to our aircraft was another AirAsia A320 beautifully painted with "Queen's Park Ranger" as their "official partner". Why? Simply because the GCEO of AirAsia is also the chairman of QPR.

 Descending to Tawau airport after 30 minutes in flight. 

 Landed Tawau at sunset just in time for dinner.

 

 

Seafood + stewed wild boar delight before checking in our hotel.