Propelling New Horizons
Technology / ProďŹ tability / Comfort ATR is honored to see Malindo Air, one of the fastest growing airlines in Asia, fly the most technologically advanced and fuel efficient aircraft available, setting new standards in reliability and passenger comfort. The market-leading ATR turboprops will continue contributing to the development of tourism in Malaysia. Today, there are some 350 ATR aircraft in service with over 50 operators across the region. atrbroadcast
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CONTENTS MALINDOMAG
12
Captivating Bali A concoction of culture, heritage, arts, natural beauty and music, the island of Bali is a magnetic attraction of all sorts.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 06
COVER STORY TAKING SOCIAL TO ANOTHER LEVEL
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FEATURES
38
INDULGE
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SEEK
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PERSONALITY
Discover a first of its kind in Malaysia, where communication borders are blurred 30,000 feet in the air.
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MALINDO UPDATES Rejoice to Malindo Air’s latest in-flight offerings. Read more about Malindo WiFi, which offers broad-based internet, and Malindo Mobile, which allows for calls to be made onboard.
Unveil the beautiful meaning of “Ramadan” – The Holy Month. Check out what is playing on your flight today!
Dive into what makes The Original Kayu Nasi Kandar a Malaysian favourite before it became a multi-million ringgit restaurant franchise and catering business.
Look no further for your best chance of finding all the coolest gadgets! Here you will find product recommendations, reviews and their specifications.
Look no further for your best chance of finding all the coolest gadgets! Here you will find product recommendations, reviews and their specifications.
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CEO’s LETTER MALINDOMAG
CEO’s LETTER THE MALINDOMAG TEAM PUBLISHER Chandran Rama Muthy
If you have noticed one difference in your flight experience this month, it is that Malindo WiFi and Malindo Mobile are now available onboard for full connectivity with your loved ones on ground.
CONTRIBUTORS Hariss Abdullah, Soo Yi, Kalpana Devasagayam, Azim Hafifz CREATIVE Irina Yasmin Adnan ADVERTISING & PROMOTIONS Karen Soo Elicia Chong MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Andrea Liong PHOTOGRAPHER Siti Aisyah Ahmad Tamidzi PUBLISHED BY Malindo Airways Sdn Bhd C-5-05, Block C, Oasis Ara Damansara, 2 Jalan PJU 1A/7A, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. PP 18733/05/2015(034185) PRINTED BY Percetakan Jiwabaru Sdn Bhd Lot 14. No. 2, Jalan P/8, Kawasan MIEL Fasa II, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor.
IN the holy month of Ramadan and during the Hari Raya holidays, I believe many of you will be making travel plans to balik kampung or quite simply take the opportunity to get yourself a well-deserved break. In preparation for the long (and sometimes tedious) journey home, we usually make our travel plans ahead of time. To cater to overwhelming demand for flights during festive seasons such as this, our airline increased the frequencies of all domestic flights for the month of July. Where we usually fly SubangKota Bharu 49x weekly, we are now flying 70x weekly; while flights to Penang from Subang are as many as 77x weekly from the usual 70x weekly. This ensures every one of our passengers a smooth journey home with more travel flexibility.
Malindo WiFi sets our airline apart from the rest because it offers real connectivity – free Web surfing without applications-based limitations, which can be a deterrent sometimes when you’re only allowed to use certain apps onboard. With these new services, we are delivering high standards of optimum comfort and convenience to our passengers. For more details, check the information card on the seat pocket in front of you. Also, for the month of Ramadan, we will be giving away special breaking of fast treats onboard in collaboration with Bank Muamalat in the form of dates or buah kurma. These little boxes are our own small way of thanking you for the patronage and in the spirit of the fasting month. As a closing note, I would like to wish all Muslims ‘Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri’ and have a safe journey home with your loved ones.
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ON THE COVER Malindo Air celebrates the availability of Malindo WiFi and Malindo Mobile in-flight connectivity services, which will allow passengers to stay connected virtually.
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Wherever you are travelling home to, the journey will be a worthwhile one to spend quality time with family and closest friends. To this day, to stay connected with your loved ones whether by call, SMS or through chat messaging apps remains a constant challenge for travellers. The multitude of data plans, exorbitant roaming prices and limits in geography often stop us at some point to feel connected virtually with friends and family.
Chandran Rama Muthy CEO, Malindo Air
COVER STORY MALINDOMAG
Taking Social to another Level by Aeromobile, Soo Yi, Suresh Vanan
6 / JULY 2015
COVER STORY MALINDOMAG
T
hese days, smartphones are a necessity in everyday life. As much as some of us would like to keep a distance from our devices during a long holiday or during the weekends, let’s admit it – it’s a futile attempt to neglect a device so powerfully ingrained in our lives. The smartphone no longer only makes calls and sends text messages; it has also evolved into a potent device that has it all. Alarm clock, reminder, watch, music player, camera and even as a pedometer, it is hard to ignore the joys that a compact device can bring. Noticing this need for travelling passengers to stay connected with people on the ground, Malindo Air continues to enhance its services by providing Malindo WiFi and Malindo Mobile as an added value onboard. Malindo Air is delighted to bring this first of a kind, true broadband service experience at 30,000 feet up in the air, while you enjoy the comfort of our cabin and associated services. Bring with you your work and leisure surfing experience past the terminal gates onto the aircraft, and remain connected with loved ones. The connectivity services enable passengers to access the Internet, compose and send email, log onto
social media websites, or even watch video sharing websites on all electronic devices that support WiFi. All Wi-Fi enabled devices - laptop computers, notebooks, tablet systems and smartphones can access the internet easily through Malindo WiFi. In order to set up a steady connection in the flight, turn on your WiFi settings about 15-20 minutes after taking off from your point of departure, or when the captain announces the availability of the service. You will instantly be connected to the only network available. Upon opening the portal, key in the pass details accordingly (username and password). Once entry is successful, you should have speeds of up to an average of 20MB. Malindo Mobile unleashes the capability of GSM-enabled devices in flight. On flights equipped with the system, passengers can make voice calls, send Short Message Service (SMS) or Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) messages, surt internet through data roaming and utilize other applications available on these devices much as they are able to do on the ground. The use of this service will require passengers’ phone to have roaming enabled. Their cellular provider for their use of the service will bill passengers consistent with the JULY 2015 / 7
established tariff, like they would while roaming outside of their home territory. Malindo Mobile currently supports both GSM and Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) protocols, which represent the ma jority of devices available in the world today. The Malindo Mobile service is provided by AeroMobile, a UKbased mobile service provider for the aviation industry. The service works in the same way as when you roam while travelling abroad, enabling passengers to use their own mobile phone for calls, texting and mobile data whilst in-flight. This will allow users to make and receive calls, send and receive
SMS/MMS and use roaming data services. The hardware installed on Malindo Air aircraft has been fully certified by aviation manufacturers and aviation regulators and it is safe for use all around in the aircraft. AeroMobile operates over satellite networks to connect to the mobile network on the ground. The service is available upon 30,000 feet above ground or about 15-20 minutes after takeoff. To use the service onboard, simply turn on your mobile phone once the aircraft has reached cruising altitude and it should automatically connect to the AeroMobile network. You will receive a free welcome message once you’re connected to the AeroMobile network. Separately, you will likely receive a message from your operator with pricing information. As it is a roaming service, you will need to have roaming enabled with your mobile service provider and your mobile operator will need a roaming agreement with AeroMobile. Today, AeroMobile has roaming agreements with over 300 operators globally. Do note that you will need to disable Wi-Fi in your settings if you’re not using Malindo Wi-Fi service for mobile data. If you wish to only use
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voice or SMS services and do not wish to use mobile data, do check your application settings or disable data roaming. Some applications send and receive data in the background (i.e. emails, weather updates, etc.) and this may incur charges. The charges for the service will be reflected in your monthl y mobile phone bill, which is similar when you travel abroad and use the roaming service for your number. However, incoming SMS is free of charge. Information on the charges are usuall y available on your mobile operator’s website or you may contact them directl y. We hope your enjoy staying connected on your flight and the Malindo Mobile service. For more information about the service do visit http://www.malindoair.com/ the-malindo-experience/stayingconnected or www.aeromobile.net. For further details, refer to the FAQs on the seatback card at your seat pocket or enquire with the cabin crew onboard. Want to stay connected to the internet or make calls out? Purchase a pass from the cabin crew. Available in 4 usage packages, access to the internet and roaming service on board has never been easier!
malindo updates MALINDOMAG
Malindo WiFi, Malindo Mobile & MALINDOMAG are now available in-flight by Soo Yi
Photographed by Aisyah Tarmizi
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n 4th June 2015, Malindo Air officially launched its new inflight connectivity services, Malindo WiFi and Malindo Mobile, and monthly in-flight magazine MALINDOMAG together with the Minister of Transport Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai. The event, which was held in lavish proportions at the Malaysia Airports Berhad’s VIP lounge at klia2, saw the unveiling of the new product and services which are now available onboard in the presence of journalists, the airline’s regional partners and other guests. With this, Malindo Air takes pride in becoming the first airline in Malaysia to offer real internet surfing, which is not limited to certain applications only. During his speech, Dato’ Sri Liow said that “Internet connectivity is no longer a luxury, but a necessity in these modern times”. This quote heavily rippled with the airline’s vision of providing ultimate comfort and convenience for modern day travellers. Malindo Air later welcomed Dato’ Sri Liow onboard to test out the WiFi and he gave two thumbs up after
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gaining fast access to websites and social media platforms such as his Twitter page without a fuss. A WiFi-enabled commercial flight later took off to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah with journalists, corporate partners and other passengers on the same flight. The timed passes for Malindo WiFi range from 1 hour to 12 hour usage with data cap from 20MB to 100MB and the price starts from USD6.95 to USD21.95 depending on the duration. These passes can
be purchased from the cabin crew or through the access portal on the in-flight entertainment system. Malindo Mobile does not require a pass as it is a built-in network designed for an aircraft.
malindo updates MALINDOMAG
MALINDO WiFi Don’t let your Internet access stop at the gate. Passengers onboard the selected flights equipped with WiFi technology can now browse the Web, check emails on-the-go, update their social media feeds and access video streaming websites using any of the 4 usage passes. So stop worrying about feeling disconnected while on your journey. Just log in, connect and surf! To find out if your flight is equipped with Malindo WiFi and Malindo Mobile, kindly speak to the cabin crew. For more information, check the information card at your seat or visit www.malindoair.com/themalindo-experience. For enquiries, please contact our Call Centre at (60)3 7841 5388 from 9am to 9pm daily or write in to Customer Care at info@malindoair.com.
MALINDO MOBILE Send and receive text messages, and make and receive calls just like you would on the ground.
To use Malindo Mobile, simply turn off airplane mode after the captain has made an announcement that the service is available which is usually about 15-20 minutes after take-off or once the aircraft has reached 30,000 feet above ground. Ensure that your phone’s roaming capability is turned on and connect to the Malindo Mobile network. Standard roaming charges will apply for all calls and text messages. Go on… give your loved ones a surprise call to let them know you’re coming home.
Access passes: Pass Duration Data Cap Price (USD) 30 minutes 20MB 6.95 1 hour 60MB 11.95 3 hours 80MB 16.95 12 hours 100MB 21.95
MALINDOMAG Malindo Air’s official in-flight magazine is now available on all flights across its Boeing and ATR fleet, and to all destinations within its route map. As a dedicated travel magazine with colourful pages on trendy holiday spots around the region, travel tips, sight-seeing routes and insights into high profile
personalities relevant to the travel market, MALINDOMAG will capture the hearts of avid travellers young and old. Find your copy on any Malindo Air flight from June 2015 onwards.
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Captivating
Bali The Island of the Gods by Soo Yi
12 / JULY 2015
Content by Ristiono, LIONMAG
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Bali is said to be the island of the Gods. It could be true, given that the aesthetic appeal gives off an ethereal and relaxing vibe.
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B
ali doesn’t seem to lose its exotic charm, even with hordes of tourists flocking to the little island province
to the easternmost of Indonesia annually, all throughout the year. A concoction of culture, heritage, arts, natural beauty and music, the island of Bali is a magnetic attraction of all sorts. Bali is pretty well connected to ma jor cities within the region. Its most populous city and capital, Denpasar, is the main gateway to the island-province and is served by an international airport called Ngurah Rai International Airport or Denpasar International Airport (DPS). International flights to ma jor cities around the region are easily accessible. Due to its instant popularity with visitors of all ages, flights are relatively plenty and airfare is reasonably priced too, without costing a bomb. 14 / JULY 2015
For beach enthusiasts , well good news for you! Mountainous terrains and long sandy beach stretches will devour you into its beauty and charm here. At Bali, sandy beaches to the south are said to be white, while those beaches in the north and west fringes are black. The tropical climate, neverending beaches and sun throughout the year keeps tourists coming back. Another key feature of Bali is its architecture. Inspired by nature, the surroundings and Balinese culture that dates back centuries, Balinese architecture is famous for many reasons. You’ve heard of ecotourists and thrill-seeker tourists, but have you heard of tourists who scout around for bargains for great furniture pieces to add to their swanky homes? Well Bali is the ideal place to be for such tourists. You’ll find all throughout Bali a plethora of wooden furniture
and decorative home pieces made of tropical wood such as teak and mahogany, carved in distinctive Balinese motives. Things to bring while you’re holidaying in Bali: Comfortable, airy clothing that are preferably made of cotton, sandals, hats, sunglasses, sunblock and a thirst for adventure in the myriad of activities that Bali has to offer. Tanah Lot If you’re active on Instagram and come across Bali’s most renowned attractions, you must have heard about Tanah Lot. This seaside location houses a temple on a cliff and is located in the village of Beraban, in the sub-district of Kediri, Tabanan Regency. From Denpasar, which is Bali’s capital, it onl y takes about 40 minutes’ car ride to the area.
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busy beach, so at certain periods of the day when the tide is high, the temple will seem surrounded by sea water and completely separated from the mainland. It’s best to go right before sunset for an opportunity to catch this magnificent phenomenon. The other temple is on top of the hanging cliffs. The atmosphere of the area becomes much livelier during sunset, as the crowd grows substantially ahead of the sunset view. It can get overwhelming for some just to catch a glimpse of the view. During sunset, an orange and purple calming hue blankets over the skies, creating a picturesque setting to your holiday photos. Take a snapshot or two to say that you’ve been here! Danau Beratan Danau Beratan, or Beratan Lake, is a shallow lake about 1,200 metres above sea level and located at Bedugul. The high altitude makes for a cool atmosphere and the lake area is almost always shrouded in fog, which makes a great alternative holiday spot for those who don’t quite enjoy the tropical sun.
Besides being a tourist attraction, it is also a place of worship for the locals. Upon reaching, be prepared to be blown away by the beauty of the place. It is simply an amazing view to take in – what with the crashing waves and, out in the distance, two temples appear to perch atop a big reef. One of the temples is located on top of the larger reef right smack in the middle of the
This lake is located on the provincial road which links the capital Denpasar and Singara ja, the part of Bali that gives off an old colonial era vibe. To add to that, its close proximity to the botanical gardens of Eka Karya makes this lake very popular not only with international tourists, but locals as well simply because the place is within reach. Visiting the place would reward you with a beautiful panoramic view of the lake. A wide variety of lodging options such as rented cabins, hotels, resorts and homestays are also available in this area which is a perfect place for gathering with family and friends. Restaurants serving up Balinese food are aplenty too. Apart from the picturesque lake, hanging in the background is the Pura Ulun Danu Beratan temple, JULY 2015 / 15
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which is a visually stunning place of worship that sits on the shores of Lake Beratan. The mountains of Bedugul in the distance create a glorious backdrop to the temple. When viewed at certain angles of the lake, the temple seems afloat on the water. Many tourists flock to this area for the contrasting natural beauty. The area is also happens to be surrounded by sprawling acre after acre of paddy fields. This is because besides tourism, the other main source of income for the locals is agriculture. Rice cultivation is a huge activity for the locals here – but the breathtaking scenery is what attracts tourists to this side of the island. Taman Ujung Water Palace Located in Seraya village of Karangasem Regency about 80 kilometres from Denpasar, Taman Ujung is a garden retreat built by the last King of Karangasem in early 1900s. King I Gusti Bagus Jelantik initially established the palace as a resting place for him and his royal family. The architectural marvel, heavily influenced by Dutch architecture, is also known as the Water Palace because of the water elements central to the entire design of the palace. The palace, when viewed from afar, appears to be floating on the surface of the waters. The complex consists of various large pools and historic structures set in the backdrop of Mount Agung to the west, Mount Lempuyang to the northeast and Lombok Straits to the east coast. The palatial grounds of the royal palace is filled with 10 hectares of flora encased in a beautifully maintained garden. The garden is visibly inspired by the Dutch spring gardens, with winding stone paths, themed gardens and different garden styles. The palace survived near devastation following the eruption of Mount Agung in 1963 and an 16 / JULY 2015
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earthquake in 1979. The complex has since been restored to its current splendour, and it continues to appeal to both locals and tourists. Bali Treetop Adventure Park Thrill seekers wanted! The Bali Treetop Adventure Park offers a myriad of outdoor activities for the adrenaline-pumping lots. This park in Bedugul is renowned for its cool air as it is situated at an altitiude of about 1,500 metres above sea level. The mountainous area promises clean fresh air, similar to visits to the highlands. It is a refreshing take on Bali, where sun, sand and surf is usually more raved about by tourists who arrive on the island. The Bali Treetop Adventure Park is situated within the botanical gardens of Eka Karya, where a diverse collection of beautiful flora can be found to dominate the beauty of the area. Outdoor enthusiasts will find their endurance and physical and mental strength being tested in the activities such as
Upon arrival, each visitor is given a set of equipment – a harness, pulley and carabiners. After getting briefed about safety instructions and equipment demonstrations, visitors are allowed to go on any of the 6 circuits available which are ranked according to difficulty levels. It is a great feature that some of the circuits are also specially designed for children as young as 4 years old. This makes it convenient for families with young children to participate in outdoor activities together.
Ubud If you’re looking for a quieter and more relaxing atmosphere away from the tourist frenzied Kuta and Legian areas, try making your way to Ubud in the Gianyar Regency. Ubud is known in Bali for its untouched beautiful natural landscape. With rice paddy fields that go as far as the eyes can see, steep ravines in the foothills and characteristic trees that line the edge of the jungles, Ubud should certainly fall in your must-visit list while in Bali.
Huge, probably centuries old trees, tower over the park making it possible to conduct physically challenging tasks. To hang freely from the tree-lined paths and to swing from one to another like Tarzan is definitely exciting and refreshing from life in the city. The most demanding activity is probably from the Adrenaline Black Circuit, which includes a 20-metre free-falling from the top of a tree. Not for the faint hearted.
Far removed from the busy night life scene in other areas such as Kuta, , drop by any of the spas for a quick rejuvenating session. Balinese massage is known worldwide for its holistic treatment combining gentles stretches, acupuncture, reflexology and aromatherapy to stimulate the flow of blood, oxygen and energy (“qi”) around your body. Their combined generous use of scented essential oils bring a calming sense of wellbeing and JULY 2015 / 17
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deep relaxation – and that may be the reason why people generally love it. Ubud also happens to be an arts and crafts hub. When you are in the area, you will notice that that are plenty of art galleries showcasing local works of art and art workshops held by artists themselves to give tourists the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of art-making. The narrow streets are lined with real-life artworks reimagined on canvas, and there is an old school contemporary vibe that these pebbled streets emanate. It is important to note that there are several homegrown big names in art that originated from Bali too, and it is worth checking out for a extraordinary art piece you can take home. Besides art, Ubud also offers great cultural performances. Their traditional Balinese dances echo a heritage deep ingrained in the roots of Bali’s culture. Delicate yet intricate, the performances should not be missed by anyone for a thorough understanding of Balinese culture. You can catch these performances throughout the day and also at night in the villages for a small price. 18 / JULY 2015
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Experience Iskandar Malaysia’s all-rounded tourism offerings
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hen it comes to worldclass tourism, Malaysia is well ahead of the pack with a top ten global ranking for tourist arrivals according to United Nations World Trade Organisation (UNWTO) Tourism Highlights 2012. These statistics ranked Malaysia as the world’s ninth most popular destination and the only SE Asian nation to make the top ten.
exciting attractions, more authentic experiences and an exceptional standard of amenities from a single destination.
Tourism has long been an important economic sector and there are continuous efforts to enhance and freshen up the country’s tourism offerings. The popular ‘sun and sea’ packages of three decades ago are rather passé and today’s savvy travellers demand more
“Very simply, we want Iskandar Malaysia to be Asia’s gateway for tourist arrivals into Malaysia and ASEAN. And we hope when they arrive here, the typical tourist and his or her family will need to stay at least a week here in Iskandar Malaysia to enjoy all it has to
Creating the right balance of new and old, indoor and outdoor activities is complex alchemy, yet Iskandar has hit upon the right balance thanks to the strategic tourism plan for the mega-region.
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- Desaru and the Endau-Rompin National Park are good examples of the former.” “Iskandar Malaysia will leverage on these assets and transform the sector with new tourism infrastructure. Iskandar Malaysia’s tourism niche is a family fun destination with something for all age groups,” said Datuk Ismail. The most obvious signal of Iskandar Malaysia’s intent is LEGOLAND Malaysia, the country’s first international theme park and the only LEGOLAND in Asia. Since its unveiling in September 2012, millions of visitors have already passed through LEGOLAND’s colourful gates, making it one of the country’s top visitor attractions. offer,” said Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) chief executive, Ismail Ibrahim. Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) is a Federal statutory body established by an Act of Parliament and is responsible for realising the vision and objectives of Iskandar Malaysia in becoming a strong and sustainable metropolis of international standing. Both the Prime Minister and the Menteri Besar of Johor act as Cochairmen of IRDA. This facilitates close cooperation between the Federal and State Governments to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of all initiatives in Iskandar Malaysia. IRDA provides a facilitative environment for investors by responding to their needs in a timely and transparent manner. The optimism surrounding Iskandar Malaysia is well placed as the mega-region located in Malaysia’s southern-most state of Johor already has an established tourism infrastructure to draw on. “Johor’s traditional tourism attractions have revolved around coastal tourism, eco-tourism as well as its culture and heritage
Following its footsteps are various other family attractions including the Puteri Harbour Family Indoor Theme Park in Puteri Harbour and the Angry Bird Activity Park located strategically in Komtar JBCC Shopping Complex. “Strategically speaking, Iskandar Malaysia is very well-positioned to be a regional tourism player, we benefit from our proximity to Singapore and Changi Airport which is one of the world’s busiest airports. The two road links between Singapore and Malaysia are another asset.
arrivals. For now the focus is on attracting tourists from ASEAN, China and India, as well as medium to long-haul tourists from the Middle East and Europe. “It’s the latter that will make a difference as the further these tourists travel, the more time and money they will tend to spend in Iskandar Malaysia. “We know that our niche is family fun rather than catering to mass tourism per se. Instead, we’re creating quality products to deepen the tourist experience and provide them with a unique visitor experience. Iskandar Malaysia’s is all about the experience. It is about its worldclass theme parks, eco-diversity, heritage and culture and shopping. There is definitely something for every family member,” explained Datuk Ismail. The diversity of Iskandar Malaysia’s tourism offerings is impressive, from Ramsar designated wetlands in the Western Gate Development, to the colourful, modern theme parks at the new city of Nusa jaya, only a 30-minute drive away and the historic, cultural capital city of Johor Bahru. IRDA’s heavy investment in new highways links existing attractions with the new, allowing families to explore the mega-region easily.
“Our mission is to build Iskandar Malaysia as a premier tourism destination in its own right with a wide range of family fun activities and attractions, complementing the mega-region’s broader aim of becoming an economically vibrant, sustainable, international metropolis. By 2020 we anticipate seven million visitors per year,” he added. Building a tourism niche Iskandar Malaysia’s tourism masterplan is closely aligned to state and federal level plans for the mega-region to readdress the shortfall in high yield tourist JULY 2015 / 21
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more than 70 hands-on rides, slides, shows and attractions offering adventure, education and fun for action-packed day trips or short break destination. The LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort is specifically designed for families with children aged 2-12. The LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort is the first of its kind in Asia and the largest in the world. A unique LEGO® themed destination Containing the most successful
20 unique slides, over 70 LEGO models and much more for families to enjoy. The fully LEGO themed interactive Water Park will feature two restaurants, a retail store and some of the most famous attractions from other LEGOLAND Water Parks in the world. This includes the BuildA-Raft River and Joker Soaker. The first is a unique concept where children can customise their own raft with soft LEGO bricks before floating down a lazy river. The
Moving Forward Come 2020, it is forecasted that Iskandar Malaysia will welcome some 7 million foreign tourists each year. The definition of tourist here is visitors who spend at least one night. There is no denying that Iskandar Malaysia’s development has resulted in increasing interest and boost in visitor arrivals. The region’s diverse landscape, coupled with key iconic tourism products, is expected to further boost the region’s economic growth and the tourism industry as a whole. “The truly iconic thing about ISKANDAR MALAYSIA is the entire experience of being in it. I urge everyone to invest their holidays in ISKANDAR MALAYSIA, for truly the time is HERE and NOW,” said Datuk Ismail. Introduction to LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort The LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort brings together a LEGOLAND Park, Water Park and Hotel in one LEGO® themed location. It is the ideal family holiday destination with
rides, slides, shows and attractions from around the world, LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort is tailor-made for the local environment. It will cover the same area of more than 50 full size football pitches and will contain approximately 15,000 LEGO models made from over 60 million LEGO bricks. Other LEGOLAND Resorts can also be found in Denmark, Germany, United States and the United Kingdom. Areas of the LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort LEGOLAND Park is a full day interactive family experience theme park. The Park is divided into seven themed areas containing thrilling rides, exciting LEGO® workshops, and the aweinspiring Miniland, where Asia’s interesting landscapes, countries and landmarks are recreated in miniature scale using more than 30 million LEGO bricks. LEGOLAND Water Park is the largest LEGOLAND Water Park in the world. There will be more than
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latter is an interactive attraction with platforms in the wade pool where children can play with water cannons as a giant bucket pours 350 gallons of water. LEGOLAND Hotel will turn days into nights families won’t forget. For a good reason too! All 249 rooms are themed to give guests the choice of playing Pirate, commanding a Kingdom or embarking on an Adventure. Interactive LEGO features can be found throughout the Hotel’s themed rooms, play areas, themed elevators and restaurants. LEGOLAND Hotel guests will also get exclusive early access to selected LEGOLAND rides and attractions before the Park opens. Easy Accessibility The LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort is easy to reach from Malaysia, Singapore and throughout Asia. It is located in Nusa jaya (the southern tip of Johor) and is only 10 minutes from Singapore’s Tuas Second Link, 15 minutes from Johor
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Bahru and 30 minutes from the Senai International Airport. LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort is served by a number of direct services from bus terminals in the surrounding area. Buses operate every day from JB Sentral, Larkin, Gelang Patah and Johor Premium Outlets (JPO). A dedicated service leaves Larkin for LEGOLAND every thirty minutes during peak times. Each round trip costs RM12. A direct coach service from Singapore departs from the Singapore Flyer every 30 minutes during busy periods, and arrives at LEGOLAND in less than an hour. The return journey costs SG$20 per person. There is also a shuttle service from the Tuas Singapore second link, which is only 15 minutes away. LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort is 30 minutes by road from Senai International Airport, where flights from eight destinations arrive daily. There is parking for more than 3,500 cars at the LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort. SANRIO HELLO KITTY TOWN The first SANRIO HELLO KITTY TOWN theme park outside of Japan, SANRIO HELLO KITTY TOWN, Puteri Harbour, Nusa jaya consists of various walk-through attractions, as well as interactive activities and rides based on the iconic Hello Kitty character. Guests can catch live stage-shows of Hello Kitty and her friends, enjoy puzzlesolving activities incorporating sensor technology, indulge in crafting their very own Hello Kittythemed souvenirs at the Wishful Studio, enjoy hassle free playtime
Fly there now! Malindo Air flies to Johor Bahru 31x weekly from Subang Skypark. Otherwise, fly directly from Ipoh as the airline flies once daily connecting ma jor cities in its network.
at Friendship Land or step into the shoes of Hello Kitty in a guided tour of Kitty House, a life-size replica of the iconic character’s home. THE LITTLE BIG CLUB At The Little Big Club, Puteri Harbour, Nusa jaya, children and adults can interact with some of their favourite characters from Bob the Builder, Barney, Angelina Ballerina, Thomas & Friends and Pingu. With five character fun zones to choose from, guests can opt to ride on Bob’s Can-Do Crew scrambler, participate in a live performance of Barney & Friends or even learn ballet via Computergenerated imagery (CGI) in Angelina’s Camembert Academy. Don’t forget to join Thomas & Friends on rides like the Bumping Buffers, Steamies & Diesels and Troublesome Trucks or enjoy the fun and games at Pingu’s Igloo. It’s an adventure for everyone!
Great holiday packages on offer Forget about tedious booking procedures and the frustration that comes with it. With Malindo Holidays, Malindo Air’s official holiday portal that provides booking access to thousands of hotels in the region with incredible savings, enjoy up to 31% discount on your accommodation. Great holiday packages are on offer so book your flight+stay package together for better value. Get yourself to Johor Bahru for a 3D2N getaway for as low as MYR248 from Subang and MYR437 from Ipoh . Book now at www. malindoholidays.com.
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Legendary Penang by Kalpana Devasagayam, writer at www.9m.my
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T
ranquility and fun are both sought after when one is in need of a get away and this is exactly what this island has to offer. Also known as the Pearl of the Orient, Penang contently caters for holiday seekers in every aspect, which is not commonly found in just any small island. From divine food, rich culture, state-of the art entertainment and of course serene sea sides, this island is not only a destination not to be missed, but one that
you will want to revisit at every opportunity! Combined with the Colonial and Oriental influences, the locals have greatly woven a land that encompasses a vast diversity of culture that marked it as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2008. While there are uncountable activities, architectural and gastronomic attractions to enjoy, the following are the suggested ones that you may want to mark at the top of your checklist.
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7 Wanders of Penang Georgetown Being the heart of the city, it embraces modernity with a fascinating fusion of East and West while retaining its traditional charms. The harmonious blend of multi-racial populace and wellpreserved heritage buildings led this capital city to being accorded by UNESCO. The highlight is to take a leisure ride on a fancy trishaw around the city. The paddlers who are mostly elderly also serve as tourist guides whereby they will gladly give you insights and show you the best of the city – the architecture, history, traditional goods, and of course the most hunted food! *Tip – Must have the renowned Penang Assam Laksa (Sour Noodle 26 / JULY 2015
soup), Cendol (crushed ice coconut dessert), and Char Keow Teow (fried noodles) at Joo Hooi café, a little quaint coffee shop at a corner along Penang Road. Batu Feringgi Beach Soak up the sun and pamper yourself in the long stretch of clear sandy beaches. Although it is just a stone throw away from the urban area, it feels like a world apart with its serenity and sea breeze. For the more adventurous souls, there are various water sport activities such as parasailing, jet-skiing, kayaking, banana boat, speed boats, and horse rides. As the sun sets in, the area becomes alive with traders flaunting their goods at the Batu Feringgi night market that offers a vast option of costume jewelleries,
crockeries, music and movie compact discs, as well as arts and crafts. Fruit Orchard – Balik Pulau A fresh fruit feast right at the smack of the orchard is an experience like no other. There are several ones in Balik Pulau that offers ‘Eat All You Can’ buffets at a fee and some even offers refreshing juices with a tour and explanations on the plantations. These authentic orchard fruits are mostly seasonal whereby mid-year will normally be the best time as that is when the best durians also known as the king of fruits, mangosteens and rambutans are harvested. Gurney Drive Hawker The island is filled with hawker stalls
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that offer various local delicacies and savories whereby they all mostly do taste good. However, this will be the ultimate cherry on the cream that is not only a popular spot for the wide selection of food but the best ones too. The best time to fulfill your palates will be dinner as most stalls will be operating late afternoon onwards. *Tip - For Muslims, there are halal food options at one end of the Gurney hawker stretch. Alternatively, you could take a stroll along Padang Kota hawker stretch for more varieties. Penang Hill Known to be Malaysia’s first hill station at approximately 821m above sea level, Penang Hill is a
calm and chilly area that gives you a feel of a quaint little town of its own. Upon taking a 30minute cable car ride up, visitors will be able to enjoy greeneries and mesmerizing view from the historic vicinity. Most of the grand colonial mansions are now made into restaurants and guesthouses for those keen in a much quieter get away or nature lovers. There is also a hiking track through lush foliage of the rainforest. Hard Rock Hotel Situated along Feringgi beach, this world-renowned café cum hotel is an absolute family vacation spot that will cater for all young and elderly alike. While the children may enjoy in the mini theme park pool and fun beach activities,
the guardians could have a welldeserved escapade at the Hard Rock café with amazing music bands and spread of refreshing beverages and food. Night Life For those who enjoy fine partying, Upper Penang Road in Georgetown is the hotspot to be at as the night crawls in. This part of the island is sure to keep you upbeat all night long given the line of clubs with live bands, pubs and karaoke lounges. For an extraordinary island vacation, Penang is definitely a worthy destination with its unique blend of attractions that embraces a relaxed mind, carefree heart and contented stomach with its food paradise! JULY 2015 / 27
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GOLDEN SANDS RESORT, PENANG OFFERS A FUN-FILLED
FAMILY GETAWAY
G
olden Sands Resort, Penang by Shangri-La offers a value-added Family Fun Package as an ideal family getaway in the tropics. Located on the popular Batu Feringgi beach stretch, the fourstar Golden Sands Resort, Penang, known for its family-friendly amenities, extends its welcome with a host of exciting offers and privileges for staying guests. With a starting rate of MYR 660++ valid now until 30 September 2015, the Family Fun Package includes daily buffet breakfast for two adults and two children below 12 years old at Garden café. A third adult occupant will be charged MYR210++, with daily breakfast. The package also includes a complimentary bed for one child under 12 years old and daily dinner 28 / JULY 2015
(either buffet or set dinner) with free-flowing beverages (soft drinks, juices, house wine and house beer) for two adults and two children at Garden Cafe. In addition, two children may enjoy four-hour complimentary access to Adventure Zone with complimentary kiddie lunches, two Polly the Parrot soft toys and one lunch consisting of two regular-sized pizzas per stay.
For each day of their stay, children aged 5 to 12 years old will receive complimentary access to Cool Zone Kid’s Club, which features fun activities from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., along with free meals. Visit the official hotel website for more details and for online booking. Terms and conditions apply.
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THE BEAUTIFUL MEANING OF
“RAMADAN” – THE HOLY MONTH by Lady Marcella Rose
For 30 days of a year, Muslims across the globe would observe the month of Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. Ramadan – the fasting month and a holy month wherein Muslims observe a fast from sunrise to sunset. Fasting and the offer of prayer is one of the five pillars in Islam that all Muslims must observe. For Muslims it is not about abstaining from food and water, gaiety and fun filled activities during Ramadan. It is a time for purification, a time to reflect, to inculcate good behavior and a time to practice good and kind deeds and thoughts towards all mankind. Fasting in Islam is also considered to be a means of practicing self control. By fasting, one would also experience pangs of hunger, very often felt by the poor and needy. This way one is able to sympathize and identify with the emotion of hunger, thereby being grateful and appreciative of all one has received in life from God. In its essence, Ramadan is a month of humanist spirituality. Muslims will observe Ramadan to feel more deeply for humility and to repel arrogance. The Quran describes the “ideal man”, then there is thus, no better time than Ramadan for all Muslims to make the effort to become this ideal person. How 30 / JULY 2015
does one become the ideal person? The answer is simple and straightforward, explain the clerics. Build bridges between people and learn to connect with humanity. This trait is encouraged to be built with non Muslims as well, not only with Muslims. Even if one is unable to fast for valid reasons, one is encouraged to participate in Ramadan programs. These programs very often range from providing food, clothing and shelter to the under privileged and needy. (Zakat , an offering to charity. The Zakat is one of the essential pillars of Islam. The concept of Zakat is the purification of one’s wealth by sharing it with the less priviledged.) Ramadan is also observed to commemorate the time when the Quran was made known to Prophet Mohammed on the night of “Laylatul Qadr” , the “night of power”.
“I intend as I normally do every year to fully avail myself to the service of God during that 30 days. We have the rest of 335 days to spend at our pleasure.”
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To make the Ramadan month even more significant, gather your loved ones for an iftar together, with Malindo Air’s exclusive hotel partners. Dine on scrumptious buffet spreads at these locations
by presenting your Malindo Air boarding pass. All these and more exclusive rewards and privileges through the frequent flyer programme, Malindo Miles. Truly the Smarter Way To Travel.
Enjoy best rewards and exclusive privileges with Malindo Air Boarding Pass On this night during Ramadan, the first five verses of the Quran were revealed. The exact date is still unknown for Laylatul Qadr, however it is said to be the 27th night of Ramadan. To this very day, this fact has not been established. The “night of Power” is considered to be an auspicious night. On this night, Muslims will spend the night in prayer and avail themselves fully to God. Common beliefs regarding Ramadan: • Through Ramadan prayers one will connect stronger with their inner self • Strengthening of faith by being closer to God during Ramadan • Ramadan teaches one to appreciate God for every single happiness and achievement one has received in life • Charity during Ramadan will develop more goodwill and kindness • Self-control during Ramadan will inculcate good manners and good speech • Gatherings during the break of fast will build up bonding between family and friends • Fasting will take one to a spiritual level with a full devotion to God. In its true meaning, fasting is nothing physical. It is about committing your body and soul to the spirit of fasting. It is about making peace with one self and with others. It is about purifying your thoughts, words and action. Ramadan is a time of great blessing.
Poolside / Charcoal at The Saujana Hotel
Lagenda Restaurant at Holiday Villa Alor Setar City Centre
20% savings on Buka Puasa Buffet
Special savings on Buka Puasa Buffet
Normal Price: MYR134 per adult / MYR67 per child (Poolside) & MYR146 per adult / MYR73 per child (Charcoal) Address: The Saujana Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Lapangan Terbang SAAS, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia. Telephone: (60-3) 7843 1234 ext 6122 Email: dine@thesaujana.com
Discounted Price: Adults MYR50 nett / Child MYR28 nett
Palm Terrace Coffee House at Holiday Villa Hotel & Suites
Topaz Ballroom at Holiday Villa Hotel & Suites Kota Bharu
Normal Price: Adults MYR64 nett / Child MYR32 nett Address: Lot 162-163 Jalan Tunku Ibrahim, P.O. Box 319, Bandar Alor Setar, Kedah. Telephone: (60-4) 734 9999 Fax: (60-4) 734 1199 Email: reservation@holidayvillaalorstar.com. my
Special savings on Buka Puasa Buffet
Special savings on Buka Puasa Buffet
Normal Price: Adults MYR99 nett / Child MYR69 nett Discounted Price: Adults MYR79.20 nett / Child MYR55.20 nett
Normal Price: Adults MYR58 nett / Child MYR28 nett Discounted Price: Adults MYR50 nett / Child MYR25 nett
Address: 9 Jalan SS12/1,47500 Subang Jaya,Selangor. Telephone: (60-3) 56338788 ext 7211/7212/7201 Email: fbrest@holidayvillasubang.com.my
Address: PT 968 Jalan Kuala Krai, Wakaf Che Yeh, 15100 Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Telephone: (60-9) 747 4004 Fax: (60-3)747 3003 Email: rsvn@holidayvillakb.com
*The validity date for Ramadan Buffet dinner at Holiday Villa hotels stated above is from 18 June – 16 July 2015. Terms and conditions apply.
JULY 2015 / 31
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A First-hand Experience:
Malindo Air’s Business Class by AZUAN A ZAHDI
B
eing a self-acclaimed aviation enthusiast, I have the (weird!) habit of spending my hard-earned salary to check out new airlines and new routes. When Malindo Air first started their operations in KLIA in March 2013, I was one of the first few passengers flying to Kota Kinabalu on their day 2 of operations. Similarly when Malindo started their ATR operations in Subang, I flew on one of their earliest flights to get a taste of their service. Now that Malindo has established its footing in the local airlines industry, I felt that it is only fair to once again check out what Malindo Air has to offer and what better way to do it by adding a bit of interesting twist such 32 / JULY 2015
as experiencing their luxurious Business Class service. A quick check on Malindo’s website (www. MalindoAir.com) revealed that the fares for flights to Kota Kinabalu were quite attractive and after being able to convince my better half to spend a bit more than our usual flight expenses, we had our business class tickets sorted out. The world-class hospitality starts a day before the flight. A phone call from the call centre reminding us about the flight followed by the request for us to choose our preferred meals for both of the flights. Apparently this “prebooked” meal over the phone is part of Malindo’s business class experience. The menu was rather
extensive for a short domestic route including local favourites such as Nasi Lemak and Roti Jala. As a business class passenger, the airport experience was smooth sailing. Dedicated checkin counters, additional baggage allowance and the options to select the best seats are part of the experience that we enjoyed very much. The ground staff addressed us by names and within minutes of arriving at the airport, we were already comfortably sitting at the gate. Boarding priority was given to business class passengers followed by those requiring special assistance. A good thing about flying on business is that you do
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alongside warm croissant, fruits and free flow of chilled fruit juice, the generous portion of Nasi Lemak with chicken rendang is simply one of the best in-flight meals I had tasted in years. My request for an iced-chocolate drink after the heavy meal was granted within minutes.
not have to worry about “battling for the overhead compartment”. Shortly after settling down at our assigned full leather seats with 45 inches of legroom spaciousness, the flight stewardess in charge of the business class section came to welcome us personally at our seats. Welcome drinks (coconut drink that provides a nice local touch) and mixed peanuts were served to all 9 passengers flying business on the flight. Our pushback was delayed for about 25 minutes due to missing passengers. It was handled professionally by both the tech and cabin crew. The captain made an announcement to keep everyone
updated on the situation while the stewardesses kept refilling our welcome drinks. The crew then came to offer a selection of magazines and newspapers available on top of whatever that are already placed in the seat compartment. A small soft pillow is placed at every business class seat. I could not find mine but the stewardess was fast in getting a replacement from one of the empty seats. Blankets were offered to everyone right before pushback. 30 minutes behind schedule, the missing passengers were finally located and we were set to start our journey to Kota Kinabalu! A couple of windows at each of the business class rows allow natural lighting and gave a sense of spaciousness to the passengers. Shortly after the aircraft left Kuala Lumpur, the Sony noise-cancellation headphones were distributed for Business Class passengers to enjoy the 11.1 inch touch screen in-flight entertainment. As expected on any Malindo Air’s 737 flight, we had plenty of entertainment for this short 2.5 hours flight. As the aircraft cruises comfortably at 35,000 feet, breakfast was served and our pre-ordered Nasi Lemak was excellent. Served
For the rest of the flight, the crew was attentive in ensuring the comfort of all nine passengers as we rest comfortably at our seats. The hospitality of being in business class can also be seen during arrival when our “priority luggage” bags were among the first that arrived at the carrousel in Kota Kinabalu. The return flight to Kuala Lumpur was similarly a great experience. We could say that the service was consistent as once again we were greeted courteously, offered priority boarding and marvellous Lamb Briyani and Häagen-Dazs for dinner. In a nutshell, Malindo’s Business Class product is comparable to some of the premium airlines in this part of the world and for regional routes beyond 2 hours, it is definitely worth it to spend a bit more to enjoy the premium addons and hospitality that come with a business class ticket.
About Azuan A Zahdi
Azuan is a freelance blogger, an aviation enthusiast, a traveller, a guywith-a-camera and a loyal Harimau Malaya football fan. AzuanZahdi. com is his digital playground where he shares his personal thoughts on aviation & travel.
JULY 2015 / 33
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Kelvin Pow (Singapore) It is my pleasure to write this testimonial to Malindo Air CEO and management to compliment one of your fine team member, Mr. M. Gunasekar, Malindo Air manager based in Kathmandu. Earthquake struck Nepal on 25th April. On 26th and 27th, I, together with thousands of people, was trapped in an extremely chaotic situation in KTM airport, with a Malindo Air reservation on hand. I went to Malindo Air KTM office to seek help and updates for my reservation, rescheduled flights and missed connections. I was very glad that Mr. Guna was there to help. He was the only trained officer/staff on duty that day in the office. There was also another support staff present that but I don’t think he was trained on Ticketing/Reservation. Despite the chaotic air traffic situation at KTM and lack of manpower and support in the office, Mr. Guna had to handle the constant in-flow of frustrated passengers who had no updated information on their flights and were eager to leave KTM. Even though he had not slept for 48 hours, Mr. Guna showed great dedication to helping all the passengers waiting in line for his assistance. His exhibited great professionalism when multi-tasking as a station manager and ticketing/reservation agent, while simultaneously checking air traffic advisories with various malaysian airlines and authorities in KTM, Malaysia, Indonesia and India. When dealing with customers’ complaints, fear and frustrations, Mr Guna was all the time calm and reassuring. I saw many customers leaving Malindo Air office satisfied, reassured, and relieve, despite not knowing the status of their flights due to many uncertainties caused by the earthquake. I hope that Management of Malindo Air recognizes that you have a great asset in Mr. Guna. Mr. Guna is not only just a staff of Malindo Air.....he is a staff, manager, and leader who has shown great dedication and passion for his job, and he is someone who believes in delivering the highest Quality of Service to the customers of Malindo Air. Thank you Mr. Guna!
Farhan (Malaysia)
R. Pertler (Indonesia)
K. Rahim (Malaysia)
My first experience with this airline and it was a very good experience. A very comfortable seat with good legroom. Better than Malaysia Airlines narrow body aircarft. Good variety of inflight entertainment. What makes me like this airlines is the interior design, especially the mood lighting, sky interior. Very calm and enjoyable. Just like a full service carrier. Highly recommended. Would fly this airline again.
Took a one-way economy flight from KUL-DPS. Check-in at klia2 was swift, but I did check-in online the day before as well. Boarding call followed on time and our flight left KUL 10 minutes late, but we arrived on-time in Bali. Overall, it was a nice flight experience with a 32-inch seat pitch which was incredibly comfortable for a tall person like me. Seat reclines and comes with in-flight entertainment and various selection to entertain self. They even offer a USB connection, which is only available in Business Class. Free meal service was only crackers and water and other meals and drinks were available for charge. Would definitely book with Malindo Air again!
I’m writing this testimonial appreciation for Malindo Air.
Shejanie Jagmohan (India) Dear Malindo Air, For my holiday to Singapore & Kuala Lumpur I chose you, after a very dear friend of mine recommended your wonderful airline. Last week I was a guest on your flight OD804 on Monday, April 20th and a guest on OD 807 Wednesday, April 22th. The check-in process on SIN was very efficient and hassle-free, the free cabin baggage was also a perk and the nice air hostesses, free water and cookie made the journey even better. I would really like to thank you for the amount of service, while offering affordable prices! Keep up the good work and I would love to fly with you anytime soon.
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Sharon (Malaysia)
My trip was a breeze! Staff were so friendly, they were so helpful in assisting to make my flight experience comfortable. The IFE had a good selection of movies and it was entertaining seeing that it was a 2.5 hour flight. Lastly, the food and beverages had a good selection to choose from. Well done, Malindo Air! Two-thumbs up from me!
in
On April 27th this year, I was traveling using Malindo flight OD1409 from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur. Together with me, there were 15 children with hearing-impaired problem (deaf) and speech problem and another 18 people of teachers, parents and guardians. As usual, when you travel in the large group of people with kids, we could literally anticipate some issues that will arise. Plus, when you travel with 15 special kids, it won’t be that easy. This caused a delay of flight on that day due to some miscommunication and arrangement for parents and kids. However, I was immediately impressed with Malindo Air captain and crew. They accommodated us with high professionalism and knew that they were flying with special kids. The lead stewardess, Intan, assisted us in smile even though we had delayed the flight. The captain was absolutely fabulous and patient to wait for us to board the flight. Everything went smoothly and the children had their moment they won’t forget for life. Thank you, Malindo Air from a father with a son who has special needs too. Also, on behalf of my six-year-old boy and all of his friends, they had fun seeing the clouds from above and enjoyed the ride throughout.
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TICKET TICK ET
New Movie Releases from Warner Bros. Pictures
THE MAN FROM
U.N.C.L.E.
Henry Cavill stars as Napoleon Solo opposite Armie Hammer as Illya Kuryakin in director Guy Ritchie’s “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” a fresh take on the hugely popular 1960s television series.
Set against the backdrop of the early 1960s, at the height of the Cold War, “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” centers on CIA agent Solo and KGB agent Kuryakin. Forced to put aside longstanding hostilities, the two team up on a joint mission to stop a mysterious international criminal organization, which is bent on destabilizing the fragile
balance of power through the proliferation of nuclear weapons and technology. The duo’s only lead is the daughter of a vanished German scientist, who is the key to infiltrating the criminal organization, and they must race against time to find him and prevent a worldwide catastrophe. “The Man from U.N.C.L.E” also stars Alicia Vikander Elizabeth Debicki, with Jared Harris, and Hugh Grant as Waverly. The Man from U.N.C.L.E will open in cinemas on August 14, 2015.
THE GALLOWS
Twenty years after an accident caused the death of the lead actor during a high school play, students at the same small town school resurrect the failed stage production in a misguided attempt to honor the anniversary of the tragedy—but ultimately find out that some things are better left alone. The film stars Cassidy Gifford, Ryan Shoos, Reese Mishler and Pfeifer Brown under the direction of Chris Lofing and Travis Cluff, who wrote the screenplay. The Gallows will open worldwide on July 10, 2015. JULY 2015 / 35
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NOW SHOWING Relax and be entertained by our selection of movies ranging from Hollywood’s latest to all-time favourites.
Chappie
Jupiter Ascending
Cast: Sharlto Copley, Dev Patel, Hugh Jackman
Cast: Channing Tatum, Mila Kunis, Eddie Redmayne
YEAR: 2015 GENRE: Action RATING: R RUNTIME: 120 minutes LANGUAGES: English with Indonesian subtitle
YEAR: 2015 GENRE: Action RATING:PG-13 RUNTIME: 127 minutes LANGUAGES: English with Chinese subtitle
SYNOPSIS: After being kidnapped by two criminals during birth, Chappie becomes the adopted son in a strange and dysfunctional family. Chappie is preternaturally gifted, one of a kind, a prodigy. He also happens to be a robot.
SYNOPSIS: Jupiter Jones was born under a night sky, with signs predicting she was destined for great things. Only when Caine, an exmilitary hunter, arrives on Earth to track her down does Jupiter begin to glimpse the fate that has been waiting for her all along.
Rumah Ketujuh
Finding Fanny
Cast: Dewi Rezer, Indra Birowo
Cast: Naseeruddin Shah, Dimple Kapadia, Panka j Kapur
YEAR: 2003 GENRE: Comedy RUNTIME: 90 minutes LANGUAGES: Indonesian with English subtitle
YEAR: 2014 GENRE: Comedy RUNTIME: 94 minutes LANGUAGES: Hindi with English subtitle
SYNOPSIS: Cakra and Lintang are childhood best friends with a dream to build an art house movie theater. Both are also romantics at heart who are looking to find their soulmate in the process.
SYNOPSIS: “Finding Fanny” is an off-the-wall, comical story about a bunch of oddballs, who venture out to find Stefanie Fernandes (Fanny). During the process, they discover a strange sense of solace and love amongst each other and end up finding meaning in their previously pointless lives.
Ummi Aminah
Anegan
Cast: Nani Wijaya, Rasyid Karim, Gatot Bra jamusti
Cast: Dhanush, Amyra Dastur, karthik Muthuraman
YEAR: 2012 GENRE: Drama RUNTIME: 104 minutes LANGUAGES: Indonesian with English subtitle
YEAR: 2015 GENRE: Romance RUNTIME: 160 minutes LANGUAGES: Tamil with English subtitle
SYNOPSIS: Ummi has seven children from a failed marriage. With each member of her big family facing various life challenges, Ummi decides to quit her religious routine to help them get through it.
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SYNOPSIS A love story that travels through the eras and makes you question: Can we truly believe in recarnation and lost love or is just our imagination?
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Happy New Year
The Hobbit: Battle of The Five Armies
Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan
Cast: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage
YEAR: 2014 GENRE: Comedy RUNTIME: 160 minutes LANGUAGES: Hindi with English subtitle
YEAR: 2014 GENRE: Adventure RATING:PG-13 RUNTIME: 144 minutes LANGUAGES: English with Chinese subtitle
SYNOPSIS: Charlie has been yearning for revenge from Charan Grover, the man responsible for his father’s downfall. To have his plan work, Charlie teams up with his friends to enter a dance Competition in Dubai with his own agenda of getting back at Charan.
SYNOPSIS: This last installment concludes the adventure of Bilbo Baggins, who joins the Wizard Gandalf and thirteen Dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, on an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor.
Triumph in The Skies
Ip Man: The Final Fight
Cast: Francis Ng, Sammi Cheng, Louis Koo
Cast: Anthony Chau-Sang Wong, Gillian Chung, Jordan Chan
YEAR: 2015 GENRE: Drama RATING: PG-13 RUNTIME: 100 minutes LANGUAGES: Cantonese and Mandarin with English subtitle SYNOPSIS: “Triumph in the Skies” is a glossy and big-budget romantic feature loaded with star power. This aviation-themed tale follows the convoluted love lives of three couples as they navigate the rocky road to happiness.
YEAR: 2013 GENRE: Action RATING: PG-13 RUNTIME: 100 minutes LANGUAGES: Cantonese with English subtitle SYNOPSIS: In post-war Hong Kong, legendary Wing Chun grandmaster Ip Man is reluctantly called into action once more, when simple challenges from rival kung fu styles soon draw him into the dark and dangerous underworld of the Triads.
The Imitation Game
Home
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode
Cast: Jim Parsons, Rihanna, Steve Martin
YEAR: 2014 GENRE: Drama RATING: PG-13 RUNTIME: 115 minutes LANGUAGES: English with Indonesian subtitle SYNOPSIS: In “The Imitation Game,” Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Alan Turing, the genius British mathematician, logician, cryptologist and computer scientist who led the charge to crack the German Enigma Code and helped the Allies win WWII.
YEAR: 2015 GENRE: Comedy RATING: PG RUNTIME: 94 minutes LANGUAGES: English with Chinese subtitle SYNOPSIS: Earth is taken over by the overly-confident Boov, an alien race in search of a new place to call home. All humans are promptly relocated, but one resourceful girl, Tip, manages to avoid capture and reclaims her home with a banished Boov named Oh.
TITLE
DIRECTOR
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Spices A Great Blend of
The Original Kayu Nasi Kandar story by Soo Yi
W
hen one mentions “nasi kandar”, the term will usually conjure up expressions of either elation or confusion to some. Elation, because it’s an all-time favourite of Malaysians and could light up faces in the gloomiest of moods, for the spicy fare served with rice is a dish that ripples with local Malaysian food. Confused, because non-Malaysians would never have heard of this term until they step foot in the soils of Malaysia.
38 / JULY 2015
Nasi kandar can be considered an unofficial national dish – it’s practically available just about anywhere, at any time, and consumed by people of all ages and culture around Malaysia. The other equally as tasty but more famous “brother”, the hot and spicy nasi lemak, currently takes the top spot in Malaysia’s must-eat list. Nasi kandar is worthy of a good challenge because the dish kicks a punch with the range of savoury, spicy and creamy dishes to pair
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with briyani or white rice. Choose fish curry, lamb, fried chicken, chicken curry or seafood such as prawns and their version of the fried calamari. Just top it off with a flood of curries poured over for a lavish dish fit for a king. The Original Kayu Nasi Kandar is one such restaurant that serves nasi kandar, and has been a family business for decades. At its helm is managing director, Burhan Mohamed, whose entrepreneurial instincts took the once small nasi kandar stall to greater heights after years of working and learning the ropes of the signature dish from his father. Original Kayu Nasi Kandar had its humble beginnings as a small stall at a coffeeshop in SS2 Chow Yang, Petaling Jaya back in 1974. Burhan, as a kid, left school in Form One to help his father wash dishes and clean up tables at the stall. In fact, the name of the restaurant came from Burhan’s moniker since his younger days at the stall. “Kayu” may sound like an offensive moniker because it alludes to s l ow
behaviour, but when regulars realised it spurred Burhan to clear their tables faster, it caught on as an affectionate nickname. That little stall soon grew over the years into a full-fledged nasi kandar restaurant franchise that would become a household nasi kandar brand in Malaysia. Nowadays, as age has caught on, Burhan is fondly known as “Uncle Kayu” by his loyal customers.
Malindo Air as a truly Malaysian hybrid airline serves in its inflight menu offerings a variety of Kayu’s signature dishes, such as Chicken Briyani, Fish Sambal and Chicken Masak Merah, alongside other vegetarian, less spicy and western options. Keen to try nasi kandar on board? Order one now from the menu card at your seat! Prices start from RM10.
To cater to the never-ending queues of customers eager to fulfill their cravings of the dish, Kayu’s restaurants are open 24 hours daily. That’s a huge amount of food produced involving a great efficient team of workers. Given its popularity, Burhan remains a humble personable man, who takes visits to his restaurants daily to check on the operations and food quality. He is known among frequent visitors for his honesty and humility in serving his customers. Customers walk in to a warm greeting from him and a friendly fast service to follow. What was then a much simpler variation of the dish – consisting only meat, a portion of vegetables and a mix of curries poured over the rice – has today grown into a more commercialised version. A huge smorgasbord is served daily at all Kayu’s branches daily: fried calamari, fried chicken, chicken and fish curries, fried fish cutlets, butter chicken, stir-fried and highly-seasoned vegetables, hot curry
crabs, curry prawns and the list could go on and on. Apart from the flagship branch in SS2 Petaling Jaya, there are 8 other outlets scattered in Greater Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding areas as well as a huge restaurant in Penang – the home of nasi kandar – in Bukit Jambul. Being one of the pioneer nasi kandar restaurants in Malaysia, Kayu has racked up many accolades over the decades, with the most recent being the winner of Star People’s Food Awards in the Nasi Kandar category. The award, organised by a local newspaper, gathers nominations and votes online from the public. Firstly a multi-million ringgit restaurant franchise and catering business, and now the official cuisine partner for Malindo Air since 2013, Kayu has been giving Malaysians a warm homecoming and other regional travellers a taste of Malaysia in the form of piping hot nasi kandar on board. The next time you are near any of Kayu’s restaurants, don’t forget to drop by for a quick scrumptious nasi kandar meal. Or just say hello to “Uncle Kayu”! JULY 2015 / 39
SEEK MALINDOMAG
The One... and Only Most gorgeous HTC phone yet The HTC One M9+ comes with a 13.20 cm (5.2”) 2K display with a new Fingerprint authentication, HTC BoomSound™ with Dolby Audio™ surround sound with improved Duo Camera and support for up to 2TB microSD storage.. The HTC One M9+’s cameras are designed to capture every moment in amazing quality. The technology of the depth sensor captures detailed depth information from a scene and enables you to select the point of focus, thus allowing you to create professional-looking portraits with UFocus™. Copy & Paste lets you paste a person from one photo to another and Dimension Plus™ presents a unique perspective on your photos by letting you view your photos from a different angle by simply tilting the screen, giving you a 3D experience. The HTC One M9+ addresses low-light shots with the new and improved HTC UltraPixel™ frontfacing selfie camera with dynamic
auto exposure, delivering sharper, more natural and balanced selfportraits in any lighting conditions. It comes with a 20 megapixel duo camera and it also shoots movies in 4K resolution. The HTC One M9+ guarantees a larger-than-life soundtrack courtesy of HTC BoomSound. The HTC One family’s iconic dual frontfacing speakers, now combined with 5.1 channel Dolby Audio surround sound3 simulation. Uniting HTC BoomSound and Dolby Audio creates total audio immersion, so you can enjoy movies with theatrelike sound even without connecting headphones or external speakers. HTC’s unique combination of HTC BoomSound, Dolby Audio, and a finely tuned sound profile, gives all of your music and movies an unmistakable HTC One M9+ flavour. The HTC One M9+ comes with 3GB RAM and 32GB on-board storage version and expandable memory up to 2TB via microSD storage.
HTC One M9+ is available in Gold on Silver and Gunmetal Gray. The recommended retail price (RRP) for the HTC One M9+ is RM2,599 inclusive of GST.
Room for Grooming The Philips’ new BikiniGenie Trimmer and Body Groomer offers both women and men a hygienic and fuss-free way of trimming and maintaining unwanted body hair. For the ladies, the Philips BikiniGenie trimmer consists of two models: the BikiniGenie BRT381 which comes with a 1 click-on comb and the BRT383 with the mini shaving head and 2 click-on combs. The Philips BikiniGenie trimmer helps women achieve a precise trim and shave with its 2 clickon combs, which uses the latest innovative solution to offer a safe and easy way to a beautiful bikini line using the round trimming teeth. The BikiniGenie trimmer is effective in both wet and dry conditions and doesn’t require charging cords as it is battery powered. 40 / JULY 2015
Philips is offering the innovative Philips Body Groomer BG1024, the ideal grooming tool for men seeking a fast and comfortable way to remove body hair - even for sensitive areas. The Philips Body Groomer is built to protect the skin by guarding it while trimming hair as short as 0.5mm without directly exposing the skin to the blades. The tool is designed with a bidirectional trimmer which allows men to seamlessly trim hair both backwards and forwards. It’s 100% waterproof. The Philips Body Groomer is available at a recommended price of RM109 while the Philips BikiniGenie trimmer BRT381 and BRT383 are priced at RM109 and RM129 respectively depending on the model.
SEEK MALINDOMAG
The Best of “Me” Put your best face forward portrait with the face of a friend or celebrity to inject some creative fun into otherwise ordinary photos.
The HTC Desire 826 creates the best possible mobile experiences by capturing the best of “me” in photos, with stunning surround sound audio, and expressing the best of “me” with bold design, colors and materials. Surround yourself with high quality sound with the HTC BoomSound with Dolby Audio, for an experience unlike anything you’ve heard before on a smartphone. Couple that with a vivid 5.5” full HD 1080p display that brings cinematic quality to your movie streaming and gaming experience. The HTC Desire 826 is also available with a 13 megapixel front-facing camera that captures amazing, fine detail. Camera features such as Split Capture combines photos and
Easy grip and soft to the touch matte finish. Gorgeous, soft-touch matte sides make the phone comfortable and easy to grip while giving peace of mind that your memories are safe in your hand.
videos taken on the front and back cameras into one split-screen image or video; Live Makeup adjusts the level of portrait beautification even before the image is captured; while Face Fusion merges your self-
The HTC Desire 826 features an allnew Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 615 octa-core 1.7GHz 64-bit processor that enables seamless multitasking, gaming, and 4G LTE streaming. Available in White Birch, Blue Lagoon, Purple Fire, Marshmallow White and Dark Grey colours, the HTC Desire 826 retails at RM1,359 (USD362) inclusive of GST.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A Bring Things To Life The Samsung Galaxy Tab A is designed for optimum productivity especially with the S Pen and its enhanced functionalities. At an ultra slim 7.5mm form, the Galaxy Tab A delivers an efficient onehand grip and accuracy that your finger could never produce. Multiselect text that you want, drag and drop, quickly jot notes down or visualise ideas as soon as it comes to mind. The Galaxy Tab A also offers various free exclusive contents and services such as the 100GB of storage on the OneDrive for two years and free downloadable Galaxy Gifts content to deliver outstanding convenience for work and pleasure. The Microsoft Office suite such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint apps are also preloaded into the Galaxy Tab A,
for you to create or edit work seamlessly anytime anywhere. Meanwhile, the ideal 4:3 ratio allows you to view, edit and work with ease. Featuring enhanced camera functions with the 5MP camera with Auto Focus function, move from different camera modes to Continuous Shot without needing to change camera settings… shoot as it happens! Samsung Galaxy Tab A is available in three colours: Sandy White, Sandy Black and Smoky Titanium, in two screen sizes of 8” and the 9.7”. Retail price are RM1,299 and RM1,599 respectively and comes with the S Pen. JULY 2015 / 41
SEEK MALINDOMAG
New Renault Fluence with
Sharp Dynamic Styling 42 / JULY 2015
SEEK MALINDOMAG
T
TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd, (TCEC) a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tan Chong Motor Holdings and the sole franchise holder for Renault cars in Malaysia is proud to introduce the New Renault Fluence. The sharp styling and on-board technologies of this latest addition to the Renault Family, is loaded with features and a worry-free maintenance package to match the needs of its customers. The new Renault Fluence features Renault’s new styling identity and incorporates LED daytime running lights which contribute to its dynamic, modern look. On-board and connected technologies designed to assist drivers, are some of the advancements of the model, including Renault R-Link and a hands-free card. “The changes featured on the new Renault Fluence are perfectly in line with the needs of Malaysian customers who appreciate style and substance wrapped in very competitive package,” notes Kuan Kim Luen, Chief Executive Officer,
TC Euro Cars Sdn Bhd The new Renault Fluence features Renault’s new styling identity. Its front end is the same as that of the brand’s other new models, with a vertically-set logo at the centre of a broad black strip picked out by chrome beading which provides the car with a dynamic stance. The LED daytime running lights and chrome/gloss black inserts also contribute to the newcomer’s modern appeal. The cabin is as roomy as ever and has been enhanced by the use of new upholsteries for segmenttopping comfort. The new Renault Fluence has a raft of on-board, connected technologies and innovations All versions are ‘connected’ thanks to the availability of new Bluetooth® radios equipped with USB and jack sockets. The new Renault Fluence features a ma jor innovation in the form of the Renault R-Link multimedia system JULY 2015 / 43
SEEK MALINDOMAG
which is ideally suited to motoring use thanks to its touchscreen display and voice commands. Renault R-Link incorporates the navigation system, telephony function and can also be connected to portable music players. The new Renault Fluence now comes in two variants, the entry level Expression is priced at RM 108,888 and the full specification Dynamique is priced at RM 119,888. Both variants are powered by a Renault Nissan Alliance developed 2.0L petrol engine which drives through the new-generation X-Tronic CVT automatic transmission to combine a seamless, jar-free ride with sprightly driving pleasure. As a testament to Renault and TCEC’s commitment to safety, both variants come complete with six airbags and ESP. Features which enhance the user experience are also standard on both variants.
Features - Keyless access card - Dual zone automatic air-con with rear vents - Reverse camera - Cruise control with speed limiter - Automatic lights and wipers Dynamique add ons: -
Full leather seats Daytime running lights LED tail lamps 17 inch Akihiro 2-Tone alloy wheels Free five-year maintenance package
All variants come with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty from Renault.
44 / JULY 2015
BE A PART OF
OUR TEAM
Interested candidate may drop in their resumes at our Sales Counter or email to hr@malindoair.com
malindoair.com
PERSONALITY MALINDOMAG
The Steadfast
CAPTAIN
Juggling two roles as both a flight Captain and the director of flight operations is no easy task. But for Captain Ajmain Harith, nothing seems impossible.
46 / JULY 2015
PERSONALITY MALINDOMAG
What brought you into this line of work? Well I didn’t exactly plan to join the aviation industry. I’ve always wanted to join the army and be an army officer as I was brought up in an army camp due to my father’s occupation. However after my SPM exams, one of my family members persuaded me to join the air force instead which I did. I haven’t looked back since. How was the training like in becoming a licensed pilot? I enrolled at the Officers Cadet School in Port Dickson. The cadet training programme, which was a 9-month stint, really tested my mental and physical strength as a young but very driven young man. After the programme ended, I moved all the way north to Alor Setar to continue my pursuit for a flying license. Thereafter I was trained for another 18 months and graduated as a flying officer. How long have you been in the industry? I served the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) for 15 years. Being attached to the Transport Squadron of the RMAF, I had the opportunity to fly the VIP executive jet. I was promoted to Captain at the age of 25. Apart from that I was also a qualified flying instructor. Now I am in the commercial sector for almost 20 years. What is a day or week in your job like? As the Director of Flight Operations, I am responsible in ensuring the smooth running of all operational matters including training. I am at the office most of the time however I am still involved in pilot training whenever necessary. Other than that, you’ll find me doing what I do best – flying passengers to their destinations. What are some safety aspects that Malindo Air places high importance on? Malindo Air ensures high safety awareness and standards in all
areas in every department as safety is our first priority. As for flight operations, we emphasize on the training aspects. We do not compromise on training standards. We provide all the necessary tools and knowledge to ensure that everyone is fully ready and qualified for operational duties once they have completed their training. I believe with good training, we can achieve good standards. Further to that we also ensure everyone follows the standard operating procedures and comply with the legality aspects in our daily operations. How do you ensure safety operations run at optimum for the airline? We have an Air Operator’s Certificate from our State Regulatory Body. To obtain this certification one should be qualified and experienced, with sufficient equipment, staffing numbers, maintenance and other orderly arrangements so as to ensure a safe operation. We also have our own Internal Auditors who carry out periodic inspection on all areas to ensure we strictly follow the industrial safety standards. As the next progressive step we are working towards certification from IATA (International Air Transport Association). In your opinion, how does one stress on safety awareness at the workplace? I would encourage 4 main points to ensure safety awareness at workplace – safety policy, safety assurance, safety risk management and promotion of safety. The safety tools from this program are reactive and proactive. Therefore, it is important for all our staff to practise a safe working environment and be aware of any potential risks. What would you advise to aspiring pilots? Besides obtaining good results in SPM, you also need an incredible passion for flying. You have to be mentally strong and be highly
motivated as this job requires a lot of mental strength and perseverance other than skill. But if you love what you do, the reward will be most gratifying. What do you love most about your job? Flying and to be in the sky! Other than that, the travels, attractive colleagues (laughs) and the beautiful views of the skies. Whether they are true or not depends on what you look forward to every day. I’m a simple man; I feel a great sense of satisfaction if I could perform a safe flight right throughout the journey with passengers feeling very rested and satisfied in my flight, especially with a safe and smooth landing.
biodata Name: Captain Ajmain bin Harith Age: 54 Position: Director of Flight Operations, Malindo Air Nationality: Malaysian Years of Experience: 35 years Accumulated Flying Hours: 15,000
JULY 2015 / 47
TRAVEL HOROSCOPES 2015 MALINDOMAG
Taurus (April 21 to May 20)
Flying off for an extended vacation looks unlikely since you’ve loaded up July with activities close to home. Think: weekend getaways, special events and concerts outdoors and al fresco dining at a restaurant with great views.
TRAVEL HOROSCOPES Source: Tripbase ®
Leo (July 24 to Aug 23)
Capricorn (Dec 23 to Jan 2)
Sagittarius (Nov 23 to Dec 22)
Aquarius (Jan 21 to Feb 19)
Pisces (Feb 20 to March 20)
Libra (Sep 24 to Oct 23)
With your birthday just around the corner, it’s time to celebrate in the over-the-top style that Leo is known for. Head to an allnight city and pack it all into 24 hours. Touring the landmarks, massages, live theater, dancing, haute cuisine...As for your guest list? Energetic, night owls only!
Start practicing those foreign language phrases, it’s time to collect exotic passport stamps and connect with locals of another culture. You’ll enjoy feeling like an insider and taking others through post-trip photo dialogues.
Where’s the map for direction and inspiration? It’s not on google no matter what you search under. You need to go back to basics with an old fashioned adrenaline jump start. Try thrill activities, things you’re already passionate about that involve physical challenge and start drawing a new map.
You’re craving a family-style vacation, but secretly, you’d love to get away from your own relatives for a while. Get adopted into someone else’s clan. Book a stay in a familyrun establishment, like a B&B or villa. Enjoy the genuine, personal touches without having to squabble with your cousin over where to go for dinner.
Virgo (Aug 24 to Sept 23)
Silence is golden to Virgo’s ears so let those calls go through to voicemail--these “emergencies” really CAN wait. Take your own definition of retreat to new heights- go more remote, go for a longer stay, and indulge in tuning out. Travel solo or with a quiet companion only.
48 / JULY 2015
With all the people counting on you, your romantic life has wound up on the back burner. Bring it front and center by slipping off to a destination with lots of privacy or liberal PDA policies. If you don’t have a partner to bring along, odds are high that you’ll meet one along the way.
CANCER (Jun 22 to Jul 23) Socialize is your keyword – embrace it. You’re ready to meet new people but you also need an outlet for your charitable nature. Travel with a group to do volunteer work. Leaving your destination in better shape than you found it will be deeply rewarding now.
Scorpio (Oct 24 to Nov 22)
To escape your pressures, you’re ready to run halfway around the globe, but in truth, you don’t need to go far. Music always soothes that savage within you. Road trip to a great outdoor concert with friends who help you laugh your cares away or pick one of the world’s great opera houses or music festivals.
Aries (Mar 21 to Apr 20)
You’ve been itching to bond with a pal from the past, but haven’t made the commitment to do it. Stop delaying the trip and the details, believe it or not, you’re easy to please on a destination that’s easy for both of you, the relationship will be the focus.
You crave friends on the road but want out of your local scene, so a group tour could bring a lasting connection with someone from another part of the globe. Make places where the people are as big of an attraction as the sites on the top of your list.
Gemini (May 21 to Jun 21)
Take a time out from “friending” and emailing and escape with that one special person... the one you’ve been neglecting. Challenge yourself to go off the grid, far away from the distraction of email and cell phones.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE MALINDOMAG
CURRENCY EXCHANGE So now that you are on your way to your destinations, have you exchanged enough currency to sustain your expenses there? To help you out, the following are exchange rates between Malaysia Ringgit to the official currencies of the dstinations that we fly to: 1.00 MYR Malaysia Ringgit 1 MYR=26.8570 NPR
26.8570 NPR Nepalese Rupee 1 NPR=0.0372343 MYR
1.00 MYR Malaysia Ringgit 1 MYR=20.4974 BDT
20.4974 BDT Bangladesh Taka 1 BDT=0.0487866 MYR
1.00 MYR Malaysia Ringgit 1 MYR=3,524.17 IDR
3,524.17 IDR Indonesian Rupiah 1 IDR=0.000283755 MYR
1.00 MYR Malaysia Ringgit 1 MYR=16.8634 INR
16.8634 INR Indian Rupee 1 INR = 0.0592999 MYR
1.00 MYR Malaysia Ringgit 1 MYR=8.93603 THB
8.93603 THB Thai Baht 1 THB = 0.111907 MYR
1.00 MYR Malaysia Ringgit 1 MYR=0.356311 SGD
0.356311 SGD Singapore Dollar 1 SGD = 2.80654 MYR
1.00 MYR Malaysia Ringgit 1 MYR=0.264442USD
0.264442 USD US dollar 1 USD = 3.78155 MYR
PRODUCT AND SERVICES MALINDOMAG
The Travel Program for your Corporate Needs Corporate travel is crucial for businesses and it is growing at an amazing pace. To meet the growing demands of corporate travel, Malindo Air recently introduced 2 new programs under Malindo Corporate Travel: Malindo Gold and Malindo Executive. With a fleet of 21 aircraft serving approximately 182 sectors a day, Malindo Air has become the preferred choice of airline for business travelers. By signing up with Malindo Corporate, a company has a choice to choose between 2 programs that cater to different needs. Malindo Gold, is a premium category of Malindo Corporate and it tends to provide all necessary and luxury services and products to ensure a business traveler experiences a smooth, comfortable and flexible journey. It allows a business traveler to have peace of mind while en route for his meetings. Facilities like Business Lounge, last minute changes, buggy services, VIP Escort, added baggage allowance and many other facilities that will certainly complete a business traveler’s flight experience. Not to mention special check in counter and priority boarding will offer him more comfort and ease of travel. While the premium category offers complete flexibility and rewards, 50 / JULY 2015
our Executive category will allow organisations to grab whatever online promotion that is available at real time. Malindo Executive Category will ensure companies that are cost conscious do not miss out on savings. You will not be left out from enjoying all our inflight and on ground services
which are completely optional, as this gives you a free hand to cherry pick our services and pay accordingly. For more details on Malindo Gold and Malindo Executive, please log on to www.malindoair.com/ corporate-travel.
PRODUCT AND SERVICES MALINDOMAG
Aidilfitri
Season Getaway
Long holiday break is nearing, are you ready for your Aidil Fitri holidays? Have you planned for family getaway deals with Malindo Holidays? Come and view for yourself, our best flight + hotel deals this holiday season. With over 300,000 hotels to choose from, you will be excited to plan your coming Aidil Fitri holidays. It’s certainly that time of the year for ketupat (rice stuffed into woven baskets), beef rendang (a very tasty dry beef curry), lemang (rice cooked in bamboo tubes), serunding ayam (spiced chicken floss) and many more tasty local delicacies. Malindo Holidays flight and hotel accommodation packages will surely pamper you and your family for a nice treat during this holiday season. With more flights being added on domestically, Malindo Holidays offers you more chances to ensure you get to celebrate this year’s Hari Raya with your loved ones. Hurry and book your desired flights and rooms. Go to malindoholidays.com now! 3D2N flight + hotel packages for domestic start from MYR170 onwards
Wish to fly somewhere this Aidilfitri? Plan a holiday! You might want to check out fantabulous Bali. If you are all about the sun, sand, and beach, July is the best time to visit Bali. Weather is at its best and surfers will enjoy the waves. Bali has a world of surprises that cater to every holidaymaker. So remember to check out mountains of Bali, the rich culture, the food and of course the spas.
Or if your bosses are generous, do stretch your holiday a little longer and fly to India where true sense of culture is still practiced. Take a flight back in time to one of these cities - Trichy, Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi or Visakhapatnam and see how India promotes its rich heritage. Be totally mesmerised by the colours of life, the warmth and the hospitality that sets India apart from any other country. You got to see it to love it!
3D2N flight + hotel packages to Bali start from MYR823 onwards
3D2N flight + hotel packages to India start from MYR865 onwards
For great holiday packages, log on to malindoholidays.com. JULY 2015 / 51
ROUTES MALINDOMAG
Kathmandu
More than 800 flights weekly. Over 30 routes and counting.
NEPAL
Delhi
Dhaka
BANGLADESH Chittagong
Mumbai
THAILAND
INDIA
Bangkok
Trichy Kochi Krabi Langkawi Kota Bharu Alor Star Kuala Terengganu Penang Kertih Ipoh Medan Subang Kuantan
KUALA LUMPUR
Melaka
Johor Bahru
Pekanbaru
Boeing 737
Jakarta
ATR72-600
MALAYSIA Alor Setar Langkawi Penang Ipoh Johor Bahru Kuantan K.Terengganu Kertih 52 / JULY 2015
Singapore Batam
Kota Kinabalu
Kuching
Bandung
INDONESIA
Kota Bharu Kuching Kota Kinabalu Subang Melaka Kuala Lumpur (klia2)
INDONESIA Bali Bandung Jakarta Batam Pekanbaru Medan
THAILAND Bangkok Krabi SINGAPORE Singapore
BANGLADESH Chittagong Dhaka
Bali
INDIA Delhi Kochi Mumbai Trichy Visakhapatnam NEPAL Kathmandu
FLEET MALINDOMAG
Our Fleet
BOEING 737-900ER (6 units)
BOEING 737-800 (4 units)
ATR 72-600 (11 units)
Maximum passengers 180 (dual-class layout)
Maximum passengers 162 (dual-class layout)
Maximum passengers 72 (single-class layout)
Maximum take-off weight 83,914 kg
Maximum take-off weight 73,708 kg
Maximum take-off weight 23,000kg
Maximum range 5,990 km
Maximum range 5,765 km
Maximum range 1,648 km
Typical cruising speed Mach 0.791
Typical cruising speed Mach 0.785
Typical cruising speed Mach 0.4173
Wing span 34.3 m
Wing span 34.3 m
Wing span 27.05m
Overall length 42.1 m
Overall length 39.5m
Overall length 27.116m JUNE 2015 / 53
ON BOARD FACILITIES MALINDOMAG
LUXURIOUS FLYING EXPERIENCE
with our brand new BOEING 737
Business Class A great experience with us starts on the ground. Breeze through the dedicated Business Class check-in counters and then hop on over to our new Malindo Lounge at klia2 to enjoy free facilities such as WiFi, personal workstations, coffee and tea, buffet spread and other privileges. When you’re onboard, feel relaxed and pampered on full leather seats. Tune in to movies, documentaries, TV shows, songs and games using our in-flight entertainment system. We’ll keep you comfortable on your journey
like you never left home. What’s more – Business Class guests get a little bit more of everything! Get up to 40kg baggage allowance and full service meal to satiate every appetite. To add to that, if you’re in need of a charge for either your laptop or smartphone, utilise the power socket and USB port conveniently located at every seat. Oh did we mention you can also view your own files and documents on the screen? Simply connect your USB device to the dedicated port!
Fly
SHORT-HAUL CONVENIENTLY from major airports across Malaysia
Hungry for a foodie weekend to Ipoh or Penang? Thinking about a quick getaway to the jungles of Pahang? How about a short homestay overlooking the idyllic paddy fields 54 // JULY JUNE 2015 2015 54
in Kedah? With our frequent flights, all these places are easily within reach. Since the beginning of our turboprop operations in June 2013 at the Subang Skypark, we’ve grown our route network within Peninsular Malaysia and to three cities in Indonesia. As an added courtesy for our guests, enjoy a snack or two with free light refreshments. Also, bring more with you as each flight ticket comes with free 15kg baggage allowance.
ON BOARD FACILITIES MALINDOMAG
Economy Class We believe that value-added service is what keeps our passengers coming back for more. Economy Class guests are entitled to between 20 to 30kg free baggage allowance depending on destination. Our reclining leather seats onboard make for an easy and fuss-free journey, and to try to keep yourself occupied on a flight is now a thing of the past. With the variety of TV shows, movies, documentaries and games on the in-flight entertainment system, there’s something for everyone young
and old. The USB port on affixed on each seat can be used to access files and gives enough charge for all gadgets. Just plug in, access and that’s it! While only light refreshments are served for free onboard, fret not, because we have a range of delicacies and tidbits to purchase. Browse through our new and improved menu with popular brand items such as Krispy Kreme and Starbucks.
Taking Social To Another Level Ever felt disconnected when you’re travelling? You can leave your worries at the aircraft door – Malindo Air now offers paid access to WiFi and roaming network onboard selected flights*. Send a text message, chat online, update your status on Facebook, tweet your followers or call your loved ones that you’re coming home. Stay connected and updated
Malindo WiFi
like on ground. With 30-minute to 12hour packages to choose from, there’s one for every need. It’s as easy as logging into the WiFi network at a café or restaurant! Purchase any one of the four passes available and follow the login instructions. Voila! * Aircraft type Boeing 737-900ER only.
Malindo Mobile
JULY 2015 2015 // 55 JUNE 55
malindo directory MALINDOMAG
Call Centre Malaysia Malindo Call Centre +603 - 7841 5388 Operating Hours: 9am - 9pm (GMT+8) Monday to Sunday Singapore Singapore Malindo Call Centre (+65) 6339 1922 Operating Hours: 9am - 9pm Monday to Sunday Dedicated Corporate help Desk For further queries on Corporate Travel, please call us at +603- 7841 5353
Airport Ticketing
General Enquiries Email: info@malindoair.com
STATION: Alor Setar ADDRESS: Lapangan Terbang Sultan Abdul Halim Operating Hours: 8.30am - 10.30pm
Sales Ticketing
Station: Langkawi Address: Langkawi International Airport Operating Hours: 8.00am -8.00pm
STATION: Johor Bahru ADDRESS: Senai International Airport Operating Hours: 0630-2200 Daily STATION: Kuantan ADDRESS: Sultan Ahmad Shah Airport Operating Hours: 0700-1800 Daily
STATION: Penang ADDRESS: Penang International Airport Operating Hours: 0500 -1000 Weekdays
STATION: Kota Bharu ADDRESS: Sultan Ismail Petra Airport Operating Hours: 06:00 - 23:00 Daily
STATION: Ipoh ADDRESS: Sultan Azlan Shah Airport Operating Hours: Monday-Thursday 08:00 - 18:00 Saturday 08:00 - 18:00 Sunday 08:00 - 20:00
STATION: Terengganu ADDRESS: Sultan Mahmud Airport Operating Hours: 0700-1900 Daily
KL City Sales Office Ground Floor, 2 Lorong Medan Tuanku 1, Off Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman, 50100, Kuala Lumpur Business hours: Monday - Friday 9am to 6pm, Sat - Sun 11.30 am to 4pm PJ Sales Office Ground Floor, Block C, Oasis Square Ara Damansara 47301 Petaling Jaya Business hours: Monday - Friday 9am to 6pm, NU Sentral LG Lot 46, NU Sentral Mall 201 Jalan Tun Sambanthan 50470 Kuala Lumpur Business hours: 10am to 10pm daily Penang Sales Office No 73, Penang Street, 10200, Pulau Pinang Business hours: Monday - Friday 9am to 6pm, Sat - Sun 11.30am to 4pm
56 / JULY 2015
STATION: Subang Skypark ADDRESS: Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport Operating Hours: 0500 - 2100 Daily STATION: klia2 ADDRESS: Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 Operating Hours: 0530-2200 Daily STATION: Melaka ADDRESS: Malacca International Airport Operating Hours: 0900-1800 Daily
STATION: Kertih ADDRESS: Kertih Airport Operating Hours: Monday-Thursday 08:00 - 18:00 Friday - Saturday (Station Close) Sunday 08:00 - 20:00 STATION: Kuching ADDRESS: Kuching International Airport Operating Hours: Monday-Thursday 08:00 - 18:00 STATION: Kota Kinabalu ADDRESS: Kota Kinabalu International Airport Operating Hours: 8.00AM - 8.00PM Daily