What You Waiting For
Sunday, April 11, 2010
There have been a number of items marked off my trip prep list this week.
Firstly, I received official approval from work for my leave of absence.
Secondly, I started booking flights and accommodation for the start of my trip.
Air Asia was the cheapest option to fly to Kota Kinabalu (connecting through Kuala Lumpur), at approximately $300 inclusive of tax, baggage, and meal. However, I was concerned about the quality of the flight as I'd heard that the seats were quite uncomfortable, you couldn't consume any of your own food on board, and they did not provide for transfers. In comparison, flights with other carriers such as Singapore Air, Malaysia Air, and Royal Brunei started at about $600 for a full service flight.
My decision was made easy when I received a flyer this week providing 20% off Air Asia flights from Australia to Kuala Lumpur for flights booked by this week-end. I snapped at the opportunity, booking a flight from the Gold Coast to Kuala Lumpur for $132.80. Adding on tax, meal, baggage, comfort kit and seat allocation, the total flight cost was $241.80 - bargain! I considered spending additional money to upgrade to a premium economy seat (with lie flat beds), but I decided it wasn't worth the extra $400. For $400, I could splash out on a 5 star hotel for 2 nights when I arrived in Kota Kinabalu - or, that could pay for an extra week of travelling in Asia! I also booked the subsequent flight KL - Kota Kinabalu for a meagre $40. My flight to Malaysia is now cheaper than what it costs me to fly to see my parents in Queensland!
Since the flight arrives late at night, I decided to pre-book hostel accommodation in Kota Kinabalu. I found a (hopefully) great hostel that provides lots of freebies (filtered water, breakfast, wi-fi, towels, linen) and has a great location, so I can't wait!
Firstly, I received official approval from work for my leave of absence.
Secondly, I started booking flights and accommodation for the start of my trip.
Air Asia was the cheapest option to fly to Kota Kinabalu (connecting through Kuala Lumpur), at approximately $300 inclusive of tax, baggage, and meal. However, I was concerned about the quality of the flight as I'd heard that the seats were quite uncomfortable, you couldn't consume any of your own food on board, and they did not provide for transfers. In comparison, flights with other carriers such as Singapore Air, Malaysia Air, and Royal Brunei started at about $600 for a full service flight.
My decision was made easy when I received a flyer this week providing 20% off Air Asia flights from Australia to Kuala Lumpur for flights booked by this week-end. I snapped at the opportunity, booking a flight from the Gold Coast to Kuala Lumpur for $132.80. Adding on tax, meal, baggage, comfort kit and seat allocation, the total flight cost was $241.80 - bargain! I considered spending additional money to upgrade to a premium economy seat (with lie flat beds), but I decided it wasn't worth the extra $400. For $400, I could splash out on a 5 star hotel for 2 nights when I arrived in Kota Kinabalu - or, that could pay for an extra week of travelling in Asia! I also booked the subsequent flight KL - Kota Kinabalu for a meagre $40. My flight to Malaysia is now cheaper than what it costs me to fly to see my parents in Queensland!
Since the flight arrives late at night, I decided to pre-book hostel accommodation in Kota Kinabalu. I found a (hopefully) great hostel that provides lots of freebies (filtered water, breakfast, wi-fi, towels, linen) and has a great location, so I can't wait!
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