In this final part of my Singapore Trip Report, I will briefly share my experience on Singapore Changi’s Budget Terminal which Firefly Airline utilize for its flights to Singapore from Subang, Ipoh, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan, Alor Setar and Melaka.

Frankly speaking, I am never a big fan of any budget terminal. In my opinion, in aviation world, the word “budget” always seems to be synonymous with basic and cheap services. When Firefly announced that they are flying to Changi Budget Terminal instead of the world class award-winnings main terminals, I was not too pleased as I have imagined that the Budget Terminal will be a basic terminal which does not complement the extravagant Subang SkyPark which is the home base of Firefly.

My initial perception was wrong. The only thing “Budget” about Changi Budget Terminal is the name. Seeing is believing and I was impressed with the terminal as it is really a real complete terminal that stands the same height as Changi’s other main terminals.

The terminal building is spacious with high ceiling and like any other places in Singapore, spotless clean.

Plenty of check-in counters

Counter 24-25 right at the end for Firefly Airline

Free 20KG luggage allowance for Firefly Airline, one of many unique differences between a Low-cost Airline and a Community Airline.

It took me less than 5 minutes to check in thanks to the efficient ground crew and the small number of passengers on Firefly’s ATR72 aircraft with maximum number of passenger of 72 pax.

Passing through the immigration counters and the common security checkpoint was a breeze and within minutes I was at the departure hall. I was impressed with the choices of shops that remained open although it was already 10pm. But what impressed me the most was the interior deco and lighting that in a way disguise the ‘warehouse-look’ of the building.

Last minute shopping? Plenty of choices!

Hungry? Not a problem!

The whole terminal has Free Wifi coverage via Wireless@SG services. Even if you do not have a computer, there are plenty of these free internet kiosks.

Just like the main terminals, passengers can enjoy various satellite TV programmes on these sofas with built-in personalized speakers.

There are other basic facilities as well.

The only drawback is not having any airport lounge hence I could not utilize my Priority Pass card but it was not a big deal as the Budget Terminal is comfortable enough.

Boarding was on-time and a short walk to gate 8

Firefly ATR72 on quick turnaround at Gate 8

Boarding by rows makes it more convenient for the passengers



Ready for the flight back to Subang.

I was impressed with the Budget Terminal and will not hesitate to arrive at the terminal once again in the future if Singapore is my final destination and not transiting to other flights. It is as good as other terminals in Changi and I am glad that Firefly decided to utilize this less-congested terminal.

******
Firefly is offering flight to Singapore via Subang started on July 1. Believe it or not, it’s only RM88 to Singapore for JULY ONLY! So, hurry up and grab those tickets now! Now you can spend your weekend shopping at the Great Singapore Sale 2009 affordably!

This post ends my Singapore Trip Report with Firefly. Starting next week, I’ll continue with my usual review on Firefly Airlines. For more reviews on Firefly, click here.

I’m ending this post with a special thank you to Mr. Herman, Miss Aina and the rest of Firefly team for inviting me to be part of the celebration in Singapore! I wish the airline the very best in penetrating existing and new routes to Singapore! Blue Skies Ahead!

Looks like Azuan had another post about Singapore. Let’s check it out!

Posted by azuan in :: All Posts ::, Featured Articles, Firefly Airline, Travel on 07 12th, 2009 | 10 responses

“Singapore offers experiences that are captivating beyond words”.At least that’s what written on the cover of my Singapore Guide Book. Some people call it great tourism branding but I just call it one heck of a good country to visit. I love KL, I love Malaysia but if I need a good weekend breakaway far from work and other daily stuff, I would choose Singapore definitely!

The only thing I hate about my many trips to Singapore is the traveling. I used to travel by bus and I’ve tried those executive/VIP express busses and it’s comfortable but the journey takes approximately 5 hours. That’s 10-hours for a return trip wasted being on the road out of 48-hours of weekend. And one way fare is RM90 in average!

(An old photo of me… don’t laugh!)

So when airlines start to offer low fares for flights to Singapore I was excited to have more options to spend my weekend in Singapore. Just recently Firefly has joined the fun and begins its flights to Singapore from Subang which offers me the best way to maximize my weekend in Singapore.

Yes!! no more 5-hours bus ride to Singapore or 1-hour drive to LCCT/KLIA. It’s only 15 minutes drive from Shah Alam to Subang and after a short 70 minutes flight, I’ll be in Singapore! And thanks to a well-planned schedule for Firefly Subang-Singapore flights, I can now leave Subang very early on Saturday (07:50am) and come back very late on Sunday (10:35pm) to maximize my weekend in Singapore and still get back on time for work on Monday.

I’m already planning my next 2D1N weekend breakaway trip to Singapore and here is the itinerary. Feel free to use it the next time you Firefly to Singapore

Note: Some of the photos used below are very ‘classic’ photos of mine. I know I look funny when I was younger (some say I still look funny now! Hehe), but try not to laugh too hard.

SINGAPORE 2 Days 1 Night Weekend Break! By AzuanZahdi.com

Day 1: Saturday

0600: Wake up early, grab your backpack and make way to Subang SkyPark.

0630: Check in at Subang SkyPark; enjoy a cup of coffee at Starbucks which opens early.

07:50: Enjoy a comfortable ride with Firefly’s ATR72-500. Start your day with a choice of juice/coffee/tea with free muffin!

09:05: Arrive in Singapore and breeze through the comfortable and efficient Budget Teminal Changi. Clear through immigration and customs within 20 minutes.

09:30: Board the free shuttle where you can shuttle conveniently between the terminal and Changi Airport Terminal 2 where you may access the MRT trains and public buses at Terminal 2 to connect to the city. Alternatively just get a taxi!

10:30: Take the MRT to Bugis Station. Visit the Arab Street or Kampong Glam area famous for its mosque, kampong style buildings and Zam Zam Murtabak! Have your brunch here. Try Murtabak, Briyani and Tulang!

12:30 : Make your way by MRT to Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station and take a 5-mins walk to National Museum of Singapore. Enjoy the beautiful collection of arts and history relevant to Singapore. A good place to chill out under the hot midday sun.

14:00 : Check-in to any hotel that suits your budget, take a nice shower and a short rest. There are many hotels available in Singapore. One of it being the Grand Mecure Hotel

15:00: Enjoy the nice views of Esplanade and Merlion Statue, two nice icons of Singapore.

16:00 Chill out at Singapore Flyer. Get into the 30-minute ride and enjoy the view of Singapore!

18:00 Time to do some shopping, famous for its cheap electronics, visit Sim Lim Square or Funan IT Mall. Make sure you visit various forums on the Internet prior to the visit to get the right price for you to bargain!

20:00 Enjoy the evening with a visit to Clarke Quay, enjoy the nice boat ride, dinner and unwind at any of the clubs for a great Saturday Night Fun!

23:00 Make your way to Little India and enjoy Mustafa Shopping Center. You can stay as long as you like as it’s a 24-hour shopping center and enjoy a variety of Indian food for supper!

Day 2

0900 – As early as possible, take the cable car to the Sentosa Island. It’s a nice way to reach Sentosa as you get to enjoy the thrill and view from up above

1000 – Beat the crowd and get yourself queue up for these 4D attractions:

1100 – Enjoy my personal favorite activity in Singapore – The Luge! Once is never enough!

12:00 Once you’re at Siloso Beach after the Luge ride, enjoy the beautiful and clean man-made beach. A good place to have lunch as well.

13:00 Take a walk around the beach area, discover the Southern most point of Asia and walked through this nice bridge to get a good view of Sentosa

14:00 Leave Sentoasa and head straight to Orhard Road. It goes without saying. Shop till you drop! Have late lunch at any of the shopping malls there.

18:00 Take a break from shopping and enjoy this delicious ice-cream wafer.

19:00 Leave Orchard Road and head towards Newton Food Centre, enjoy a variety of local food. I highly recommend TULANG!

20:00 Make your way to Changi Budget Terminal via taxi to catch your flight. Don’t worry about excess baggage as Firefly allows 20KG of free check-in bags. That’s more than enough for most people! Even if you exceed the limit, the charges are competitive so do not worry too much

21:00 Have your dinner at the Departure Hall of Budget Terminal. Lots of good choices

22:35: Leave Singapore with lots of fun, memories, photos and shopping bags! Ready for a trip back to work or to the clinic for MC the next day

******

Firefly is offering flight to Singapore via Subang started on July 1. Believe it or not, it’s only RM88 to Singapore for JULY ONLY! So, hurry up and grab those tickets now! Now you can spend your weekend shopping at the Great Singapore Sale 2009 affordably!