A 12-hour flight in total took me from Nausori straight over Australia and Papua New Guinea to Singapore, and then to Indonesia — a trip I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
Why? Because I got lost a bit around at Singapore’s mega maze of airport terminals, a squirrel freaked the bejesus out of me at my hotel room and I ate meals cooked by internationally recognised chefs at the largest five-star hotel in Denpasar, Bali in Indonesia.
Let me start with my plane ride from Nausori. I was prepped to cover the HUAWEI mobile launch in Bali, Indonesia. It was to be my first time there and frankly I was a bit grog doped from my small farewell.
The “nerves” kicked-in even before take-off from Nausori. I hadn’t been on a small plane for seven years. Even before the plane took to air I was already in trouble. The female flight attendant couldn’t help smiling when she leaned over to readjust my seatbelt.
Some people fear flying, other heights or claustrophobia — me I couldn’t get my freaking seatbelt right so I fasten a knot to hold me … freak out se cava!
After she untied the knot I heard the belt click which meant it was secure, I then told myself “This is going to be one hell of a soul-searching adventure for me”. I was bound for Bali, a place I got to know more of after I accepted the invitation — otherwise it would have just been another country where terrorists prey regardless!
Never in my wildest fascination did I ever choose Indonesia but what greeted me on the other side was exactly what I needed to find. A mind-blowing experience for a first-timer and lessons I learnt to make it the perfect getaway.
Transit Singapore, Changi airport
It’s just a little bigger than Taveuni Island. Wikipedia says Changi airport, is the primary civilian airport for Singapore, and one of the largest transportation hubs in Southeast Asia. It is currently the world’s best airport. I’d second that statement having seen the place first-hand.
Changi airport had escalators that took you five to six storeys high. Moving walkways and the sky trains commuted people between terminals. Modernised displays set up within the airport were mesmerising. I stood in awe of Changi’s technological brilliances and size.
And then I got lost, too much wandering. Lucky my pal J, got us back on track. We had to ask around. The place is huge, impressively clean. There, people from all walks of life pushing trolleys and dragging luggage to and fro terminals — and what sounded like an Asian speaking woman on the speaker alerting passengers of flights ready to disembark. The announcement sounded more like “hurry … hurry you’re about to miss your flight”.
Outside the airport window, airplanes from the different airlines parked along a runway. There were more planes flying in than planes flying out.
Airlines service
For the record Fiji Airways hospitality was great. Even though I wished there was more room space between seats. The food was excellent and so too the red wine. The crew of FJ360 even took time to chat.
Singapore Airlines GA9074 crew were very professional as well. I’d say the food was fulfilling particularly because I was really hungry. Unlike the other two airlines, Singapore provided hot towels before meals. I’ll say it for the record — air hostesses looked more like super models.
Garuda Airline GA8412 was smaller than the other two and also where my ears really ached at one stage. The crew was OK but I think they need a new plane.
Overall, Fiji Airways would be my best pick. Particularly because it was the longest flight so passengers, like myself, needed special attention. Passengers were permitted to walk around to stretch their legs. Toilets were cleaned during the flight. The food service catered for those extra requests and air hostesses were always smiling.
My ears started feeling very funny on board FJ360, so I enquired with the female attendant for advice. She told me to press on my nostrils and blow out from my mouth. “I don’t do that … I’m a pretty straight kind of guy — thanks very much miss,” I jokingly said. She instantly replied “then you should just suck on a lolly instead, I don’t think we have lollies so I’ll get you some crackers” …
Customs security
Customs officers from Fiji, Singapore and Indonesia never smile; instead they all have stern faces. More like they just had a bad day in the toilet. No joke… here is my experience. Maybe they’re trained to show no human affection and give no two bits to encouragement to first-timers.
“Passport!” (Young officer crosschecks to see that I looked the same as my photo). I had taken a recent photo of myself. And it freaked me out when the officer failed to recognise me at first glance. He looks at me from head to toe and asked Where you going? Where you working? I answered accordingly. And then those eyes — went again — head to toe before finally stamping an approval to pass.
Bali officers seemed more professional, simple stern and fair. I entered with a visa. The questions were brief but his eye looked straight at me. Eyes say a lot of things, and this one was warning me to behave in his country.
My view is they all need a chill pill.
Denpasar, Bali
The place is a tourist destination for travellers from all over. Despite the Bali bombings of 2006 and 2015, people continue to flock there. It’s similar to Fiji’s lush pristine greens and sandy beaches. It’s amazingly humid and an overwhelming presence of motorcycle scooters. Hindu temples are dominant on every corner and giant religious statues depicts Bali’s rich and devoted followers.
Talk about congestion on the highway. If you think you are a good driver try Denpasar, Bali. Tour guide Ayu explains that road rules depend on driver courtesy in Bali. Wow! Fiji is more tooting horns and road rage. I didn’t stay long enough to crosscheck her statement however, I did witness scooters crisscrossing in front of our bus causing our driver to brake a couple of times to avoid collision but never once did he show aggression or thump the horns.
I couldn’t believe my eyes, what looked like a man, his wife seated behind him, his daughter standing in front of him and a baby on a sling pouch dashed pass our transport on a scooter. No helmets! Hundreds more followed.
There was another boy not more than 15 years old with a pant of shorts and his T-shirt tied around his head. I thought to myself qori beka na taukei ni gaunisala! (That’s probably the owner of the road). Ayu says Indonesians prefer scooters over cars because it’s cheaper and easier to manoeuvre though congested traffic.
The town is similar to Cumming St, Suva with its old buildings stretching far. The difference was the crafty architecture where motorcycle garages, food courts and clothing store all clustered beside each other. But it was all new for me what was even more stunning was The Grand Hyatt that waited.
* Continued next week
