Ok, where were we???...
Got an email from Air Asia the day before departure (Bali to KL), to say flight had changed from 605am to 805am, suits me just dandy!!!!! Hate having to get up at 4am to go to the airport.
Called into Air Asia office during the day just to make sure anyway. For those that may be interested their office is on JL Legian, up past JL Padma on LHS.
Anyhoo, they offer to sms me of any changes, so provide them with my Bali Number.
Taski to airport was about rp20 000 cheaper than on the way from arrival, but still no complaining, it actually puts a smile on my face thinking about it, alittle like the porters at arrival, they jump all over you trying to grab your bag, but on departure when your bags are loaded up with Bali Bargains and they can see you struggling, no one offers to carry them for you.....gotta love Bali!!!!
Plane leaves on time, full from memory....oh while I remember for those flying with Air Asia from Bali to KL the maximum you can pre-book/take check-in luggage is 15kg, over this amount you are charged at a flat/standard rate of rp45 000.
Yes you can pre-book upto 25kgs on the KL to Australia leg.
The couple in front of us, had pre-booked 3 pieces of checked in luggage (15kg each) between the 2 of them, thinking that would cover them for a total of 45kgs, THIS IS NOT THE CASE, each passenger can have a "TOTAL of 15kgs EACH" regardless of number of bags checked in.
We, as well as others are well aware of this, but just thought a good note for those that aren't.
Anyhow arrived in KL in the middle of thunder, lightning and pouring rain....thats exciting!!! Umberella's in hand (waiting for us on tarmac) we leg it to the airport, sailed through customs 'good time not to be a local' more stamps in 'J's' passport, so a smile on her face, bags out in record time and we are out the front feeling like we missed something (same feeling last trip...process seams too easy compared to Bali).
We had pre-booked our AirBus on-line with our tickets, I think from memory it was cheaper (buy ticket on bus is RM9 one way), you just get on the bus and show them your AirAsia ticket.
We find the bus just as quick as the Express Train, by the time you get a bus/taxi to Internation Airport, onto fast train etc....
AirBus takes just under an hour, leaves from the bus platforms to the left of you as you leave the airport building (about 50m).
We use to walk across the vacant block/market stalls to the Monorail Station from the bus terminal at KL, but it is now a building site so you have to walk around...adding 10mins?? Its all undercover but we still had to dodge puddles.
Check in was smooth as usual with Tune Hotel (downtown KL).
This hotel/location suits us just fine!!! We are out all day and only need a clean, secure place to sleep and stow our shopping. Each room has an electronic safe, double (2pax) or single bed (1 pax), ceiling fan, ensuite bathroom, desk as standard - additional add on's are towel/comfort pack, airconditioning credited to your access card in blocks of 5hrs(RM6.83) 12hrs(RM13.49)this is only being used while your access card is in place. WiFi for 24hrs (RM12).
There is 4 computers in foyer (beyond cafe) that are free internet.
You also have Subway, mini-mart, ATM, Cafe in foyer area.
And yes the showers and beds are as good as they promote!!!
Medan Tuanku monorail station is about 70m's away, shopping plaza across the road with various food outlets (food court on top floor), Body Shop (a tiny wee bit cheaper than Aust, but current promotion is buy 2 get 3rd item for 1/2 price). And a heap of other interesting shops, certainly nothing in compared to others in the area, but still worth a peep. Heaps of shoes from RM15.
Walk down the street opposite Tune (the one with the walkway over) and your heading to Little India......I can wander around here for hours, and usually do.
It's here that I get a SIM CARD for my phone RM20, still has credit on it and was used constantly throughout the day by my daughter and self.
Stocked up on Pashmina's (made in India, not China and 100% pashmina) last trip we paid RM10, this time got them for RM8, we grabbed an extra 2 to use as blankets on the plane.
Also discovered the Reject Shop (not like ours at home) got some beautiful cushion covers (Indian) for RM9.90, store has soft furnishing & clothing..a definate must for bargain hunters.
Heading up the road towards Little India(from Tune) its on the RHS.
We use the monorail the whole time in KL, find it the easiest, quickest,cheapest way around ticket prices are RM1.20-2.60 max. They run about 5mins apart so you are never waiting long. All fares are single way. Upon payment you are given a plastic card, this is inserted into the turnstile (sp), and spat back out the top DON"T FORGET TO GRAB IT, when you reach your destination, the ticket is again inserted but kept. The whole process is paperless & reusable!!! love it!!!
We did alittle damage at Low Yat Plaza (last trip we just walked around with bug eyes!!)For those that don't know its 6 floors of electronics, aka Nerd Central.
'J' bought the latest PSP with accessory pack and 50 games for just over $300 (we didn't research this,it was an impulse buy so not sure if it is a bargain or not).
I got Malaysia MapKing loaded onto my SD card for my PDA (has built in GPS reciever) for $30.
'J' bought 2 pairs of Converse (genuine from Converse Shop)GymBoot Style (chucks) and low cuts RM90 & RM95 (about $37pr).
Also bought the coolest patterned 'skinny' jeans for RM15.
Had to introduce 'J' to the Warm Pretzels and she was soon addicted.
All this was at Berjaya Time Square (monorail stop IMBI), 9 floors of shops complete with indoor theme park - photos on website.
OOh just noticed the time, better shut up shop for the day and head home, will do Part Four tomorrow.