New Kuala Namu International Airport

Recently, I travel back to my hometown for a short 3 days holiday. Knowing the old Polonia Airport was already closed since july this year (2013), I will landed to the new Kuala Namu international Airport.

Compared to the Old Polonia, Kuala Namu Airport is way bigger and better. However, the airport looks undone since the construction was kinda rush and push the operation date earlier than the scheduled date, nothing much inside yet with only few shops and cafes open and some are coming soon; named it Starbucks, Swatch, Cotton On, Kipling, NewLook, indomaret, and many more. 

Kuala Namu airport has the same departure hall for Domestic and International flights. There are total of 8 check-in Row (with the total of 80 check-in counter), and is the first airport that have open public access to check-in counter. currently all airport in Indonesia have restricted zone for only flying passenger who are allow to enter departure hall.

Kuala Namu International Airport also the first airport in Indonesia that facilitate Airport Railway Service direct from and to City, with the price of Rp.60,000 per trip (SGD 7.50). The price was reviced from Rp.80,000 since Aug 17, 2013. Plenty of other Public transport provided as well. Taxis and Bus. However, fyi, Bus service only stop at certain location in Medan. For your convenience, i suggest to take Taxi (Blue Bird) to reach your desire destination.

Overall to my view, Kuala Namu Airport is the combination of KLIA, Survanabhumi Bangkok, and Incheon Airport. Hope this airport will improve and be the World Class Airport soon.

Experiencing Bullet train In China

Because of the Tianjin concellation flight it makes my layover here longer than ever. So I decided to go Beijing from Tianjin. Then I took Morning Train from Tianjin Train Station 天津站 to Beijing South Station 北京南站 with the fastest bullet train in china. Let me tell you in detail about this 35 minutes CRH Bullter Train ride.

With the total of 8 cabin, this China Railway High-speed ride cost me RMB 54.50 (approximately SGD 11) for 2nd class with seat configuration 2-3 (2-2 for first class). If full, you can buy standing tickets as well (without seat) with the same price of 2nd class.

The seats is comfortable enough for the half an hour ride. Quite pack but not squeezy. Seat pitch is good enough for you to rest during the journey. Toilet is rather clean compare to most public toilet in china. Then the crew is quite friendly. The train provide water fountain for you to drink on board with you own water bottle.

The train speed can go up to 288kph. Very fast but feels normal inside the cabin. Good experience and smooth journey overall with affordable price.

But too bad, the self purchase ticket machines in the Station design only for locals as it required ID to scan in order for you to purchase. So you have to queue at the counter together with the others. And don't forget to bring your passport along in order for you to go out of the states (travel to another city in China).