Garuda Airlines: Riding the mythical bird of yore SIN-CGK Jan/Feb 06
Written: Feb 27 '06 (Updated Feb 27 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Oldest & national airline of Indonesia, friendly staff and FA's, part of NWA network
Cons: Poor website, budget alternative such as ValuAir, Air Asia, Merpati, Lion Air, Adam Air...
The Bottom Line: If you want to immerse yourself in Indonesian culture as soon as you can, try Garuda Airlines.
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| javajoop's Full Review: Garuda Indonesia |
Part of my series of essays on my trip to Indonesia Jan/Feb 06
President Sukarno of the new Republic of Indonesia was asked by then KLM Indies's representative on what new name should the nascent airline be called. Sukarno recited a poem by Noto Soeroto that included a line, "I am Garuda, Visnu's mount, who spreads my wings over the archipelago." Thus in December 1949, the president boarded the DC-3 from Yogyakarta to Jakarta on it's inaugural flight.
I've flown numerous times on it's now defunct transpacific route from LAX and segments from CGK-DPS. This latest trip was in conjunction with NWA, their airline partner to Jakarta. The main benefit is I earn miles on the Worldperks program.
Check-in
My layover in SIN concluded with check-in at Transfer D about 5:15am to retrieve my boarding pass and confirm baggage claim tickets to CGK. I always enjoy how details like precise signage on plasma TVs, gracious agents and soothing colors make for a pleasant transition. We're out to our designated gate where we go to our final security check. One last glance at the free internet terminal for emails and off we went.
On my return, I arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Cengkareng for my departing flight. You'll pass through the security checkpoint with way too many security men for the purpose. Upon receiving your boarding pass, make sure you have 10,000 IDRRp in your pocket to pay for the airport departure tax. Frankly, I don't know why they don't include it in the price of the ticket but that's life in Rome. Once done, you can go back outside security and make your final farewell to your friends and loved ones. I went back through security and then through passport control to remit my entry card. Ah, closing scenes of The Year of Living Dangerously would flash back in my head.
SIN-CGK
Boeing 737-500, 3-3 coach configuration, 17"w/32" pitch, outbound & return (1hrs 35m)
Fairly new and bright, the B737 had wide aisle and clean cabins. I wasn't surprised because recently while the Indonesian president was in the US, his representatives penned a purchase deal worth $2b in B787-8 Dreamliners and 18 B737s New Generation. Are these purchases boding well for the airline? We'll wait and see.
We were placed at the exit aisle which had an unusual configuration of two seats in the row vs. three. Where the window seat is placed is left empty and there's the emergency exit. I only opined how this would work because the security card displayed a slightly different configuration. This was a full flight so I needed to be on my toes.
The return to SIN was the last flight out so this too was nearly full. Each of the flight crew were very professional, courteous and cheerful. The female wore either the traditional batik kebaya or their signature coral green uniform. There public announcements are mostly in halting english with a very thick indonesian accent. I believe if you are on the long haul flights you may encounter few with greater fluency and seniority.
Meals
Unusual by American standards on such a short flight, dinner service is offered. I had the regular sauteed beef selection accompanied by white rice followed by salad with vinegarette and coconut pudding. Real metal service ware offered vs. plastic. I guess we're back to normal or we've got very trained FA's in counter-utensil combat.
Tips: long haul flights, itineraries, booking
If you get a chance to fly out at one of their long haul routes, the FA's are actually eager to tell you about Indonesia so don't hesitate to ask them how to help in your pronunciation in Bahasa Indonesia. A little down time gives them a little cultural exchange about where live and their background. That way you can start your immersion into this fascinating archipelago. I tend to ask which spa offers the best balinese hot oil/stone massage in Jakarta. Believe me, it's worth it.
If you do have at least three to four days to spare, consider Garuda's getaway package to Australia. For those who nearly circumnavigated half the globe, it's worthwhile. Prices start $359 to Perth for 4d/2n at this time of print.
As I best I can see, Garuda's website hasn't the ability to book on-line. It's adequate for informational purposes but lacking in sophistication. If I had my drother's, I'd book via the local travel agent or by reservation agent.
Arrival CGK
Once you deplane, whoosh, the heat and humidity hits you like a wet blanket. I veered out the jetway onto the long, glassed corridor towards the Visa On Demand counter. Here's where you pay USD$25.00 for your 30d visa if you hold an applicable passport; USD$10.00 for a 7d. You're given a receipt and creep towards the visa window to receive said visa. Walk about 100 yards to passport control to present said visa to the agent. Your given the half portion of your entry card which I've been warned not to lose. I can imagine how many cane lashing that is if I did.
Baggage claim is routine and uneventful; however, beware of indiscriminate taxi touts who prowl the halls. Unless you have arranged transportation, head for the reputable transportation desk. A polite tidak, terima kasih (no, thank you) or tidak usah (not necessary) will fend them off.
Overall
It's all satisfactory for this segment and the same for my past experiences. Yes, it's state owned but it's in the throes of financial restructure amidst stiff competition and seeks possible financial partners, namely Qantas. I gather this flight was more than other budget airlines like ValuAir or Air Asia which offers flights on this routing for about USD$95.00 r/t plus tax. All in all, Garuda is a pleasant experience.
www.garuda-indonesia.com
© 2006 javajoop
Recommended:
Yes
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javajoop
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Location: New York, NY
Reviews written: 23
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About Me:
Cacoethes scribendi - "Bad habit of writing"
caveat venditor/emptor - "Let the seller/buyer beware"
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