 It doesn't get better than this. On our flight back from our honeymoon to Shanghai, we receveied a card signed by every member of the cabin crew and cockpit crew, and an announcement made over the PA- to the applause from the passengers. Quite a celebration and a joyful moment to remember for the rest of our lives: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Implacable customer service from Cathay Pacific Airways- flying the Boeing 777-200, with a nice greeting from the crew: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Just about to enter the active runway at Hong Kong's Chap Lap Kok International: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh This was the exact screening point that the crew of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 went through at KLIA on their way to the aircraft 9M-MRO and they never came back. I took this photo on the morning of February 10 on the way to Hong Kong. A bit of a sad feeling as I went through the same gate...that CCTV image shown on various media outlets of the crew going through this screening gate came to my mind. I interviewed two of the staff (one of them is the Malay lady in the hijab in the photo), who both remember that moment of speaking to the crew and saying goodbye. When I spoke to them, they were still affected by their loss. I guess most Malaysians still are. Even in Langkawi -where the co-pilot gained his flight training-if you speak to the taxi drivers or some of the restaurant owners, they recall the happy times of meeting him and his family. There are still signs and posters saying things like "Hope MH370 come back". My mate, James Nixon quite rightly says (I quote): "Airports are our homes. Their workers our extended families. The camaraderie of the players, from cleaners and the ladies at the canteens where we grab meals between flights, to the check-in staff and gate agents; we all have small but meaningful friendships with the people we see everyday of our working lives. When one crew doesn't come back we feel incomplete." May god bless the crew and passengers of MH370...you are still in our hearts. Respect. Sorry photo is blurry because I quickly took this one with my iPhone and did not focus on quality (I should have done!), as did not want to hold passengers standing behind me in the waiting line.  KLIA security: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Beautiful Kuala Lumpur: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Merdeka Square: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Kuala Lumpur airport is located around 50kms from the city centre- you can either cough up a heavy taxi fare (around $40 one-way) or take a quick express train from the airport to central station. The KLIA Ekspres is a premium non-stop high-speed train service that connects KL International Airport(s) and the Kuala Lumpur city center and takes around 30-minutes. It is clean, air conditioned and makes the London Underground and the New York Subway system look like wagons from a century ago!: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Kuala Lumpur is the 13th busiest in the world and always seems to be empty. It's built about 50kms from the city and not quick to get to by all means, and is surrounded by forest. But forests mean green and green means hot. During approach pilots (and passengers) have to contend with turbulence due to the localised hot air rising from the canopy: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Captured the moment...on the way to Kuala Lumpur on the Boeing 737-800NG with Malaysia Airlines: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  The Sky Bridge in Langkawi- Photo Copyright Navjot Singh Completed in 2005, and located 600 metres above sea level, the Sky Bridge is a 125-metre curved pedestrian cable-stayed bridge located on the island of Langkawi, Malaysia. Naturally, you can only get to it via a cable car, which does provide spectacular views of the surrounding forest and the nearby islands while on your way up. Go and see it....will blow your mind away!  The Sky Bridge in Langkawi- Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  The view from the honeymoon suite at The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh Perched on the North coast of the island, The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi is a truly exceptional vacation spot – offering complete comfort and five-star luxury, all while being neatly cradled by lush ferns and ancient forest on one side, with a view of Datai Bay ahead, which turns from sparkling blue, to deep turquoise, to a silver-flecked navy, as the day progresses. The beginning of the Spring season in Langkawi is the best time to visit the island - the temperature is bearable and the almost daily night-time showers leave everything clean and crisp during the daytime. If you want the perfect honeymoon or a family holiday in south-east Asia, without the hassling crowds and noise, then book a place at The Andaman. Honeymooners should try to secure suite 139, otherwise known as “The Honeymoon Suite”, complete with the creature comforts one should and can expect for a romantic getaway. The place will blow your mind away. We spent five nights here and it was the time of our lives. Nothing beats the feeling of enjoying Veuve Clicquot with your feet in the sand at the beach bar, while watching the sun setting and leaving a glorious red sky behind, or spending an afternoon enjoying an open-air couples massage to the sound of crashing waves. Flying Lemurs may be seen at dusk. This animal is not related to the Lemurs of Madagascar, and it glides rather than flies; but nevertheless, it is quite a beautiful animal to see. There are just two species of Flying Lemur worldwide, one of them is located here in Langkawi and the other being the Philippine Flying Lemur. As with most creatures of the rainforest, these fascinating animals are arboreal and nocturnal. The gliding membrane extends to each body extremity including the tail, giving it a kite-like shape when gliding. Most of the animals on Langkawi are human-friendly, and they feed on fruits, flowers and other vegetation. If you wonder around, then you may also come across and a Monitor Lizard in the surrounding ancient rainforest. The only advice one would give is not to touch or feed them- no matter how tempting the cuteness may be! The resort is around a 25-minute drive from the airport and an equal amount of distance from the nearest town, Cenang Beach- which will cost you around US$25-30 each way, so come ready with a good credit card because you will need to use it inside the resort! But it is high worth while, especially if you are on your honeymoon. This resort is the best in the whole of Malaysia for honeymooners. The Datai is good too, but most of the crowd at the Datai tend to be the eldery generation or wealthy retirees who want to while away their time chilling around and reading books by the beach all day. For those on a honeymoon, it is the Andaman - without a doubt. You will have the time of your life!  The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh The Food Jala Restaurant in Langkawi offers some of the best and fresh seafood around- Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Jala Restaurant in Langkawi offers some of the best and fresh seafood around- Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Jala Restaurant in Langkawi offers some of the best and fresh seafood around- Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Lunch by the beach as the water turns more blue! Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  The romantic honeymoon dinner by the beach: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  The romantic honeymoon dinner by the beach: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Holding hands during the romantic honeymoon dinner by the beach: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Adhis is a customer service extraordinaire! He served us our honeymoon romantic dinner by the Datai beach and also looked after our catering needs throughout our stay. Always polite and a true catering professional: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  The Honeymoon Suite (The Executive Suite)All the 178 generously spacious room, which include 23 luxury suites, boast a contemporary tropical design and stunning views across the Datai Bay. You'll be spoilt for choice. With stunning views, whether during the early morning or during dusk, you'll never want to leave. Imagine waking up everyday and walking out to your own balcony overlooking the ocean, with the gentle crashing of waves as a soundtrack. For those on a honemoon, like us, it is the perfect picture of a tropical island resort. One thing you will notice about the suites at the Andaman is that the lush forest is home to Macaque monkeys loafing around the property. These cheeky visitors have grown accustomed to dropping into your room and they know exactly what to take (usually the drinks from the minibar).  The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Welcome from The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Spacious Executive Suite at The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  An overview of the Executive Suite at The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh The Spa The Spa is perched on a hill by The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Spectacular views from the Spa at The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  The romantic couples spa is highly recommended for newly weds: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Welcome herbal drinks at the Spa at The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  A variety of treatments to choose from at the Spa at The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh The Wildlife Monkeys lurking around the resort at The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Monkeys lurking around the resort at The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh The Views Honeymoon at The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Spectacular evening view at The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Spectacular view at The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Spectacular evening view at The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Spectacular view at The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Spectacular view at The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Spectacular evening view of Thai islands in the distance- seen from the Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  The writing is on the beach! The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Spectacular view at The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh Dr. Gerry Goeden 'Gerald Goeden' is a Malaysian based marine ecologist, Research Fellow and Advisor to the National University of Malaysia, and marine consultant to the Andaman Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh The resort is also a great place to have team building sessions while helping to conserve the environment. Guests can educate themselves about coral conservation efforts by the resort at the Coral Nursery. The stretch of beach at the resort’s doorstep used to be rich with colourful coral reefs, believed to be about 8,000 years old. However, these were very badly damaged during the 2004 tsunami around the Andaman Reef. The hotel's in-house consultant marine biologist, Dr. Gerry Goeden (known as "Dr. Gerry"), a nursery was set up in the hope to rebuild the reefs. The dead corals are collected and then “recycled” at the Coral Nursery where their minerals are used by propagated corals to speed their growth. It helps the environment a lot and Dr. Gerry and his wonderful team are there to educate visitors from around the world of how important the value of marine life is. As part of the team-building activities, guests get the chance to help create dead corals together with a mixture of concrete. The initiative aims to build a sustainable fishing industry for the next generation of local fishermen. The resort is very fortunate to have this amazing coral reef program- I think there should be more of these educational programs that make full use of the marine life around. It is sad when you see and hear stories of how tourists are damaging reef or are in some extreme cases in SE Asia (without naming countries!), they end up picking and eating seafood which they shouldn't- this is because they have not had the correct education about taking care of marine life. Not only do we have the opportunity to improve the environmental condition of the reefs and fisheries, but we also have the opportunity to educate our guests. The environmental awareness activities had attracted many companies (for corporate clients) and tourists from all over the world, and even the local schools.  The coral nursery at The Andaman: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh The beginning of the Spring season in Langkawi, Malaysia, is the BEST time to visit the island - the temperature is bearable and the almost daily nighttime showers leave everything clean and crisp during the daytime. If you want the PERFECT honeymoon in south-east Asia, without the hassling crowds and noise, then book a place at The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi. The place will blow your mind away. We spent five nights here and it was the time of our lives. Highly recommended. Contact them HERE.  The sky as seen from The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi: Photo Copyright Navjot Singh My wife and I would like to give a special thanks to Hong Kong based Passenger Services Officer, Ms. Koyi Wong from Cathay Dragon. After our flight was delayed from Shanghai Pudong to Hong Kong, we evidently ended up missing the HKG-KUL flight as well. Ms. Koyi Wong went out of her way to help us get not only onto our next flight, but also to make sure that our luggage arrived safely onto our next flight from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi (which was with Malaysia Airlines on a different ticket). Koyi is a customer service professional extraordinaire, and in all my travels so far I have never come across an airline personnel who genuinely goes out of their way to help passengers. If it was not for her, we would have missed our flight to Langkawi from KL and it would have occurred us extra charges and delays etc. She deserves a special mention in your company newsletter or similar communication materials and I hope she can become more successful in her career and life. There are some truly amazing people in the aviation industry and Ms. Koyi Wong is definitely one of them. Amazing human. I did not take her photo, but here is a photo of her badge, which she quite rightly deserves to wear with sheer pride. People like Koyi ALL work for airlines (except for the ones who work in hospitals...or ambulances...or rescue helicopters etc.). My hats off.  Photo Copyright Navjot Singh  Flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong was delayed. Flew Business Class on Cathay Dragon, but were provided with a first class standard service throughout by the crew (and those at the ground as well): Photo Copyright Navjot Singh |
Get in Touch:LIFE MATTERSHere I share my thoughts
and experiences during my travels, and how some things have affected my life as an expat and world traveller. Travelling is about capturing that moment in life. Every word, view and opinion on this page is that of Navjot Singh - except where indicated. The most recent is at the top. Scroll down to read the archive. Or search using CTRL+F (COMMAND + F) and enter a keyword to search the page. Just some of the stories you never heard before. The NAVJOT-SINGH.COM web blog is separate to this web site....Click blog, which may not be visible in some countries due to local firewall restrictions, so in those cases this weblog may be read. The weblog also includes some of my press trip reports- most of which are not published on the official blog because of copyright issues. The weblog also contains articles that may be associated directly with a PR trip for a country, airline or a hotel. These are PR reviews done in relations with various companies. If you are an investor or a trend watcher then you may find this website useful as investing has a lot to do with personal observations and finding the ideal trend or next big thing. The average human on the street frequently knows far more about the state of the economy than politicians, university professors, subject matter experts, and financial analysts who seldom travel, or if they do so, only from one hotel to another hotel! The pulse and vibrancy of an economy is nowhere more visible than on a country's streets. 
All photos and words are © Navjot Singh unless stated. Photos taken by others or by agencies are appropriately copyrighted under the respective name. No photo or word/s may be taken without the prior written permission by the author (i.e. Navjot Singh). All Rights Reserved. 
Navjot being interviewed by Cecila Lu at GDTV.
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