Indonesian Adventure 2024. KLM Economy Class; Kuala Lumpur to Jakarta. Garuda Business Class Jakarta to Sorong. Papua, Indonesia.

1st June 2024

The Banyan Tree extended our check out time from 12.00 to 13.00. We enjoyed a lazy breakfast, pool time, repacked our bags and ordered a Grab to take us the 1 hour and 15 minute journey to Kuala Lumpur airport.

Unlike the business class flight from Amsterdam to KL, for this KLM flight we were in economy class. When I had checked in on line the seats were pre selected; Row 45, E & G.

The check in at KL airport was very efficient, as was security. the airport itself is very nice, wide corridors and lots of windows, many eating places all with good views.

 

There is a jungle area to walk through, but unfortunately this was closed for cleaning. the flight was on time and boarding was done in groups and actually worked! 

KLM to Jakarta.

The flight was full. It was a 2 hour flight to Jakarta, thank goodness it was a short flight as the seats in Row 45 were absolutely awful. Very hard seats with limited recline; I would say no recline, next to the small galley, so surrounded by trolleys, dark and dingy with no storage for this row. I am glad we had not flown from Amsterdam in these seats, that would have been unbearable. Even though the flight was short, a drinks service and hot meal was served, unfortunately the food was a brown mush and inedible. 

Jakarta Airport

I had applied for the 60 day visa via the on line system. I asked the helpful customs officer what que I should join and he said we could use the eGate. We did, and it worked, a fantastic and unexpected service. We were at baggage collection in minutes, and very happy to see our bags on the carousel as KLM has a reputation for loosing bags. 

Garuda Indonesia. Jakarta to Sorong. Business class. 

Garuda domestic flights go from the International terminal so we didn't have to change terminal, just go upstairs. We had a bit of a wait until the check in for the midnight flight with Garuda to Sorong. Once open check in was fast, as was the  security check and we made our was to the Garuda Lounge. 

Whilst Jakarta airport terminal three looked new and modern, the airport lounge was quite old and out of date, no alcohol is served, the food was a bit measly, it couldn't make up its mind if it was dinner or breakfast so looked like leftovers. Half of the open lounge is also a smoking area. But the seats were comfortable and wifi was good.  

The Garuda aircraft was a Boeing 737-800 (or MAX), with 12 business class big seats. the flight was full in economy but only 5 in business. We were offered apple or orange juice on arrival. 

The take off was very odd; I am not a nervous flyer, but initial take off was smooth, but after about 4 minutes the aircraft started to judder violently, then tipped to suddenly to the left, rolling to almost a full 90 degree angle and really shaking. It seemed a long time before it was pulled back to horizontal.

Once stable! we were given a sandwich and tea.

I did manage to have a little sleep, then at the top of descent a tasty breakfast of  fruit, yoghurt, omelette with potatoes, sausage (?chicken) tomatoes, a croissant and tea was served. 

It was a smooth landing, arriving at Sorong airport on the 2nd June and on time as it was 0600.