Tag: travel

Hostel of the Day: THE POD BOUTIQUE CAPSULE HOTEL – Dark-Themed, Futuristic & High-Priced Property Along Singapore’s Beach Road

Early this year, I flew to Singapore for 5 days and 4 nights for a quick family trip. In such a short span of time, I managed to check out and stay in two capsule hotels: Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel @ Kampong Glam and The POD Boutique Capsule Hotel. A few weeks ago, I shared with you how valuable a property Cube Kampong Glam is. Join me in today’s hostel of the day feature as I share with you my experience with the second property, The POD Boutique Capsule Hotel at Beach Road.

In case you missed it, I flew with Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ budget subsidiary, to and from Singapore. I hope you can check out these two flight reports: Scoot Flight TR 397 Manila to Singapore and Scoot Flight TR 390 Singapore to Manila.

The POD Boutique Capsule Hotel

The POD Boutique Capsule Hotel is a capsule hotel along Beach Road, just outside Singapore’s Central Business District. It opened in 2013 with the unique concept of providing comfortable and fuss-free accommodation with a modern and minimalistic approach.

The capsule hotel has over 100 capsules across different pods and suites. It caters to business travelers who want comfort at an affordable price and to leisure travelers who do not mind paying extra for better comfort and privacy.

In case you do not know, I try to stay and review hostels anonymously during my trips. I have been to a lot of hostels around Asia, Australia and Europe. I hope you can check all of these hostel features under the Hostel of the Day category.

Location & Access

The POD is located at Level 3, 289 Beach Road, Singapore, 199552. The property is 200 meters by foot to Kampong Glam, 250 meters by foot to the Sultan Mosque, 300 meters by foot to the Malay Heritage Center, 350 meters by foot to Haji Lane, and 850 meters by foot to Bugis Street.

The POD is located within a busy retail and dining precinct with restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and artisan shops. The nearest MRT station is Bugis Station in the East-West or Green Line, and the nearest bus stop is right in front of the hostel doors.

Major Singapore attractions such as Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, and Orchard Road are all less than 30 minutes away by bus or train from the hostel. The property is 45 minutes to 1 hour away from Singapore Changi Airport.

Room Options

The POD Boutique Capsule Hotel offers five room options. They have 3 types of pods and 2 types of private suites.

The first pod type is the front-entry single pod. This is available in mixed shared rooms, male-only rooms, and female-only shared rooms. Each single pod features a personal locker under each pod, cotton sheets, a fluffy duvet with two pillows, a hanger and clothes rack, a personal power socket, a personal reading light, and privacy roller shades. The second pod type is the side-entry single pod. This pod type has the same features as the first type but differs in the entry area.

The last pod type is the queen pod. This pod type features a double mattress instead of a single-type one. It also has the same features as the single pods. Both the side entry and queen pods are only available in mixed shared rooms and female-only shared rooms.

The POD has two suite types: single pod suites and queen pod suites. These individually accessible suites are enclosed in a private room with a single bed and a double bed, respectively. In addition to all the amenities enjoyed in the shared pods, the suites feature a personal workspace with a small table and chair. All these pods, shared or private, are given clean bath towels, slippers, and a bottle of water. These pods also have access to shared, self-contained bathrooms found on every floor.

I booked my 1-night stay with Agoda and paid ₱3,323.43 for a single pod suite. I got a suite with an upper single bed and a workstation. I got a bed with two pillows and a comfortable duvet. I also got a bath towel, bottled water, and a pair of disposable slippers upon entering the room. I believe this accommodation is in the higher price range of value accommodations in Singapore.

Guest Facilities & Amenities

Complimentary High-Speed Wi-Fi – The Pod offers complimentary high-speed wi-fi to all guests. The connection is perfect for those who need to work remotely.

Communal Lounge Areas – The property has a few chairs and tables in the communal spaces where guests can chill and talk to other guests during their stay.

Complimentary Coffee & Tea – Coffee and tea are available in the common area free of charge at any time of the day.

Meeting Room – The property has a meeting room that guests can use in case they need to go into a meeting with some people during their stay.

Business Pods – Guests coming to Singapore for work or business can use the business pod for important meetings and quiet work hours.

Vending Machine – Guests can buy water or carbonated drinks at the vending machine found in the common area.

Self-Contained Bathrooms – The hostel has self-contained bathrooms on all floors. These bathrooms are clean and well-maintained.

Self-Help Laundromat – The Pod has a self-help laundromat that can be used for a small fee. Feel free to approach reception if you want to use this facility.

Express Check-In & Check-Out – The hostel has self-check-in and check-out machines that guests can use upon arrival or before leaving the hostel.

Air Conditioning Systems – The hostel premises are equipped with air conditioning systems. However, these systems are only opened at specific hours during the night.

Luggage Storage – The Pod offers luggage storage for all incoming and outgoing guests. Please approach the reception staff if you want your bags stored.

24-Hour Reception – The Pod’s reception is open 24 hours a day. There is no need to worry about arriving at the hostel late at night or leaving the property in the wee hours of the morning.

Multi-Lingual Staff – The hostel staff speaks several languages. They are also good at speaking the English language.

Lift Access – Guests traveling with large bags or suitcases do not need to worry about bringing their bags up to the property. The POD has lifts for guests to use.

Secured Room Access – Each guest is provided a key card that only works in the common doors and in the door of their assigned room.

Secured Hostel Premises – The hostel is equipped with surveillance cameras. Also, room areas can only be accessed using hostel keycards. These room areas are restricted to non-guests.

Hostel Experience

I had a brief but remarkable stay at The POD Boutique Capsule Hotel in Singapore. I enjoyed every single bit of my stay, even if I was only there for a night.

The amazing experience started with the quick and easy self-check-in process. I did everything through the check-in and check-out machines available in front of reception. The following day, I checked out of the property in seconds.

I was also impressed by the single-pod features and amenities. I got a pod with a quality single bed equipped with two pillows and a thick but comfortable duvet. I also got bottled water, a pair of slippers, and a bath towel upon check-in.

Another thing I liked about this capsule hotel is the meeting room and business pods available for guests who need to do some work during their stay.

There are also a few things that happened during my stay that will make me think twice about staying here again in the future. First, the air conditioning systems in the rooms and in the common areas only work during the night. These are turned off during the day. I am all for environment-friendly measures, but I hope they also add ventilation options inside the rooms.

Second, the lift stopped for a while during my stay. I took a shower on the higher floors, and I had to take the stairs down because the lift stopped working. Lastly, I believe the price is a little bit on the higher tier for a capsule hotel. There are other capsule accommodations in the same area that offer better value for money.

Putting these things aside, I still had a wonderful stay with The POD. The hostel itself is an experience. It is unique, modern, and futuristic. I highly recommend The POD to those who can splurge a bit more but stay within a budget while traveling around Singapore.

Curious about The POD at Beach Road? You may contact them directly on these platforms:

The POD Boutique Capsule Hotel
Address: Level 3, 289 Beach Road, Singapore, 199552
Phone Number: +65 6298 8505
Email Address: info@thepodcapsulehotel.com
Website: www.thepodcapsulehotel.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepodcapsulehotel
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thepodcapsulehotel

Do you have any questions about anything mentioned above? Feel free to post them in the comments section below. You may also send these questions to me via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com.

In case you missed it, I wrote about a nearby capsule hotel – Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel @ Kampong Glam in the last hostel of the day feature. Show some love by checking out that post.

Thanks for joining me in today’s Hostel of the Day feature. Please also take time to check out my previous HOTD features by clicking this. You will find my other hostel reviews about Le Village Montmartre in Paris, The Bed KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, The RomeHello in Rome & Z Hostel here in the Philippines. Before you go, can you visit my social media pages –Facebook & Instagram – and like or follow them? Thank you & see you in the next one!

PS. Photos were taken using my OnePlus 9 Pro.

Hostel of the Day: CUBE BOUTIQUE CAPSULE HOTEL @ KAMPONG GLAM – Budget-Friendly Property in the Heart of Singapore’s Muslim Quarter

Early this year, I flew to Singapore for a few days to celebrate my cousins’ birthdays. We flew with Scoot on their TR 397 Manila to Singapore and TR 390 Singapore to Manila flights. Singapore has one of the most expensive and strict accommodation rules. I stayed separately from where my cousins stayed and decided to try Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel @ Kampong Glam, a budget-friendly property in the heart of Singapore’s Muslim Quarter. Allow me to share with you the details of my stay in today’s hostel of the day feature.

Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel @ Kampong Glam

Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel @ Kampong Glam is one of three operating properties under the Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel brand. According to the property’s website, the Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel brand was established in 2015 under RB Hospitality Pte Ltd by a husband-and-wife tandem.

The Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel brand’s goal is to bring out the best in capsule-style living while maximizing space and technological innovations to address contemporary travel needs. Currently, the brand also has 2 operating properties in Chinatown, Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel @ Chinatown and Cube Family Boutique Capsule Hotel @ Chinatown, and has 1 upcoming residence or suite-type accommodation called Cube Residences.

In case you do not know, I try to stay and review hostels anonymously during my trips. I have been to a lot of hostels around Asia, Australia and Europe. I hope you can check all of these hostel features under the Hostel of the Day category.

Location & Access

Cube Kampong Glam is located at 54, 55, 56 Bussorah Street, Kampong Glam, Bugis, Singapore, 199471. It is located at the heart of Singapore’s Islamic Quarter, Kampong Glam, alongside the Masjid Sultan Mosque. It is 100 meters away from the famous Haji Lane, 500 meters away from the nearest Bugis MRT Exit, and around 700 meters away from Bugis and Bugis Junction.

The property is in a bustling retail district with numerous restaurants, souvenir shops, and artisan shops found outside Cube’s doorstep. It is also a few minutes by MRT (train) to major Singapore attractions such as the Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown, Little India, and Orchard Road. It is 30 minutes by train (MRT) from Bugis Station to Singapore Changi Airport Station.

Cube Kampong Glam’s location is an easy 10 out of 10. It is practically near and accessible to everything.

Capsule Options

Cube Kampong Glam offers four types of capsule options: single capsule, queen capsule, female single capsule, and private capsule.

Solo travelers can opt for a single capsule in a mixed shared room. The single capsule features a thick single bed within a cocoon complete with a pillow and blanket, a reading light, a small table, and a vanity mirror. Female solo travelers can opt for the female single capsules, which are found in female-only rooms. The number of single capsules in a room can range from 4 to 16, depending on the type of room booked.

Couples or pairs can opt for the queen bed capsule. This capsule features a spacious and thick queen bed, including all amenities found in a single capsule. Travelers who want to have the whole capsule room to themselves can go for the private capsule room. The private capsule rooms at Cube Kampong Glam can accommodate 2 or 6 people in a room.

I booked my stay with Agoda, got a lower bunk single capsule, and paid ₱5,952.82 for 3 nights. I believe this rate is already reasonable for an expensive country like Singapore. I got all the capsule bed amenities, including a bath towel, a bottled water, and a dental kit. I also enjoyed three buffet breakfasts at the property.

Guest Facilities & Amenities

Complimentary High-Speed Wi-Fi – Cube Kampong Glam provides high-speed wi-fi access to all guests.

Complimentary Breakfast Buffet – The property provides a complimentary breakfast buffet to all checked-in guests. Selections include fried rice, toast with butter and jam, egg station, noodles, cereals, and fruits. Breakfast hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Complimentary Drinking Water – The property provides a bottle of water to all guests upon arrival. They also have a small water dispenser near the dining area for quick water breaks.

Communal Lounge & Co-Working Space – Cube Kampong Glam offers a communal lounge and co-working area for guests who want to chill or do some work.

Individual Communal Shower & Toilet – Shower and toilets are located outside the capsule rooms. These are found on the ground floor or on the 1st floor.

Complimentary Bed & Bathroom Amenities – Cube Kampong Glam offers complimentary bed and bathroom amenities. Each capsule comes with a pillow and blanket, a reading light, a small table, and a vanity mirror. It also has a bath towel, a dental kit, and a bottle of water. Bathrooms include shampoo, conditioner, and liquid soap.

In-Room Air Conditioning Systems – All capsule rooms in Cube Kampong Glam are equipped with air conditioning systems.

Complimentary Luggage Storage – Cube Kampong Glam offers luggage storage to guests who need to leave their bags before check-in or after check-out. All bags stored need to be claimed before 10:00 p.m. every day.

Lockers & Storage Spaces – Guests can store their valuables in their assigned lockers and storage spaces. These lockers can only be opened using the guest-assigned key cards.

24-Hour Reception – Guests arriving late at night or leaving in the wee hours of the morning do not need to worry about checking in or checking out. Cube Kampong Glam’s reception is open 24 hours a day.

Friendly Staff – The staff who manned the reception during my check-in and check-out were hospitable and friendly.

Ticket & Tour Desk – The property also has a ticket and tour desk where guests can buy attraction tickets or book tours.

Concierge Services – Cube Kampong Glam offers concierge services to all guests. Local phone calls are free of charge. Printing services are also available for a fee.

Self-Help Laundry – Guests who need to wash and dry used clothes can use the self-help laundry and drying machine for a minimal charge.

Secured Property Access – Only guests have access to the communal areas and capsule rooms. These areas can be opened using the guest-assigned key cards.

Secured Hostel Premises – Cube Kampong Glam is equipped with 24/7 surveillance systems. The property is safe for all types of travelers.

Hostel Experience

I had a great stay at Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel @ Kampong Glam. I enjoyed my 3-night stay, even though I was out most of the time.

The property stood out on these merits. First, Cube Kampong Glam offered budget-friendly prices for its central location. In general, Singaporean accommodations are on the expensive side, except for some properties like this. Second, their complimentary buffet breakfast was a big plus to the experience. They offered great selections, given the limitations.

Third, Cube Kampong Glam offered ‘extra’ amenities you do not usually get when staying in shared dormitories, hostels, or capsule hostels. Bath towels, dental kits, and even a bottle of water are already in the bed when you open your assigned capsule.

Fourth, the single beds found in single capsules were thick and comfortable to sleep in. Cube Kampong Glam’s mattresses have excellent quality. Lastly, Cube Kampong Glam maintained the pleasant shared room smell during my stay. The room never smelled bad throughout my entire stay.

Like any other stay, I noticed something that the property could improve and a case where the property might not be the preferred option for some travelers. First, the common toilets and showers need frequent cleaning and maintenance because they are used by most, if not all guests. Second, the property does not have lifts. Travelers who bring large suitcases or big luggage need to carry them up to the upper floor in case they are assigned to the upper floor capsules.

Overall, I still preferred this capsule-type property over other budget-friendly accommodation options in the country. I will still stay at Cube Kampong Glam the next time I fly to Singapore.

I hope I have convinced you to check out and consider Cube Kampong Glam as your accommodation in your upcoming trip to Singapore. For any questions or booking-related inquiries, feel free to reach out to the property in these platforms:

Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel @ Kampong Glam
Address: 54, 55, 56 Bussorah Street, Kampong Glam, Bugis, Singapore, 199471
Phone Number: +65 6291 1696
Email Address: reservationskg@cubestay.sg / reservations@cubestay.sg / info@cubestay.sg
Website: www.cubehotels.com.sg/kampong-glam
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cubecapsules

This pretty much sums up my stay with Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel @ Kampong Glam. I hope you can consider this as your accommodation for your next trip to Singapore.

Do you have any questions about anything mentioned above? Feel free to post them in the comments section below. You may also send these questions to me via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com.

Thanks for joining me in today’s Hostel of the Day feature. Please also take time to check out my previous HOTD features by clicking this. You will find my other hostel reviews about Le Village Montmartre in Paris, The Bed KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, The RomeHello in Rome & Z Hostel here in the Philippines. Before you go, can you visit my social media pages –Facebook & Instagram – and like or follow them? Thank you & see you in the next one!

PS. Photos were taken using my OnePlus 9 Pro.

Kansai 2023: OSAKA & NARA Photoblog [April 2023]

Last April, I went on a quick trip to Japan for the first time since Fukuoka in October 2019. I did not make any concrete plans on where to go or what to do since I revisited the same places I had been to a few years ago: Osaka and Nara.

I booked my ticket in November 2022 when Cebu Pacific Air offered a ₱1 base fare sale during 11.11. I flew in via Fukuoka, and then I took a domestic flight to Osaka afterwards. I stayed in Osaka for 6 nights and decided to just go around the city and the nearby cities for the rest of the trip.

In case you missed it, I have been to Osaka and Nara several times in the past. Here’s the list of blogs related to these 2 cities: The Japan Series | 3 of 3: OSAKA (2015), Going Solo in Japan Series: KYOTO & OSAKA (2016), Going Solo in Japan Series: NARA & KOBE (2016), Japan Highlights 2019: UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN – A Theme Park That Brings You Back to Being a ‘Kid’ Just for a Day (2019) and Japan Highlights 2019: NARA – A Morning Visit To The Deer Park (2019).

This post will be different since I will not talk about where you should go or what you should do in these cities. I will only share random photos of the places I have been on this trip. Spoiler alert! I still saw some cherry blossoms in Nara. Enjoy!

Osaka

Dōtonbori
Hozenji Yokocho
Kuromon Ichiba
Shinsekai

Nara

Todai-ji Namdaimon
Tōdai-ji Chumon
Nara Deer Park
Kōfuku-ji Chukondo & Kofuku-ji

It felt surreal visiting Dōtonbori again after a few years. It also felt amazing to see the world-famous cherry blossoms for the first time in x years of going to Japan.

Thank you for joining me in today’s photoblog. I hope you stay tuned for Japan-related content in the future. I hope you can also visit and follow my social media pages –Facebook & Instagram! Thanks again and see you in the next one.

PS. Photos were taken using my OnePlus 9 Pro.

Flight Report: PEACH AVIATION MM 158 – Fukuoka to Osaka Kansai – Future-Proof & Efficient Japanese Domestic Low-Cost Flight [April 2023]

In April 2023, I flew to my favorite country, Japan, for the first time since the pandemic. I thought I was just in time for the cherry blossom season, but Sakura started early this year. I saw a ₱1 base fare ticket to Fukuoka from Osaka a few months ago and decided to grab this low fare to visit Japan again.

Upon arrival in Fukuoka, I stayed only for a night and decided to fly to Osaka the next day and base there for the remaining 6 days. Between these 2 cities, I flew with one of Japan’s biggest low-cost airlines – Peach Aviation. This Peach Aviation flight MM 158 from Fukuoka to Osaka Kansai is today’s flight report feature. Read on below as I share details about this future-proof and efficient Japanese domestic flight.

In case you missed it, I post reviews & features of my flights since June 2019. I’ve covered airlines such as EVA Air, Indonesia Air Asia, Singapore Airlines, Emirates & Cebu Pacific Air. All posts about these flights are found under the Flight Reports category.

Peach Aviation

Peach Aviation Limited, operating as Peach, is a Japanese low-cost airline based in Osaka, Japan. The airline was founded by All Nippon Airways and Hong Kong-based private equity firm First Eastern Investment Group on 10 February 2011. The airline was initially named A&F Aviation and rebranded to Peach on 24 May 2011.

The airline had its first domestic commercial flight to Sapporo and Fukuoka on 1 March 2012. It also marked the first flight by a Japanese low-cost airline in the country. It flew its first international route from Osaka Kansai International Airport to Seoul Incheon International Airport back on 8 May 2012. The airline has launched several domestic and international routes through the years and has become one of the biggest low-cost carriers in the country. In 2018, All Nippon Airways, its parent company, announced the merger of Peach and another low-cost carrier, Vanilla Air, with Peach as the surviving entity.

Today, Peach flies to 37 destinations within Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, and Thailand. It has bases in Osaka, Naha (in Okinawa), Tokyo Narita, and Sendai. The airline operates an all-Airbus A320 fleet. It expects deliveries of Airbus A320neos and Airbus A321LR (long-range) aircraft in the next few years. On 24 April 2023, the airline celebrated an important milestone as it flew its 50millionth passenger since it started its operations.

Peach sports a unique livery consisting of pink, purple, and white color schemes. As far as I am aware, the airline does not have a loyalty program. It has a monetary token called Peach Points where these points can be used to pay for Peach flights, add-ons, and government taxes.

Peach is a low-cost airline. The airline offers basic airline fares at low and affordable prices. Any other add-ons and services availed of such as check-in baggage allowance, seat selection, and inflight meals are paid on top of the basic fare.

Do you want to know the difference between a full-service & a low-cost airline? Check out my previous post detailing the differences of these 2 types of airlines.

Airfare

I booked my one-way ticket 2 months before the intended flight date and paid ¥8,260. I availed of the airline’s Simple Peach basic fare and bought a 20-kilogram check-in baggage allowance as an add-on. My local credit card issuer charged me ₱3,559.50, including the foreign currency transaction conversion fees.

I believe the total fare price is reasonable considering it was for a flight during the peak Sakura season and it was booked 2 months before the flight.

Travel Requirements

The airline staff only requested a valid identification card during counter check-in. They specifically asked for my Philippine passport during check-in. Apart from the confirmed airline ticket and valid ID, the airline staff did not require any other requirements to board this flight.

Before The Flight

3 days before the flight, Peach Aviation sent a flight email reminder. They sent a pre-flight preparation checklist and tons of information about check-in and bag drop procedures. They also offered more add-ons such as additional baggage allowance and seat selection.

At the time of the flight, check-in procedures are only done at the airport at least 1.5 hours before the flight. Recently, the airline has introduced flight check-in procedures through its official mobile application.

Aircraft & Flight Information

This Fukuoka to Osaka Peach flight MM158 utilized a 7.4-year-old (at the time of the flight) Airbus A320-214 aircraft. This plane, delivered to the airline in November 2015, is registered under JA817P. It has 180 seats in an all-economy class 3 x 3 configuration.

The flight took off from Fukuoka International Airport at 6:13 p.m. and touched down at Kansai International Airport in Osaka at exactly 7:00 p.m. The flight only took 47 minutes and arrived 5 minutes ahead of schedule.

Ground & Airport Experience

Domestic flights out of Fukuoka International Airport depart from the Domestic Terminal. This is the airport terminal connected to the Kūkō Line of the Fukuoka City subway system.

CHECK-IN

Check-in for domestic Peach flights opens 90 minutes before the scheduled time of departure. Passengers first check-in through the check-in kiosks, line at the counters for document check, and drop bags for weight and security checks at the bag-drop counter. Seats are assigned automatically unless availed of for an additional fee.

This unique check-in process took me less than 5 minutes to finish. Add to that, the ground staff at the document check and bag-drop counters were nice and accommodating. It was an easy, quick, and efficient check-in process. Well done, Peach!

PRE-DEPARTURE

After check-in, I lined up and took some time to pass through security. I walked to our assigned gate, Gate 2, and noticed that the noticeboards included the expected flight delays in the smallest timeframe (10 to 15 minutes).

The Gate 2 pre-departure area had enough seats for all the people in our flight. It even had workstations for those who wanted to do some work while waiting or those who needed to go into a meeting before catching a flight.

BOARDING

The ground staff announced the pre-boarding reminders at 5:30 p.m. They started boarding passengers at 5:35 p.m., 20 minutes before the scheduled departure.

Passengers assigned to seats A and F in rows 16 and above boarded the plane first. They were followed by all passengers seated between rows 16 and above. Next, passengers assigned to seats A and F in rows 1 to 15 boarded the plane. They were followed by the rest of the passengers. One quick note – all boarding announcements were made in Japanese and not in English.

The crew closed the cabin doors at 5:55 p.m. The boarding process was finished in 20 minutes. It was quick, orderly, and efficient. The plane pushed back at exactly 6:00 p.m.

Inflight Hard & Soft Product

SEAT FEATURES

This Fukuoka to Osaka Peach flight was operated by an all-economy-class Airbus A320-200 aircraft. The plane has 180 economy seats configured in a 3 x 3 arrangement split in the middle by a single aisle. According to SeatGuru, all seats (excluding the exit row seats) have a seat width of 17 inches and a seat pitch of 29 inches.

I got an aisle seat (4C) for this quick flight to Osaka. Each seat features an industry-standard leg room, a foldable tray table and a seat pocket with the aircraft safety card, air sickness bag, inflight magazines (both in English and Japanese) and an inflight digital service information sheet. Each passenger also has access to individual air vents and individual reading lights.

INFLIGHT SNACKS

Peach does not offer complimentary snacks or meals onboard. Passengers can purchase snacks, meals, or drinks onboard through the inflight digital service. Unlike other low-cost carriers, the Peach cabin crew does not go around the plane and offer snacks to the passengers. They only go to the passengers once food orders made through the inflight portal are served.

They offer a wide range of snack and drink options at reasonable prices. I did not avail of any food or drink service during this flight.

INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

Like most low-cost airlines, Peach Aviation planes do not feature personal entertainment screens. They provide inflight magazines both in English and Japanese.

The airline also has an inflight portal where passengers can browse through various entertainment contents such as airline original videos and other variety shows. The portal’s shop offers souvenirs for those who want to buy some and transportation tickets for those who want to take the bus from Kansai Airport to Umeda. The portal also features a moving inflight map that shows real-time details about the flight.

INFLIGHT CONNECTIVITY

Peach did not offer in-flight Wi-Fi on this short flight to Osaka. Passengers can connect to the onboard connection only to access the inflight portal and not to use the internet or messaging applications.

LAVATORY

I did not get the chance to visit the lavatory because the flight was a little under an hour.

Cabin Crew Service

Unfortunately, I did not have a direct interaction with the cabin crew on this flight. I saw them only during boarding, before take-off and landing and during disembarkation. At least, they made sure that everyone followed the protocols during these times. Overall, the cabin service lack personal touch from the crew.

Disembarkation & Baggage Claim

The aircraft touched down at Kansai International Airport at exactly 7:00 p.m. and taxied to Terminal 2. We got off the plane through the tarmac and walked quite a distance to the baggage claim area. We got our bags after a few minutes and headed to the free shuttle bus to Terminal 1 / Kansai Airport train station.

The arrival experience was almost like our Jetstar flight from Sapporo to Tokyo Narita back in February 2018.

Flight Experience

I had a fun, interesting and unique flying experience with Peach Aviation. I believe some of the Japanese way of doing things are different from what we are used to, but they totally make sense. I found their systems quick, efficient and future-proof.

This flight had some notable points. First, the check-in process was unique but quick and very efficient. The whole process took me less than 5 minutes and that included checking in via the kiosk, having my documents checked with the ground staff and surrendering my check-in luggage for a weight and security check.

Second, Fukuoka Airport announced every possible delay on their flight noticeboards. They announced the expected 5-minute delay. Impressive! Third, the boarding process was, again, unique but made everything run smoothly and quickly. I noticed that it is only in Japan that they board A and F passengers before anyone else. This specific process works and makes boarding faster.

Fourth, Peach Aviation’s inflight portal is something else. It is future-proof and a nice additional feature for a low-cost airline. Another airline that comes to mind is Scoot, with its ScootHub. I hope the other low-cost airlines in the region develop their own inflight portal. I seriously think this portal makes the inflight experience a lot better.

Lastly, the fare I paid for this flight (¥8,260 / ₱3,559.50) was worth every single penny. The airline offered an affordable fare during the peak season and delivered an excellent flying experience.

Moving to the other side, I personally think the airline can improve some parts of the flight. First, they can add more contents and options to the inflight portal. Currently, the entertainment options are limited to airline-related videos and some variety shows. It would be nice to have full movies or television series in the options.

Second, I hope the airline can also incorporate English announcements both during boarding and during the flight. They can continue making the announcements in Japanese, but I hope they can also add some English parts for the important ones. Lastly, I personally felt the lack of cabin crew touch on the flight. I may be saying this as someone who is used to the Southeast Asian kind of inflight hospitality. The cabin crew service still affects the overall flying experience.

Nevertheless, it was still an excellent flight with Peach Aviation. Will I fly them again in the future? Definitely. It would be interesting to see if other Japan-based airlines follow the same processes. I wonder if All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Airlines (JAL), Air Do, Jetstar Japan and other local airlines do the same thing. I hope I can fly all of them in the future.

To my fellow aviation geeks, here are some additional information about this domestic flight to Osaka:

Airline: Peach Aviation
Flight Date: 14 April 2023
Flight Number: MM 158
Route: Fukuoka, Japan (FUK) to Kansai Airport, Osaka, Japan (KIX)
Duration: 47 minutes
Seat Numebr: 4C (aisle seat)
Aircraft: Airbus A320-214
Aircraft Registration: JA817P
Engines: 2 x CFM International CFM56 Engines
Age (at the time of the flight): 7.4 years old
Delivered: November 2015

This sums up my first-ever flight with Peach! Have you flown Peach in the past? How was your experience? Will you fly Peach soon & or by any chance have questions about anything mentioned above? Feel free to share your experiences or post your questions in the comments section below. You may also send them via e-mail to contact@thewkndtravel.com.

Thank you for joining me in today’s Peach flight report. I hope you can also check out these flight reports as well as my previous flight reports with Cebu Pacific Air, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Vietnam Airlines and Air France. All other previous flight reports can be found under the Flight Reports category. Feel free to check them out. Please look forward to more flight reports in the future.

Before you go, I hope you can like and follow my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me increase my reach; it will also keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts and flight reports on this website. Thank you and see you in the next flight report!

PS. Photos were taken using my OnePlus 9 Pro.

HANOI Weekend Photoblog: 3 Fun-Filled & Spontaneous Days around the Vietnamese Capital City

Early this year, my friend and I flew to the Vietnamese capital city of Hanoi for a quick 3-day weekend getaway. We came across a ₱1 base fare ticket mid-last year and immediately took the chance to visit this beautiful city. We have heard great things about the place, so we decided to give it a go.

We did not get the chance to plan things out before the trip. We showed up to the airport with only a return ticket, a booked place to stay (accommodation) and an airport transfer – no planned itineraries, no booked tours and no whatsoever. Thankfully, the trip turned out fun and memorable despite everything being decided on the spot.

Allow me to share with you details and photos of this spontaneous and fun-filled trip to Vietnam’s beautiful capital city, Hanoi.

Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam; it is the second-most populous city next to Ho Chi Minh City. The city is in the northern part of the country, within the Red River Delta. The city used to be the capital of French Indochina back in the day. The influence is evident in the city’s centuries-old architecture and rich culture, particularly in the Old Quarter area.

Airfare

We took advantage of Cebu Pacific Air’s ₱1 base fare promotion in August 2022 and got our return tickets for a little over ₱5,000. The ticket included the usual 7-kilogram carry-on baggage allowance per way and a randomly assigned seat on both flight sectors.

My friend booked a return ticket to Hanoi and paid ₱5,338.17. On the other hand, I paid for a ticket to Hanoi and back from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and paid ₱5,059.62. I spent a few more days in Saigon after Hanoi and met up with friends whom I had not seen in a long while.

The return fares above are a little bit pricier than the recent ₱1 base fare tickets in recent months. However, considering the high prices of everything, including jet fuel, these days, the tickets we paid for are still a bang for the buck.

After Hanoi, I flew to Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnam Airlines and tried their widebody business class product in a domestic flight. Check out the Vietnam Airlines business class flight report here.

Accommodation

Hanoi has thousands of affordable accommodations to choose from. The city’s accommodation rates are on the affordable side compared to the other capital cities in Southeast Asia. It also has a wide range of popular and local hotels, family-owned guesthouses, and backpacker-friendly hostels and homestays.

My friend and I booked a 3-night stay with Hanoi House Hostel & Travel. We paid VND 1,950,000 (roughly ₱4,500) for a twin room with a private toilet and shower. We paid around ₱750 per person per night for a large twin room with a refrigerator, television, work table, and fast Wi-Fi. We also enjoyed complimentary breakfast for 3 mornings.

One of the many available breakfast options at Hanoi House Hostel. Phở for breakfast. Why not?

Hanoi House Hostel & Travel is a nice place to stay when in Hanoi. The hostel’s location in the Old Quarter is central and very close to pretty much everything, including Hoàn Kiếm Lake and Ta Hien Beer Street (Beer Street Hanoi).

Going around Hanoi

Going around Hanoi is easy. Like any other Vietnamese city, the best way to go around the city is by driving a motorcycle. These are available for rental practically everywhere. If you do not know how to drive a motorcycle, you can opt to take the local bus, a taxi, or Grab (GrabCar or GrabBike). Another way to explore the city is by renting a bicycle and riding it around the city.

The best way to explore the city during a cold month (like our visit in January) is by foot. One can easily walk to many places within and nearby the Old Quarter.

Places Visited in Hanoi

We arrived in Hanoi with no pre-trip research or plans. We managed to visit a few places even without any plans. Let me share with you the ones we visited.

Day 1 – Mausoleum Complex & Old Quarter

After dropping our stuff at the hostel, we took a GrabCar to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex. We went inside the Mausoleum, checked out the Presidential Palace, Stilt House, and the Museum. Then, we walked to the nearby Hanoi Botanical Garden to check out the place before heading back to the Old Quarter for lunch.

We went inside our room afterwards and took a nap. A few hours later, we explored the Old Quarter area and walked to St. Joseph Cathedral and Hoàn Kiếm Lake. We met with another Indonesian friend for dinner and finished the day with drinks at Ta Hien Beer Street (Beer Street Hanoi).

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Presidential Palace

Stilt House

Ho Chi Minh Museum

Hanoi Botanical Garden

Hanoi Old Quarter

Bún Chả + Beer for Lunch

St. Joseph’s Cathedral

Hanoi Old Quarter at Night

Ta Hien Beer Street

Day 2 – Halong Bay Cruise Day Tour

We went to Halong Bay on our second day in Hanoi. The cruise day tour included pick-up from and drop-off at Hanoi after the tour, seafood lunch onboard the cruise, and visits to a local pearl store, Ti Top Island, Luon Cave, and Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave.

After the day tour, we headed back to our hostel to freshen up. Then, we met up with new friends we met on the tour for dinner in Old Quarter and drinks on the Beer Street.

Ha Long Pearl

Ha Long Bay Cruise

Hòn Ti Tốp / Ti Top Island

Hang Luồn / Luon Cave

Hang Sửng Sốt / Sung Sot Cave

Hanoi Old Quarter at Night – Part 2!

Hủ Tiếu Khô + Beer for Dinner

Ta Hien Beer Street Again!

Day 3 – Walkathon Around the City

We spent our last day literally walking around the city with new friends from the tour the day before. We went to the controversial Hanoi Train Street, the Temple of Literature, and Trấn Quốc Pagoda. We had delicious local dishes and banana coffee in between the long walks. Our last day ended with another party night at Beer Street.

Hanoi Old Quarter in the Morning

Hanoi Train Street

Hủ Tiếu Khô again for Lunch!

Temple of Literature

Trấn Quốc Pagoda

Ta Hien Beer Street for the Last Time!

This pretty much sums up everything about our 3-day trip around Hanoi. The 3 days around the city went by smoothly, despite everything being planned on the spot. The spontaneity of the itinerary made the visit exciting, interesting, and memorable.

Have you been to Hanoi on your previous trips? How did you find the city? Share your memorable experiences and discoveries in the comments section below. Do you have any questions about the details mentioned and shown above? Feel free to post them in the comments section below. You may also send these questions via email to contact@thewkndtravel.com.

Thank you for joining me in today’s blogpost. I will surely visit Hanoi again in the future and I will take time to visit the nearby city of Ninh Binh and the iconic town of Sa Pa. I do not know when exactly will that be but I hope it will be in the next few years.

Before you leave, I hope you can like and follow my social media pages – Facebook and Instagram. This will help me increase my reach; it will also keep you up-to-date with the latest blog posts and itineraries on this website. See you in the next one!

PS. Photos were taken using my OnePlus 9 Pro.