Go Solo Travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Pekanbaru

A shot in front of Air Asia airplane

Travelling is indeed a learning experience. Such experience will bring one to a broader perspective of his/ her world.

After ten long months of “confinement” in Indonesia, I had reached an opportunity to be back to the Philippines through a two-week off from work. We Filipino teachers from our school are fortunate enough to have this brief break every year with free tickets and airport terminal fees (free for OFWs).  Previously, the usual route of our journey in coming back to or going out of Pekanbaru in Sumatra Island is via Singapore but this time, our employer allowed us to exit and enter the city via Kuala Lumpur.

From Sultan Sharif Kasim II International Airport, Pekanbaru, Riau, Sumatra Island, the flight is approximately 45 minutes but the plane usually arrives at the destination 15 minutes earlier. My eyes were dazzling with amazement the first time I saw the airport and smelled the air in Kuala Lumpur. There are palm plantations which carpet the landscape of Sumatra Island and Kuala Lumpur as we approach the airport as seen from the plane’s window. Like the Philippines and Indonesia, Kuala Lumpur has a tropical climate. It has also a lot of similar flora and fauna. 

The first time I arrived in KL, the weather is sizzling hot. But there is a gush of strong winds and wave of swaying trees from beyond the far away from airport fence. The environment is pretty cool when it is raining. I encountered rain at the second time I passed by this airport from the Philippines to KL.

From the tarmac, all passengers have to walk less than a kilometer or so in order to reach the shaded arrival lounge and immigration counters. If it is sunny, one will be given a heat treatment from the rays of sunlight until one reaches the shades, but if it is rainy, then one will have to endure the drizzle and mist from the sky.

I cannot help but compare NAIA with Kuala Lumpur International Airport- Low-Cost Carrier Terminal (KLIA-LCCT ). In fairness, after all the criticisms of NAIA, the former can afford a collapsible walkway from and to the plane door to and from the arrival and departure lounge respectively. This is advantageous because passengers will be comfortable enough to walk or run minus the heat and drizzles. Yey! – a clap for NAIA (Terminal 3). But then, KLIA-LCCT has its own uniqueness which I think I still need to discover.

Asians who are hungry and whose staple food is rice should not expect rice to be served at some food stalls in KLIA-LCCT at least at the fast food outlets. Due to hunger and tiredness from the trip, I tried to order chicken, expecting that a rice will be served along with it but my hunger was turned to sickness when I receive my order rice-less.  One has to be patient enough to search for a food chain that serves rice.

One thing I enjoyed at the KLIA-LCCT is the internet service. It’s very fast and the connection is quick, just like any other modern airport, I guess. Walking spaces are wide and an array of chairs are plenty so that people are free to sit, lie or do any other position they want. This is advantageous for a passenger like me who waits for about 8 to 10 long hours for the next plane ride.

One thing that I was not able to do at KL is to get out of the airport. I opted to stay inside because it’s very hot or rainy outside. I also had a bulky, red baggage to take care of and I was not able to communicate with my acquaintances in the area that may take care of my brief stay and safe accommodation. I also have countable hours available so the time for city exploration is not enough.

But then I have witnessed the view of KL, at least, at the airport, saw its landscape and watched people move along the place. I also experienced the plane schedules and flights – thank God, all the flights moved safely.

As I went back to Sumatra Island for another year of teaching, after the vacation, the feeling of fear, excitement, homesickness, and sadness preoccupies me. It was the first time I left after a first balikbayan experience. As fellow OFWs say, leaving is much painful the second time around. But the consolation that I have in mind is the reward that this traveling brings – job experience, travels, learning, meeting people and earning “just enough” money for some savings. As one OFW says, “think of the money” and you will push yourself to go

Inside the old KLIA airport terminal

back. Get all their money as you work in return.  But money is just one of the ingredients of reward; the intellectual, emotional, and holistic maturity may be more important; economic reward follows.

Note: This was written in August 2012. The KLIA now (2018) has a new terminal which is more spacious, more organized and offers a variety of shopping experience and adventures. It is the KLIA2. Wait for some adventure blogs at the new airport. I have been there twice in 2018 and would want to blog a new one while waiting for my plane ride there. 

Also, in Pekanbaru, the Sultan Sharif Qasim II International Airport is also rebuilt. The new airport is more spacious and has increased airplane capacity.