Before Dawn: The Excitement Begins
The anticipation was already alive when we woke at 4:45am. Visiting a new country always brings that electric mix of curiosity and exhilaration, and today it filled the entire apartment. With most packing done the night before, we settled a few small details before leaving home at 5:30am.
Down at the parking level, Din, our neighbour from one floor below, was ready with his minivan. Ten minutes later, we arrived at KL Sentral’s Air Terminal, waiting for Malaysia Airlines’ counters to open at 6:00am. By 6:20am, our yellow submarines were submitted for security screening — the first official step of this new adventure.
KLIA Express to Terminal 1
We watched our luggage disappear down the conveyor belt, then crossed over to the KLIA Express turnstiles. For a discounted fare of RM35 (≈ USD9/EUR8), the ride remains unbeatable — smooth, quiet, and reliably on time. We boarded the 6:20am train and arrived at KLIA Terminal 1 thirty three minutes later. Our flight, MH704, was scheduled to depart from Gate G4 at 10:10am.
Starbucks Ritual Before Departure
Up at the Departure Hall, we breezed past the first security checkpoint and sailed through Immigration using MyBorderPass. As usual, we parked ourselves at Starbucks, ordering:
- Tuna Sandwich
- Chicken Teriyaki Sandwich
- Iced Matcha Latte
- Iced Caramel Macchiato
for RM74.85 (≈ USD19/EUR16). At 7:05am, MH704 wasn’t yet on the FIDS, so we settled in. After breakfast, I opened my laptop to begin crafting the narrative for this trip while Cat fed scrolled her IG.
Gate G4 — The Gauntlet
Two hours later, we headed to Gate G4. Security here was its usual tense, surly affair, but we got through and reached the waiting area at 9:15am. Being in Group 2, we boarded at 9:37am. Since it would be a four hour flight, I took one last strategic potty break onboard before takeoff.
Four Hours Over Cloudy Skies & Kalimantan’s Wildfires
Pushback was at 10:07am, and MH704 took off twenty five minutes later. The flight was calm inside but visually dramatic outside. Near Kalimantan, thick clouds and haze from ongoing wildfires created a surreal, smoky landscape. Sunlight pierced through in thin golden streaks, turning the sky into layered shades of grey and amber. The cabin stayed peaceful — quiet passengers, soft engine hum, and a cinematic view through the windows.
We touched down at 1:55pm Philippines time, conveniently the same time zone as Malaysia.
Immigration, Customs & Our First Habagat
We disembarked five minutes later, took a quick potty break, and headed to Immigration. Thanks to our eGOVph eVisa and QR codes, we breezed through without questions. Customs was equally smooth.
By 2:40pm, we collected our yellow submarines and hailed a 6 seater Grab for PHP174.07 (≈ MYR10/USD3/EUR2), expressway fees included. Stepping outside, we were greeted by our first experience of Manila’s Habagat — warm winds, heavy humidity, and fast moving monsoon clouds. A dramatic, tropical welcome to our sixth ASEAN country.
Stay tuned for the next video as our Grab car takes us to One Uptown Residence, BGC!
(Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)
📍 Location:
Havironia Music - https://goo.gl/maps/swtNfVmjFK4FgRsf8
KL City Air Terminal - https://maps.app.goo.gl/LVzxRCdME4Zkeddu6
NAIA Terminal 1 - https://maps.app.goo.gl/oywsbSPUoAPzLA6h8
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