World Traveller 73 
Within the technology app space, there are quite a few applications for your smart phone that make travel easier. One of my recent favourites has been “App in the Air”, which allowed for airline tracking much like Trip It.
Unfortunately, we’ve received news that App in the Air has decided to cease operations. This takes effect almost immediately, with another thirty days provided to export your data.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter “X” or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
App in the Air’s Final Flight: Popular Flight Tracking App Shuts Down.
App in the Air was a smart phone app that was used for tracking of flights and flight related data.
I particularly enjoyed it as a result of the time line bar graph that stretched across your home screen that counted down various portions of your journey. With an easy glance, it was easy to identify the amount of time left to check in, the amount of time left in the boarding phase, and the amount of time left in the flight itself. It even proactively offered up baggage claim belt information, something that’s typically harder to locate without stopping by an airport display screen.
App in the Air Shut’s Down:
Earlier this week, when I signed into the app to track the duration of a trans continental flight I was travelling on, I received the following notice that the app was shutting down pretty much immediately.
Navigating through to the App in the Air Website, users were met with the notice that App in the Air was shutting down with minimal notice. The news of the shut down came with minimal to no notice. Many travellers were surprised by this news.
Users were given two days of notice that the app would no longer be made available for download on the Apple App Store, Google Play and Samsung Galaxy Store.
The App offered options to export data for 30 days, ending October 17, 2024.
App in the Air provided information on how to export your data by providing an email address. I was able to follow the instructions, which were relatively easy to follow to extract data from the website.
Within a few minutes, I received a text file consisting of hard data. I had several hundred pages of electronic data, which wasn’t much use in the near term. It’s possible that these may be able to be ingested into future travel platforms.
There were also instructions on how to obtain a paid subscription refund, if you had recently subscribed to the platform.
While they did previously sell lifetime memberships for approximately $250 USD, it goes to show that nothing obvious is being offered to this particular population of customers.
App in the Air Offers a “Potential Landing Spot”
App in the Air did make arrangements with their competitor, “Trip It”, to offer a potential alternative. A link on the App in the Air website takes you to a landing page on Trip It, where a Trip It Pro membership is being offered for 1 year for a 50% discount at $24 USD per year (regularly $49 USD).
Following the link through to this offer page, will take you to the terms of the limited time offer.
While I also use Trip It, I find that the user interface is not generally as easy to interact with, as it is much more of a text based platform.
I will miss App in the Air, as it offered a great way of time lining your flights, in addition to having an easy user interface and a convenient flight time line for every portion of your flight.
How I Feel About The Shut Down of App in the Air:
It is sad to see a technology solution decide to end services to its customers. However, in the hyper competitive information technology software environment, I guess App in the Air felt that they couldn’t make this business model profitable.
I particularly appreciated the in flight timelines, as it allowed me to easily see how much time was left to check in, get to the boarding gate, and how much time was in the flight itself. It’s probably the feature I will miss the most.
While App in the Air used to offer life time memberships, it goes to show that a life time membership is generally only valid for the life of the company.
If you are an App in the Air user, which platform will you end up migrating to?
My return to North America was on Singapore Airlines Business Class on their newest Airbus 350-900. Much like my flight into Singapore, the flight had many highs and lows. The highs included a great food and beverage list, world class service and great entertainment. Whereas, the low points included a very cumbersome and dated seat, along with ergonomics that were just simply challenging and puzzling.
This post is one chapter on a trip with my 82 yr old mom from Canada to Singapore. For informaton on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction. This trip was enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, Air Canada Aeroplan and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards. For parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter “X” or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
✈️ Read more from this trip:
- Trip Introduction: Singapore with Mom & Thailand via Singapore Airlines Business Class
- My Experience Renting as a Hertz President’s Circle Member from Vancouver International Airport
- Air Canada Business Class: Vancouver – San Francisco
- The Westin San Francisco Airport, USA
- United Airlines Polaris Business Lounge – San Francisco
- Singapore Airlines Business Class: San Francisco – Singapore
- The Changi Lounge, The Jewel, Singapore
- Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore Changi Terminal 1, Singapore
- Exploring Lower Pierce Reservoir, Singapore
- Restaurant Review – C’est La Vie, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
- Bangkok Airways: Singapore – Ko Samui
- W Ko Samui, Thailand
- Ang Thong Marine Park, Thailand
- Dining at Fisherman’s Village, Ko Samui, Thailand
- The Blue Ribbon Lounge, Ko Samui International Airport, Thailand
- Bangkok Airways: Ko Samui – Singapore
- Singapore Airlines Krisflyer Lounge – Singapore Changi Terminal Three, Singapore
- Singapore Airlines Business Class: Singapore – Los Angeles
- Air Canada Business Class: Los Angeles – Vancouver
Review: Singapore Airlines Business Class A350-900, Los Angeles Tom Bradley International Terminal – Singapore Changi International Airport
“Singapore Airlines Business Class delivers hallmark terrific service, an engaging wine list with great ground amenities in Singapore Changi International Airport. “
Through some dedicated research, I was able to get to business class saver reward seats through Air Canada’s Aeroplan program. I booked Singapore Airlines Business Class San Francisco – Singapore returning on Singapore Airlines Business Class Singapore Los Angeles for even less than Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer’s own frequent flier program offered this ticket.
This review marks the second leg of our Singapore Airlines flight segments.
Checking Into Singapore Airlines:
I travelled from the family house up to Singapore Changi Airport. It was a bright sunny afternoon as we headed to Changi International Airport.
We arrived to the Singapore Airlines First and Business Class Check in Row 6 at Changi International Airport. There was no wait this afternoon. We were promptly served by the first available agent.
Singapore Airlines uses the “piece” concept for checked baggage to Canada and the United States. Singapore Airlines offers a 32kg baggage allowance of two bags, with an extra piece if you are a Singapore Airlines Kris Flyer Gold or Silver / Star Alliance Gold Member, or two extra pieces if you are a Singapore Airlines PPS Club Member. Our checked bags were tagged through without any challenges and promptly sent on their way.
The Lounge: Singapore Airlines SilverKris Business Lounge
After passing through immigration, we headed to the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Business Lounge in Terminal Three. There is quite a bit to this lounge and I’ll invite you to read the separate review for more detail.
The Singapore Airlines SilverKris lounge is located to the left on the secure side of the concourse, and is located up one level through the escalators.
The Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge represents the best business class lounge Singapore Airlines has to offer throughout it’s three terminals at Singapore Changi International Airport. Access was provided on a complimentary basis courtesy of our departing Singapore Airlines Business Class ticket.
The Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge offers a wide variety of seating and food available. It’s well worth a visit prior to any Singapore Airlines departing international flight.
Boarding Singapore Airlines:
After enjoying the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge, we had a twenty minute walk to our departing gate of B9. We ended up leaving the lounge at 7:40 PM for a posted boarding time of 8:10 PM.
Singapore Changi International Airport is a little unusual in that they complete security screening checks right at the gate. We had a short line, which was not separated by class, at the gate.
Once we got to the secure side hold room, I collected my secure duty free. We didn’t have too long a wait before boarding was announced. There were a few children running around burning off steam prior to the long international flight, which was quite entertaining.
When boarding was announced, we had a combined priority boarding announcement consisting of all groups, including Singapore Airlines PPS Solitaire, PPS Club, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold, Business Class all at once.
Singapore Airlines
Business Class
SIN – LAX (Singapore Changi Airport Terminal Three – Los Angeles Tom Bradley International Terminal)
SQ 38 – Business Class (I)
8:45 PM – 9:40 PM
June 12, 2024
Booked: Airbus 350-900
Flown: Airbus 350-900
On Board Singapore Airlines Business Class:
Singapore Airlines Business Class offers a proprietary seat that is exclusive to Singapore Airlines. Despite this Airbnus 350-900 entering service in the year 2019, Singapore Airlines opted to install a business class seat that has been around since July 2013. The seat configuration is a bit dated. This easily shows after you spend fifteen hours seated in the product. It especially pales in comparison when you compare it to new products like Qatar Airways Q – Suites Business Class, which offer a more intuitive and passenger centric experience.
The Singapore Airlines Business Class cabin is set up in a 1–2–1 configuration, split across two cabins of business class. I had assigned ourselves seats 14 A and 15 A on the left hand and shady window side of the aircraft. We self led ourselves to our assigned seats.
The beige and dark brown hues of the Singapore Airlines Business Class cabin, together with other calming hues go well together and create a superb first impression. According to Singapore Airlines, the seat has an expensive appearance since it is handcrafted from Scottish leather with diamond stitching.
The Singapore Airlines Business Class seat offers a reasonable amount of privacy compared to reverse herringbone business class seats. However, it doesn’t offer anywhere near the same amount of privacy as configurations with a private door such as British Airways Club Suites or Qatar Airways Q Suites.
The Singapore Airlines Business Class cabin lends more towards the functional side, as opposed to being aspirational. The dark brown colours are subdued, in contrast to some middle eastern carriers like Emirates and Qatar that “bling out” their cabins. The Singapore Airlines cabin speaks understated opulence, versus over the top
Sinking into the seat itself, a traveller is surrounded by a high wall space. The space offers several storage compartments. I found the space to be a little “tall” for my liking, and would have preferred a more open environment.
The seat controls were through a number of icon buttons on the console. Most of these looked a little challenging to figure out; or at least to the point where I wasn’t going to spend a lot of time figuring out how to make this work.
The seat offered Empower in seat power, along with USB – C charging. However, in showing the age of this seat, there was no where to actually store the computers, laptops and smart phones while they were charging, other than perhaps on your lap or on the thin magazine storage next to the charger. Many current in seat power configurations offer a convenient place to store your devices while they are being charged.
The forward console offered a small storage compartment with a sliding door. The storage space was for small items only, as the set up of the door led items to fall out. There was also a small shelf, which was intended to be a drink cupholder. The shelf didn’t have much stability and was located in a place where you had to “reach” for it.
The foot well of the Singapore Airlines Business Class seat was among one of the oddest features of the seat. The footwell is off centre and tucked into the corner of the seat. For seats on the left, the footwell is left oriented, versus seats on the right, the footwell is right oriented.
If you are a side sleeper, this didn’t bother me all to much but it was slightly odd for general relaxing.
Overall, the Singapore Airlines Business Class seat is showing a little age. While it offers much of what you’d expect from a business class seat, there are some conveniences that are starting to appear a little dated. The lack of space to charge electronic devices, the drinks’ holder that requires a long reach, and the off set foot stool are all minor design flaws in the seat that take away from general seat comfort. Despite this, the Singapore Airlines fully flat business class seat still remains mostly comfortable and a solid business class product to fly long distances in.
Pre Departure Beverage Services:
As the cabin settled in, the flight attendants came around with pre-departure beverages. Today’s choices were water, orange juice, guava juice mixed with champagne and champagne.
I ended up mixing it up a little bit and going with guava juice mixed with champagne. Since this was my last few hours of experiencing a tropical climate, I decided to try something a little fruity.
While I was enjoying the pre-departure beverage, our dedicated flight attendent “Rachel” came around to introduce herself. Our flight attendent indicated we had a flight time of approximately fourteen hours and forty five minutes. Rachel also confirmed my book the cook meal selections.
I also took the opportunity to check in on my mom. Mom seemed quite peaceful in her seat as a travelling 82 yr old. Flight attendant Rachel was kind enough to snap a quick photograph for the memory books, prior to take off.
During this time period, we also had a captain’s announcement from First Officer Fong, along with an introduction of the in flight service manager “Dave”. The First Officer announced that we were expecting a mostly smooth flight. There was also a courtesy reminder familiar on many flights to the United States of reminding passengers not to congregate near the lavatories.
The Amenity Kit: Penhaligon’s of London
Singapore Airlines typically stocks most business class amenities in the business class bathrooms. Recently, Singapore Airlines has started experimenting with amenity kits, which are available on request for flights over six hours in length.
During the initial flight attendant introduction, I requested an amenity kit which was promptly delivered. Singapore Airlines is presently partnered with Penhaligon’s of London who have a number of royal warrants for toiletries for the British household.
The Pehaligon’s amenity kits contained lip balm, facial mist and some hand lotion. The kit itself was rather small in size. However, it’s always useful to have a little lip balm available for travel.
The In Flight Entertainment System:
The Singapore Airlines Kris World in-flight entertainment was quite robust. Although I didn’t feature as many movies as emirates, it featured a substantial amount of films as you might expect from a predominantly long-haul carrier.
The audio was provided through a noise cancelling headphone, that was of reasonable quality.
Navigation of the entertainment system was, rather irritatingly, through a wired remote situated in the side console of the seat. Unfortunately the screen was not a touch screen, which made navigation slightly more complicated. The seat really starts to show its age through the lack of a touchscreen, which has become the predominant navigation interface with everything from tablets to entertainment screens.
The flight also featured a next generation flight map that included three-dimensional flight movements, a forecast of our estimated rude and 360° displays. Unfortunately the plane was not equipped with tail cameras, which was a feature that was missing from other like aircrafts in this category.
In one of the more modern features of the Singapore Airlines business class is that Singapore Airlines now grants all business class travellers complementary access to the Internet.
Connecting to the internet required providing your surname and seat number in order to connect. There was no limit on data useage, but I did fin the internet connection to be quite spotty and not as reliable as you might have hoped. If you have something important to send, make sure you do it before you actually get on board.
Departing Singapore:
During our taxi out towards the runway, we had the inflight safety video. The Singapore Airlines featured Singapore Airlines sarong attired flight attendants featured around exotic locations around the world.
We had a dark departure leaving the island city of Singapore. With efficient Singapore style, we were underway approximately five minutes ahead of our scheduled departure time.
Our track for departure was on a southern direction over the water, with an eventual turn northbound over the Indonesian islands.
The First Meal: Dinner
Our flight departure was shortly before 9 PM, which meant that dinner was served fairly promptly.
In addition to the printed menus that can be seen below, Singapore Airlines offers a digital menu that is available on their website about two weeks before your flight.
Singapore Airlines pairs with several regional celebrity chefs, in addition to featuring a pre-order “Book the Cook” option. The chefs are focused on the Pacific Rim area, and I didn’t happen to know of any of them prior to travelling on this flight.
While I initially went for an off menu “Book the Cook” option, I ended confirming an order of Braised Chicken in Tomato – Saffron Sauce with medly vegetables and potatoes from the original menu for the celebrity chef Matt Moran of Aria Sydney.
The menu offered in flight refreshments, along with snacks for those that were looking for something a little lighter.
The second service offered a light lunch, which was served around supper time in the arriving Pacific Time zone.
Singapore Airlines puts a substantial amount of effort into its wine program and tastes hundreds of wines at altitude. The wine list sparkles and is among the better business class wine lists in the world.
In addition to an outstanding wine list, there were a number of cocktails and apéritifs available.
There were also upscale Illy coffees and TWG teas.
The back of the printed menu offered a hint that the amenity kits were available on request. You would miss out on it if you weren’t paying attention.
I ended up starting off the dinner meal service with a Piper Heidsieck champagne. This was delivered and placed on the oddly shaped console table, featuring the drink that you had to “reach for”.
The signature Singapore Airlines Chicken Satay with onion, cucumber and spicy peanut sauce was presented as a Canapé. In a strange service execution, this was presented prior to the usual white table cloth being set down for dinner service. I enjoyed the satay, but it did not have the fresh tasting hawker stall grill taste for it.
After the satay was served, the white table cloth was placed down, representing the full start to meal service. Next up on the menu was the appetizer, Smoked Chicken Salad with Roasted Apples. I found this course to be quite tasty and enjoyable, with the smoke adding a unique flavour profile to the chicken.
For the main course, I went with a “Book the Cook” confirmed dish exclusively created by Matt Moran of Aria Restaurant, Sydney. I had high hopes for the Braised Chicken in Tomato-Saffron Sauce with medley vegetable and potatoes.
Unfortunately, I didn’t care much for this particular dish. I ended up finding it a little bland despite the accompaniments. Unusually, I didn’t end up finishing this particular dish.
I ended the dinner service with Honey Semolina Cake, an indulgent honey-sweetened semolina cake with coconut yogurt and ginger-poached pear. Despite the elegant title, it was also quite simple in taste.
Much like my inbound flight on Singapore Airlines, the portion size was about 60% of what I’d expect a normal portion size to be. While the portions were a little bit smaller, this would normally allow travellers to experience more different taste and flavours. However, the meal wasn’t all that exciting this time around.
The Singapore Airlines Bed:
Shortly after dinner, I requested the seat get made up into a bed.
Singapore Airlines has an unusual seat configuration in the fact that the seat folds forward from the top headrest towards the base. This is opposite from most other business class seats that just recline straight back.
This unusual requirement of being reliant on a flight attendant is a bit inconvenient in my humble opinion. In my case, I’d rather just drop off to sleep undisturbed rather than chase cabin crew to set up beds.
The bedding consists of a gray sheet, plush blanket and two pillows. While there is no specific sleeper set, the bedding is pretty comfortable.
Somewhere between the less than inspiring meal, some mild turbulence and perhaps the lounge food, I felt a little sick. Unusually so, I ended up getting sick in the bathroom. After that, I ended up turning in for a solid nine hours of sleep.
I ended up waking up about three hours before arrival in Los Angeles to the sound of an Indian Traver seated behind me watching videos on his smart phone with the volume on. The volume was loud enough that it woke me up over top of the engine noise. I think cabin staff must have had a word with him because it stopped after a while when I was still in the groggy waking up mode.
After waking up (or getting woken up by the charcther with the smart phone), I ended up ordering a café latte in order to wake up. This was indulgently served with a Kit Kat chocolate bar.
The Second Service:
Unlike our inbound flight, Singapore Airlines places it’s second meal service in the last third of this 14.5 hour flight. Technically that means that the service is about two and a half hours from landing at Los Angeles International Airport. This is a much more sensible meal timing placement unlike than on our way in, allowing for the traveller to maximize rest.
The second meal was presented from the menu as follows. I ended up confirming through “Book the Cook” the Exclusively created by Georges Blanc, Fresh Salmon with Garden Vegetable in Pesto Sauce which sounded nice and light for a pre-arrival meal.
After a towel service, the appetizer course for the second service was a sesame crab mayonnaise salad with grilled egg and pickled ginger, paired with a 2021 Joseph Drouhin Saint-Véran, Burgundy, France which was delightful.
The second main course was a Fresh Salmon with Garden Vegetable in Pesto Sauce with Risone pasta with diced artichoke, pea and baby carrot. The salmon was a nice treat, and even though it was “fish on an airplane”, it was well put together and tasty.
The dessert portion consisted of a Bakewell Mixed Berries Cake – an Almond based cake with vanilla Chantilly cream and berry compote. While it was pretty simple tasting, it wasn’t super decadent or exotic.
Afther meal service, we had a public address annoucement from the First Officer. He indicated we were approximately forty minutes ahead of schedule from landing at Tom Bradley International Terminal. It’s always great to arrive early and get time back into your day.
Arriving to Los Angeles Tom Bradley International Terminal:
Dusk was just starting to set in as we arrived over Los Angeles. We had a turn over land and headed into Los Angeles Tom Bradley International Terminal. Los Angeles doesn’t normally look this pretty, but it’s sure spectacular at sunset.
We arrived to gate next to a Turkish Airlines B777-200, which had arrived from the opposite end of the world. We descended into Tom Bradley International Terminal where I used Mobile Passport Control App to get my mom through Customs and Border Protection fairly quickly since she doesn’t have Global Entry.
After collecting our bag, we transferred over to the Marriott LAX hotel for an overnight layover. Since I’ve reviewed that property before, and not much has changed, I won’t be reviewing it again.
We left the next morning for. ourlast flight home on an Air Canada Business Class Los Angeles – Vancouver.
Our experience on Singapore Airlines Business Class A350-900:
Much like my flight out, the Singapore Airlines flight was filled with highs and lows.
Like my outbound flight, the food and wine lists were very good to exceptional. However, the Singapore airlines catered food wasn’t as exciting as I might have expected. The in flight service remained outstanding, and welcoming.
The Singapore Airlines Business Class seat is looking a little tired and dated. When comared to modern Club Suites, it’s looking exceptionally tired and even, at times, difficult to navigate through. Getting staff to make up a bed seems completely coubnter introuative for people looking to maximize their rest.
Still, travellers could do a lot worse than flying Singapore Airlines. Thanks for a great Aeroplan redemption, this marked an excellent way to get from Singapore to the United States. I’d happily repeat this experience again, anytime.
If you’ve flown Singapore Airlines Business Class Long Haul, did you enjoy the catering when departing Singapore?
Our departing flight on Singapore Airlines from Singapore afforded us access to Singapore Airlines’ flagship business class lounge at Singapore’s Changi International Airport. With a number of lounges available to it’s travellers, Singapore Airlines offers its best business class lounge offering with this Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge. Our visit to the Singapore Airlines SilverKris lounge allowed us to explore its wonderful features, which includes an extensive buffet, a terrific cocktail list, and a variety of seating areas. Read on to see all of what this lounge has to offer.
This post is one chapter on a trip with my 82 yr old mom from Canada to Singapore. For informaton on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction. This trip was enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, Air Canada Aeroplan and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards. For parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter “X” or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
✈️ Read more from this trip:
- Trip Introduction: Singapore with Mom & Thailand via Singapore Airlines Business Class
- My Experience Renting as a Hertz President’s Circle Member from Vancouver International Airport
- Air Canada Business Class: Vancouver – San Francisco
- The Westin San Francisco Airport, USA
- United Airlines Polaris Business Lounge – San Francisco
- Singapore Airlines Business Class: San Francisco – Singapore
- The Changi Lounge, The Jewel, Singapore
- Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore Changi Terminal 1, Singapore
- Exploring Lower Pierce Reservoir, Singapore
- Restaurant Review – C’est La Vie, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
- Bangkok Airways: Singapore – Ko Samui
- W Ko Samui, Thailand
- Ang Thong Marine Park, Thailand
- Dining at Fisherman’s Village, Ko Samui, Thailand
- The Blue Ribbon Lounge, Ko Samui International Airport, Thailand
- Bangkok Airways: Ko Samui – Singapore
- Singapore Airlines Krisflyer Lounge – Singapore Changi Terminal Three, Singapore
- Singapore Airlines Business Class: Singapore – Los Angeles
- Air Canada Business Class: Los Angeles – Vancouver
Review: Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge, Changi International Airport Terminal 3, Singapore
Singapore Airlines continues to operate a tiered lounge structure at Singapore Changi. In descending order of exclusivity, the structure consists of “The Private Room”, “The Singapore Airlines First Class Lounge”, The “Singapore Airlines Silver Kris Lounge (Business Class)” and the “Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold (SQ Elite Members)” lounges.
Today’s visit was to the highest level Business Class Lounge: the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge in Changi Terminal Three. For our earlier visit to the other Singapore Airlines Business Lounge in the other part of the airport, please see our review of the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Business Lounge Changi Terminal Two.
Depending on your access privileges, you may also have access to these lounges at Singapore Airlines Changi Airport that we’ve previously reviewed.
- Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge – Singapore Changi Terminal Two
- SATS Premier Lounge – Singapore Changi Terminal One
- Plaza Premium Lounge – Singapore Changi Terminal One
- The Jewel Lounge – Singapore Changi The Jewel
For a feel of what a Singapore Airlines Silver Kris outstation lounge is like, please see our visit to the Singapore Airlines Silver Kris Lounge London Heathrow.
Getting to Singapore Changi International Airport:
I had a family ride to the airport today across the Pan Island Expressway up to Changi International Airport. It’s always beautiful leaving Singapore under the rain trees during the daytime.
Before we knew it, we are arriving to Singapore Changi International Airport terminal Three.
Checking into Singapore Airlines Business Class:
We checked in at the Singapore Airlines Business Class counters for our flight to Singapore Airlines Business Class Singapore – Los Angeles.
The Singapore Airlines Business Class counters were located in the middle of the airport in row 6. In our late afternoon arrival, there was no wait to check in. The friendly agent promptly tagged our bags through to Los Angeles.
Locating the Singapore Airlines Silver Kris Business Class Lounge:
Once we cleared immigration through the e-gates, I stopped for duty free, collecting some unique Tanglin Orchid Gin for travels home. After that exercise, we headed for the Singapore Airlines Silver Kris Terminal 3 Lounge.
The concourse walkways are usually busier than the public sides. I actually find this walk to be among the least relaxing experiences at Singapore Changi International Airport.
There best way to locate the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge is to look for the square “SQ” logo in the overhead signage. All the lounges in Singapore’s Changi Airport are located one level above the retail zone
After walking left from the immigration e-gates and primary duty free zone, we found the escalators towards the Singapore Silver Kris Lounge. You can also look for the large royal blue Batik flowers that mark the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge at the top of the escalators.
Arriving to the top of the escalators, you’ll find yourself in the lounge reception area.
Reception at the top of the stairs will direct you towards the lounge that you are eliglble to use. The Singapore Airlines reception serves the Singapore Airlines Private Room, The Singapore Airlines First Class Lounge and Singapore Airlines SilverKris Business Class lounge.
Accessing The Singapore Airlines Silver Kris Business Lounge:
Singapore Airlines operates a tiered lounge structure at Singapore Changi. In descending order of exclusivity, the structure consists of “The Private Room”, “The Singapore Airlines First Class Lounge”, The Singapore Airlines Silver Kris Lounge” and the “Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold” lounges. Today’s visit was to the highest level Business Class Lounge: the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge.
The SilverKris Lounge is Singapore Airlines premium lounge, available to departing Singapore Airlines Suites, First Class and Business Class passengers in addition to Solitaire PPS Club, PPS Club and KrisFlyer Elite Gold members travelling on Singapore Airlines.
The SilverKris Lounges at Changi Airport are also open 24 hours and are also accessible to departing first class and business class passengers travelling on Star Alliance flights.
Singapore Airlines also offers Krisflyer Gold Lounges, which are accessible by those with Star Alliance Gold Membership, while travelling in economy.
The KrisFlyer Gold Lounges are located in both Terminals 2 and 3 of Changi Airport adjacent to the SilverKris Lounges and are accessible by departing KrisFlyer Gold members as well as Star Alliance Gold members travelling in economy class on Singapore Airlines or other Star Alliance flights.
The KrisFlyer Gold Lounge features buffet and dining areas, televisions, lounge areas, Internet workstations as well as complimentary wireless internet, but unlike the SilverKris Lounge, does not feature bathrooms or showers.
Today’s access to the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge was granted courtesy of a Singapore Airlines Business Class Singapore – Los Angeles ticket.
Inside the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Business Lounge:
The Silver Kris Lounge in Changi Terminal 3 gets all the accolades as Singapore Airlines flagship business class lounge. Indeed, this particular lounge is a much nicer version than it’s neighbouring Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge Changi Terminal Two.
Immediately upon entering the lounge, you’ll have 40% of the brighter space lounge on your right and 60% of the darker lounge on your left. The lounge is so large, it’s one of the few that I’ve been to that has it’s own official map.
Heading off to the right is the brighter lounge space that is likely the more coveted space. It offers the closest access to the only lounge bar.
Passing by the lounge bar, the right hand side of the lounge offers the brightest seating. The lounge seating overlooks the airport terrace, and is marked with the lightest daylight windows.
This is a popular space in the lounge. As a result, the seating tends to fill up quite quickly. A reverse photograph offers perspective on the limited seating on this right hand side of the lounge space.
In addition to terrific loungers, there were a number of communal tables offering high top seating. These were conveniently located next to the bar, for those looking to indulge.
The right hand side of the lounge offered a very small hot buffet area. This secondary eating area was much smaller than the main eating area, for those looking for a quick bite.
There were a number of corners in the lounge that offered seating, instead of one large room. These hidden corners added a bit to the lounge’s personality and diversity.
Entering the right hand side of the lounge, travellers are greeted to a larger lounge area in a variety of different seating configurations.
The lounge offered a reservations desk, which is always handy for trip interruptions or during cancelled flights.
Immediately upon entering the right hand side of the lounge, there were a number of loungers and high top counter seating places.
Shortly after the first seating area, you’ll find the main Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer food area. The food area is among the larger ones that I’ve seen in an international departures’ lounge.
Off the food service area, the lounge offered an additional “great room” that offered private seating in an elegant large room. The additional room didn’t offer many great airside apron views, but did offer a different space for seating.
Off the great room area and the dining area, there was an additional lounge seating space that consisted of higher density tables and chairs. Singapore Airlines was smart to incorporate such a large area in a high density format.
The views of the airline apron were a little less spectacular, as a result of the lounge being away from the windows. As a result, the views were often of the peek – a – boo variety. We spotted this Singapore Airlines A380-8 during our time in the lounge.
As the flagship Singapore Airlines Business Lounge, the lounge was tremendously large and well suited for all of Singapore Airlines’ connecting traffic. The lounge offered less lounge seating space, and more tables and chairs than I would reasonably expect. The space was also quite busy in the mid to late afternoon, when many of the international long haul flights are departing.
It’s natural to want to compare this space to the other flagship lounge in Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge – Singapore Changi Terminal Two. In comparison, this Terminal Three SilverKris space offers a much brighter seating environment, a larger selection of food and beverage, in addition to more physical space. I would easily chose this location instead of the Terminal Two version given the additional amenities.
Food and Beverage:
The Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge’s food program is where the lounge really shines. The main right hand side of the lounge offered a large buffet area. I am happy to report that the amount of food was easily enough to support a large meal replacement, allowing you to get on board and just head straight off to sleep.
Starting with the middle of the lounge, there was a large coffee and tea bar. The coffee bar featured the usual cappuccino machines. The tea bar featured a variety of premium branded TWG teas.
The buffet featured a huge variety of hot and cold food. It was pretty much endless and everything you could ask for in an international airline departure lounge.
In the cold section, the lounge offered a large salad bar. In my experience, it’s unusual to get fresh salads in South East Asia which made this an upscale touch.
There was a small fresh fruit and cheese bar. There were also small pre-wrapped sandwiches that could also be used as a take away versions to take with you for mid flight snacks.
Rounding out the cold section was some supermarket styled sushi, along with trays of desserts.
In special treats, there was several kinds of self serve ice cream available. These included Taro and Coconut Milk, Namdokmal Mango flavoured ice cream with sticky rice, and chocolate flavoured milk ice cream with chocolate chunk.
Over on the hot side, there were amples types and styles of food to choose from. In addition to regular buffet items, there were some made to order items.
One of the first made to order stations was the Laska and Kway Teow soup station.
There was also a somewhat italian themed pasta station.
There was also a fresh pho station, along with the usual fresh toppings that came with pho.
In terms of general buffet, there were all kinds of international and asian food offerings. On our visit, there were vegetarian fried dou qian with mushrooms, sauteed cauliflower with capsicum, steamed rice, chicken and leek stew.
I also located some steamed dim sum dumplings, which I throughly enjoyed.
If all that wasn’t enough, there were a number of familiar deep fried options ranging from chicken nuggets, french fries and samosas.
My mom really enjoyed the variety of food and was spotted tucking into almost everything.
Getting onto things to drink, the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge offered a number of self pour drinks, in addition to a fuller bar service that included cocktails The spirits include upscale Grey Goose Vodka, Bombay Sapphire Gin among other elevated spirits.
As with other Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounges, the spirits are displayed together on the counter top. It’s a rather casual appearance, which can tend to appear a bit disorganized when the lounge is busy and the bottles are placed back where they originally are.
In terms of wine, the lounge offered free flow Piper Heindsieck champagne, which was mostly on ice.
There were also a number of fairly good wines available through a wine thermador. These included the bouitque but mass produced Wairu River from New Zealand, Rodney Strong Chardonnay from California, and Catena Paraje Altamira Malbec from Argentina.
Over at the bar area, there were fuller cocktails available. I was able to enjoy a SilverKris Sling cocktail (gin, orange liqueur, champagne, orange juice and pineapple juice), which had eluded me on board my Singapore Airlines Business Class San Francisco – Singapore flight.
I ended up with a mix of everything; dim sum with a few french fries, chicken nuggets, fresh salad and a SilverKris cocktail. Looks simple, but I really enjoyed myself with the variety of food that was available.
I was travelling with my mom on this journey. Her eighty two year old self was really impressed with this Singapore Airlines lounge, commenting that it was among the best on the trip.
Overall, the food and beverage located within the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge was divine. There was enough food and beverage to keep you fully entertained.
We would end up enjoying the lounge before departing on a comfortable Singapore Airlines Business Class Singapore – Los Angeles flight.
The Bottom Line: The Singapore Airlines Silver Kris Business Lounge
In summary, the Singapore Airlines SilverKrisTerminal 3 lounge is a well appointed and highly functional lounge. The lounge offers a much nicer seating environment than the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge in Terminal 2.
The Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge offers a whole variety of seating, marked by one of the better business class lounge food offerings that I’ve seen in a while.
The Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge is well worth visiting in advance of your flight. It’s also a lounge where you can fully eat in advance of your flight, allowing to maximize rest on board.
If you’ve visited the Singapore Airlines Silver Kris Business Lounge at Changi International Airport, what was your visit like?
With the Ko Samui – Thailand airport offering a duopoly choice between Bangkok Airways and fly Scoot Airways operated by Singapore Airlines, we ended up flying Bangkok Airways Singapore to Ko Samui return. We would experience a mostly old school no nonsense flight experience, that included complementary seat selection, a free meal with wine, and free checked baggage. Read on to see how her experience was on “Asia’s Boutique Airline“.
This post is one chapter on a trip with my 82 yr old mom from Canada to Singapore. For informaton on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction. This trip was enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, Air Canada Aeroplan and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards. For parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter “X” or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
✈️ Read more from this trip:
- Trip Introduction: Singapore with Mom & Thailand via Singapore Airlines Business Class
- My Experience Renting as a Hertz President’s Circle Member from Vancouver International Airport
- Air Canada Business Class: Vancouver – San Francisco
- The Westin San Francisco Airport, USA
- United Airlines Polaris Business Lounge – San Francisco
- Singapore Airlines Business Class: San Francisco – Singapore
- The Changi Lounge, The Jewel, Singapore
- Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore Changi Terminal 1, Singapore
- Exploring Lower Pierce Reservoir, Singapore
- Restaurant Review – C’est La Vie, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
- Bangkok Airways: Singapore – Ko Samui
- W Ko Samui, Thailand
- Ang Thong Marine Park, Thailand
- Dining at Fisherman’s Village, Ko Samui, Thailand
- The Blue Ribbon Lounge, Ko Samui International Airport, Thailand
- Bangkok Airways: Ko Samui – Singapore
- Singapore Airlines Krisflyer Lounge – Singapore Changi Terminal Three, Singapore
- Singapore Airlines Business Class: Singapore – Los Angeles
- Air Canada Business Class: Los Angeles – Vancouver
Review: Bangkok Airways Airbus 319-1, Ko Samui International Airport – Singapore Changi International Airport Terminal One
This portion of our trip was a nested ticket inside an Air Canada Aeroplan award redemption. With a great Marriott Bonvoy redemption at the W Ko Samui,we paid for a separate air trip to Ko Samui from Singapore. This segment was the return portion of our flight.
As I reported earlier, the Ko Samui airport is owned by Bangkok Airways there is a duopoly on flights “in and out” of Ko Samui International Airport. Currently the airport is served by both Bangkok Airways and fly Scoot, operated by Singapore airlines. When I compared the two carriers Bangkok Airways offered a better value when all the ancillary seat selection and checked baggage fees were taken into account.
While Bangkok Airways did offer a business class cabin on the flight, it was priced at double the regular cash fare. Since the flight time was only one hour and forty minutes, and we already had lounge access in Ko Samui at the Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounge courtesy of Priority Pass, we didn’t bother to spend the extra money on a business class ticket.
As a result, we ended up purchasing a paid cash fare on Bangkok Airways to experience “Asia’s Boutique Airline”. We would end up crediting the flight miles to Qatar Airways Privilege Club Avios, which we’d later transfer to British Airways Executive Club Avios program to be topped off on a future redemption, as a American Express Membership Rewards partner.
Checking in with Bangkok Airways:
After taking a hotel car from the W Ko Samui to the Ko Samui International Airport, we checked in with Bangkok Airways.
The Bangkok airways check-in queue at Ko Samui international airport is located in the domestic departures building. With segregated domestic and international check in areas, we were promptly attended to without any wait.
After our passports were verified and our baggage was weighed and accepted, we were given boarding cards and directed over to the international terminal. The international terminal is located a short six minute walk away through a commercial mall like environment. The walk looked more like a south Florida mall environment than an airport; containing sleep bean bags, massages and coffee bars.
We evetnually arrived to the international arrivals hall where we arrived on Bangkok Airways Ko Samui – Singapore.
we entered the international terminal by passing through a security screening check followed by exit immigration. We took the opportunity to visit the Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounge, courtesy of Priority Pass. I’ve done up in separate post on my experience with the lounge; it was well worth a visit.
For those that didn’t have lounge access, the Ko Samui international Airport offered an outdoor open air concourse. This included beach lounge chairs near the coffee bar, a few select food and beverage outlets that were adjacent to a different gate areas.
We eventually made it over to an air conditioned portion of the international terminal for our departing flight to Singapore. There was an exceptionally small duty free zone at the Ko Samui airport, selling whiskies and Woodbridge Californian Wines. Since it wasn’t selling too much that was of interested, we decided we were better off waiting for duty-free on arrival in Singapore Changi International Airport.
While we were waiting for the flight, I happen to notice on the flight information screen that this Bangkok Airways flight code shared with nine different airlines that included Air France, Etihad, Emirates, Lufthansa, KLM, Quantas, British Airways and Finnair. I guess it is much simpler for Bangkok Airways to enter into code share agreements with all of these carriers, getting a little ticket revenue from each of them, while they get to offer a new destination on their websites.
Bangkok Airways offers complimentary snacks to all passengers through their convenience corner for those looking to indulge.
The Bangkok Airways Courtesy Corner offered many of the same snacks located in the Blue Ribbon Lounge, although it didn’t offer the neat dim sum from the lounge.
We eventually boarded with zone two approximately 25 minutes behind the boarding time as posted on our boarding card. Zone two was listed to be Rows 13 to 29. Since there are no jet bridges at the Ko Samui International Airport, we took the tractor towards the apron position of our aircraft and boarded the air stairs.
Bangkok Airways
PG 961 – Economy Class (V)
USM – SIN (Ko Samui International Airport – Singapore Changi International Airport Terminal One)
June 2, 2024
4:25 PM – 7:10 PM
Booked: Airbus 319-1
Flown: Airbus 319-1
On Board Bangkok Airways:
Today’s aircraft was a Bangkok Airways Airbus 319 – 1 “Phnom Penh”. Like our flight in, the Airbus interior is a little dated as a result of it being almost 16 years old.
We passed through the Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Business Class cabin which featured traditional recliner seats. Since the seats weren’t state of the art, I was reassured in the decision not to upgrade and purchase business class seat for the short leg.
Our seating was in the economy class cabin in row number six. We paid extra for front row seating which allowed us to get off the plane earlier than expected.
The legroom was about as expected for economy class seating. As a tall traveller and occupied most of the seat space which was perfectly fine for a short under two hour flight.
Instead, I wandered back to seat 7F in ecomony class. Row seven was among the first seats in the premium extra space seating. Bangkok airways economy class was a reasonable narrow body economy class seating in the usual 3–3 configuration.
The seats offered a reasonable round of legroom and were perfectly fine for short to medium haul flights.
Like on our inbound aircraft, there are no seat power points for plug-ins or telephones on the Bangkok Airways 319 aircraft. As a result I was unable to charge my smart phone, like I normally would on any flight.
I would also say that there was no television monitor entertainment on either the seat back or projected from the overhead console. As a result, if you want entertainment, you’ll have to bring it with you in the form of a book, magazine or downloaded content on your device.
The seat arm rest did offer a volume and channel feature. However, it was not in operation during our trip.
Similar to most Airbus 319 aircraft, Bangkok Airways offered individual air nozzles in the passenger cabin. This made for a comfortable cabin and ride up to Ko Samui.
The Bangkok Airways cabin on their Airbus 319-1 offered a reasonably comfortable seating and accommodations for our one hour and forty minute flight. Despite the cabin not having many of the modern conveniences like in seat power or in flight entertainment.
Departing Ko Samui International Airport:
We departed about 30 minutes past the schedule departure time. Since there was no other traffic, our takeoff from Ko Samui International Airport was smooth and fast.
We took off in the northerly direction on runway 17, with views from the wing over the harbour area and the islands’ coastline.
The Meal: A Light Dinner
After we reached our cruising altitude we had a captain’s announcement with an apology for the flight delay. An international duty free shopping purchase was offered, although there didn’t appear to be many takers.
A light dinner was offered on a complimentary basis which was a nice touch for an international economy flight.
Tonight’s dinner consisted of chicken curry with pineapple cake served all at once.
Brancroft Estate red and white wine was also offered on a complimentary basis. I ended up with a Chang Classic Beer.
Since there was no onboard in-flight entertainment, after dinner concluded there was nothing left to do except gaze out the window and enjoy the views of the clouds as we approach the equator. We can call this involuntary “raw dogging” a flight.
Arriving to Singapore International Airport:
As we started our descent, there was a pilot announcement cautioning on importation of drugs into Singapore along with it being an offence punishable by death. We had a roundabout landing into Changi International Airport. I always find it impressive arriving into Singapore given the amount of boats that are parked in the harbour.
For the first time ever, I arrived into Singapore Changi International Airport to a bus gate. Fortunately, there were quite a few buses available and being in the first five rows of the aircraft, we left fairly properly.
The bus dropped us off almost immediately at immigration preventing a long walk down to Singapore Changi Airport concourse. We use the Singapore Airlines immigration E gates and or through to collect our luggage at baggage claim quite quickly..
We would end up taking a grab ride share back to the family house before eventually heading home to Canada.
My Thoughts on Bangkok Airways:
Much like our outbound flight, our Bangkok airways experience was an old school fully equipped flight.
We were offered complementary seat selection, free checked baggage allowance and a free meal. Bangkok Airways even went as far as offering a few free snacks at the gate; something that you never find on other carriers.
While the equipment was a little old, it was perfectly satisfactory. My Qatar Airways Privlege Club Miles posted about nine days after the trip. With a great travel experience that delivered, “as expected”, I would easily fly Bangkok Airways again in the future.
If you have flown Bangkok Airways, how did you find their service as “Asia’s Boutique Airline” ?
Bangkok airways is described as “Asia’s boutique airline”. As an independent carrier that’s not attached to any international airline alliance, we would get our opportunity to fly them for the first time on our flights to and from Ko Samui, Thailand. Bangkok Airways operates a business lounge network called the Blue Ribbon Lounge. Our experience would allow us to test out the Blue Ribbon lounge courtesy of Priority Pass at their departing international terminal at Ko Samui International Airport. We’d find a nicely equipped clean lounge that offered everything you might expect on a small format basis.
This post is one chapter on a trip with my 82 yr old mom from Canada to Singapore. For informaton on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction. This trip was enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, Air Canada Aeroplan and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards. For parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter “X” or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
✈️ Read more from this trip:
- Trip Introduction: Singapore with Mom & Thailand via Singapore Airlines Business Class
- My Experience Renting as a Hertz President’s Circle Member from Vancouver International Airport
- Air Canada Business Class: Vancouver – San Francisco
- The Westin San Francisco Airport, USA
- United Airlines Polaris Business Lounge – San Francisco
- Singapore Airlines Business Class: San Francisco – Singapore
- The Changi Lounge, The Jewel, Singapore
- Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore Changi Terminal 1, Singapore
- Exploring Lower Pierce Reservoir, Singapore
- Restaurant Review – C’est La Vie, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
- Bangkok Airways: Singapore – Ko Samui
- W Ko Samui, Thailand
- Ang Thong Marine Park, Thailand
- Dining at Fisherman’s Village, Ko Samui, Thailand
- The Blue Ribbon Lounge, Ko Samui International Airport, Thailand
- Bangkok Airways: Ko Samui – Singapore
- Singapore Airlines Krisflyer Lounge – Singapore Changi Terminal Three, Singapore
- Singapore Airlines Business Class: Singapore – Los Angeles
- Air Canada Business Class: Los Angeles – Vancouver
Review: Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounge, Ko Samui International Airport, Thailand
On today’s departing flight, we were departing on Bangkok Airways Ko Samui – Singapore from Ko Samui’s International Airport.
Locating the Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounge Ko Samui International Airport:
Bangkok Airways happens to own the whole Ko Samui International airport. As a result, there are no competitor lounges in this particular airport aside from this Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounge.
After checking into Bangkok Airways Ko Samui – Singapore, we followed the long walkway over towards the international terminal through a variety of retail stores cafés and restaurants. All the hallways are outdoors, making for a very tropical departure.
After proceeding through security check and international passport exit control, we found ourselves on the secure side of the Ko Samui International Airport terminal. The Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounge is located immediately to the left of the first Concourse.
You won’t have any challenges locating the Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounge. The lounge is very easy to locate, given that the airport is so small.
Accessing The Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounge:
There are several ways to access the Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounge.
The easiest way to get access to the Blue Ribbon Lounge is through the purchase of a business class ticket on Bangkok Airways. If you’re travelling in Bangkok Airways Business Class, you will be afforded access.
The Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon lounge has partnered with a almost every single credit card company that has a lounge membership affiliation. At the time of our visit, the lounge had the following partnerships.
- Priority Pass
- Dragon Pass
- Dream Folks
- Lounge Key
- Lounge Buddy
- Lounge Me
- On Pass
Lastly, Bangkok Airways also offered Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Premier Plus and Premier level members and their frequent flyer program complimentary access.
I gained access to the Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounge through Priority Pass Select as a result of my American Express Platinum Card as part of the American Express Global Lounge membership.
After my digital membership card and boarding pass was validated, I was invited into the lounge without any additional wait.
Inside The Blue Ribbon Lounge:
I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect from a Bangkok Airways Business Lounge that served international travellers. Usually international business lounges occupy large terminals. However, the Bangkok Airways Ko Samui airport only has a few international flights per day, making their operation at Ko Samui International Airport quite small.
Immediately upon entering the Blue Ribbon Lounge, we left the muggy humid outdoor concourse airspace and entered into air conditioned comfort. Aside from one other traveler, the entire lounge was empty, despite having seating for about fifty travellers.
The Bangkok Airways Lounge was configured set up in a large room with multi level seating. Immediately in front of us we had couch and table seating for 2 to 4 persons. The lounge colour scheme offered a bright and tropical looking lounge space with lighter colours.
The lounge seating varied between rattan lounge chairs and dining tables and chairs that you might find in any restaurant. We didn’t have any challenges locating a place to sit, given that there were only three of us in the lounge.
The lounge offered a sunken lower seating area that was closest to the windows. The lounge lower seating offered another seating zone. There was also a somewhat tired looking massage chair located at the end of this seating zone which looked like it had seen better days.
The upper and main level of the lounge offered laminate hard wood flooring against cool air conditioners. The upper level was also located conveniently close to the food and beverage area.
Overall, the Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounge Ko Samui offered a quiet seating area with ample space. Since there are never usually large jets that leave here and with few international departures, you’re almost guaranteed to have a quiet experience at this particular Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon lounge.
Food and Beverage:
With a smaller lounge, you never know what to expect when it comes to food an beverage. I’m happy to report that the Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounge shone when it came to food in this smaller format lounge.
Our flight was later in the afternoon between actual meal times. I was expecting a lighter lounge snack fare during this period. Instead, we found a reasonable range of snack food.
There were individually wrapped cold sandwiches, salty snacks, fruit juices and wrapped baked goods.
In particular treats, there was also a dim sum steamer. While they weren’t quite the bamboo steamers found in a Din Tai Fung restaurant, it was a particular treat to enjoy dim sum in an airport lounge.
In terms of beverages, the lounge offered the standard coffee makers. The lounge offered both red and white wine on request.
I was able to put together many snacks to replace that period of time between the hotel breakfast and the meal we would have on board our Bangkok Airways flight. Overall, the food within the Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounge wasn’t enough for a meal replacement, but it was certainly more than I was expecting for a small format lonuge.
I would end up departing on Bangkok Airways Ko Samui – Singapore shortly after my visit.
My Thoughts on the Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounge:
I was impressed with the Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon lounge.
While I didn’t know what to expect for a small format international business lounge, I ended up being impressed with the space. The Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounge offered clean surroundings, fresh tasting wrapped food, and some limited wine. The space was nice and cool and made for a great break from the otherwise open air humid concourse.
If you’ve passed through Ko Samui International Airport, did you manage to get an opportunity to visit the Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounge?
The Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park is located just off the island of Ko Samui. Marking an archipelago of 42 individual islands, the Ang Thong marine park offers many areas to explore, along with some neat geographic features. We visited the Ang Thong Marine Park on a day journey from Ko Samui, taking in a solid swim, several beaches, a kayak and several viewpoints along with a hike up 450m in elevation. Read on to see how you can make the most out of a visit to this region.
This post is one chapter on a trip with my 82 yr old mom from Canada to Singapore. For informaton on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction. This trip was enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, Air Canada Aeroplan and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards. For parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter “X” or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
✈️ Read more from this trip:
- Trip Introduction: Singapore with Mom & Thailand via Singapore Airlines Business Class
- My Experience Renting as a Hertz President’s Circle Member from Vancouver International Airport
- Air Canada Business Class: Vancouver – San Francisco
- The Westin San Francisco Airport, USA
- United Airlines Polaris Business Lounge – San Francisco
- Singapore Airlines Business Class: San Francisco – Singapore
- The Changi Lounge, The Jewel, Singapore
- Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore Changi Terminal 1, Singapore
- Exploring Lower Pierce Reservoir, Singapore
- Restaurant Review – C’est La Vie, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
- Bangkok Airways: Singapore – Ko Samui
- W Ko Samui, Thailand
- Ang Thong Marine Park, Thailand
- Dining at Fisherman’s Village, Ko Samui, Thailand
- The Blue Ribbon Lounge, Ko Samui International Airport, Thailand
- Bangkok Airways: Ko Samui – Singapore
- Singapore Airlines Krisflyer Lounge – Singapore Changi Terminal Three, Singapore
- Singapore Airlines Business Class: Singapore – Los Angeles
- Air Canada Business Class: Los Angeles – Vancouver
Island Hopping and Hiking in Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park, Thailand
During our visit in Ko Samui – Thailand, I wanted to get out and visit a few of the local attractions. That manifested in a day trip from a W Ko Samui out to Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park for a full day of island hopping.
About Ang Thong Marine Park:
Ang Thong Marine Park is a national Marine Park consisting of an archipelago of 42 islands spanning 102 km at the shore of the Surat Thani province west of Ko Samui. Islands cover about 18 km² of the park. The park consists of steep limestone hills sinkhole caves and inland marine lakes, which makes for a scenic visit.
Booking a Visit to Ang Thong Marine Park:
It’s helpful to visit Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park on a scheduled tour. While you won’t get the complete experience of a private boat charter, it is the most cost effective method to visit the islands.
Since there are so many islands, you’re likely to connect between a few of them on any day trip. Our visit to Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park was booked through the tour desk at the W Ko Samui. The rate was 2,600 Thai baht or US$71 per person. Our rate of included return transfers, a light breakfast, a full lunch, free flow waters and soft drinks.
Getting to Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park:
Our tour day started at about 7:30 AM. We picked up a quick breakfast at the W before setting off, since we didn’t know when our first lunch was going to be scheduled. I ate fairly lightly as I didn’t know how rough the seas were going to be.
After a short twenty minute drive over to the harbour, we hopped in to the boat launch reception. We had to pay a small fee for access to the national park entrance fees.
During our time at the tour reception, we had a brief explanation of our scheduled itinerary which followed this picture below. The day would start off with a little bit of snorkelling at the north end of the marine park, followed by a beach viewpoint at Talay Nai followed by some kayaking down at Angthong. Lunch was scheduled for the last stop of the day, with the optional mountain climb for those iconic postcard use.
We had a smooth ride over to our first stop. The trip was approximately one hour and surprisingly, the ocean was free of waves. While I had taken motion sickness pills, I didn’t actually end up needing them. My only comment was that the ride over was on an industrial type boat that was absent of many outer decks, making the trip over a little institutional in nature.
It’s always good to get a little perspective on the island of Ko Samui. We had a great shoreline views departing Ko Samui, where we got to see a glimpse of the property development that is occurring up the hilly slopes of the island.
Koh Wao Yai Snorkeling:
We arrived up to our first stop at Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park after about an hour of travel. Our boat set anchor at Koh Wao Yai, which was a small grouping of islands at the north end of the and Thorne Marine Park.
Admittedly, we’ve been pretty darn spoiled with trips through the maldives, Mauritius, French Polynesia, the Red Sea in Egypt and CG. We’ve had some pretty spectacular snorkelling throughout the world.
Regretfully, this particular snorkelling spot wasn’t all that interesting. I’d even categorize this more as a “swim”, than a “snorkel”. The visibility was pretty thin and mostly obscured. It was even less exciting than snorkelling that we had had near Ko Phi Phi Don.
However, we did enjoy a very picturesque bay while we hung out for a swim in the water. The swim was at just the right temperature and allowed us to cool off a little bit from the ride out.
Ko Mae Ko Island:
After we finished about an hours’ worth of swimming, we came straight through the island in the centre of the park. We navigated through to Ko Mai Ko Island for a dock landing. We had a small beach waiting for us, marking an idillic island experience.
Ko Mae Ko Island is known for one of the most picturesque freshwater lakes in Thailand. There is a trail up to several viewpoints to allow for a great view. We tackled the trip up in short order with a 45 minute stuff planned.
After a short 10 to 15 minute climb up some uneven stairs, we found our self at the wonderful viewpoint of the freshwater lake. The government of Thailand has walled off access to the lake and as a result it can’t be accessed or swim in. It had a pristine and still look to it.
Given our remote location, there wasn’t a lot of cell phone service on the islands. At some points the coverage points were marked with these convenience signs.
We killed off the rest of our visit to Ko Mae Ko Island with some time hanging out on the beach. The beach was a short one in length but it was anchored at each end by buy some creative rock formations.
Ko Wua Tu Lap:
Our last stop of the day was at Ko Wua Tu Lap. We spent about two and a half hours here, including the day’s lunch break. We were given an opportunity for both climbing and kayaking along with resting on the beach. This was the most popular spot of our trip and consequently the most crowded.
We disembarked from the boat on the water dock and wandered ashore. The beach setting was all the beauty that you’d expect a Thailand beach to be.
We are encouraged to do a little kayaking at the beginning. As a result we decided to get onto the water in our two person kayak.
We set up for a short paddle along the shoreline says led by our guide. The current was taking us a little bit of ways and it took a bit more effort to paddle back the way we came.
Climbing the Pha Jun Juras Nature Trail:
On the island, we were given the opportunity to climb the Pha Jun Juras Nature Trail. It was described as a 500 m climb up. We located the trailhead which was shortly inland.
We started climbing up towards the viewpoint in the heat of the day which was at least 33°. I probably should have packed something more substantial than Teva sandals for this claim and it was quite straining especially after having a massive lunch. Of the five viewpoints we ended up at the fourth one before calling it a day.
As we climbed higher and higher, we got views of the beautiful limestone mountains through this wonderful Island Park. It was exactly what you expect from Southeast Asia and perhaps some areas in the Philippines through a very beautiful corner of the world.
My Thoughts on Visiting the Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park:
It’s easy to spend your whole beach holiday relaxing at your resort.
By visiting the marine park, we were able to get out and enjoy some of Thailands’ beautiful islands. While it wasn’t the most serene or peaceful experience, it marked for a beautiful day with fabulous scenery.
If you’ve visited the Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine Park, did you have any suggestions or recommendations ?
The island of Ko Samui has a historic fishing area called Fishermans Village – Ko Samui. It’s become the islands dining pedestrian oriented street where you can get all kinds of restaurants, shopping experiences and the occasional Thai massage. Our visit to Fishermans village had us enjoying two different dinners at sunset. This write up of our experience shows you what to expect when you visit Fishermans Village.
This post is one chapter on a trip with my 82 yr old mom from Canada to Singapore. For informaton on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction. This trip was enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, Air Canada Aeroplan and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards. For parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter “X” or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
✈️ Read more from this trip:
- Trip Introduction: Singapore with Mom & Thailand via Singapore Airlines Business Class
- My Experience Renting as a Hertz President’s Circle Member from Vancouver International Airport
- Air Canada Business Class: Vancouver – San Francisco
- The Westin San Francisco Airport, USA
- United Airlines Polaris Business Lounge – San Francisco
- Singapore Airlines Business Class: San Francisco – Singapore
- The Changi Lounge, The Jewel, Singapore
- Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore Changi Terminal 1, Singapore
- Exploring Lower Pierce Reservoir, Singapore
- Restaurant Review – C’est La Vie, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
- Bangkok Airways: Singapore – Ko Samui
- W Ko Samui, Thailand
- Ang Thong Marine Park, Thailand
- Dining at Fisherman’s Village, Ko Samui, Thailand
- The Blue Ribbon Lounge, Ko Samui International Airport, Thailand
- Bangkok Airways: Ko Samui – Singapore
- Singapore Airlines Krisflyer Lounge – Singapore Changi Terminal Three, Singapore
- Singapore Airlines Business Class: Singapore – Los Angeles
- Air Canada Business Class: Los Angeles – Vancouver
Dining at Fisherman’s Village, Bo Phut, Ko Samui, Thailand
While it’s always easy to stay at the resort, it’s much more engaging to get out and enjoy some of the independent restaurants as opposed to eating resort food. We would definitely take a break from the W Ko Samui to get to Fishermans Village, in order to sample some off property restaurants.
About Fisherman’s Village:
Fishermans Village was previously Ko Samui’s – Thailand’s historic commercial fishing area. However it’s traditional fishing roots are hard to find today. The area is currently a pedestrian oriented walking zone, filled with international restaurants, Thai massage parlours and other convenience stores that are oriented towards international travelers. In the evening there is also a night market where knock off souvenirs and Thai street food can also be purchased.
Visiting Fisherman’s Village:
We got to the Fishermans Village Ko Samui using a Grab ride share from the W Ko Samui. With a little orientation, you can get your driver to drop you off in the main parking lot. The parking lot is across the street from where you can pick up taxis for the ride home. With a little haggling, we were able to locate a taxi driver for the return trip, that was willing to drive at near Grab rates.
Just off the parking lot is the street food stall zone. You can pick up everything here from a cheap cocktail, along with a variety of street food that is mostly freshly prepared in front of you.
There are a number of knock offs souvenir stands offering goods imported from all over Asia. While it may be of interest to some first time travellers, I didn’t happen to see anything here that was super new, exciting or engaging.
Visiting Coco Tam’s for Sunset:
One of the most popular restaurants in Fishermans Village Ko Samui is Coco Tams. A near number one restaurant on TripAdvisor, Coco tams has developed into a very large beachfront postal code offering all sorts of dining.
we were able to turn up at about 7:20 PM on a weeknight and get seated without having a reservation. We opted for non ocean front seats upstairs, where the ocean view was still pretty good, with open air alfresco dining.
there is certainly something to island holiday lifestyle and that’s enjoying a large cocktail with a bunch of fresh herbs in it. This one was a large rum drink which was a change from the usual sparkling wine and gin and tonics I’ve been enjoying in the villa.
Mrs WT 73 and I were able to enjoy some dinner at Coco Tam’s with a pretty good beach-y vibe to the place. Mrs WT73 stuck with a ham cheese Rustico pizza. I went with something strictly non-Southeast Asian, with a spaghetti vongole. Both were pretty tasty.
Krua Bophut Thai Food:
We have been looking to get in some Thai food during our visit to Thailand. The Krua Bophut seaside restaurant on the Fishermans Village Ko Samui fit that bill.
The most remarkable part of the restaurant was the fact that it offered dining on the sand talked away from the main street fair. Without a reservation we were able to get seated at 8 PM.
During our time at the restaurant, we were able to take in some of the nightly firework displays going on next-door at Coco Tam’s. Fireworks seem to be “the event” in Ko Samui, with many nightly celebrations popping up throughout resorts, bars and nightclubs.
I enjoyed a really fresh tasting Pad Thai that contain shrimp and some great sprouts and noodles. While it may not have been as fresh as the street food version down the street, I really appreciated this version and would have it again in a heartbeat.
My Thoughts on Fisherman’s Village:
While Fishermans village won’t move the needle for many people, it fits everything you might need for a beach resort dinner location.
With a convenient location, ample restaurants, and enough shops to meet all international needs, your app to find exactly what you’re looking for for any holiday dinner at Fishermans village.
What strategy do you use when you look to dine off the resort, during a beach holiday ?
The W Ko Samui would mark our second stay at a W Resort in the South East Asian Indian Sub Continent zone. Our six days stay at the W Ko Samui would have us enjoying a terrific Marriott Bonvoy upgrade to an Ocean Front Haven Villa, a large private space that we could relax in for complete privacy, and a villa that was located steps from pleasant beach along with nearby beach massages. Read on to see what our week long stay at the W Ko Samui experience was like.
This post is one chapter on a trip with my 82 yr old mom from Canada to Singapore. For informaton on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction. This trip was enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, Air Canada Aeroplan and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards. For parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter “X” or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
✈️ Read more from this trip:
- Trip Introduction: Singapore with Mom & Thailand via Singapore Airlines Business Class
- My Experience Renting as a Hertz President’s Circle Member from Vancouver International Airport
- Air Canada Business Class: Vancouver – San Francisco
- The Westin San Francisco Airport, USA
- United Airlines Polaris Business Lounge – San Francisco
- Singapore Airlines Business Class: San Francisco – Singapore
- The Changi Lounge, The Jewel, Singapore
- Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore Changi Terminal 1, Singapore
- Exploring Lower Pierce Reservoir, Singapore
- Restaurant Review – C’est La Vie, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
- Bangkok Airways: Singapore – Ko Samui
- W Ko Samui, Thailand
- Ang Thong Marine Park, Thailand
- Dining at Fisherman’s Village, Ko Samui, Thailand
- The Blue Ribbon Lounge, Ko Samui International Airport, Thailand
- Bangkok Airways: Ko Samui – Singapore
- Singapore Airlines Krisflyer Lounge – Singapore Changi Terminal Three, Singapore
- Singapore Airlines Business Class: Singapore – Los Angeles
- Air Canada Business Class: Los Angeles – Vancouver
Review: The W Hotel, Surat Thani District, Ko Samui, Thailand
“The W Ko Samui offered the largest private hotel villa I’ve ever stayed in. A great value on Marriott Bonvoy points, the W Ko Samui offered the ultimate in privacy in spacious surroundings “
Booking The W Hotel Ko Samui:
We had previously visited Thailand a number of times calling on Bangkok and Phuket. However the island of Ko Samui had escaped us until now. After a recommendation from the manager of the W Maldives, who used to be the manager of the W Ko Samui, we opted to try out the island of Ko Samui, Thailand for our next week long holiday.
While we had a number of Marriott options on the island of Ko Samui, we ended up deciding on the W Ko Samui for their large villas and overall upscale beach vibe. Our second choice was the Vana Belle, a Luxury Collection Resort, but it’s obstructed ocean views and a older orientation made this a little less than ideal. We also considered the Ko Samui Ritz Carlton but during our visit, they were only offering redemptions on base rooms.
Marriott Bonvoy Opportunities:
We booked the W Ko Samui using Marriott Bonvoy points. Marriott Bonvoy points have moved to variable pricing, so my strategy was to book the property as far in advance as possible, then watch for potential price reductions.
The W Ko Samui offered room redemptions across all room categories at variable pricing rates between 74,000 and 112,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. Our visit aligned with Singapore school holidays. Despite this, it was relatively quiet in Ko Samui during our early June visit.
Since this was a holiday aimed for relaxing, I ended up booking the room category I wanted and hoped for an Marriott Bonvoy elite level room upgrade from there. Using a Marriott Bonvoy Pointsaver rate, I ended up booking a Ocean View Escape, which was a 1 Bedroom Villa featuring a 1 King, Ocean facing view, Private pool. The Ocean View Escape was two categories up from a base Jungle Oasis and Tropical Oasis room.
I was able to book this under a Marriott Bonvoy Pointsavers (Cash and Points) rate for 268,400 + 25,000 THB. A regular room redemption was 404,400 points under the redemption with points upgrade category.
I found the use of Point Savers be a reasonable deal, given the retail value of the room on a cash rate was well over $5,400 USD.
Like a diligent reward traveller, I ended up watching the reservation rates. Thanks to Marriott Bonvoy variable pricing, the rate dropped and dropped and dropped and dropped, the closer I got to this day.
The Marriott Bonvoy points reward rates at the W Ko Samui were nonrefundable at the seven day mark. Following the reservation rate drops, I ended up saving approximately 25,200 Marriott bonvoy points overall, as the point rate dropped from 268,400 to 243,200 Marriott Bonvoy points from when I had initally completed my reservation.
After making the reservation, I applied Marriott Bonvoy Nightly Upgrade awards to the room reservation. As every room at the W Ko Samui is a villa, there were limited rooms available for upgrade through the Nightly Upgrade Award program.
While they didn’t offer any upgrades into the Wow Suite categories, I was eventually able to get a confirmed Nightly Upgrade Award into an Ocean Front Haven Villa. The nightly upgrade award was confirmed about two days before our stay.
Overall, I was happy with using a point saver award redemption stacked with a Nightly Upgrade Award. I felt that it struck the right balance of using points strategically, and saving some others for some trips that are coming in the future.
Getting to the W Ko Samui:
We flew into Ko Samui Thailand on Bangkok Airways Singapore – Ko Samui. After clearing immigration and collecting our bags, we ended up taking a W Hotel car Toyota Fortuner from the airport to the hotel. The price was ฿800 ($22 USD) which included staff waiting for us at the airport. By way of comparison, a grab rideshare was quoted at approximately 600 ฿ ($16 USD). It was much more relaxing to take the hotel car, as we didn’t have to worry about flight delays or attempting to find ride share availability.
The W Ko Samui is located a short ways away from Fishermans Village in the Bo Phut area of Ko Samui. It was approximately 25 minutes drive from the airport. After a steep drive up the resort driveway, we arrived at the W Ko Samui loading area.
We arrived through the hotel entrance way and started the check in process. The hotel offers a sleek and minimalist look from the outside. However, once you get inside, you are presented with tremendous hillside views.
Checking into the W Ko Samui:
Upon arrival to the lobby, it took a little while to find the check in agent. We were seated on the couches while an arrival drink was presented. There is no mistaking you’re staying at a W at the W Ko Samui. The lobby art was sharp, strongly decorated and even as far as disturbing, in some circumstances.
We were staying for six nights and had applied Marriott Bonvoy Nightly Upgrade awards to five of them. Courtesy of Marriott Bonvoy Titanium status, we were upgraded on a complementary basis into our confirmed nightly upgrade award room for our sixth night. This was super convenient as it meant that we did not have to relocate mid stay.
We provided our credit card for a preauthorization for our entire stay along with the deposit amount. As a nice courtesy, we were also given a 10% discount off all food and beverage as a result of being a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium level member. The discount was automatically applied to invoices, with no fuss.
We enjoyed some of the iconic W Ko Samui views from the lobby before hopping into our golf cart to get escorted to our Ocean Haven Villa room.
After the check in process, we were loaded into a golf cart and give him a ride down the hill towards our Ocean Haven Villa. We were encouraged to call for a golf cart anytime we wanted using the W Whenever / Whatever telephone line.
The Room: An Ocean Front Haven Villa, 1 Bedroom Villa, 1 King, Oceanside, Beach Front, Private Pool
With all rooms at the W Ko Samui being villas, the rooms were exceptionally private with high walls.
The Ocean Front Haven villa was described as having 223 sqm / 2,399 sq feet. This consisted of 65 sqm / 699 sq feet. of indoor space and 158 sqm / 1,700 sq feet of outdoor space.
We were led down to Villa 131, which was located right on the ocean front. The surrounding environment was beautifully landscaped with tropical plants such as bamboo and palm trees.
Upon entering our Ocean Front Haven Villa, Justin gave us a tour of the Villa and pointed out all the amenities. Immediately upon entering we found ourselves in the coffee and refreshment area. We turned left and found ourselves in the Ocean Front Haven villas bedroom and living area.
the room was long and rectangular in shape and offered a couch, coffee table, Florida ceiling windows along with a very comfortable soft king-size bed..
I really appreciated the large daylight windows that were against one side of the villa wall. I spent quite a bit of time during the stay of staring outside and enjoying the view of the plants and skyline.
The refreshment zone was quite well stocked, as can be expected for a W Resort. There was complimentary bottled water available, which was generously supplied at all times.. Given that the room was a W, there was a full set of glassware that included wine and martini glasses. There was also a generously stocked paid snack and minibar.
The coffees were Illy Coffee pods. The coffee machine was a little tricky to operate, but after reading proper instructions and staying a few days, I easily got the hang of it.
The mini bar was well stocked with mini international and also a few Thailand juice and soft drink brands.
The Bathroom with Outdoor Shower:
The bathroom featured both an indoor and an outdoor shower. The outdoor shower was completely enclosed, but had an open sky allowing you to look upwards at the sky.
The bathroom offered a double sink vanity with a large ceramic tub with private pool water views.
Outdoor Space:
Heading outside, there was a large outdoor space available in the Ocean Front Haven Villa. Just off the bedroom through a set of French doors, there was a shaded daybed. There was also a small table and chairs with umbrella.
The yard was a long rectangular space with a private infinity pool. I’ve come to expect a smaller plunge pool in a hotel private villas. Most of them are just small enough to take a dip in to cool off from hot temperatures. The W Ko Samui pool was quite long and large enough that you’d actually spend a little bit of time in it. It was easily the largest pool that I’ve had the opportunity to enjoy in a hotel villa.
The outdoor space was among the best parts of the villa. It was a large private space that was completely filled with privacy and tropical shrubbery.
The end of the villa space lead to a yard that was exceptionally private. Although the Villa was on ocean front, the yard was almost so private that the space had no ocean view.
The outdoor area was marked with artificial turf which was a slight distraction from the nature scape, but probably made it easy for the resort to maintain the space.
The best part of enjoying a private villa is spending time outside. I’m happy to report we spent about four full days in the privacy of our villas’ outdoor space.
It’s worth commenting that there have been some reports of mosquitoes at the property. While this is accurate, I generally found that the mosquitoes came out after the sun set. During the day, in the bright sun, the area was pretty much mosquito free. I packaged insect repellent with me but I never needed to use it.
At around 5 o’clock when the sun started to set, and temperatures got a little bit cooler, I would get the odd mosquito bite at the Villa. We took care not to let any in, and we didn’t find that it impacted our stay in any meaningful way. This environment also translates into the resort not having any beachside restaurants where you can dine after dark.
If you’re really worried about mosquitoes, my advice would be not to worry too much about it. The resort does provide a small vial of mosquito insect repellent in the room, but we never even had the need to open it during our stay.
While the villa was spacious, I did end up missing the ocean front view. While it was considered a branded and Ocean Haven Villa, aside from the fact that you were close to the ocean, there isn’t much ocean views.
Generally speaking, I was really happy with the value and use of the Nightly Upgrade awards at the W Ko Samui. The stay was made better by leveraging Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Status and getting the sixth night upgraded for free in the elevated room. The Ocean Front Haven Villa was exceptionally comfortable. My most favorite feature were the large windows overlooking the small infiniti pool.
Around the Hotel Property:
The W Ko Samui Pool “Wet Deck”
Almost every W features a pool area they call the W Wet Deck. At the W Ko Samui the wet deck was located partially between the upper slope of the lobby and the lower ground level of the beach. The wet deck was landscaped into the environment with cat views over green canopy.
The wet deck featured towels, loungers and an outdoor foozball table. However since most rooms are villas all have their own private pools resulting in the wet deck being a pretty quiet place to be.
The only time we would end up using the W Wet Deck was during our check out day, prior to leaving for the airport.
Gym & Spa:
Underneath the pool and Wet Deck was the gym and the spa. The gym was open 24 hours a day and a nice air-conditioned space with daylight windows.
The spa next-door was made available to us on checkout day for a courtesy shower before our flight. Both spaces were sleek and contemporary.
The W Ko Samui Beach:
The W Ko Samui resort is located on Ocean front property. From our Ocean Haven Villa, we walked the short distance to the W Ko Samui beach.
Unfortunately the W Ko Samui beach isn’t the best beach when it comes to worldwide beach resorts. Most of the sound is quite coarse and you won’t find that white powdery sand you might get in the Maldives or the Caribbean at this particular location. The wave breaks are quite a ways out and you won’t have the sound of waves crashing against the shore either.
Along with many resort beaches, there was opportunities to get beach massages at offers or prices. I enjoyed a few Thai massages for ฿400 an hour. This was a great value against the resort spa prices.
It’s also worth mentioning that the W Ko Samui does not maintain a very large beachfront lounge area. While the beach has some shade, it’s a pretty warm place.
The Sweet Spot:
One of the neat features of the W Ko Samui are there “the sweet spot” ice stations.
Strategically located around the W Ko Samui, the sweet spot offers an ice station, a soda bar, and an ice cream freezer chest. You’re able to help yourself at any time to soft drinks and ice cream. What a terrific idea!
The ice cream offered some local brands, although there were also some international flavours. It’s unique and strange to have a Taro ice cream sandwich, although I did also fill up on chocolate and strawberry Cornetto’s cones as well. This was a frequent stop after dinner and I really enjoyed this feature.
Food and Beverage:
There were a few food and beverage options on the resort at the W Ko Samui. While the pricing was not as high as we would find on our private island experience at the W Maldives, the pricing was elevated and you certainly paid for the “on resort” convenience.
Overall I did find the food offerings to be a little bit better than average. I certainly didn’t have any complaints but some of the food was not all too exciting.
The Kitchen Table
Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Breakfast
The Kitchen Table is the resort’s all day dining option. It is the only option open for breakfast, which started at an early 7:00 AM and ran to 10:30 AM. The Kitchen Table was located underneath the fabulous Woo Bar pool.
The Kitchen Table breakfast offer a complementary Australian sparkling wine and Smirnoff bloody Mary’s. Mrs. World Traveller 73 really enjoyed this as a free flow breakfast is always something she can get into. We spent a few relaxing mornings getting going, with this complimentary feature.
The W Ko Samui room rates typically include a buffet breakfast for two. If you’re staying on a Marriott Bonvoy redemption, breakfast is not included. Given that we had selected breakfast as our Marriott Bonvoy elite welcome amenity as a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium level member, we were given full access to the buffet without additional charge.
As you might expect from a W resort, the buffet is expensive and fulsome. There was an egg station offering all sorts of eggs including omelettes, stand alone eggs such as poached or fried, along with more elaborate Eggs Benedict’s. There was also dim sum stations and other Asian oriented items such as congee and miso soups.
Over the course of our stay I’d enjoy eggs Benedict, avocado toast and smoked salmon Benedict. All of them were freshly prepared on a made to order basis, and tasty.
We also enjoyed a dinner at the kitchen table on the night of our arrival. We ended up going for convenience sake and saved the authentic Thai food for when we were off property. We enjoyed a light dinner of Club House and Turkey sandwiches.
Woo Bar:
One of the most iconic bars in the entire W Hotels by Marriott system is the Woo Bar at the W Ko Samui. Much has been made of its rooftop pool deck with a sunken booths in the middle of the fountain. It’s featured on many marketing materials throughout the world.
We enjoyed a tranquil sunset drink up here at the bar. However with the Woo bars northern facing rotation, there is an actually much of a sunset view here at all. Instead the views are towards the northern island of Ko Pha Ngan.
There is something about seeing this iconic view from the Woo Bar at the W Ko Samui. It’s certainly a peaceful view and looking north towards Ko Pha Ngan is a nice way to spend your Thai holiday.
Sip:
The W Ko Samui offers a similar “Sip” waterfront bar that offers their actual sunset drink bar. Sip is located right on the water on the western side of the resort property. The other on property restaurant “Nomu”, which offers Japanese food, is also located nearby.
Sip the beach area was very much a daytime operation. There were a few mosquitoes that came out after dark making this place less appealing after the sun went down. This was fairly consistent with beach dining restaurants on the resort. All of the restaurants were all located indoors, after dark.
Regardless, we did enjoy beach sunsets here. It provided a really nice west facing view and with so few people on the property, we pretty much have the whole place for ourselves.
Checking Out of the W Ko Samui:
Our departing flights were on Bangkok Airways Ko Samui – Singapore which was departing at around 4 PM.
The night before departure, I approached the front desk with efforts to get a Marriott Bonvoy Titanium level late check out. While I had hoped for 2 PM, the best the hotel was able to accomodate was 1 PM.
During the pre-departure time, we were invited to use the Wet deck and shower at the spa. We enjoyed the Wet deck and used the shower amenities before departure, which were first class.
We ended up taking another W hotel car back to the Ko Samui International Airport for ฿600 ($16 USD). We were able to bill this to the room folio. Overall, it was more convenient than waiting for a Grab rideshare taxi, which was approximately the same price.
Check out was as expected and there were no mistakes on my folio. My Marriott Bonvoy elite qualifying nights and points posted without any issue.
Bottom Line: The W Ko Samui
Our stay at the W Ko Samui was one that was marked with full relaxation.
The best part of the state was the amount of privacy offered throughout the resort. The fact that we could enjoy a spacious ocean front Haven Villa and be on our own for the entire week, was something that I really enjoyed.
Aside from breakfast, the food on the resort wasn’t super exciting. This isn’t something that’s unusual for resort stays around the world. The service was pretty good, pleasant and I’d happily return.
Overall, the W Ko Samui is highly recommended. Despite being an older resort, i found great value for our Marriott Bonvoy points. I would easily return without any hesitation.
If you have stayed at the W Ko Samui, did you enjoy the spacious villas ?
With the Ko Samui – Thailand airport offering a duopoly choice between Bangkok Airways and fly Scoot Airways operated by Singapore Airlines, we ended up flying Bangkok Airways Singapore to Ko Samui. We would experience a mostly old school no nonsense flight experience, that included complementary seat selection, a free meal with wine, and free checked baggage. Read on to see how her experience was on “Asia’s Boutique Airline“.
This post is one chapter on a trip with my 82 yr old mom from Canada to Singapore. For informaton on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction. This trip was enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, Air Canada Aeroplan and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards. For parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter “X” or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
✈️ Read more from this trip:
- Trip Introduction: Singapore with Mom & Thailand via Singapore Airlines Business Class
- My Experience Renting as a Hertz President’s Circle Member from Vancouver International Airport
- Air Canada Business Class: Vancouver – San Francisco
- The Westin San Francisco Airport, USA
- United Airlines Polaris Business Lounge – San Francisco
- Singapore Airlines Business Class: San Francisco – Singapore
- The Changi Lounge, The Jewel, Singapore
- Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore Changi Terminal 1, Singapore
- Exploring Lower Pierce Reservoir, Singapore
- Restaurant Review – C’est La Vie, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
- Bangkok Airways: Singapore – Ko Samui
- W Ko Samui, Thailand
- Ang Thong Marine Park, Thailand
- Dining at Fisherman’s Village, Ko Samui, Thailand
- The Blue Ribbon Lounge, Ko Samui International Airport, Thailand
- Bangkok Airways: Ko Samui – Singapore
- Singapore Airlines Krisflyer Lounge – Singapore Changi Terminal Three, Singapore
- Singapore Airlines Business Class: Singapore – Los Angeles
- Air Canada Business Class: Los Angeles – Vancouver
Review: Bangkok Airways Airbus 319-1, Singapore Changi International Airport Terminal One – Ko Samui International Airport
This portion of our trip was a nested ticket inside an Air Canada Aeroplan award redemption. With a great Marriott Bonvoy redemption at the W Ko Samui, we paid for a separate air trip to Ko Samui from Singapore.
Since the Ko Samui airport is owned by Bangkok Airways there is a duopoly on flights “in and out” of Ko Samui International Airport. Currently the airport is served by both Bangkok Airways and fly Scoot, operated by Singapore airlines. When I compared the two carriers Bangkok Airways offered a better value when all the ancillary seat selection and checked baggage fees were taken into account.
While Bangkok Airways did offer a business class cabin on the flight, it was priced at double the regular cash fare. Since the flight time was only one hour and forty minutes, and we already had lounge access in Singapore courtesy of Priority Pass, we didn’t bother to spend the extra money on a business class ticket.
As a result, we ended up purchasing a paid cash fare on Bangkok Airways to experience “Asia’s Boutique Airline”. We would end up crediting the flight miles to Qatar Airways Privilege Club Avios, which we’d later transfer to British Airways Executive Club Avois program to be topped off as a American Express Membership Rewards partner.
Checking in with Bangkok Airways:
After taking a Grab Ride Share from the family home in Singapore to Changi International Airport Terminal One, we checked in with Bangkok Airways. Changi Terminal One contains most of the One World alliance carriers and all the other non-alliance carriers that service Singapore.
Bangkok Airways has a small footprint at Changi International Airport with the sole daily flight servicing Ko Samui on a daily basis. With a large amount of connecting traffic off international carriers, there is absolutely no line and no people at the check-in counter approximately three hours before our flight.
Our economy class fare contained 20 kg of free baggage allowance. There was an option to purchase an additional baggage allowance at 5 kg intervals, up to forty eight hours in advance of your flight through the Bangkok Airways online portal.
Instead, we opted with the regular baggage allowance. My bags were slightly over at 20.25 kg. With two bags being checked, and a little extra allowance available with a second bag lighter than 20 kg, we were not made to repack or rebalance our bags.
We wandered through the now dated Singapore Changi Airport Terminal one, which was the original Changi terminal built in the year 1981. The legendary split flap display that used to be on display in the departure hall has now been replaced with advertising space. However, the engaging kinetic rain teardrop art display sculpture still remains as one of Changi’s best art displays.
After a visit to The Jewel and The Changi Lounge, we crossed over onto the secure side for a brief visit to the Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore. Our visit to the Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore was courtesy of Priority Pass, compliments of the Amerian Express Platinum Card.
It’s worth mentioning that Bangkok Airways does not appear to offer a business class lounge access in Singapore, as the only “international lounge” service listed on their website is in Malé, Maldives.
Singapore Changi Airport Terminal One was quite busy in the mid afternoon when we departed. We walked over to gate D 36 which was on the far right hand side of Terminal One followed by a left turn all the way out towards the end of the concourse.
All of the gates at Singapore Changi International Airport are behind the security screening cordon. As a result, we had our security screening check at gate D 36 to enter the holding pen.
Immediately after the security screening, our boarding cards were checked and confirmed. While it’s a different way of conducting boarding, and prevents you from bringing on extra bottled water, it’s actually pretty efficient once they announce aircraft boarding as there are no further checks required.
Our Bangkok Airways airbus 319 – 1 had recently arrived during a Singapore thundershower. The plane, entitled Hiroshima, had a decorative Bangkok Airways livery, without being too exciting.
Our boarding time was listed for 4:40 PM. That time trickled past, and it was about 5:05 PM before we actually boarded the aircraft. The call for business class and parents with children needing additional time to board was made first, followed by general boarding.
Bangkok Airways
PG 968 – Economy Class (V)
SIN – USM (Singapore Changi International Airport Terminal One – Ko Samui International Airport)
June 2, 2024
5:20 PM – 6:20 PM
Booked: Airbus 319-1
Flown: Airbus 319-1
On Board Bangkok Airways:
The Bangkok Airways airbus 319 – 1 “Hiroshima” entered service on March 19, 2008. The Airbus interior is a little dated as a result of it being almost 16 years old.
We passed through the Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Business Class cabin which featured traditional recliner seats. Since the seats weren’t state of the art, I was reassured in the decision not to upgrade and purchase business class seat for the short leg.
Instead, I wandered back to seat 7F in ecomony class. Row seven was among the first seats in the premium extra space seating. Bangkok airways economy class was a reasonable narrow body economy class seating in the usual 3–3 configuration.
The seats offered a reasonable round of legroom and were perfectly fine for short to medium haul flights.
It is worth mentioning that there are no seat power points for plug-ins or telephones on the Bangkok Airways 319 aircraft. As a result I was unable to charge my smart phone, like I normally would on any flight.
I would also take the opportunity to say that there was no television monitor entertainment on either the seat back or projected from the overhead console. As a result, if you want entertainment, you’ll have to bring it with you in the form of a book, magazine or downloaded content on your device.
The seat arm rest did offer a volume and channel feature. However, it was not in operation during our trip.
Similar to most Airbus 319 aircraft, Bangkok Airways offered individual air nozzles in the passenger cabin. This made for a comfortable cabin and ride up to Ko Samui.
The Bangkok Airways cabin on their Airbus 319-1 offered a reasonably comfortable seating and accommodations for our one hour and forty minute flight. Despite the cabin not having many of the modern conveniences like in seat power or in flight entertainment.
Pre – Departure Services:
While I was waiting for the flight to get underway, I took a look at the in-flight magazine. The magazine contained many advertisements on property for sale throughout Bangkok in addition to highlighting the Bangkok Airways route map. There was also a promotion for singer beer cans on sale.
We had an old school manual acted flight demonstration for the security video. During the safety demonstration, I learned that, surprisingly, Bangkok Airways did not approve of Buddhist monks or novices sitting in the emergency exit rows (#8).
We departed from Singapore on time with minimal wait on the departure runways. We had a nice view as we climbed to altitude. It is always amazing the amount of commercial boats that are in the Singapore Harbor. I’ve never seen anything like it with them all lined up in one direction.
The Meal: A Light Dinner
After we reached our cruising altitude at 34,000 feet, the cabin crew set the in-flight service into motion. The curtain separating economy from business class was closed and they proceeded to serve dinner.
Dinner was offered as a shrimp and noodle dish. With an international flight of only an hour and 40 minutes, I was still impressed that Bangkok Airways offered a full meal too it’s economy class passengers.
Dinner included a bottle of Bangkok Airways water with out a paper label for sustainability reasons.
The shrimp noodle dish was tasty although not super exotic. It was basic and off to cater to a mass audience without coming off as being a poor quality. Brancott Estate white wine was available on a complementary basis. I enjoyed a glass with dinner.
Along with the shrimp and noodles a green salad with Italian dressing was served along with a lychee dessert. Both were excellent and I had no concerns about illness due to hygiene or food preparation.
Arriving to Ko Samui International Airport:
Without much to look at in the way of scenery on the way up, the scenery started getting interesting as we decided into Ko Samui airport. We passed over the islands and descended across the archipelago.
We landed to Ko Samui International Airport without any wait. With an immediate U-turn at the end of the runway we drove to an apron position where we disembarked the aircraft.
The Ko Samui airport does not have any jet bridges or proper gates. After parking next to a Bangkok Airways ATR72, we were loaded onto a tractor for transport to baggage claim.
After arriving to the Ko Samui airport, we passed through Bangkok International immigration. They were only a total of three customs and immigration officers working to clear the entire Airbus 319 flight. It was a smooth but not overly rapid process.
The baggage claim at Ko Samui International Airport was dispensed “the old fashion way”. This meant that the bag was offloaded on a tractor, and then each individual bag was rolled out onto floor space, where they were identified and collected by the passenger. There was no conveyor belts or other fancy retrieval systems here everything was old school.
After collecting our bags, we walked out towards the public area to meet our driver for the W Ko Samui. It was a short walk away from the arrival area through several L-shaped outdoor corridors before we arrived to the public and pick up area.
We transferred over to the W Ko Samui for an excellent six night stay in a spectacular Villa.
My Thoughts on Bangkok Airways:
I didn’t know quite what to expect with Bangkok Airways.
While we opted for the all inclusive option that was the greatest value, we ended up with a pleasant experience. Aside from not having any in-flight entertainment or in seat power, we were fed, watered, and arrived safely to our final destination.
In addition we earned a small amount of Qatar Airways Privilege Club Avios miles, which will find useful for a future award flight.
If you have flown Bangkok Airways, how did you find their service as “Asia’s Boutique Airline” ?
The Plaza Premium Lounge network operates over sixty lounges worldwide. The Plaza Premium Lounges typically offer a consistent lounge experience with a broad food presentation, even when visiting outside of regular meal hours. Today’s travel took me through the Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore in Changi International Airport Terminal One. I would find a pretty reasonable and nice looking Plaza Premium Lounge with outdoor daylight use along with excellent regional food and beverage.
This post is one chapter on a trip with my 82 yr old mom from Canada to Singapore. For informaton on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction. This trip was enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, Air Canada Aeroplan and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards. For parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter “X” or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
✈️ Read more from this trip:
- Trip Introduction: Singapore with Mom & Thailand via Singapore Airlines Business Class
- My Experience Renting as a Hertz President’s Circle Member from Vancouver International Airport
- Air Canada Business Class: Vancouver – San Francisco
- The Westin San Francisco Airport, USA
- United Airlines Polaris Business Lounge – San Francisco
- Singapore Airlines Business Class: San Francisco – Singapore
- The Changi Lounge, The Jewel, Singapore
- Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore Changi Terminal 1, Singapore
- Exploring Lower Pierce Reservoir, Singapore
- Restaurant Review – C’est La Vie, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
- Bangkok Airways: Singapore – Ko Samui
- W Ko Samui, Thailand
- Ang Thong Marine Park, Thailand
- Dining at Fisherman’s Village, Ko Samui, Thailand
- The Blue Ribbon Lounge, Ko Samui International Airport, Thailand
- Bangkok Airways: Ko Samui – Singapore
- Singapore Airlines Krisflyer Lounge – Singapore Changi Terminal Three, Singapore
- Singapore Airlines Business Class: Singapore – Los Angeles
- Air Canada Business Class: Los Angeles – Vancouver
Review: Plaza Premium Lounge – Singapore Changi International Airport Terminal One, Singapore
If you are departing from Singapore Changi Airport Terminal One, you may also have access to SATS Premier Business Lounge, which we have reviewed previously.
On today’s departing flight, we were departing on Bangkok Airways Singapore – Ko Samui from Singapore Changi International Airport – Terminal One. After a brief visit to The Jewel Lounge at Changi Airport, we ended up passing through immigration over to the secure side.
Locating the Plaza Premium Lounge:
The Plaza Premium lounge Singapore Changi Terminal One is located in the far left hand corner of Terminal One. It’s especially convenient if you happen to be accessing Terminal Three as the connecting concourse pathway is close by.
Map Courtesy of http://www.changiairport.com
After checking into Bankgok Airways Singapore – Ko Samui, once we passed through Singapore’s immigration E Gates, we found ourselves in the middle of Changi Terminal One. Turning left we started walking the length of the concourse towards the Plaza Premium Lounge.
Since there are a number of lounges through Changi International Airport, it’s likely easiest to navigate towards the Plaza Premium Lounge by using the overhead blue lounge signs and looking for the Plaza Premium logo. The Plaza Premium logo is decorated in simple purple with the familiar Plaza Premium circle logo in the middle.
You’ll pass by several other lounges operated by SATS, before getting to the escalators for Plaza Premium.
Once you walk the length of the concourse, you’ll get to the end where the concourse splits in a T-formation. There are escalators immediately up and to the left, which will take you to the Plaza Premium Lounge and neighbouring Emirates Lounge and Qatar airways lounge precinct.
After getting to the top of the escalators, you’ll find yourself at the Plaza Premium lounge reception. As with many Plaza Premium lounge’s, there’s frequently a line of people waiting to get in as they sort out their premium credit card access entitlements.
The Plaza Premium is fairly well marked as with many other locations at Singapore Chang international Airport. I had no trouble locating the lounge and getting to the lounge space.
Accessing The Plaza Premium Lounge:
There are several ways to access the Plaza Premium Lounge.
The Plaza Premium Lounge accepts reservations for entry on it’s website. The reservations are split into blocks of time ranging from three, five and ten hours. As of the time of writing, the prices was as follows:
- Three Hours = $55 SGD or $40.44 USD
- Five Hours = $97 SGD or $71.43 USD
- Ten Hours = $195 SGD or $143.60 USD
- A Shower was an Additional $20 SGD or $14.71 USD
The above pricing included applicable taxes and fees.
The lounge also offered sleeping pods and private resting suites. These were priced just underneath what you might expect the attached Crown Plaza Changi Airport hotel to provide, without offering all of the features he may expect from a private hotel room.
I would imagine that most visitors paying to access his lounge would be going for the three hour package. It’s hard to imagine anyone spending five or ten hours in the Plaza Premium Lounge at the Changi International Airport given how many entertainment amenities there are at this particular airport. The Changi International Airport is known for having butterfly gardens, movie theatres and with The Jewel mall right across the street, you’ll probably spend limited time inside the Plaza Premium Lounge itself.
The Plaza Premium Lounge network also partners with several credit cards to provide access. This includes many credit cards worldwide, which include DragonPass, LoungeKey, LoungeClub, and the Club. You do not need to make an advance reservation while using these systems.
Within North America, the lounge is also part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which offers a suite of lounges available for access with it’s premium American Express Platinum Card and American Express Centurion Cards. Access can be granted by presenting one of these cards.
The lounge has recently rejoined Priority Pass. As a result, if you have a Priority Pass membership, you can gain access to the lounge.
I gained access to the Plaza Premium Lounge as a result of my American Express Platinum Card as part of the American Express Global Lounge membership.
After my digital membership card and boarding pass was validated, I was invited into the lounge as a single travellers without any additional wait.
Inside The Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore:
Plaza Premium lounge in Singapore Changi Terminal One is a 7000 square-foot space that offers a combination of table booth and lounge chair seating. While the lounge itself is not overly large, it does offer everything you might expect from an international departure lounge operated by the Plaza Premium brand.
Immediately upon entering into the lounge you’ll find yourself facing the general lounge seating area. The general lounge seating area was walled off by a series of family oriented booths. The family booths were marked with reserved for groups and most of them sat empty during our visit.
The general lounge space is marked with bright daylight floor to ceiling windows that offer air side views of the west end of Singapore Changi International Airport.
During our mid afternoon visit, we had no problems getting a seat in this area. However given the lounges smallish to medium size, I could imagine the lounge chair space getting to be quite busy during the evening, when there are more flights departing Changi International Airport.
The floor to ceiling windows offered a lot of daylight into the Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore. While there weren’t too many planes parked in this particular row, we did happen to enjoy airside views.
Heading left past the family booth lead travellers to a quiet desk and workspace area. The space was set up like a small cubicle farm. While this area didn’t have direct window access, it was occupied by a few people looking for a space to work.
At the rear of the cubicle farm, was the Plaza Premium showers and nap rooms.
Similar to my experiences at Plaza Premium Lounges worldwide, the emphasis here is on medium to high density seating. Given the limited seating, you’ll definitely find the lounge seating much more comfortable, when the airport is not at peak hours.
Food and Beverage:
The Plaza Premium Lounge networks are normally pretty generous on food. On today’s visit, they had a substantial offering.
The Plaza Premium lounge Singapore offered a small dining area that consisted of about 10 tables and a few long tables. Given the lounges location in Singapore, the food was Singaporean based and looked more appealing than the average Plaza Premium Lounge
As expected, the lounge offered a variety of beverages that included coffee machines juice and water. There was also tinned soda available although the selection was not super diverse. Your primary choices were a Coca-Cola or Coca-Cola light.
The lounge offered some light salad items with chickpeas, radicchio lettuce and other sauces.
There are a number of hot buffet items available that was about as expected for a Plaza Premium lounge. The food was nicely presented and looked fresh.
The best part of the Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore was the à la carte menu. Most Plaza Premium Lounge’s offer an à la carte option. However in the case of the Singapore Plaza Premium Lounge the à la carte options included regional Hainan Chicken Rice, Singapore Laksa and a vegetable noodle soup. How delightful!
MrsWT73 enjoyed some vegetables noodles with red chilies overlooking an airside view. The food was freshly prepared and looked quite appealing.
The Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore offered a standalone bar service. Like with most Plaza Premium Lounge’s some drinks are free and some are at charge.
The Plaza Premium Lounge met all expectations of what you’d need from an international pay – to – use departures lounge. There was enough to eat food-wise, and there was a reasonable amount of beverages available.
I would end up departing on Bangkok Airways Singapore – Ko Samui shortly after my visit.
My Thoughts on the Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore:
Plaza Premium Lounge’s worldwide have always provided a fairly consistent product. The Plaza Premium lounge Singapore is no different.
The Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore offers a comfortable medium sized lounge. While the alcohol was not on a complimentary basis, the lounge made up for this by offering better than expected food.
While this lounge might be busy during peak periods, you’ll find all your needs satisfied, by visiting this particular space. The Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore is best suited for a short stop over while en route to your departing flight.
If you’ve have a choice of lounges in Singapore Changi, do you prefer visiting the Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore over others?
The Singapore Changi International Airport recently opened The Jewel. The Jewel is a large shopping mall immediately attached to the Singapore Changi International Airport that is anchored by a large waterfall in a central atrium. The Jewel is publicly accessible and you do not need to be a ticketed traveller in order to visit. Along with new retail space, The Jewel offers the Changi Lounge. The Changi Lounge located in the public mall area and is ideally set up to accommodate early check-in travellers for those that have exhausted shopping around the mall. We briefly stopped by for a quick visit prior to our departing flight..
This post is one chapter on a trip with my 82 yr old mom from Canada to Singapore. For informaton on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction. This trip was enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, Air Canada Aeroplan and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards. For parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter “X” or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
✈️ Read more from this trip:
- Trip Introduction: Singapore with Mom & Thailand via Singapore Airlines Business Class
- My Experience Renting as a Hertz President’s Circle Member from Vancouver International Airport
- Air Canada Business Class: Vancouver – San Francisco
- The Westin San Francisco Airport, USA
- United Airlines Polaris Business Lounge – San Francisco
- Singapore Airlines Business Class: San Francisco – Singapore
- The Changi Lounge, The Jewel, Singapore
- Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore Changi Terminal 1, Singapore
- Exploring Lower Pierce Reservoir, Singapore
- Restaurant Review – C’est La Vie, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
- Bangkok Airways: Singapore – Ko Samui
- W Ko Samui, Thailand
- Ang Thong Marine Park, Thailand
- Dining at Fisherman’s Village, Ko Samui, Thailand
- The Blue Ribbon Lounge, Ko Samui International Airport, Thailand
- Bangkok Airways: Ko Samui – Singapore
- Singapore Airlines Krisflyer Lounge – Singapore Changi Terminal Three, Singapore
- Singapore Airlines Business Class: Singapore – Los Angeles
- Air Canada Business Class: Los Angeles – Vancouver
Review: The Jewel Lounge, Singapore Changi International Airport, Singapore
During our visit to Singapore, we had a side trip to Ko Samui Thailand. Since I hadn’t yet visited the Jewel at Changi International airport, I thought that I would take a look prior to our Bangkok Airways Singapore – Ko Samui flight.
The Jewel at Changi International Airport represents a new concept of having a mall directly attached to an airport. The Jewel is especially known for its centrepiece waterfall that provides an excellent focal point in attracting travellers to the commercial space.
About the Jewel Lounge at Changi International Airport:
The Jewel Lounge at Changi International Airport is a bit unusual. It’s the only departure lounge that is not located on the secure, or international side, of the airport.
Travellers can check in using the early check in feature at the check in desks near The Jewel Lounge entrance, or alternately, they can bring a boarding pass from their respective Changi Airport terminal and use the lounge while they visit The Jewel.
About Early Check In:
Changi Early Check is in perfect for travellers that have left their hotel, and are looking to check their baggage and wander around The Jewel mall and fountain, prior to getting on a long overseas flight. They are also travellers that would benefit from visiting The Changi Lounge.
At the time of our visit, Early Check In was offered by the following airlines at The Jewel at Changi International Airport:
From 3 to 24 hours before Flight Departure Time
- AirAsia
- Singapore Airlines (EXCLUDING United States of America)
- Turkish Airlines (only from 02:00PM to 08:30PM, only applicable to TK55 and TK169)
From 3 to 18 hours before Flight Departure Time
- Scoot (EXCLUDING Jeddah)
From 3 to 12 hours before Flight Departure Time
- Japan Airlines
- Jetstar
- Qatar Airways
On the same day, at least 3 hours before Flight Departure Time
- Air France (only from 12:00PM to 10:00PM)
- Air India (only from 12:00PM to 04:00PM)
- Emirates (only from 12:00PM to 10:00PM. Passengers on EK353 (STD 0030H) can check-in the day before)
- Fiji Airways (only from 08:00AM to 10:30AM on Thursday; only from 12:00PM to 06:00PM on Saturday)
- Finnair (only from 12:00PM to 06:30PM)
- Juneyao Air (only from 09:30AM to 12:30AM and 04:15PM to 07:15PM)
- KLM (only from 12:00PM to 10:00PM. Passengers on KL836 (STD 0140H) can check-in the day before)
- Malaysia Airlines
- Philippine Airlines (only from 08:00AM to 09:30PM. Passengers on PR510 (STD 0020H) can check-in the day before)
- Qantas
- Thai Airways (only from 08:00AM to 06:00PM)
If you’re were not using Early Check In (like us), you’re not likely to be through this area unless you make a point of doing so. In our case, we checked in with Bangkok Airways in Changi Terminal One. With boarding card in hand, we walked over and set out to check out The Jewel and the Changi Lounge.
On arrival we checked out The Jewel fountain, which was impressive. Unfortunately it seemed that most of Singapore had the same idea of visiting the jewel. The area was absolutely packed.
Navigating through throngs of crowds taking selfies, with people walking all sorts of directions, while carrying your rolling luggage isn’t my idea of a super relaxing start to any journey. Nevertheless, it was great to see The Jewel fountain at Changi International Airport. However, I doubt I will be in a rush to return, unless I happen to have a long layover in Singapore that happens to be at the airport.
Locating the Jewel Lounge:
The Jewel Lounge is located a short walk from the arrival area of Singapore Changi Terminal One. The international arrivals zone in Changi Terminal One is just steps from the fountain at The Jewel.
If you are walking towards the fountain, if you take a left you’ll be facing this signed mall passageway.
After a few more steps, you’ll find the Changi Lounge at The Jewel on the right. It has a very wide storefront because it shares the reception area with another promotional attraction that is not directly related to the Changi Lounge.
Initially, this was a little confusing, as the people lined up did not appear to be travellers. Instead the Changi Lounge at The Jewel lounge reception was actually located just inside and on the right of the entranceway. I bypassed all of the crowds and headed inside towards reception.
Overall, it was not hard to locate The Changi Lounge at The Jewel. The only confusing part was getting to the lounge reception, as it was blocked by shoppers and other mall goers.
Accessing The Changi Lounge:
The Changi Lounge at The Jewel is a pay per use lounge with a tiered pricing system. During the time of our visit the lounge offer the following price points for entry:
Enjoy 3 hours of lounge access catered to your different needs.
Lite Package:
Adult: S$28++ | Child: S$20++
- 3-hour lounge access
- Free flow snack bar
Classic Package:
Adult: S$39++ | Child: S$27++
- 3hour lounge access
- Free flow snack bar
- One hot meal
- One beer
Premium Package:
Adult: S$50++ | Child: S$39++
- 3-hour lounge access
- Free flow snack bar
- One hot meal
- One beer
- One shower
Shower only (includes linen and toiletries):
- 20-minute shower slot: S$20++ (last shower slot at 09:25 PM)
The lounge also happens to be a member of Dragon Pass and Priority Pass lounge membership programs. We gained access today courtesy of Priority Pass select membership with an American Express Platinum Card as part of the American Express Global Lounge membership program.
Upon presentation of our digital Priority Pass membership card we were granted premium level access; the highest tier possible. There was no wait at the membership desk and our access was confirmed immediately. We were provided with two coupons so that lounge staff could keep track of who had purchased which corresponding tier.
Inside The Changi Lounge:
With the Jewel at Singapore’s Changi Airport being such a wonderful global attraction, it wouldn’t be to hard to think that The Changi Lounge at The Jewel would incorporate some viewing of the fountain in some manner. Perhaps a window, an outdoor viewing deck like the Star Alliance Lounge Los Angeles, or perhaps even a plasma video screen of The Jewel waterfall.
Unfortunately, the lounge doesn’t capitalize on the fountain being close by. There is no view of the fountain, nor any observation platform from the lounge where you can view the atrium. Sadly, the lounge is completely enclosed, and offers no windows or viewing to The Jewel itself. As a result, The Jewel Lounge is a bit of an uninspiring physical space.
Immediately after entering the lounge there was a concierge desk on the right hand side. It was unmanned during the time of our visit.
Entering into the main part of the lounge, The Changi Lounge at The Jewel lounge seating area was set up in a large rectangle shape. On the left from the entrance, there were couches and lounge chairs set up in a variety of seating configurations.
I got the impression based on how people were seating, that most lounge visitors had been waiting around this lounge for a long time. Travellers were stretched out on couches, lying down, half asleep, likely killing off layovers.
Generally, the place seemed to be quite static and unexciting. We had no difficulties finding a seat, and opted for a table and chairs near the back.
While Mrs.WT73 connected to some complementary Wi-Fi, I want to go check out the food options.
Food and Beverage:
Armed with my “premium” level experience, I went over to the bar. Although there was a full bar set up, the bar was stripped of almost all alcohol. When I asked the counter what was available, I was told beer was the only thing being offered. Unfortunately this meant that I couldn’t get my wife a glass of wine that she had requested from her man servant.
Instead, I went over to the food counter. There was a very minor amount of food available. There were some baked snacks including doughnuts, along with some salty crunchy snacks.
There were also a few cereal cylinders consisting of unnamed cereal and cocoa puffs. These were accompanied by water, orange juice and apple juice.
Off the bar, in terms of beverages, the lounge offered two coffee machines. They were also tinned soft drinks available, although with a selection of Coca Cola, A&W Root Beer and Sprite, it wasn’t a very broad or exciting selection. Most interestingly, the lounge offered Yakult yoghurt drinks that I enjoyed in Singapore growing up.
Wondering where the rest of the food was, I returned to our table and scanned the QR Code on our “Premium” coupon. I was able to get a menu of a-la carte items that were made to order. The menu consisted of many Singaporean items including dim sum laska, vegetable samosas, and Tom Yum soup.
In the end, we didn’t end up ordering any food. Despite the nice surroundings, we ended up heading off in search of a bit of a better lounge experience on the secure side of Changi International Airport Terminal One. It wasn’t that the Changi Lounge was terrible in anyway, but rather it didn’t seem to be all too exciting under the circumstances.
After calling in on the better and more exciting Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore Changi Terminal One, we would end up departing on Bangkok Airways Singapore – Ko Samui.
My Thoughts on the Changi Lounge at The Jewel:
I had the opportunity to visit the Changi Lounge at The Jewel as a result of the lounge being a member of Priority Pass.
The Changi Lounge at The Jewel contained a comfortable waiting room that could be used to stretch out and kill off a long layover. Unfortunately the Changi Lounge didn’t incorporate anything to do with the Jewel fountain, which I think was a large missed opportunity.
While there was food available it was quite limited, along with the drinks. While this lounge may be of use to you if you have a long layover, you’ll likely find better lounges on the secure side of the Changi International Airport from which your plane departs from.
If you’ve visited the Changi Lounge at The Jewel, how long did you end up staying ?
Everytime, I return to Singapore, I always make an effort to try to get out and experience something new. After our several day visit, we spent most of Saturday morning taking in the Lower Pierce Reservoir on a short trail hike, before heading out for some fish head curry breakfast at the nearby Casurina Curry restaurant.
This post is one chapter on a trip with my 82 yr old mom from Canada to Singapore. For informaton on how this trip was booked, please see our trip introduction. This trip was enhanced through Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status, Air Canada Aeroplan and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards. For parts of the trip, please see this index.
If you enjoyed this post, please follow us here or on social media through Facebook, Twitter “X” or Instagram for more travel tips and hacks on how to “Upgrade Your Travels”.
✈️ Read more from this trip:
- Trip Introduction: Singapore with Mom & Thailand via Singapore Airlines Business Class
- My Experience Renting as a Hertz President’s Circle Member from Vancouver International Airport
- Air Canada Business Class: Vancouver – San Francisco
- The Westin San Francisco Airport, USA
- United Airlines Polaris Business Lounge – San Francisco
- Singapore Airlines Business Class: San Francisco – Singapore
- The Changi Lounge, The Jewel, Singapore
- Plaza Premium Lounge Singapore Changi Terminal 1, Singapore
- Exploring Lower Pierce Reservoir, Singapore
- Restaurant Review – C’est La Vie, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
- Bangkok Airways: Singapore – Ko Samui
- W Ko Samui, Thailand
- Ang Thong Marine Park, Thailand
- Dining at Fisherman’s Village, Ko Samui, Thailand
- The Blue Ribbon Lounge, Ko Samui International Airport, Thailand
- Bangkok Airways: Ko Samui – Singapore
- Singapore Airlines Krisflyer Lounge – Singapore Changi Terminal Three, Singapore
- Singapore Airlines Business Class: Singapore – Los Angeles
- Air Canada Business Class: Los Angeles – Vancouver
Exploring Lower Pierce Reservoir Trail: a Tranquil Singapore Hike
During my visits to the island of Singapore, I try and get out and experience something new on each visit. On this visit, it happened to be a walking trail in the Lower Pierce Reservoir Trail near the Mac Ritchie Reservoir in Singapore.
About the Lower Pierce Reservoir:
The Lower Pierce Reservoir is one of Singapore’s oldest reservoirs. It has a six hectare size and the forest that surrounds it is home to many trees that are over one hundred years old.
A 900-meter boardwalk known as the Lower Pierce Trail leads through an established secondary forest. The longest river in Singapore, the Kallang River, rises from the reservoir. Additionally, there is a park with a view of the reservoir called Lower Peirce Reservoir Park.
Getting to the Lower Pierce Reservoir:
We set off to the trailhead by private car from the Kheam Hock Park residential area. It was a very short drive past upper Thompson Road in order to get towards the trail head.
We eventually located street parking in the residential area on Old Upper Thompson Road. Despite it bering a popular Saturday morning, there was still parking available to be had.
Locating the Trail Head:
The trail head is relatively easy to locate. Being that it is Singapore, everything is well marked and posted. There was a convenient map at the top of the trail head.
There was also a sign of everything that was prohibited. Being that this was trail was in Singapore, that was a long and entertaining list.
.
Walking the Lower Pierce Reservoir Trail:
The Lower Pierce Reservoir Trail itself is a fairly short but scenic 900 meter walking trail that can be completed in a loop.
The start of the Revea Trail sets off through some thick tropical forest. The boardwalk itself is well posted and maintained. The trail is also mostly level, if not slightly downhill. My 82 year old mom accompanied us and had no troubles with the surfaces or the exertion.
There are a few signboards and information placards listed on the walkway.
The trail shortly moved along to the edge of the reservoir. This change from jungle to water allowed for some different landscape viewing. We were even able to get in some monkey spotting, which is always great for us visitors. Monkey’s don’t normally form part of the local animal landscapes.
The boardwalk trail eventually got us towards the Lower Pierce Reservoir. The Lower Pierce Reservoir is still and tranquil water space. The National Parks Board doesn’t allow any water activities on the reservoir; although it would be a great space for a stand up paddleboard.
Eventually, our water side walk led us to the Lower Pierce Reservoir park. There were a few local sport fisherman looking for their morning catch in the reservoir. The Lower Pierce Reservoir park was otherwise scenic side of Singapore that I wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to visit in the retail and concrete mayhem that is the rest of Singapore.
We then trekked back to Casuarina Curry for a post walk breakfast.
Breakfast at Casuarina Curry:
Located at the top of old Upper Thompson Road and Upper Thompson Road is the local’s favorite Casuarina Curry. Based on recommendation of my cousin hosts, we stopped in for breakfast.
The Casuarina Curry restaurant had an massive menu featuring everything from set meals, goreng, special pratas, curry and thosai, uttapan and briyani.
We ended up sharing a tasty fish head curry, along with some cheese prata. Both hit the spot with a nice hint of spice after our two hour walk.
After breakfast, we rode back to the house before heading off on our Bankgok Airways Singapore – Ko Samui flight later that afternoon.
My Thoughts Trekking the Lower Pierce Reservoir:
Our morning spent walking around the Lower Pierce Reservoir was a nice contrast to the rest of concrete and retail Singapore. It marked a nice change from the usual retail therapy that visitors get when visiting Singapore and a great way to spend a Saturday morning.
World Traveller 73 
Recent Comments