How to get your dream trip to magnificent Malaysia off to a flying start
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by Denise Eaton
Not since I had to break out from
Butlins had I felt so self-conscious.
Mum (who will kill me for revealing
this), aunt Kath and their combined brood of eight kids had
overstayed the day-pass time limit and couldn’t afford the penalty
charge.
So all 10 of us made a run for it
across the holiday camp’s grounds before scaling a fence to
financial freedom.
OK, hardly Great Escape proportions,
but for an eight-year-old it was rather daring all the same. I felt
about as inconspicuous as a green giraffe in a pink tu-tu
desperately trying not to stand out in a group of pygmies!
That same strange feeling crept over
me as I boarded our flight to Malaysia.
It’s the longest distance I’ve ever
travelled and, as a special birthday year treat, we’d saved hard to
do it in style. 
Instead of the usual right-hand turn
to economy, we found ourselves climbing the stairs to a world away
from the backside-numbing seats of standard class. As we headed for
our seats I only wished my hubby hadn’t insisted on taking his £2
‘bargain’ bag bought from a Turkish market trader the previous
year.
I had visions of being surrounded by
Gucci, Prada and Armani when the only name we could boast was
George at Asda.
But, bargain bag and all, here we were
in business class and we didn’t feel a bit intimidated. The amazing
crew (thank-you Richard in particular) made sure of that.
There is only one word to sum up that
initial impression of this previously mystic world – space.
Rather than practically chewing on the
head rest of the reclined passenger in front, hubby and I were
sitting in true comfort and noshing our way through four delicious
courses – complete with silver service and glass flutes – selected
from a mouth-watering menu and quaffing champagne. Paradise – or to
be more accurate – business class had never tasted so good.
Relaxing was easy; select movies,
games, music from the on-demand entertainment system or simply
press a button to go from seated to fully stretched out – snuggled
under a duvet no less!
It was just like being at home – only
35,000ft up.
And if there was any danger of you going in the
slightest bit hungry or thirsty there was a constant supply of
succulent snacks and delectable drinks – not all alcoholic –
rustled up at the metaphorical drop of a hat.
It was a gourmet collection of all the
little things you never knew you missed until you had the chance to
experience them.
And, what made it even more memorable,
was the attitude of the staff. Like attending the very best dinner
party, they were the consummate hosts, always attentive while
making you feel perfectly at ease.
Never have I wanted a flight to
continue for longer than the scheduled 12-hours to Langkawi. And
never have I stepped off a flight feeling more relaxed than when I
boarded.
A stop at Kuala Lumpur gave just
enough time to experience Malaysia Airlines’ restful Golden Lounge
with its relaxation room equipped with iSymphonic Massage Chairs
and iSqueez Foot Massagers – pure bliss.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention,
Malaysia is one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever had the
good fortune to experience.
This South Asian country is smothered
in de
nse, lush rainforest teeming with stunning wildlife
and fringed by beautiful beaches.
And if that’s not enough, the locals’
legendary hospitality is nothing short of life-affirming. A mainly
Muslim state, it’s enriched my life to be shown the true meaning of
Islam and the warmth, generosity and genuineness of its
followers.
But that’s a tale for another
time.
This holiday was paid for by the
reviewer.
Malaysia Airlines
Heathrow - Langkawi from £499.
Bookings must be made before January 18 and travel between April 10
and May 31.
Reservations: 0871 423 9090
Booked through Simply Malaysia
(Oriental Panorama Ltd)www.simplymalaysia.com. Call
08456 800 818 (local rate)
Wednesday, January 13 2010
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