This is a throwback report from last December when I took Garuda Indonesia business class for some business trip to Kuala Lumpur.
Garuda Indonesia has three daily flights on this route, so looking at the frequency, I believe they're making good business here.
I've always been fascinated to flying GA, especially this was my first time trying their international business class product. I usually hop on their business cabin only in domestic routes. As per the news, their J class service has improved a lot by introducing new dining wares.
Arrived at CGK from my flight from Surabaya (SUB), I proceed to First/Business Class check-in counter at international terminal. Looks quite busy that day.

The service at the check-in counter itself was really overwhelming. You just sit down at one of the couches while GA staff took your passport, ticket and your belongings to the counter and managed all the procedures. This usually is the perk when flying First, but GA makes it further even to their J class customers. The boarding pass came to my hand in just couple of minutes.
After this, one of the staffs escorted me along to Garuda Indonesia Lounge when she handed over my passport and BP to immigration officer who's stationed just at the entrance of the lounge. And in seconds, immigration procedure was done and I was ready to board the plane. No need hustle and bustle, this is what I called impeccable service. Really good innovation from GA!
Some pictures of the lounge:


The lounge is quite small for international lounge, and also given this is also GA dedicated lounge, so I guess it would be so packed during certain time. But it is equipped with all amenities an international lounge should have, like shower room, free Wi-Fi, meeting room, massage room, bar, etc. The food and beverage on offer were quite extensive, however, as far as I could remember, they did not serve alcoholic drinks in this lounge.
I grabbed some snack to nibble:


GA provided fast track card to its premium passengers:

Time for boarding. As usual in CGK, they have a special waiting area for Sky Priority and First/Business Class passengers. Boarding was also done in sequence.
Here are some shots of the aircraft, this route along with other regional South East Asia routes are served by GA's working horse, the B737-800.


This is how the seat looks like, a recliner type which is sufficient and quite comfortable for regional short-haul route. The seat has 3 rows with 2-2 configuration. Load factor that day was quite ok, 6 out of 12.

The headset and AVOD remote control:

Once settled in, one FA bowed down even almost squat down next to my seat, asking what I would like to have for welcome drink and lunch. There was a menu card prearranged in every seat which offered three choices of main. I think this was a nice gesture from the FA so that we could maintain same level of eye contact.


Here's what I chose for welcome drink, signature drink of GA, a Martebe Juice which is a combination of passion fruit and soursop juice. Hot towel was given on a wooden tray, a really nice touch to detail.

Meal service commenced, and this was what my lunch looked like. Wok fried kweetiaw noodle for main; raspberry coffee cream cake as dessert; cut fresh fruits; and choices of breads, all served in one tray on new dining ware and metal cutlery.

For the drink, I opted for Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose Brut champagne, served in a full-sized flute glass unlike in other airlines where they serve the champagne in a tiny glass. Well done, GA!

After lunch service, the FA came around offering tea and coffee and some cashews to nibble. This time, another glass of that tasty champagne would do for me.


I didn't watch any movie since this was only not more than a 2-hour flight, so I just spent the rest of the flight watching moving map and listening to some music. AVOD collection in GA maybe is not as extensive as other airlines, but for me, seeing blue skies from inside or watching the map is enough to keep me entertained.
Finally, I arrived on time to KUL but still had to wait for some 10-15 minutes until I got my bag back. I wonder why because the priority label was attached to my bag, and it should at least came out before economy pax. But anyhow, given that fast track card I proceeded immediately to immigration without waiting and I entered Kuala Lumpur in an instance.
Bonus pictures:
I tried to order special meal on my flight back from KUL-CGK in Y class which was a Kosher Meal. And I was practically quite surprised that GA was able to manage to provide this kind of meal, free of charge. The complete meal came in a box, that contained some ragout, whole chicken breast and rice for main, some cakes and biscuits for dessert. The first time for me trying Kosher Meal, and I could say that I kind of liked it. Many thanks to GA that has put effort in providing any request from its customers.




A very nice flight report, thanks so much for sharing!
I haven't flown with them yet, but I know I love Garuda Indonesia. That looks like some pretty epic offerings on such a short flight! Really nice. I especially love how they take care of check in procedures while having the passengers seated, never seen anything like this before!
Nice pictures to go along with it.
Cheers.
Thanks for the comment Jish.b.
You should try someday when you have the chance to fly them. The problem for now is just they do not have wide coverage for international route yet. But once you're on-board, you'll love the experience.
Yes indeed, I was also quite surprised with the meal. They really are serious with their premium product.
And good luck for your study there. It seems you also pretty much travel with Jet Airways. I did try Air India in Y back in 2012 and it was an OK experience, probably would post it here when I got the time.
Cheers
Greetings MRTY and thank you for sharing this flight. GA looks like it needs to be on my list of airlines to try.
"After this, one of the staffs escorted me along to Garuda Indonesia Lounge when she handed over my passport and BP to immigration officer who's stationed just at the entrance of the lounge. And in seconds, immigration procedure was done and I was ready to board the plane. "
-This is really exceptional service for a regional flight in J. Very impressive.
The lounge looks a little underwhelming if I'm honest.
The menu has good selection and your main looked very good.
"For the drink, I opted for Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Rose Brut champagne, served in a full-sized flute glass unlike in other airlines where they serve the champagne in a tiny glass."
-Yes, this is a very welcome touch.
Interesting look at the Kosher meal on the return trip too.
Thanks again and happy flying.
Thanks for the comment Socalnow, appreciate your time.
GA has come a long way until she's gained so many improvements as of now. One thing they have to consider probably is to expand their international routes to enable more people to experience and also to increase their presence throughout a wider potential customers.
I believe they will have a bigger and better lounge once CGK new Terminal 3 is ready.
You should try them when you have the chance.
Cheers.
Thank you for the awesome FR!
I suppose I should also thank you for "taking one for the team" and ordered a special-diet meal for your flight, one that I didn't even know was on their list. Cheers to that!
Also, am I the only one somewhat heartbroken that they no longer do flower-shaped butters?
Good to know they now have sparkling water on board, and the champagne option is quite fantastic! Though I'm not one to order alcohol on any flight that I take.
Happy flying!
Thank you for the comment, Razza_Pr. Really appreciate your time.
GA's special meal is available for international flights. You can check on their website or call the service center that they actually have a vast array of options for it. For domestic flights, they only provide choices like fruit platter or vegetarian food. Their effort was simply amazing.
I read somewhere that they actually still serve that flower-shaped butter only in certain timing of a day, maybe dinner time? Not sure if this is true though.
Happy flying too.
Alcoholic beverages, such as wines are available in this lounge upon request to the staff behind the bar counter. However, selection is limited.
Hi MRTY, thank you for this report. I have flown with them quite often but never on the CGK - KUL route so it is interesting to see what GA is offering for this route. FYI, wines and beer (Bintang) are available in the lounge but you have to request it from the bar attendant behind the counter. Also, Martebe, which is a GA signature drink made popular in the city of Medan in North Sumatra is the mix of passion fruit and tamarillo juice. There is no soursop in Martebe.
Thanks for the info GASQKL.