Review Index
Sector 1 : Bangkok - Singapore on SQ 981
Sector 2 : Singapore - Manado on MI 274 (Current review)
Sector 3 : Manado - Singapore on MI 273
Sector 4 : Singapore - Bangkok on SQ 976
In the morning after my journey with Singapore Airlines flight from Bangkok (in the link above), I checked out of Ambassador Transit Hotel and head to Silver Kris Lounge
The lounge is large, with a lot of comfortable seating. However I personally find the lounge a bit dark and claustrophobic, as it does not have even a single window.
Business Section is readily available with computer terminal and Wifi password. Connection is strong
There is good array of food and drink. So, I fix myself some quick breakfast and a cup of coffee, then leave the lounge for some shopping as I will have a rush connection on the return journey and definitely won't have time then.
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A quick visit to the restroom, that also include shower section. There are toiletries provided, not very luxury looking but adequate
Boarding commence at 9.15 for Business Class, and 8.55 for Economy Class. Scheduled Departure time is 9.45. The aircraft, 737-800 9V-MGG awaits her journey.
Flight information
Airlines : Silk Airlines
Flight : MI 274
From : Singapore Changi Airport (SIN/VSSS)
To : Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC/ WAMM)
Date : 13 April 2018
Departure Gate : E6
Boarding Time : 09.15 hrs.
Departure Time : 09.45 hrs.
Actual Departure Time : 10.08 hrs.
Flight Duration : 3.18 hrs.
Arrival Time : 13.15 hrs.
Arrival Gate : 2
Aircraft : B737-800
Registration : 9V-MGG
Name : -
Class : Business
Seat : 3F
This is my first time aboard Silk Air 737-800, the seat is almost identical to that of A320, but I somehow found the seat to be noticeably less comfortable, may be the narrower seat pitch and less recline?
Literature, air sick bag
Entertainment leave a bit to be desired, as small ceiling mounted TV screen is the only thing available. I do not know why iPad is not handed out in this flight. But passenger can log into their inflight Wifi system. there are no internet connection but inflight streaming is available to everyone, including those in Economy class
Spotting a few aircraft during taxi. United 788 has comes a long way, a direct flight from Los Angeles if my memory serves correct
Take off
Overflying a reclaimed land, guess that it’s a space for airport extension?
A quick lavatory visit, an ordinary 737 toilet but spotless for the entire flight. Seemed like they clean it after every single use.
Back to my seat and service begin. Cabin Crew offer a choice between mixed nuts or potato chips, serve with a drink of my choice. Probably just a coke and nuts, please.
Table is set and appetizer is served. It’s glass noodle salad that is so chewy. I only have those seafood and return the rest of them. Garlic Bread is nice, though
I ordered Nasi Lemak from their “All-time favorite menu”, which can be reserved between 48-24 hours prior to departure time, and I am glad I did. Nasi Lemak is so nice. It was professionally presented and everything is flavorful. So good that I only opt for a glass of water so not to spoil its taste with anything foreign.
My personal creation – since I still have some Almond and Cashew nuts left over, I experiment a new combination by adding an almond into the mix – impressive result.
Dessert – eTe Sea Salt Caramel ice cream
And some Chocolate Truffle to go with coffee/tea, which I only take chocolate
A peek at economy class, which I like the seat color
A scenic descend
Landing
For a Safe landing at Sam Ratulangi International Airport Manado
Spot Lion air 70th Boeing Next Generation 737 Livery
Immigration take just a few minutes and we are all at Luggage service area.
My bags are among the very first to arrive, and just a short walk, there awaits my car rental driver
Thank you all for visiting , I would like to conclude my review here.
Bonus - Diving in Lembeh Strait
Bitung is a small city with approximately 1xx,xxx citizen. It is located 2 hours away from Manado, and is one of the most interesting dive site in the world. Promimity to Tongkoko Volcano make the seabed full of black sand, dwelled by millions of ocean creature, some are unique to the area
View from Resort
Landmark of Lembeh Strait
Nudibranch, aka the sea slug
Pygmy Seahorse, the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen
Mimic Octopus, which will mimic swimming pattern of other creature like fish or sea snake to escape its predator
Juvenile squid
Clown frogfish
Halequin shrimp
Thank you for sharing!
There is good array of food and drink.
- Did they replace Tiger with Chang, or were both available?
This is my first time aboard Silk Air 737-800, the seat is almost identical to that of A320, but I somehow found the seat to be noticeably less comfortable, may be the narrower seat pitch and less recline?
- 737 family's fuselage is a few inches narrower than A320 family's and as I remember MI also have a denser configuration for their 738, which contributes to the less space. You should compare MI's 738 and 320 seat map to see the differences.
there are no internet connection but inflight streaming is available to everyone, including those in Economy class
- Did you try their inflight Wi-Fi? I tried it once on their 320 and found it barely usable as it was so slow, so I wondered if the one on 738 is faster or given the passenger number suck even more.
So good that I only opt for a glass of water so not to spoil its taste with anything foreign.
- Next time try having some nasi lemak in Singapore or Malaysia paired with teh tarik, which I usually do - now that's even better.
Once again, thank you and hope to see your next report!
Hi Eric,
I could not recall Tiger in the lounge at all, but I do not normally drink beer, so it is possible that I just did not noticed it.
As for the aircraft, you are right, I just checked in seatguru and found out 150 vs 162 seat in 320 vs 738. Naturally the pitch in Business class shrink from 40 to 38 inches. I did not use inflight streaming video this time, but I once have tried on A320 and found it quite ok back then (just listen to music, not movie). And, thanks for the drink pairing advice, I will definitely try it next time.
I loved everything in this report, from the nasi lemak to the nudibranchs!
Thanks for sharing!
Hi, Nechus,
Glad you love the review. The flight is superb, and I do love Manado too. Looking forward to dive here again. Thanks
Food selection at Kris Lounge is way better than SATS premium lounge. i was surprised tho that they served SATS ice cream on Business class, usually they served that in economy. Nasi Lemak looks "atas" classy, makes me want to eat one now. Bonus are just wow! this is the first time i saw those sea creatures.
Hi Jaytot,
Thank you for reading. Can you educate me a bit about SATS? I know that they are caterer, but how come they have got their own brand of ice-cream? I just think that the brand is eTe, as it is indicated on the side of the tub. Probably a co-brand product , I guess?
Hi Arq, thanks for sharing another lovely and well-photographed report! SilkAir seem to get positive reviews in general and your report is consistent with that. The cabin does look a bit outdated though, for being on a newer aircraft with a Boeing Sky Interior. I will say that the J seats look comfy despite being old school. Catering looks very good. The major downside of MI is the lack of IFE. It's usually find on shorter regional flights, but with this flight being over 3.5 hours long, that's starting to be a bit long without IFE. Thanks for sharing!
Hi KevinDC,
What I find it a bit lag behind expectation is seatpitch. 737 seatpitch really shrink comparing to A320. For entertainment, they play a quiet comedy on ceiling mounted TV which I think is quite ok. I love to stare out the windows anyway. Thanks for reading.
Thanks for sharing this MI flight with us. I haven't has the pleasure of flying with them but after reading your review i would not hesitate to do so. The nasi looks very appetizing including your custom additions! I certainly want to visit Manado and North Sulawesi now. Stunning scenery and underwater life. Thanks again for sharing and happy flying.
Thank you, I flew MI several flight and find them great. Hard product might lag behind other carrier's 320 or 737 but their people are so polished. Love to fly with them.