Review of SilkAir flight from Manado-Celebes to Singapore in Business

Hello all,
Welcome to the third episode of flight report for my Diving trip in Lembeh Strait, Manado, Indonesia
Report of previous flights in this trip can be found here
Sector 1 : Bangkok - Singapore on SQ 981
Sector 2 : Singapore - Manado on MI 274
Sector 3 : Manado - Singapore on MI 273 (Current Review)
Sector 4 : Singapore - Bangkok on SQ 976
For my journey back home, SilkAir flight to Singapore will depart Manado Sam Ratulangi International Airport at 14.00. In order to do so, we need to depart our dive resort at 10.00, be at airport before 12.00. There is a security X-ray for everyone before entering terminal building, which only allow passenger access.

Manado Airport is much larger than I have imagined (This is the 2nd visit of mine, previous visit was during its renovation period and some area is block off). The majority of flight serve Indonesian Domestic Route. Our flight seemed to be the only International service of that afternoon.

I have completed online check in 48 hours in advance with inflight catering reservation as a main objective, and only need to drop all of my huge baggage. Business class check in is empty and I got all document sorted out in no time.
Please note that, while internet check in is possible, e-boarding pass is not accepted at Manado airport as of now.

Then I head to the lounge. To my pleasant surprise, SilkAir’s lounge has changed from uninspiring Bunaken Lounge to Concordia Lounge on 3rd floor. This lounge is new, clean, with view overlooking Runway and outdoor observation area, and good selection of catering.
Note to Administrator – Concordia Lounge is not yet listed in website system. The system offer me a choice of Garuda and Batik Air lounge (in flight information section), but not Condordia. I believe it is recently opened and nobody have review it yet. I left it blank for now.

Food selection. Indonesian snake fruit is the best I have tasted.

Outdoor area and I can spot arrival of our aircraft

Then it’s almost time for boarding. I left the lounge slightly before boarding time and suddenly realized that, the lounge is in DOMESTIC area, I have not pass through immigration yet!
Time to run!
Flight information
Flight : MI 273
From : Sam Ratulangi International Airport (MDC/ WAMM)
To : Singapore Changi Airport (SIN/VSSS)
Date : 18 April 2018
Departure Gate : 4
Boarding Time : 13.30 hrs.
Departure Time : 14.00 hrs.
Actual Departure Time : 14.01 hrs.
Flight Duration : 3.18 hrs.
Arrival Time : 17.17 hrs.
Arrival Gate : E11
Aircraft : B737-800
Registration : 9V-MGP
Name : -
Class : Business
Seat : 3A

I pass through empty immigration quickly, and walk straight into Gate waiting area. Boarding for Business class has already commenced and I join the queue

View from my seat, there are only 4 passengers in Business Class cabin. Seats and amenities are identical to the incoming flight

Cabin crew come with a tray of welcome drink, Orange juice for me, please.

Then the newspaper service

A pillow and a blanket provided on each seat. I am welcome to use extra pillow from any unoccupied seat, anyway I like

Only think I found unpleasant is the dust on the ceiling.

Seat function and legroom

At 13.52, jetbridge is retracted and safety demonstration video played on ceiling mounted screen

Take off clip

Ascending along Celebes Seacoast

When fasten seatbelt sign is turned off, iPad is handed to everyone.

Followed by first round of drink and nuts or potato chips. I chose Champagne and nuts

Then the appetizer is brought in, the table is set

It’s potato salad, which is nice

My pre-order of Nasi Goreng with Satay from “All-time favourite menu” is again rewarding. It is as nice as Nasi Lemak from the other flight.

Dessert of Pandan chiffon cake, a bit boring in my opinion

Then chocolate truffle with offer of coffee or tea.

After the crew clean up utensils from meal service, all window shades are closed, TV on the ceiling is retracted, cabin light is dimmed for passenger’ sleep (if they choose to).

I occasionally take a peek behind the shades to check the view below, which is full of rainforest. I tried not to imagine how long will it take to walk to the nearest civilization if we have to land around here in emergency. The forest are so untouched and unpolluted.

A visit to the toilet, which is dry and clean

Descending to Singapore

Passing over an airport, which I am still trying to figure out what airport is it. Any help would be appreciated.

Landing clip

Taxi toward Terminal 2

Dock at Gate E11, adjacent to SQ’s newest 78X with service to Bangkok on a flight just an hour before my flight. (Imagine how do I stare longingly at her)

We are directed to walk along a dedicated walkway, with barricade separate us from the main corridor and need to undergo additional (presumably post-flight X-ray and security). This is the first time I have to do this. It is not a normal Singapore’s pre-boarding security check, but really a post-flight activity. Not sure why but not really a problem except a few minutes of connecting time less (not an ideal situation when the screen said our gate is now opened)

I would like to conclude the report of this flight here, and will continue with the next one on Singapore Airlines back to Bangkok, the last flight in this journey.