Monday, June 29, 2009

KL to Singapore : Bus or plane?

There was a time where if you don't drive, it's down to Pudu bus station to catch an express down to Singapore because spending hundreds to fly the short distance was not worth it. Thanks to the number of budget airlines that finally started their KL-Singapore routes (took them long enough!) and the number of luxury express buses that don't all leave from Pudu, there are more options for consumer to choose from as the fares these days are (quite frankly) about the same. I have this back and forth in my head everytime there's a concert down there that I'm thinking of going, and it's getting tiresome. I'm only gonna use KL as a point of reference here just because I am from around here, after all.

Bus:

Pros
  • You don't have to check in 2 hours prior to leaving; you just have to show up at least half an hour before departure.
  • You can buy them Krispy Kreme donuts for people down south (if you don't mind carrying them around a bit).
  • Depending on the bus company you end up with, you might have a shorter ride home.
  • Only reason why I wouldn't mind taking the first bus out is the napping potential.
Cons
  • The TEN HOUR bus ride to and fro; talk about butt cramp.
  • Higher death rate from road accidents than from plane crashes.

Plane:

Pros
  • Competitive rates; cost about the same as bus fares if not cheaper.
  • Actual flight: under an hour.
  • Duty free shit if you actually qualify.
  • I'd check in an hour or two on top of the 2 hours just to hang out at Changi Airport: the internet kiosks, the shops... don't get me started.
Cons
  • Unless you got friends or family who are willing to drive you to the airport, you have to spend money getting there.
  • Piggy flu. 'Nuff said.
  • The 2 hour check-in prior to boarding, which sucks if you're on the first flight out as you're there before the sun does.
  • The flight is so short, it's not enough time to nap.
  • Add another hour for getting to the airport. Less if you're talking Firefly at Ye Old Terminal 3 in Subang. Then think about the way back. Total travel time: 3 - 4 hours, give or take.
  • Airport security.
To conclude this debate: I'd choose to fly definitely, but I wouldn't really fly right now because of the piggy flu (I've not asked how travelling by bus is in the current condition), but if I want to get some window shopping in, then I'm stuck to Orchard or doing it real fast.

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