The launch of Fireflys inaugural flight between Kota Bharu and Johor Bahru

Happy TGIF guys!
Today would be the 2nd day of my trip with Firefly Airlines in conjunction with their launch of inaugural flight between Kota Bharu and Johor Bahru.

Im following the media familiarisation trip, co-sponsored by Johor State Tourism and Resort World Sentosa, and the ground transfers are hosted by Truly Travel Mart Tour & Transport Sdn Bhd and SN Vacation.

Below: Guess whos on the trip as well and adding bling, spark and glamour (literally) to our 4D3N adventure?

Our flight was smooth and upon arrival at Senai International Airport we were greeted by Firefly personnels followed by tradition welcome performance.

Below: Director Ministry of Tourism Malaysia Johor, Mohammad Isa Abdul Halim greeting passengers.

My itinerary is as below:

DayDateActivities126 April 2012Sambutan tetamu tetamu khas / delegasi media / penumpang dari penerbangan perdana Firefly dari Kota Bharu ke Jo! hor Bahr u disambut di lapangan terbang antarabangsa Senai. Pertunjukan Kebudayaan.Rombongan bertolak dari Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Senai ke Johor Bahru Premium Outlet (JPO), Kota Iskandar, Johor Bahru Chinese Temple, Kuil Kaca India pertama di Dunia dan Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar.Check in Puteri Pacific Hotel, Johor BahruAktiviti bebasJamuan Makan Malam bersama FireflyAcara bebas.227 April 2012Sarapan Pagi di HotelDelegasi bertolak bagi Singapore city tour, lawatan ke Singapore Resort World, dan lawatan ke Geylang Serai, Little India, The Merlion dan Masjid Sultan.Bertolak balik ke Johor BahruJamuan Makan Malam bersama oleh Jabatan Pelancongan Negeri JohorAcara bebas328 April 2012Sarapan Pagi di HotelBertolak ke Sibu Island Resort menerusi Tanjung Leman, pembentangan taklimatproduk oleh Sibu Island Resort. Lawatan ke sekitar Sibu Island Resort.Makan Tengahari di Sibu Island ResortDelegasi bertolak ke Desaru Fruit Farm, pembentangan oleh Desaru Fruit FarmHi-tea di Desaru Fruit FarmDelegasi bertolak ke Johor Bahru dan bermalam di Johor BahruAcara bebas.429 April 2012Sarapan pagi di HotelDelegasi bertolak ke Lapangan Terbang Senai Airport

So, as you guys can see, the programme is angled at highlighting the wonderful attractions that the state of Johor has to offer, whereby serving as a convenient gateway to Singapore is a major part of it.
For TODAY, Im really excited for the Singapore City Tour where Ill be visiting the Singapore Resort World. I have been to Universal Studios Singapore many times, most recently to the World Gourmet Summit 2012. But I have never toured the whole of Resort World before. I am assuming that during the trip, Ill be able to visit different hotel. *fingers crossed*

For the rest of the media, they were happy with their visit to the Johor Premium Outlets yesterday. I have been to JPO myself (POST HERE) and I was told this time that JPO was as packed as ever even on a weekday yesterday!

For shopacholics, heres a tip!
The journey from Senai Airport to Johor Premium Outlets is a mere 5 10 minutes ride. Fantastic news isnt it! You can actually just make a day trip, shop til you drop and fly back home right away.

And of course no trips is worth the trip if I dont get to savour some local delights. I hope to taste authentic Nasi Briyani Gam, Laksa Johor, and Mee Bandung while Im here.

Other than that, I have never heard of Sibu Island Resort. Have any of you? It sounds very promising, with clean waters and sandy beaches. Lets see if it leaves up to its name!

Last but not least, I will try to update occasionally during the trip, time and connectivity willing.
So, have a good weekend ahead peeps, cause mine has already started!

Note:
Firefly made history by being the first airline to provide direct air linkages connecting the south and the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
This flight connects Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, Kota Bahru to Senai Internation Airport in Johor.
The flights are direct, thrice weekly services with a travel time of approximately 1 hour 40 minutes, pro! viding a n excellent alternative to existing public land transportation servicing this route such as coach and rail services.

Flight schedule, effective today
Kota Bharu Johor Bahru/ Johor Bahru Kota Bharu

RouteKota Bharu JohorBahru
8.30am 10.10am Tues, Thurs, Sun

Johor Bahru KotaBharu
10.30am 12.10pm Tues, Thurs, Sun