Dorene commented on one of my previous blog post about MAS Golden Holidays. It makes me curious to know more about it and how does it fares to both Malaysians and international travellers.

Let’s take a look at the first page of the promotion. The package was labelled as “Santai” package, and you could see that the price was stated “from MYR 1,090″. Don’t get fooled here, as it is the price if you are travelling from Kuching to Kota Kinabalu.

You have to pay MYR 1,370 if you are travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu (per person, minimum of 2).

As it is for 4D3N package, you will stay in Promenade Hotel (2 nights - the first and third night), and Laban Rata *dormitories on the second night. The price will includes most meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and transportation from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park.
*they did not state which dorm you will be put in. Or even heated or non-heated. If they play dirty, they will put you in the non-heated room (like Gunting Lagadan Hut) and still, you have to pay the full price.

You will start your journey from Timpohon Gate, means that if you want to climb via Mesilau, you either have to pay more or seek some other agents.

The package will also NOT including the guide fee, porter fee, insurance, entrance fee, certificate and climbing permit.

How does it cost?

Standard price (MAS Super Savers) for a return trip from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu is MYR 732, that means you are paying MYR 638 per person for other than flight expanses, provided that you go with another person.

Personally, it is too costly for me (and maybe some of local Malaysian climbers), as you could get half the price of the package, by taking Airasia and stay in one of the few nice hostels & lodges around Kota Kinabalu.

My 2 sen: Most probably SSL (or maybe Sutera Harbour Resort), is aiming on international travellers more than local travellers. They could earn more than double from one international traveller compared to our own national citizen.

It is because most international travellers travel in small group, compared to Malaysian which usually comes in big groups to cut cost. I don’t think they even care about us after all.

What do you think?

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