TravelStories Episode 26: Malaysia, Langkawi, Bangkok, and Beyond

Milenomics ² Podcast - No Annual Fee Edition

During this episode, we discuss Malaysia, with a focus on Langkawi. Trevor shares the highlights and disappointments from his recent trip with his wife and young daughter, from Etihad First Class to first-class lounges, luxury amenities, and more. Tune in for a first-hand account of South East Asian travel packed with handy insights of the highs and lows to help you plan your next trip. We discuss amenities and food, and experiences both inside hotels and beyond the property borders. Trevor shares an honest account of what he would do again, including paying another visit to a Waldorf hotel and avoiding accommodation where renovations are taking place. Join us today to hear all this and more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• [00:00] Introducing this episode’s conversation which centers on Langkawi, Malaysia.
• [00:58] Trevor’s trip to Langkawi which was his daughter’s final trip as a lap infant.
• [04:26] How Etihad addressed an issue with Trevor’s daughter’s boarding pass.
• [05:17] Cutbacks at Etihad including less airport lounges and in-flight comforts.
• [10:10] Terminal 1 and 3 and Tom’s experience at the new first class lounge in Abu Dhabi.
• [14:04] Tom’s early experiences with Etihad and how it has changed over the years.
• [15:28] Returning to the Grand Hyatt in Kuala Lumpur.
• [17:51] Why visiting malls in Asia is such a memorable experience.
• [20:19] Langkawi experiences starting at the St. Regis Hotel.
• [24:54] How the property is structured and the renovations that are currently taking place.
• [30:34] The Four Seasons Beach experience.
• [32:38] Luxury amenities at the Four Seasons.
• [35:45] Trevor’s firsts on his most recent trip including traveling with Air Asia.
• [38:35] Traveling from Bangkok to Abu Dhabi.
• [41:35] Staying at the Park Hyatt in Abu Dhabi.

Quotes:

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned with a lap infant, every single check-in has some or other random problem.” — @tmount [02:16]

“I have nostalgia for the Etihad of ten years ago when I first flew them and it was amazing. It was my first time traveling with a Middle Eastern carrier.” — @TktweetsKim [13:52]

“Don’t overlook the mall when you are in a big Asian metropolis. It might be at least worth an afternoon stroll.” — @TktweetsKim [18:56]

“We will stay at a Waldorf again. The care and the quality of the service was wonderful.” — @tmount [38:14]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Abu Dhabi International Airport

Etihad Airways

Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

St. Regis Langkawi

Four Seasons Langkawi

Air Asia

Waldorf Astoria Bangkok

Bangkok Airport

The Flip Flop Traveler

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi

Oberoi Hotel Agra

Thomas Kim on X

Trevor Mountcastle on X