The most forgettable tour assignment ever...

Dear diary,

I had a wonderful morning today. Although I woke up late, I was immediatelty feeling happy upon opening my Facebook account.

Guess what?

Customers, bebeh.... I got customers/clients from Facebook and this was not the first time. I felt very happy and joyful, or as the Malays say " hatiku berbunga bunga riang " :)

I got a call at 1300 hours from my friend,  J and she offered me a tour assignment. It was a tourist transfer job from KLIA to PJ Hilton and this time, it's the Iranian tourists' group. My first time EVER..

I accepted the offer and head to KLIA. Had to pray Juma'ah on the way so as to reach at KLIA on time, at estimated time, 1530 hours. I managed to reach KLIA approximately at 1530 hours, but there was no call from the Iranian tour leader yet. The tourists from Iran has not arrived.

We (I and Mr. Rajan, the coach driver) waited from that hour until 1850 hours, only then ALL the tourists was found and properly assembled. Just imagine having to wait from 1530 to 1850, what a waste of time!

3 hours late from the actual supposedly aircraft arrival! 

Well, maybe I haven't had this long delay before from my previous tourists groups. So, I excused myself for being fussy and moody. Me and the Iranian tour leader met at Level 3, KLIA and successfully find all the people in the tourists group. At that time, I think almost 1900 and I led the group to Level 1, the coach bus level.

SMALL BLUNDER, BUT NO BIG DEAL..

I did lead them to Level 1, but it was a different Level 1. Although I have familiarised myself with  Level 1 and Level 3 (the international arrival hall) before, for some unknown reason, I led them wrongly. We used the KL Express (the express train) elevator, NOT the supposedly normal elevator. So, they (the tourists) were mumbling in Iranian language and I quickly led them to the right elevator, leading to the right Level 1. 

No mistake this time, but the tour leader also mumbled at me because of my mistake. It was understandable why the tourists were grumbling, they were TIRED! But, until now, I do not know what caused such an inconvenience and absurd delay time to the Iranian tourists.

I never bother to talk much with the tour leader; she's busy and won't care about my concern very much. She probably did not know herself too! 

After loading their luggage onto the bus storage compartment, we were all ready to go. I helped the tour leader to make sure nobody is left behind and after she said all were already on board, I said one Arabic word, with the hope that they (the Iranians) understood.

Iranians are not Arabs. They are Persians, so Arabic isn't their language. As I have no idea at all about Iranian language, I purposely tried Arabic words, with the hope somebody will understand. Arabic and Persian are different, but I think the language root might be about the same. I said, 'TAMAAM' meaning complete, just after making sure all were already on board. A man, well dressed in a jacket smiled and replied back TAMAAM. Hah, I knew I was right! (I think so)  :)

PJ HILTON

On the way to PJ Hilton, the tour leader talked a lot. She’s good, although I do not understand the language. Upon reaching PJ Hilton, I was the first to get down the bus and rushed to the hotel. I immediately asked the concierge staffs to help me with the tourists' luggage, and they helped me promptly.

It was raining lightly and the process of unloading the luggage had to be done as quickly as possible. I was sweating a lot (like usual) in the process and after making sure with the driver that nothing was left in the bus storage compartment, I hurried with the tourists to the hotel. I didn’t have much time as the bus is blocking the way and I need to get to the bus quickly. The driver agreed to help sending me to the nearest LRT station for me to go back home.

I quickly meet the tour leader and asked her if all the tourists' luggage were there in the lobby. I cannot recall her answer, but somehow, from her expression and the tourists’ reaction, I knew it is in the affirmative. I said I need to go back home (it’s getting late; they were supposed to arrive here much earlier).

I think she’s busy with her group, but she managed to entertain me nevertheless. After ALL the delay, problems and hard work, I think I am entitled to ask for a small favor, at least a THANK YOU. I didn’t receive the favor I hoped for and was really frustrated. Is it soo hard to say at least THANK YOU/SHUKRAN/etc….?

This has got to be THE MOST FORGETTABLE TOUR JOB EVER!

   

Argh,

Hafiz

17 December 2010

My maid, my tourist...

I didn't sleep well yesterday as I need to send my maid back to Indonesia, by air. Her flight was scheduled at 7am, and  fully aware of Air Asia's requirement that passengers must be present at the LCCT at least 2 hours ahead of boarding time, I need to arrive here early in the morning.

LCCT

I don't  really like the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) which is the airport base for Malaysia's low cost carrier, Air Asia. It is not that the airport is bad or anything, but I have few bad experiences there. So, every time I go to this airport, unpleasant memories just come to mind.

Today, I need to go there to send my maid to Jogjakarta, her hometown for a vacation. I was fully aware that I must be there latest at 0500, thus we went out from my house at 0400 hours. I didn't really sleep yesterday, as I fear I might get overslept. Exactly 0320, I woke up and took my shower.

We arrived at 0455 hour and I had to park my mom's car quite a distance from the departure hall. I treat her as my tourist and helped her starting from showing her the boarding screen until saying bye bye at the departure hallway.

There was no problem at all and not so many people going to Jogjakarta have arrived yet, at the LCCT [or were they already checked in and went to the departure hallway already :) ] After finished checking her in with her 11kg cargo luggage, I proceeded accompanying her to the departure hallway. 

NO COMPLAINTS

I treated her EXACTLY as my tourist and showed her every important matter, relevant to travelling via Air Asia. The difference? The process was smooth and I do not need to hear even a single complaint. 

The last time when I had to do 'transfer out' for my tourist, I was the centre of their complaints. Although I did some mistakes in the group check-in, but the real problem wasn't really about the chaos and trouble during the crowded group check-in.

It was due to their hectic itinerary.

At first, I was tasked to take them from LCCT for transfer in. They were from Singapore for 2 days and had already had their tour of Malaysia prior to their tour in Singapore. So, this time around, it was more like a transit transfer so they can go back to their country tomorrow, also from LCCT, using Air Asia. The difference, their aircraft is no longer AK, but D7. It's Air Asia X,  using a bigger and a long distance aircraft.

YOU DECIDE!!

Their flight from Singapore was scheduled at approximately 2120 hours but I didn't see them only until about 2220 hours! I was myself tired, having to wait at the arrival hall for already an hour. I was told the runaway from the aircraft (international flights) to the terminal was quite a distance and that probably explained why they were all late. But I didn't expect to wait for an hour!

They were all in a bad mood, probably due to long distance walking from the aircraft to the LCCT terminal. I was shocked to see they bought SOOO many things in Singapore. 6 huge flat screen plasma TV!! Come on...

Another long walk..

They need to walk again from the arrival hall to the tourist bus, that is also quite far. This was because tour bus cannot stop and take passengers exactly at the arrival hall. So, they probably were mumbling because having to take a long walk, again. With those things they bought from Singapore, the bus must be really full.

The luggage compartment in the tour bus had been fully utilized and it was sooo full. So, there was no room for the 6 Plasma TV except on board the bus. Even if the compartment wasn't full, they would not put their precious TV's there. So, all had been stuffed inside the bus and the bus became really full.

I had to sit at the tourist guide seat as the front ones had already been seated.  

After welcoming them back to Malaysia and introducing myself and the coach captain (a.k.a driver), I proceeded by informing them about their itinerary for that night and tomorrow. Look at this itinerary and tell me were they justified to feel angry and dissapointed...?

Mr. XXX group (close to 30 pax)

2120    ETA  SIN-KUL (LCCT) # ETA: estimated time of arrival

* They arrive at the terminal @ about 2215 and we started moving from  LCCT around 2245!!

2240   Take luggage at Grand Dorsett, Subang Jaya

* We reached there late because we started moving late from LCCT. Only at 2330 hour, we arrived @ the hotel. They can't stay there, coz the hotel was full. So, only taking the heavy luggage in the hotel's strong room and get back aboard the bus.

2310  ETA  Arrived at Dorsett Regency, Jalan Imbi, KL

* We arrived at around 0015 and I was at the peak of 'hecticness', there at the hotel lobby. The tourists were mumbling, complaining, talking loudly and requested many things, ALL at the same time!! I cannot even give them proper check-in key room and dinner box. All were tired and angry, and I was their target!

0630  Arrived at LCCT for flight at 0940 hours

I told them, as we shall move from KL, instead of Subang, the journey back to LCCT might take around one hour. If they were from Subang, the time needed to reach LCCT is shorter as Subang is nearer to LCCT than Jalan Imbi. 

Their schedule back home was at 0940 hours and I told them that we need to be there at least 3 hours before departure time. Thus, 0640 was the latest time, we must arrive at LCCT.

"Mr. Hafiz, we do not pay this much to face these kind of difficulties and inconveniences! We deserve a compensation! You know, we are really tired and you do this to us!  Whose responsible with this absurd and burdensome itinerary?!!" 

I had to bear with these kind of complaints, on my way to Jalan Imbi. Arghh, just imagine the whole bus yelling at you, what an experience!! I hate this, I hate being yelled at when it wasn't even my fault!

MORNING BLUES

They probably went to sleep at around 0100 hours, or didn't sleep at all as they need to wake up at around 0430 to 0500. I told them in a stressed tone that WE NEED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE LOBBY AT 0530, SHARP!!. Most of them complied though, and I am glad. Then another complaint.

" Mr. Hafiz, I want hot, served breakfast!!"

Come on brother, there is no time to have breakfast served when you have to depart from the hotel at 0530 !! I apologized and brought them packaged breakfast (from the hotel) and informed them NOT TO EAT in the bus, as the bus will be used for another tour. Again, they complied. Alhamdulillah...

When we are about to reach LCCT, I apologized to them and I used these statements.

"On behalf of the local travel agent and the Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia I sincerely apologize to all of you for the conveniences that you have gone through. I'll talk with the one linked to the local agent and will highlight your problems. Again, I am deeply sorry and hope we will meet again in the future, here, in Malaysia"  

 

After finishing my parting remarks, a lady who complained yesterday apologized to me for yelling and make noise. She said thank you and immediately I felt relief and appreciated.  I hurried down the bus as we reached  LCCT and quickly help them with their luggage.

I WAS A HAPPY MAN. After all the trouble, it has finally ended. On top of that, I received  TIPS from the grateful tourists, happy with my services. A man said, while handing me a postal envelope from their country;

"Please take this Mr. Hafiz. We like you and please take this. Thank you so much for your help"

I was happy but still cannot forget both the bitter experience and sweet ones at the LCCT!! 

RM Hafiz

15 December 2010

  

  

  

BOOKS ON TRAVEL & GUIDING

Assalamualaikum and good day!!

I have a habit of buying books that I do not usually finish it. Although this habit is considered by many as not good and a waste, I have my own views. Although I did not finish my books immediately, certain chapters in the books did helped me understand about a particular topic. However, certain books and novels had been successfully completed.

Today, on my way back home from KL Central (to buy air ticket to Jogjakarta) I saw a book fair at the KL Central. There are lotsa books and magazines but I none interest me except books that are at the Travel section. After looking, examining and reading the synopsis of certain interesting books, I decided to purchase one good book on history that only cost me RM5.00!! And the book is authoritative because of the references and the credibility of the author.

The book is entitled 'Asal Usul Negeri-Negeri di Malaysia' written by Datuk Datin Paduka Zakiah Hanum, an ex-Malaysian National Archieve Head Director. I find the book useful and it helped me understand the history of the Malay states in Malaysia. The author quoted credible references and authors of the past historians as early as 1495!!

Although the facts and the stories about the Malay states kept me interested, the whole text is quite academic in nature. It could be more interesting if it adopted a more story telling approach like the one I bought from Ms. Ezee, entitled Insider's Kuala Lumpur by Lam Seng Fatt. The latter book is never boring no matter how many times I read it (the English is good too!)

'Ala kulli haal, for those of you who wish to enhance their knowledge on Malay States history, I recommend you to buy the former book. Please bear with the presentation of the book, just focus on the beneficial facts, stories and authenthic illustrations that are included in the book. Tour Guides would also find this book useful especially when they want to explain about the history of each Malay states.

OTHER BOOKS THAT IS WORTH READING FOR TOUR GUIDES & TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS

1. Malaysian Customs & Etiquette, A Practical Handbook by Dato' Paduka Noor Aini Abdullah-Amir
2. SURVIVAL ARABIC by Fethi Mansouri and Yousef Alreemawi.
3. Thifl Al Qaryah (Kampung Boy) by Dato' Lat
4. OIC Tourism Directory by OIC and Tourism Malaysia
5. From Poor Migrant to Millionaire CHAN WING 1873-1947

That's all for now, happy reading!

Wassalam

RM Hafiz

12 December 2010

  



Wakil Umrah dan Pelancongan Anda...

APA YANG SAYA BOLEH BUAT UNTUK ANDA SEBAGAI WAKIL SYARIKAT UMRAH/HAJI...?

1. Menjadi PEMUDAHCARA urusan antara jemaah (pelanggan) dengan syarikat.
2. KEMUDAHAN mengambil passport serta dokumen-dokumen untuk Visa di RUMAH/PEJABAT anda dengan PERCUMA (Lembah Klang sahaja). Bagi jemaah di luar Lembah Klang, boleh dibincang serta diuruskan juga.
3. Berpeluang MENGETUAI rombongan jemaah ke Tanah Suci dan tempat pelancongan lain.
4. 'UPDATE' jemaah tentang berita dan maklumat terbaru dari syarikat.
5. KHIDMAT nasihat tentang syarat-syarat VISA, penerbangan, pakej umrah/pelancongan dan lain-lain.
6. Membantu jemaah ketika BERLEPAS ke tanah suci di lapangan terbang (bergantung kepada kelapangan masa)

HUBUNGI 019 372 9180 (Hafiz) atau e-mail ke: randori18@yahoo.com  untuk maklumat dan tempahan pakej umrah dan pelancongan!

MAKLUMAT RINGKAS SAYA

• Pemandu Pelancong berbahasa Inggeris serta Arab yang dilesenkan oleh Kementerian Pelancongan Malaysia. Bertanggungjawab membawa pelancong-pelancong dalam negara serta luar negara melawat tempat-tempat menarik di Malaysia.
• Bertugas menyambut ketibaan pelancong-pelancong antarabangsa khususnya pelancong berbahasa Inggeris dan bahasa Arab di Malaysia. 
• Berpengalaman bertugas sebagai pegawai umrah di sebuah syarikat pelancongan umrah/haji yang terkenal di Kuala Lumpur.  
• Berpengalaman mengurus jemaah umrah berlepas ke tanah suci di lapangan terbang.
• Pernah menjadi 'tour leader' atau ketua rombongan mengetuai jemaah Malaysia ke Tanah Suci.
• Minat mendalam dalam mencipta, merangka dan menyediakan khidmat pakej pelancongan luar negara, umrah/haji dan pelancongan dalam negara melalui syarikat pelancongan yang berlesen.

Terima kasih /Jazakallah  :)

Tour Guide 101

November 2010

This month will be critically remembered as I began doing tour guiding starting that month. A lot of things happened and done starting end of October to this near end of November 2010. But the most unforgettable experience was leading foreign tourists for tours in Malaysia.

I had experienced all the good and bad things in tour guiding in this month. Some got me going and some just simply ruined not only my day, but the whole WEEK!!

Tour Guide, easy job...?

Think again! This job is certainly NOT for the people who are introverted (though can be trained) and weak hearted. While being a tour guide comes with A LOT of perks such as discounts on hotel price, free 5 star dining, discounts on goods purchased and enjoying commissions on sales, the job comes with a lot of pressure and hard work. I believe every work consists some element of hard work and pressure, but this one is very different from the jobs I did before.

Mom called, I must get down. Probably it's dinner so I don't want to miss good food. Till we meet again, bye bye...

Travel Industry

This is my first time ever, writing a blog. A very simple blog I think, but I do not mind. Or the Arabs say, "Ana La Ubaali" :)

Extensive and sophisticated blog is not my priority right now, as I am just writing to release some stress that I carry day by day. Thus, I will now start my blog by discussing an interesting topic, that is travel industry ( lame introduction, I must admit)

I have come to know the travel industry by accident. As I was reading an english newspaper ( NST, I think do) during lunch at Kelana Jaya, I found an interesting Ministry of Tourism advertisement. It was about a fully sponsored 5 months Tour Guide course WITH an an additional international language course. The language must be for tourism purpose, and I chose Arabic from the list as I did have some basic knowledge in the language. I called the officer and after few weeks I think, I was selected to be the first fully sponsored tour guide course badge! That was how I stumbled upon the travel industry.

Achtung!! Please correct my spelling and English if you find any error in my writings, thank you all!