If you ask me what's my favourite country, the answer would definitely is Japan. However, my last trip to my favourite country was back in 2019. Even though I have confirmed ticket to Nagoya, Japan in 2023 but I wasn't fit to travel abroad due to my pregnancy. So this makes me missing Japan even more.
I tried to manifest my trip to Japan in 2024 and I can't believe that my dreams come true when we spotted promo by China Southern Airlines where a round-trip between Kota Kinabalu - Tokyo costing roughly around RM1,600++ per pax. Considered quite affordable as it's a full-service airline which includes 23kg per passenger and in-flight meals, even though it requires to transit in Guangzhou. Well, we don't mind anywhere since China is visa-free currently and we can kill two birds with one stone - visiting 2 countries (both China and Japan) at the same time.
It's our second time flying with China Southern Airlines (for both my husband and I) as we flew before to Los Angeles back in 2019. But it's baby Daniel's virgin experience. Each passenger is allowed to check-in one piece of baggage up to 23kg (for Economy class).
Flight from Kota Kinabalu to Guangzhou
There are even quilt and small pillow provided for each passenger.
In-flight meal for Kota Kinabalu - Guangzhou route
My husband said there's a slight improvement compare to our previous flight back in 2019
Arrived Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport Terminal 2 after 3 hours 25 minutes flight
We arrived Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (Terminal 2) nearly 11pm after the 3 hours and 25 minutes flight from Kota Kinabalu. Because our next connecting flight to Tokyo Haneda is at 8am on the next morning, hence we decided to book a hotel nearby the airport for a quick recharge. I didn't manage to take any photos of the hotel we stayed for that night as I was pretty exhausted. But what I remember was there's a free pick-up and drop-off services from the hotel staff.
This is the hotel we stayed nearby the airport. Free pick-up and drop-off services from/to airport
Back at the airport again to catch our next connecting flight. What a beautiful sunrise!
At Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, we're not required to go to the counter for another check-in process as all these procedures had been clearly done in Kota Kinabalu International Airport. On top of that, we're given boarding passes for both route earlier on. All we need to do is directly head over to the departure hall. However, it's wise to reach the airport at least 1.5 hours earlier for the security and immigration process and bear in mind, China is pretty quite strict on this. Hence, it might take longer than other airports.
Guangzhou has 2 terminals and for our flight to Tokyo Haneda with China Southern Airlines, it departs from Terminal 2. It might be small, but I glad I found my favourite convenience store there which is Family Mart. There are even Burger King and Starbucks within the departure hall.
Waiting for our next flight to Tokyo Haneda
Flying with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner from Guangzhou to Tokyo Haneda
However, they didn't provide quilt and small pillow for the passenger.
We need to request from the cabin crew ourselves.
In-flight meal for Guangzhou - Tokyo Haneda route.
It's pretty good especially the sweet potatoes and soba.
By the way, this is non halal meal.
If you want to request for halal meal, you can do so by applying 24 hours before departure.
After almost 5 hours, we have arrived at Tokyo Haneda Airport
It's Baby Daniel's 4th country - Japan
The flight with China Southern Airlines might indeed one-long journey, especially with 10-hours overnight layover in Guangzhou but with the price we paid, we have nothing to complain about. Decent in-flight meals, various in-flight entertainment services and friendly cabin-crew services. Most importantly, all of our luggages made it safe and sound to Tokyo Haneda.
By the way, if any of you are planning to visit Japan, don't forget to complete a customs and immigration form directly on Japan web. All you have to do is as the following:
- Create an account.
- Fill in your details, as well as for accompanying children.
- Fill in the actual date of entering Japan.
- Complete the entry procedure that includes Immigration Disembarkation Card and Customs Declarations.
- Upon completion, there will be a QR code generated for both the Immigration and Customs procedures.
These are the documents you need to get ready for the registration:
- A valid passport
- Flight details
- Address of your accommodation
Most importantly, don't forget to save the QR code so that this can save your time for Immigration and Customs process.
With that, Konichiwa Tokyo after 5 years!
I think fly from Kinabalu have much more promo then Kuala Lumpur. RM1600 for return that consider cheap as is not a low cost airlines. Hurmm due to pregnancy.. ni mesti beli tiket awal berbulan bulan hihii.. sama macam kita.. ada beli tiket 1 year ahead hahaha.. if ada masalah mmg burn la tiket.. 😅
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