Treated like a Star

Text: Ariel Chew Photographs: Zainal Abidin Othman

Now for just RM100, you can experience real star treatment when you travel.

"I always thought I should be treated like a star," Madonna once said.

Well, not every one of us has the privilege of being treated like a star all the time, or even most of the time. But surely we, lesser mortals, are entitled to bask in the lavish comforts of life such as limo rides, for some of the time.

With the VIP Service of the KLIA Ekspres, A-star treatment for travellers is just a phone call or a few mouse clicks away. Started in 2002 as a premium product by Express Rail Link's (ERL), the operator of KLIA Ekspres, this service became a hit and garnered a lot of repeat customers. "Experience the most comfortable door-to-door VIP Service in town!" their brochure 'screamed'. "Be chauffeured to your desired location in a premier limousine!"

All your needs will be taken care from the moment you land at KLIA. You don't have to queue for the KLIA Ekspres ticket or taxi vouchers, a concierge will not only take care of your luggage but also chaperone you all the way on the KLIA Ekspres. That's not all; a limo will be ready to take you to your destination. I bet first-time travellers to Kuala Lumpur would appreciate being sent right to the door step of their destination without being fearful of getting lost. If that’s not hassle-free travel in style, what would you call it?

Being a frequent traveller myself, I decided to try out the service and made the necessary arrangements. As I walked past the immigration counters towards the KLIA Baggage Reclaim Hall, I spotted a stand with my name printed in bold. A smiling and smartly-dressed VIP Service staff that stood beside it greeted me warmly and introduced himself as Nasir. It was reassuring to have them welcome travellers so soon after they touched down.

After I signed in at the VIP Service counter which is just a few steps away, Nasir introduced me to my personal "flying porter" Roshan. Roshan would escort me and carry my luggage from KLIA right up to the limo. This flying porter concept is unique and epitomises VIP Service's personalised and attentive brand of assistance. Roshan, who is cheerful and friendly by nature, transported my luggage from the baggage carousel and onboard the KLIA Ekspres. Twenty-eight minutes later upon arrival at KL Sentral, he led me to the awaiting limousine. I couldn't help enjoying the convenience of having someone 'pampering' me, taking care of all my needs without the complexity of looking out for signboards and running the risk of getting lost in transit.

The limo was another treat altogether. The dignified driver, Tan, opened the door of the sleek black Mercedes S200 for me. I immediately sank into its roomy and plush interiors. It was the most luxurious 20-minute ride in KL city centre I have ever experienced. For once, I was not bothered nor stressed out by the busy traffic around me. I felt that the limo ride came to an end too soon. I got off the limo feeling thoroughly pampered.

You, too, can enjoy these treats - the express train fare, flying porter service and a limo ride for just RM100. Add RM30 more for an additional passenger to/from the same destination. How's that for an affordable luxury?

Have no second thoughts about it, make a VIP Service booking. You deserve to be treated as a star.

The VIP service is available at the International Baggage Reclaim Hall at KLIA. For booking enquiries call +603-22746266 or visit www.VIPservice.com.my.