Despite a flight time of under three hours, I received the full KLM World Business class experience on my Fifth Freedom flight from Bali to Singapore.
After booking a cheap economy class ticket for $154, I approached the ticket counter at Denpasar Airport and was able to upgrade to business class for 99EUR. I detailed the process here.
> Read More: A 99EUR Lie-Flat Business Class Upgrade On KLM
After visiting the Garuda Indonesia (SkyTeam) lounge, I proceeded to the gate where boarding commenced promptly at 8:00 PM.
KLM 836
Bali (DPS) – Singapore (SIN)
Wednesday, July 24
Depart: 08:35 PM
Arrive: 11:15 PM
Duration: 02hr, 40min
Distance: 1,037 miles
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Seat: 4A (Business Class)
Onboard, I was welcomed by a smiling Dutch crew and found my seat in row four.
KLM 777-300ER Business Class Seating
The business class seats onboard the 777-300ER are arranged 2-2-2, meaning window seats do not have direct aisle access. You’ll see the seats are the same that appear on many airlines including some American, Delta, and United planes.
The main business class cabin includes five rows of seats and there is a mini-cabin just behind the galley and lavatories with one additional row of business class. The seat next to me remained open.
A small privacy divider provides minimum privacy if you are seated next to a stranger:
Rear cabin:
The seat position is adjustable via buttons in the center console and a power port was located in a side storage area.
Some may find the feet room constraining, but I generally prefer this over even-more-enclosed reverse herringbone seats.
In the past, I’ve flown the 787-9, featuring the carrier’s latest business class seats which provides direct aisle access to every customer. I actually find the 777 seat more comfortable, even though it is not as private.
KLM 777-300ER Business Class IFE
After takeoff, I browsed the IFE selection, which included a nice library of movies (including many classics), TV programs, music, games, and a moving flight map.
Since the seat next to me remained open, I ended up watching Family Guy on one screen with a moving map on the other.
Noise cancelling headphones worked well and a passenger service unit (“remote”) was located in the seat.
KLM 777-300ER Business Class Amenity Kit
I was surprised to receive an amenity kit on this short sector to Singapore. The Jantaminiau-branded amenity kit included skin cream, lip balm, toothbrush, toothpaste, socks, ear plug, and a pen.
KLM 777-300ER Business Class Food + Drink
KLM prints menus for each flight. You’ll notice on the back that it includes your flight and date of travel.
Dinner was served after takeoff. Meal orders are not taken in advance, but rather served via cart. I examined the menu:
I begin each KLM flight with a Flying Dutchman cocktail. It was served with a warm towel, but no nuts or amuse bouche. I love KLM’s glasses!
For my main course, I told the flight attendant that I was having trouble deciding and she insisted that I try both the perch filet and braised beef.
“I recommend you try them both!”
Both entrees were tasty, but the perch was the better choice and had a nice kick to it.
The beef was a bit dry and not the best cut of meat.
The beet appetizer was nice, though speaking of Family Guy…
I skipped the bread and dessert, though I loved the Dutch-themed salt and pepper shakers and cutlery.
I concluded dinner with tea and chocolate.
KLM 777-300ER Business Class Lavatory
I also loved the lavatory decor, which included Delft Blue House wallpaper and a tulip.
KLM 777-300ER Business Class Service
Service was amazing on this short sector. It was a senior crew and everyone was cheerful (who isn’t after a stop in Bali?). In addition to the kind flight attendant who insisted I try both main courses, the purser was quite friendly and the entire crew (three FAs worked business class) was very attentive.
I found KLM service more egalitarian last time than on this flight.
KLM 777-300ER Business Class Delft Blue Houses
No KLM flight in business class is complete without a souvenir house. The purser made her rounds after dinner, offering each passenger a choice of house.
CONCLUSION
This was a wonderful flight and I would have loved to continue onto Amsterdam. KLM’s World Business Class seat on the 777-300 is comfortable and the soft product is excellent. As for the Fifth Freedom flight from Bali to Singapore, not only was it the best priced and best-timed itinerary, it was also a true full-service experience.
I would like to explain to non frequent travelers to Asia, beef dishes on airplanes are made with cheap frozen cuts. Frozen beef requires marinating overnight,generous seasoning and are best for stews,soups and heavy sauces. Few cooks have the experience of adapting recipes to return flavor or texture to a frozen dried protein.
Yep. With rare exception, you are correct.
Don’t forget that the KLM Delft houses are filled with delicious, 84 proof, jonge genever (the spirit the Brits based gin on).
Do you open yours and drink the jonge genever? All of mine are still sealed.
bad experience with KLM on return via AMS we had booked Prem but had XXXtra security and it took very long by the time we returned to the gate desk told no more Prem left??? tho we had paid for it ..I then asked if we could pay to upgrade with cash or GUC told NO again horrid trip in the back of the plane no leg room horrid food.. WIll try NEVER EVER to code share with them again!!! ever..