Survival Guide this MATTA Fair

It’s that time of the year again where all travelholics gear up for the best travel deals and tickets around. Yes, that’s right, the MATTA Fair is back.

Some attend all three days, some even fly in from various countries to enjoy sweet travel deals! It’s going to be packed with people, and you may not even have time to visit every booth!

Here’s some handy advice if you’re headed to the MATTA Fair at The Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) this year.

1. Getting there

Public transport is easily accessible to PWTC. The STAR LRT goes straight there, you’d just have to stop at the PWTC station. The KTM Commuter Line also goes there, you’d have to stop at the Putra station and walk over to PWTC.

You could also take Grab and avoid the exorbitantly crazy parking charges.

You can also drive to PWTC, but do take note, traffic is going to be a real nightmare, let alone looking for parking!

2. Parking

You can park at PWTC’s parking lot itself, but you’d have to be there by 8am, as most exhibitors come in early and take up almost all parking spots.

The Seri Pacific Hotel does offer a hotel car jockey service, the charges being RM6 for every subsequent hour.

Sunway Putra Mall also has a parking lot, which charges you RM3 per entry, and RM1 for every subsequent hour until the 4th. After the 4th hour, it’ll be RM2 for every subsequent hour.

There is also an open aired carpark along Jalan Putra right after the LRT station, the rate is fixed at RM10 per day.

Alternatively, you could also park at the Hentian Putra Bus Terminal, where the charges are RM3 for the first hour, and RM1 for every subsequent hour. However, here, you’ll be parking at your own risk.

SERIOUS NO-NO: Parking illegally along the main roads, especially during this time of year, will definitely cost you more than parking charges ever will, in the form of a traffic summons. Worst case scenario, you could get your car towed away!

3. Know the Entrances

There are 3 entrances to PWTC, the main entrance opposite Sunway Putra Mall, right next to Seri Pacific Hotel. The second entrance is situated along Jalan Rahmat, off Jalan Ipoh. Most exhibitors use this entrance for loading, so you might want to avoid this one. The third entrance is via the UMNO building’s main entrance.

4. When to go

The MATTA Fair goes on for a span of 3 days. If you go on Friday, you get to beat the weekend rush. Many companies give the best deals only on the last day of the MATTA Fair, as they’ll be trying to hit their sales quota, so expect a huge crowd. However, many exhibitors will be packing up on the third day by 8pm, so it would be best for you to go early!

5. Food

There will be food being sold at the MATTA Fair itself, but the choices are limited.

Inside PWTC, there is also a restaurant called Riverside Café. Sunway Putra Mall, just opposite PWTC, has various restaurants for you to choose from, and also a food court at the top level. At the second entrance (Jalan Rahmat), there are several Malay and mamak shops. To avoid expenditure on food and save time so you get to visit more booths, you could pack your own food or snacks and eat on the go!

6. Walking, walking, walking

There’ll be plenty of that for this event. Three halls, over a thousand booths, and people everywhere. Wear something comfortable, especially on your feet. Forget about your heels for a day and strap on your sports or walking shoes!

7. Lost & Found

In such a crowded venue, it’ll be easy to misplace your belongings. Always keep them close to you and beware of pickpockets! Ladies, zip up your bags! If you have children, never let them out of your sight. However, it is not advised to bring children to this event, as you could be walking around for hours and children have the tendency to get tired and restless.

In the unfortunate event that you do lose your belongings, or maybe even your child, there is an intercom service available at the information counter.

8. Facilities for the Disabled

Most of PWTC is wheelchair friendly, with ramps as well as disabled toilets all around. The link bridge between halls also allows wheelchairs. However, to use the elevator to get to the first floor of the building, you may need to consult the relevant authorities.

9. Toilets

There are toilets in every hall, situated at the sides. Outside the event hall in PWTC itself, there are also larger toilets. Do be reminded that there are thousands of people using those toilets, so they may not be as clean as expected. Bring your own tissues and hand sanitizer if necessary.

10. Smoking

Smoking is strictly prohibited in the main halls. There are designated smoking areas just outside Hall 3, connecting to the link bridge across the river. At the entrance of Hall 1 and Hall 2, there are ashtrays as well.

11. Travel Packages and their Validity

PLAN AHEAD. Most travel packages at the MATTA Fair have a validity period ranging from 3 to 6 months. Make sure your plans fit into this period, get your leave days sorted out and your pets at home taken care of! ALL travel companies will demand a deposit when you make your purchase. So, have your back-up cash ready. You will be given a receipt or a booking form, you need to treasure this and keep it safe!

12. Flight tickets

Flight deals are usually the main attraction at the MATTA Fair. Most travel agents buy tickets in bulk, hence the reduced price. However, do not be fooled by colourful posters and flyers handing out promotions, bring your tablet or your smart phone with Internet access. That way, you can compare prices on the spot to see if you really are getting the best, and plan yourself the best holiday possible!

13. Promotions outside of MATTA Fair

Plenty of companies choose to have their booths outside PWTC, you’ll definitely pass them as you enter. They may have some pretty good deals, but be sure to check out as many options as you can before making your choice. Also, if you do make your purchase from these companies, you will not be eligible for the MATTA Fair Buyer Contest, where you can win attractive prizes such as cash prizes, travel packages, flight tickets and many more!

14. Buy 1 Free 1 Packages

These are definitely something to look out for, especially for couples going on honeymoons! However, you’ll have to look into the terms and conditions carefully, not just with this package, but with every package you come across!

Merchantrade Asia will be the OFFICIAL MONEY CHANGER this MATTA Fair. Wherever you’re headed, come get your currency at our booths F1-F4 in Hall 3. We’ve got some pretty amazing deals for everyone! We look forward to seeing you there!