LIFE : TRIP TO JAKARTA DAY 4

 Day 4 in Jakatra. Check Out from Hotel Amaris in Jakarta. Pak Rashid on his way to fetch me and next destination was Bogor. A rain city of Indonesia. Wet and cool weather. Pak Rashid came with his neighbour Pak Harto, an engineer by profession. Then  as usual we took Blue bird taxi to Depok and from Depok we will proceed to Bogor by train. My first plan to visit Bandung but been told by Pak Harto it not worth it to visit Bandung due to the distant and time. He suggested to visit Masjid Kubah Emas in Depok.

Masjid Kubah Emas situated in Depok district.  Privately own mosque. Nice and clean with well maintain mosque. The garden surrounding the mosque was large. Lots of manggo trees were planted surrounding the mosque. I did my Zohor and Asar shalat there.

This big palaces is belong to Ibu Tien, Wife to a former Indonesian President Suharto. The palaces is similar Malaysia Prime Minister Office in Putra Jaya by design. The palaces is just opposite the Masjid Kubah Emas. Both of the places have a connection. I been told  this mosque was funded by the Suharto family. A good way to spend money by doing a good thing for public.

 Tau Sumedang, one of hawker selling a hot fried  snack can be found all a long the road in Indonesia. Selling fried bean curd cake, tapioca and sweet potato.

 Nasi bebek for my lunch. Bebek mean duck. Two choice either fried or grill to be eaten with rice. Side order will be charged separately to add in Veggie, sambal and tempe. Tempe is fermented soy cake. Most of the Nasi bebek are owned by Aceh clan in Depok.

 A common side in Jakarta. Busker singging in front of Restaurant to entertaint customer while taking lunch or dinner. You can ask them to sing any song with a small fee.

Hotel Pangrango 1 in Bogor. 320,000Rp per night. A hotel with Dutch Colonial style building. Swimming pool is located at the middle of the hotel . Service OK but the room is not well maintain and you can see all the dirty strain on the wall and the bathroom. Air condition not working properly and need a regular service. They have three Pangrango hotels belong to the same owner with different style of furnish and interior design to fit with the traveller budget.

My dinner at the Pangrango Hotel 1. Sup buntut, rice and hot lemon tea. Sup buntut mean Ox tail soup. Cost me 75,000Rp per set. Feel exhausted after full day of exploring from Jakarta, Depok and Bogor. Tried to close my eye even though the sound of the Air Condition sound was so irritating me..................

LIFE : TRIP TO JAKARTA DAY 3

Friday 25 January 2013. Day 3 in Jakarta after took my breakfast at the hotel cafe I went back to my room. In Indonesia ,if Thursday is a public holiday for some offices will be closed on Friday. They call it Cuti bersama. Even though it is not an official holiday but mostly  government offices will be closed on that particular day. This practise is not  observe by the private sector. It's only happen during SBY tenant as a President of Indonesia according to Pak Rashid. I look out from my room window, I saw a man selling all kinds of goods to cars owner  at the junction  while waiting for the traffic light to turn green. How tough life in Jakarta. I believe all of them have their own territory to sell so that they will not clash with the other group who run a same business, I guess. Pak Rashid sent me short message to inform me, on the way to fetch me and be ready at 11am at the hotel lobby. I packed all my things and ready to check out. At 11am I still waiting at the hotel lobby and then another short message came in to inform me, Sorry I'm late due to the traffic jammed. I just replied OK and take your time. After a few minute later, Pak Rashid arrived with his  six years old son Asraf.



Immediately he told me to be ready for Friday Prayer. He asked for direction from the receptionist. In Indonesia 90% of the population is Muslim so it easy to find a place for Friday prayer. I was been told by the receptionist the Friday prayer located at The Blok M Plaza just a cross the junction. Every Friday part of the parking lots inside the building will be reserved and convected into public Friday Prayer by the building management. That's a good things about Indonesia. After the Friday prayer me and Pak Rashid went to Nasi Padang Restaurant inside the Blok M Plaza for lunch that suit to my taste. When you eat at the Nasi Padang Restaurant, you don't have to pick and choose. They will automatically serve you all the dishes. Once you touch it considered sold. So, be careful. Just take a dish you prefer. Nasi Padang dishes is similar to Minangkabau the way they cook and serve. After took our lunch we back again to the hotel and Pak Rashid asked me stay another one night here before I move to Bogor tomorrow.

 

My exploration in Jakarta began. we took a bajaj from Jalan Panglima Polim junction. A bargain for the fare was done by Pak Rashid. Pak Rashid demand for 5000Rp but rejected by the bajaj driver. He requested 10,000Rp from this junction to TranJakarta pool at the Blok M Square Plaza about 3 kilometer. I thinks that a fair enough 10,000Rp for three persons in one bajaj but to Pak Rashid it was considered expensive with a short ride.Pak Rashid not happy with the fare and walk out. After walked a few steps we realised that it not worth to walk so at the end Pak Rashid agreed with 10,000Rp. In my heart, I talked to myself it's not a big deal of paying 10,000Rp, I consider it's very cheap if convect it into Malaysian Ringgit. This is Indonesian way of bargain, they know the best what are they doing. At least we must try to get a cheaper fare.

 

Bajaj, is one of transportation  mode in Jakarta. Three tyres motor trisaw. A cheaper way to move around in Jakarta. Another mode of transportation in Jakarta is Objek. A motorcycle taxi for those who are in hurry to avoid the terrible traffic jammed in Jakarta. It can be found at any junction in Jakarta. They have their own place to pick up the customer to avoid a clash with the bajaj owner. The fare is depending on the distant. Some of them are very professional and well organised. Can be contacted by mobile phone and ready to bring you to any places you want to go. Jakarta oh Jakarta.............

Once reached Block M Square Plaza, we went to Tranjakarta halte to proceed our journey to Masjid Agung Ittiqal. Tranjakarta is another City mode of transportation in Jakarta. The bus have it own road they call it Busway. The busway is only mean for the Tranjakarta bus. The best way to avoid traffic jammed. Unfortunately the busway been abused by the private car during peak hour. It suppose to have a smooth ride to the destination but been blocked by other road users. Again it about discipline and law implementation. Lots of complaints from the bus user due to the bus and the halte condition. The maintenance of the tranjakarta buses and the halte. This is the only metropolitan in the world without Metro system or Mass Rapid Transit. A city with 10 million population. They tried to build the Monorel system, unfortunately half way and  abandon the project. The unfinished pillar of the track can be seen in the middle of the city.

After visited the Masjid Agung and did our Shalat Asar at the mosque we proceed to the nearest railway station just opposite the Masjid Agung. They call it KRL [ Kereta rel listrik ]. Two types of service economy and Air Condition Coach. The fastest way to move around in Jakarta. I took a ride to Cawang station and Pak Rashid proceed his journey home to Bogor . From Cawang Station I took a Blue Bird Taxi back to my hotel in Jalan Panglima Polim. Total spent to experience the mode of transportation in Jakarta. Bajaj 10,000Rp, Tranjakarta 2000Rp, KRL 9000Rp for AC Coach and 48,000Rp for Blue Bird Taxi from Cawang station to Amaris Hotel, Jalan Panglima Polim.

LIFE : TRIP TO JAKARTA DAY 2

Jan 24,2013. First day in Jakarta. Due to time different factor I almost late for my shalat fajar. I thought it still early to perform shalat base on 6am in Jakarta time but when I pull up my room  curtain and noticed that the sun had  arise. Immediately I took ablution and did my shalat Fajar. Now I had to set my watch to Jakarta time so that I would not miss the time again. I look at my hotel room window the traffic flow was less due to Public Holiday in Jakarta. I need to plan my time in Jakarta. Pak Rashid still in Malaysia to wait for his flight to Jakarta and he told me that once the plane arrive in Jakarta he will proceed to his house in Bogor. He will meet me tomorrow at the hotel lobby. He advised my to visit the nearest place surrounding the hotel or get some information from the hotel receptionist. After took my simple breakfast at the hotel cafe I just walked around and start talking with the staff to get best direction places to visit in Jakarta. Then I walked to the information stand and pick up the free Jakarta map for me to study the distance of good places to visit. Back to my room and explore every detail stated in the map. Conclusion I could not move without a person who really know about Jakarta so just stayed in the room and wait for tomorrow. It almost 5pm my stomach started to give a sign that I need something to eat. My Jakarta friend advised me not to take any street food for a time being specially after the flood and to be safe just took a fast food in any international fast food restaurant chain.

 

I walked out from the hotel and  walked a few meter and surprised to see that Plaza Bolk M was just a few block  from my hotel. According to the map Blok M plaza is located a few kilometer from the Jalan panglima Polim. Then I told to myself next time don't trust the map and follow my instinct. I was not interested to visit the shopping complex but I had to buy something for my dinner. At the main entrance of the shopping complex I saw visitors were queue to be checked by the security officer before allowed to enter the complex.The security Officer had to check every single bags carried by the  visitors. This is my first time in my life to see a security Officer waiting in front of the shopping complex to screen every visitor. OK, this is Jakarta. I went to the basement floor and saw a rows of restaurant offering a varieties of local and international dishes. I walked straight to KFC and bought my food. Tonite my dinner will be a chicken burger. Walla.........

 

.By 9pm my stomach started to play kerongcong again. I'm Asian root and burger that I bought earlier  was just not enough to keep my stomach kept quiet. I check the room service menu and place an order of  Nasi Goreng with Hot lemon tea by  telephone. This would be my last meal of the day before went to bed. My mother always told me , it's not a good practise to eat and then go to the bed in full stomach. When your stomach started to kerongcong put aside the advise and enjoy the food......to be continued.

LIFE : TRIP TO JAKARTA DAY 1

When I told my colleague that I'm going to visit Jakarta, most of them were telling me that " Do you know that Jakarta is flooding?" I told them " Yes,I knew about it but  I already bought air ticket that nonrefundable". One day before my journey to Jakarta, Pak Rashid wife phoned and told him that flood in Jakarta was receded and it safe to visit Jakarta. On 23 January 2013 after shalat fajar I asked one of my madrasah jamaah to send me to Penang International Airport for a flight from Penang to Kuala Lumpur with Airasia to Kuala Lumpur International Airport before proceed to Jakarta  Seokarno Hatta International Airport with Malaysia Airline System [MAS]. My flight departure at 9.55 Malaysian time and arrival at 10.55 Jakarta time. Jakarta time is late by one hour from Malaysia time and it was  two hours  flight. Before boarding the plane I phoned Aby, Pak Rashid friend in Jakarta to fetch me at the Airport. Once on the plane, pilot made an announcement, " this flight will be delayed for 20 minute due to bad weather forecast in Jakarta" The only things that I managed to do just pray for the best and safe journey to Jakarta.

After 20 minute delayed, Pilot made another an announcement it was ready to take off and please fasten your seat belt and have a pleasant journey to Jakarta with MAS. Alhamdullillah I safely landing after two hours flight to Seokarno Hatta International Airport. My flight arrival at 12.05 Jakarta time. I took my backpack and proceed to immigration check in counter for my passport arrival visa. Everything  accordingly as my planned without any hassle form Jakarta Immigration Officer. Immediately I sent short message to Pak Rashid to inform him that I safely landing in Jakarta and waiting for Aby to fetch me  at arrival hall main door. This was my first time to meet Aby  so I sms him and  gave him a clue that I was wearing a blue polo shirt with blue faded jean with black jacket for him to spot me. I told him I was standing at The Old Town White Coffee kopitiam just next to the arrival main door. So proud  to see  a Malaysian company cafe in Indonesia. For your Information, Malaysia  is one of main investor in Indonesia from Banking to agriculture business. Part of Contributor to Indonesia economy  as one of a biggest economy country in South East Asia and Asia.

It just took  a few minute for him to spot me with the clue given. Aby was a young man in 30ties and  working in HSBC Bank in Jakarta as a Relation Manager. A young man with a very fluent English speaking with Indonesian accent. He took me to his car and drove to Central Jakarta . Time show 12.30am,  less cars on the highway and he told me on normal day during working hour this highway  traffic flow will be horrible and jammed with cars. In this early morning It only took 45 minute to reach Central Jakarta but on normal working hours weekdays it took three hours  to reach same destination. On the way to Amaris Hotel in Jalan Panglima Poris, we talked about Politic, Corruption , Jakarta and exchange information about two countries Malaysia and Indonesia include sensitive issue lately been brought up by Indonesian Government toward Malaysian government. The conclusion  whose really brought up these all sensitive issue? Indonesian people, Politician or news  reporter. I told him, Malaysian don't even bother to react on this issue  because it  just a plots of some Indonesian Politician to gain support from Indonesian people  to get a politic mileage by using reporter on electronic media to bring up these issue to show of the patriotism. It just like a family matter between two brothers. Can someone denied the fact that Indonesia and Malaysia are coming from same root in term of culture? Specially those are coming from Minangkabau, Javaness, Bugis, Malay, Banjar and etc etc clans which are same roots in Indonesia? I myself is coming from Minangkabau root in Sumatra and till today my family is still practising a same culture with my root in Bukit Tinggi, Sumatra, Indonesia.

At the end of conversation with Aby , we realised that were  had a same topics in term of similarity problems facing by these  two countries. In 60ties Malaysia  learned lots things from Indonesia about education, science, politic and culture. We import teacher from Indonesia into Malaysia to teach us science and Math  but we learned very fast and applied it in our daily life and  stand  up to build up Malaysia. I told Aby that Indonesia is a rich resources country but it just a matter of mismanaged by a  politician party who run this country with a very obvious corruption practise until  into extend that corruption is part of culture. The only way to fight this virus, Indonesia need a new young blood of generation to clean up  the root of corruption from bottom to up level of people. The generation who love Indonesia. No countries in these world are free from corruption. It just a matter how serious it is?  Most corrupted countries came from most populated Muslim countries, the fact that can't be denied again. Why? when we start our life with materialistic and not practising a true life of Islam that teach us to against the corruption and clearly stated in Holy Book Of Al Quran Nur Karim. Both of us  agreed with the fact.

When I reached Amaris Hotel in central Jakarta, it was almost 1.15am January 24, 2013. Check in and Aby told me that sorry he could not entertain  me on the next day because he need to attend a lecture class for his Master studies. He gave me some information where to go and visit while waiting for Pak Rashid flight. I told Aby I was not interested to visit all  shopping mall. My purpose of this visit to see a real life of  MetropolitanJakarta with 10 million population compare to 2 million  Kuala Lumpur population. I just made a joke with Aby that now I'm a millionaire man in Jakarta something that will never happen in Malaysia. I mean millionaire of Rupiah which I brought with me. I would like to thanks Aby for fetching me at the Airport and Hotel booking. Jakarta I ready to explore you...................to be continued.

LIFE : MY TRIP TO METROPOLITAN JAKARTA

As usual my trip to Jakarta was unplanned. It was an instant planning and immediately I purchased an Air Ticket to Jakarta with Malaysia Airline thru Internet and I was lucky enough to get a promotion ticket that only cost me RM414 return ticket from Kuala lumpur and Jakarta. I supposed to go there with my Malaysian friend Pak Rashid but he booked for next day ticket and it mean that I had to travel alone to Jakarta and met him on the next day. Pak Rashid was my neighbour but he married to an Indonesian wife, since he is not a permanence residence status and he have to renew his visa every three months. So he will spend three months in Indonesia then come back to Malaysia again before fly back to Jakarta to renew his visa in Malaysia. Each time he came back to Malaysia I always told him that one day I will follow him to Jakarta and want him to be my tourist guide in Jakarta. After so many years of saying that only on last January 23, 2013 with long combine holiday in Malaysia I managed to visit him in Jakarta and thanks God I was in Jakarta soil and ready to explore the real life of Jakarta after reading lots of news from Kompas,Jakarta Globe, Antara and Jakarta Post. I  gather all information from Pak Rashid things to do and don't rules that need to be followed once my Airplane touch Seokarno Hatta International Airport. Here are the few tips given by Pak Rashid.

• 1. Don't be too friendly.
• 2.Shut your mouth.
• 3.Only ask a direction from uniform security or Airport personnel when you really need help.
• 4. Trust to nobody except you know the guy well.
• 5. When someone approach you and just say politely to the men and say that my friend is fetching me or di jemput in.
• 6.Only take Damri or Blue bird taxi
• 7.Don't let any one carry your bags or unknown person that willing to help you because it will cost you and you have to pay for unnecessary service.
• 8. Don't worry I already arranged my best friend in Jakarta to fetch you and everything will be ok.

So just stick to that rules and you will be safe.................................to be continued.

LIFE : ANTIQUE LAMP AND HAND CRAFT SHOP

These row of handcraft shops are located in Cipayung. The collection of Dutch antique lamp,cinaware and furniture. All these shops are run by Sunda clans and you have to be smart to bargain to get a good price. Some of the lamp shade are hand made. Don't miss these shops when you visit Puncak.

LIFE : HOTEL PANGRANGO 2 BOGOR INDONESIA

 I

A view from my room balcony. 

 Twin bed room.

 Another view from my room balcony facing to the main bogor road.

 Much better room from Pangrango 1 but facing a same problem AC is not cool and bit noise sound. The management not kin to repair due to cool weather in Bogor. I just guess.

 Staircase lead to second floor.

All staircase handle is made from stainless steel. 

Mini Fridge and TV with hot drink facilities. 

A small mini garden in the middle of the building. 

A big glass rooftop to give a bright natural day light. 

Staircase from lobby 

 A rattan chair in between the room for guest to rest before enter to the room.

Lobby with big glass panel to allow natural light from outside.

Dining room 

Main entrance to lobby 

Reception  

Lobby 

A building with dutch colonial influence. Overall this hotel is much better then the first one in term of cleanliness. Situated near to main road with good access to main transportation hub. Good and friendly service. Fast service with personal wake up call by the potter knock the door to wake up  me at 3.00am in the morning so that I could reached airport in time. My taxi already in front of the hotel  at 4.00am. My first choice was Blue Bird but the hotel call Express taxi, anyway no extra charge.