travel notes: Java Trip

Whenever I travelled, I keep a notebook handy to write the highlights/lowlights of the day as well as the expenses I've made. I have also made a resolution to blog about my travels some time ago, but never got around to it. Hmmmm, turns out that to write it all back is another thing. My penchant for details makes me want to write as long as possible, like a lot of bloggers do. But practicality urges me to keep it simple....so here's presenting you...my first traveller's tale to....

DESTINATION: Jakarta – Jogja – Bandung – Jakarta (16 – 23 July 2009)

GETTING THERE AND AROUND:

Miri – Kuching – Jakarta : AirAsia (now the KCH-CGK route is no longer active)

Jakarta – Jogja : AirAsia (it was cheap at that time)

Jogja – Bandung: overnight train (8 hours journey)

Bandung – Jakarta: train (2 – 3 hours journey)

Jakarta – Kuching – Miri: AirAsia

Around Jakarta: bajaj (cheapest), taxi, walk

Around Jogja: becak (trishaw), delman (horse drawn carriage), taxi, walk

Around Bandung: angkot (van/minibus), however during our trip Pak Alif and Mbak Sari are very kind to take us around.. ;)

From Jogja to Borobudur: if you are traveling in a big group, it’s cheaper and faster to rent a car complete with the driver….however we took the el-cheapo way….took the cowboy bus, mingle with the locals and the chickens….journey took about 2 hours, and if there’s an old lady in need of a seat, give up your seat and stand all the way. The fare is only Rp10,000.

Tips: Unless it is a metered taxi, do negotiate the fare before you jump in. The Lonely Planet guide provides a guideline of how much should the fare be.

 

THINGS TO DO:

 

Jakarta

Didn’t have enough time to explore Jakarta. We only managed to visit Monas (entrance fee: Rp8,000). When we returned back to Jakarta, before going home, we went to Pasar Pagi, ITC and another mall.

Jogja

Visit Keraton (entrance fee: Rp12,500)

Visit Taman Sari (guide: Rp25,000)

Parang Tritis Beach

Visit Borobudur – World Heritage Site. Should I say more? The sunrise view is a must see. When we were there, Borobudur International Festival was on. So, there’s a lot of things going on at night. Roadshows, cultural performances. (Entrance free to watch sunrise – Rp100,000)

Visit Prambanan – another WHS, didn’t have time to visit this as well, another reason to come back… ;)

Ramayana Ballet – watched this in the open theatre downtown Jogja…the show has been going on for more than 20 years and it still receives remarkable remarks. The same show is also aired live at the Prambanan on selected dates. (Rp140,000 – without dinner)

SHOP: Didn’t spend much time to do shopping either: Spend about an hour at Kota Gede to buy some silver jewelleries (love the design!) and then shop for batik and souvenirs at Mirota Batik.

Bandung

 

Visit Tangkuban Perahu….just a light hike and walk around the vicinity. Save the more adventurous plan for next time.

 

Shop Shop Shop: Pasar Baru, Rumah Mode, need I say more? Didn’t buy much though.

FOOD & DRINKS:

I’m not much of a foodie when I travel….because (a) all the excitement makes me think less about food and (b) my stomach easily get upset if I tried anything unfamiliar. However, the best thing about traveling in Indonesia is, the food is superb! Here are a list of our less-than-adventurous food galore:

- Bakso (kat Miri pun ada)

- Nasi Padang (kat Miri pun ada)

- A&W (sebab kat Miri tak ada)

- Beard Papa’s – cream puffs with different kind of fillings, they even have durian and nangka (jackfruit) fillings…yummy!

- Siew Mai Bandung: nice, I like the sauce

- Durian ice cream and durian coffee (I didn’t try them though)

- Ayam kampong..

- Gudeg – a dish that is a signature to Jogja…similar to our gulai nangka…

- Dawet – a traditional drink served with coconut milk (I, however, opted for coffee)

- Terang bulan (in Bandung) – it’s actually similar to apam balik but the texture is a bit thicker….you can choose what filling you would like….I had the chocolate + cheese…it’s all cheesy-gooey and chocolatey! If you ask for apam balik though, you’ll get something similar to our murtabak. J

- Bubur Ayam: it’s quite famous in Bandung, but we didn’t manage to try it.

- Teh botol: Sosro might be the favorite, but my preference is Frestea. Nicer and milder.

 

SLEEP:

Jakarta

Le Margot Hotel, Jalan Jaksa – this street has been long known as the backpacker’s heart in Jakarta. We arrived there at nearly 1 am and the atmosphere is still very lively. The hotel is nice and clean and spacious, although no lift available. The fried rice they served at breakfast is simple but tasty. (Rate: Rp220,000/night for a double room with A/C and ensuite bathroom).

 

Sparks Hotel – we stayed here on our last day in Indonesia. It’s a spunky new hotel in Jakarta’s Chinatown area. I booked it because it looks interesting, colourful and recommended in AirAsia Go Holiday website. The hotel also boasts a spa, karaoke facilities and a music lounge. The live music was great, but between performances there will be sexy dancers performance. You should go there yourself, because I’m not going to write about it here. And women, don’t bother going to the spa. The room is so comfortable (albeit naughty) and the breakfast offers a good selection. (Rate: Rp450,000 per night – yes, we decided to splurge on the last day).

 

Tips: If you come to Jakarta for shopping, just stay in one of the hotels in Mangga Dua area.

 

Jogja

 

Duta Hotel, Prawirotaman: this is a really really nice budget boutique hotel…. the fried rice they served for breakfast is the best that I had during this trip. Free internet, nice ambiance, it’s located on a street lined with travel agents and budget hotels with characters. There’s also live music nearby and a great place to have coffee, which is called, of course: Ministry of Coffee (it is also a budget boutique hotel). Another backpackers hot spot is along Jalan Malioboro, but I would prefer to stay in Prawirotaman anytime, because it’s not as busy, and still within walking distance to the interesting sights. (Rate: Rp160,000/night with A/C and ensuite bathroom).

Borobudur

Manohara Hotel: it’s the only hotel within the Borobudur compound. So at night, you can enjoy dinner or a walk taking in the view and the serene-ness of the surrounding. Imagine how it would be like to walk the steps hundreds of years ago. The price of the entrance fees is included in the room rate. You get to use the bicycles free of charge as well. The breakfast spread is good. (Rate: USD48 per night for standard room).

Tips: If you have the time, try to compare the rates from different booking websites. Sometimes, the price difference can go up to RM100!

Bandung:

Hotel Kenangan: Simple, clean, nice, very spacious, 200m from Bandung train station, next to Gedung Sate, 10-15 minutes walk to Pasar Baru and last but not least, cheap. (Rate: Rp200,000/night with A/C and ensuite bathroom).

*exchange rate: RM1 = Rp2,700

I hope you will find it useful!