Welcome to the border control management Indonesia! (yippie! No more embarcation card!!)

Start from March 23, 2012 Indonesian International gates (airport and sea) dismissed the rules to fill out the embarkation and disembarkation card! Indonesia now becoming one of the 44 countries that apply the border control management.

buh bye Indonesian embarkation card!

But this is only for local/Indonesian citizen and not for expatriate or tourist that come to visit Indonesia :)

You could see the full news in Indonesia language here.

I haven't see what kind of device they use to create data for the incoming and outgoing people from Indonesia but i hope its just like the one that they use in Malaysia (finger print scanner). Its sure will safe sometimes and also will eliminate the "fear" for some people who just like me---loose the card somewhere on my journey!

No more spending time to wrote the tiny cards and no more worry when you loose the card..... yay!! all you need to do just to show your passport and boarding pass to the immigration officer and instead of the card they will add more stamps to your passport... hehehe and its fun to see the stamp as it seemed like you travel even more hahah!





Note:
Pictures taken from this address.

Home is Where Your Heart is

When i was traveling to Europe. At a hostel in Belgium i met a fellow backpacker and had morning conversation after breakfast. He was from Brazil. He was about my age, 2 years older actually. He start the conversation when i was looking at Brussel map and try to find out what to see on Monday--as most of museum closed on Monday.

We talk a lot about destinations in Europe and he told me about his experiences in some countries he already visit. We share stories about Thailand, and some Asian countries that we both visited. I ask him how long had he been traveling? he said its been 3 years.

I ask him again, don't you miss home? his reply short of made me think again about everything, he said "home is where your heart is" he said he didn't miss it that much, surprisingly. He said he belong to every country he traveled to. He still had his mom and sister at home, but he found his passion to travel around the world beyond those. It made him miss traveling even more when he was at home. He quit his job and just on the road from one city to another, from one country to another one.

He ask me, so Fika, where your home is? i was laugh at his question. I said i don't know, but deep down, i had this same feeling like him. How i miss traveling when i was sitting on my desk at work, i miss traveling when i open my passport and could remember experiences i got from every each immigration stamps i got.

How i missed to be a stranger in a new town that i just stepped in. And the fun when i met new friends, learn new language, and do things i never done in my country. And be my self, express my feelings and just enjoy the details i see in every corner of streets.

i miss the small narrow cobble street in Europe

I do miss some people that i meet on my trip more than anything. I miss the short memories we've made, i miss the sense of adventure i got when i meet troubles there. I miss the feeling being independent and believe in my own self and judgement. I miss being a traveler.


I travel less than most of the backpackers that i met during my trip. I had very less mileage  than most of travelers who had traveling blogs like i do. But i know somehow the way i think and the way i see things are much different than i was....say 5 years ago. Whenever i travel back then the sound of "home" made me smile, and think wow my journeys end! why these days when i travel, and see my return ticket back to Indonesia i feel sad because the journey is end?

can you point where your heart is??

I do miss home when i was away, but its just to tiny small details like when i hear one of Indonesian song played, or when i miss one of those blazing spicy Indonesian food or when i see the price of a plate or rice in Euro nominal. I miss home when i was in a hostel female dorm and the girls just had this little gossip session or discussion which guy is the hottest one there---reminds me much of my sisters. I miss Indonesia when i was on this hard day, and no one smile or greet me on street. But do i miss Indonesia as much as i miss traveling?

Physically i am in a place i call home but my heart and my mind wondering to somewhere else.

I do feel like being a traitor because i could easily answer i love being away rather than being at my hometown. I am at my home country but i feel no less different than a stranded traveler. In place that i think i will never know. It is my home country, but But its just something you cant deny... home is where your heart is...

When my journey in Europe ends i remember i was crying in front of the immigration check, and say over and over--i dont want to go back home, i want to stay--oh well i cant stay as my visa will be over in less than 24 hours. But i do wish i could just stay there and not flying back.

When someone at the airport ask me: where are you flying to? my mind remind me of this "home" concept that i just learn, i told that person "i am going back to Jakarta" instead saying "i am going back home" its still an intriguing small question that i never be able to answer... where is my home truly are?



Home where you come back to, loved for who you are, when the whole world reject you that's the only place where you could go to. Home is where you found your truly happiness. Home where you could find your self. Home is the place where you could find your love.

Help me to win the IT Travellers go! contest

Dear my Precious Readers! help me to win the IT Traveler contest by voting my profile here! the closing date of this contest is 9 August 2011!

Thanks a lot!

Fk

A tale of a brown skin solo female traveller

...Make your choice, adventurous Stranger;Strike the bell and bide the danger,Or wonder, till it drives you mad,What would have followed if you had...

I wrote this because i know there are thousand people traveling solo in this world every day.

There were times where i said "Lucky me, i'm traveling by my self!!" or when the itchy feeling inside my chest when i see something amazing, like sunrise on a mountain top, or beautiful night city view from a high tower...moment when you think "what the heck am i doing here by my self??"

There are more than once i get my cellphone and dial a number of my family member but then cancel it--errh its very expensive to pay... but i just want to share the experience.. and i really ..really feel sorry because they can not experience what i had while on my trip. Just an sms to someone that i know sometimes help.. like saying "hey finally i see Eiffel tower, its huge!" silly sms that i sent to a friend although can't express how i felt that time.. but sharing the momento is kind of fun.

Grow up in a tiny town in Sumatra, i could count by fingers girls that traveling solo abroad since 2007. Its just our culture not really think a solo female traveler is a good thing. Even a guy in Singapore say it blunt, he will never allow his daughter traveling by her self.

I never meet any Indonesian traveler during my trip for 20 days in Europe. I didn't talk with Indonesia language beside time when i met my old friend Niklas at Stuttgart. Its kind of silly when you missed the small thing at home while youre away and when you back to your country... its kind of..nah.. i want something else (like Germany soft cheese or fresh spargel).

Landed in Charles de Gaulle... i could feel what every what we call "bule" a call for caucasian in Indonesia. Staring eyes. Little children look at you and smile.. very cute. I am not the average asian girls with 173cms height (5.67 ft), i look more like Chinese somehow but my skin darker. Its just the Sumatra girl type of look.

When i say i am from Indonesia, while in Brussels one of the traveler say, can't be! hahah because he went to Java island, and Bali.. but not to Sumatra. We had different ... kind of looks. Most of us more taller, and the skin is more lighter. I think its the ancestor more to mixed of Chinese and Arabic as Sumatra is a trading island, close to the Malacca strait its one of the "silk road" for traders (if you read history). The girls in java more shorter and had darker brown skin.. mine more yellowish/light brown like sunkissed tan (this is what my friend describe hahah).

Ok back to the topic.


I just feel stranded and all alone. Like... oh wow.. i am very different here! even with some asian i met in Europe just once i passes by a young family with malaysian dialect talking out side the ANZ stadium in Munich, must be the Bayern Muenchen fans for sure. But that girl is the only girl that i met with same skin color and dialects that i know :(


And i am not even going to the moon yet! hahaha


I tried not to loose my identity while im traveling.. why? for me this is important.... i stick to the note i am from Indonesia, and i had my own culture.. i try to tell other travelers things about Indonesia. The cultures... the fact that BALI IS PART INDONESIA as one of our 33 province and its a huge country also the majority beliefs is moslem there.


I always proud to say i am from Indonesia, even if at the end they will talk about the Bali Bombing and also the bombing happens in Jakarta, all i could say is so many mean people in this world, you could fiind it in India, UK, and most recent in Norway, a peaceful Nobel country!


Why generalize all Indonesian because one maniacs?? why made any different than things in India, UK, Japan... is that made everyone not like those country? No.


Ok no politics debating here.


How to deal with loneliness while you traveling solo?how do you cope with those?


First i will try to look back why i did it. Reason why i travel solo. Because i want it, for sure! then like my boss said once "suck it up" i did. For better or worse this is what i choice.


I will try to find new connection, new friends on road... which you will find easier to get while you're traveling solo! this is how i met Mr T and loads more my friends on street. We got lost and we share maps and itineraries.

A small "hi" and a smile would help very much! i am a very shy person... especially to people i just met. But hey.. when youre traveling by your self you can't do the shy thing! when you get lost you need to interact with other people to ask directions, dont forget to thank them! and hostels... is also the best place to find new friends.. try to mingle!

I will also try to think nice reason why i travel solo.. i could do things that i like, also no schedule no itineraries... just let loose!

Traveling solo is also a good way to see inside your soul, to think about your life... things that you took for granted like family, friends.. everyone that you wish that could be with you that time. You could only send sms say "thanks for being my friend" its overwhelming feeling to know that back there at home you s till have them, and you being alone just during your travel time only.

Try to made your schedule pretty tight, or do something productive, drawing, taking tons of pictures, i always bring my ipod with me, i could listen to music and play game while on tram. But if you want to friends on road i am not suggesting this hahaha.. last thing i want is to bug someone with earphones stick to their ears. It short of saying "let me by my self would you?!!"

Also i would try to do some sport, running, swimming.. its good after a long trip, to get rid the jet lag.. and btw jet lag i thin is the main cause of the "oh i feel so lonely" depressed feeling!! and i just get rid that away quick.. like while i was in Paris, just go and walk i wont stay in hostel bed and feel sad of being in a strange city! i will explore! (Fika the explorer hahahah!)


Just open your map, your lonely planets your itinerary.. dont let your self not doing anything.. unless if youre having vacation at a small island and youre next to this beach, lying down in white sandy beach under a tree with a book half read on your tummy and youre enjoying the sun, then i am very sure of this, you're doing just fine not doing anything ,...but that!


There are thousand things to do to cope with your loneliness... i know you had your own way on the street.... its sad that you travel by your self.. but hey.. its your choice and you are in place where you want to be!!


Cheer up!

My traveling *silly* moments

Been there done that...

I want to be that person who say those most of times.... and traveling gave me chance to kept saying that to my friends--maybe in the "quite annoying" level. Hehehe... i am glad i did traveling that i had chance to do things i haven't done, or things that i thought i wont be done.. errhhh not necessarily against law of course!!

I had those lovely memories, lots of new friends.. and its all precious!

But sure i had bad experiences also.... things i don't want to remember.. and just want to forget soon as i was on holiday and don't want to think (or using my brain accordingly!) just trying to relax and away from trouble!

What happens to me most of time.. and prob happens to other traveler to is getting late to get to the air plane!!

RRRRUUUNNNN to the gaaattteee!!!!

It happens to me twice.. and uncountable "almost" left by the plane. Some happens when i went to airport at very last minute, another time happens when i got lost in airport--yepp pretty silly indeed!!

But hey.. thats what experience is!

I try my best to made that not happen, wake up early, get to airport early... try to wonder around too far.. but..TT.TT it happens!! the plane gone...

...its like watching horror movie when this is happens to you!!

But once i got left by Sriwijaya flight from Jakarta to Jambi, they change my flight ticket for free for noon flight. I think its because i already check in.. and late for 5 min from the departure.. erhh long story that related to J.CO at terminal 3 and the free shuttle bus of course!!

Another time, i was late at Jambi airport when the plane is actually ready for take off.. it back again... wow... amazing.. i beg them because its the last flight from Jambi and i actually did use the excuse they change the flight time! and no sms or any phone call saying it was changed! so... they back again for me.. i had to run to run way with a guy carry my bulky backpack! it feels like joining the amazing race!

I never plan that and i don't want that to ever happens...

If i look back again.. this hobby also started wrong... wrong in terms i did start it that way... first time traveling in January 2007... i was 15 minutes late that i also had to run to run way.. where the flight is waiting, i rush i run, and on board... there he goes.. MY BOSS at one of the passenger seat.. i said "..uuuhh hi boss!!" he hide his face under newspaper that he read!! hahahahahaha....

When i  arrive in Jakarta.. and get my luggage he was there standing next to me and whisper... i don't want to know you because you are very late arriving! i didnt know that we were waiting for you!! hahaha i don't know if we were on the same flight because i don't even notice the flight that he request few weeks ago before i went on my days off!

So.. i think i need to say sorry to all those passengers that wait for me.. and most of indonesia/domestic flight attendant that already very patience waiting for this girl with her huge backpack... i am so sorry guys...

I will keep trying not to be late when ever i travel.. i just hope that i wont be on the same flight with one of my readers here (hehe di lempar sama sandal jepit gue huahauhaua! maaf kan sayaaaaaa!)

Eventually there are few reasons why passenger could possibly late for their flight and missed the flight!

There are 8 top reasons why people actually late for their flights! and i found few tips and solutions for those.. i hope this could help you all out! because missing a flight could possibly very expensive mistake for a budget traveler!

These tips should help you get where you’re going on time.

Problem: Misread and misspelled documents
Solution: On receipt of your documents check the name, spelling and flight details are correct.

Problem: Flight schedule changes
Solution: Check your latest paperwork for any changes. Remember the times on the ticket will be written using the 24 hr clock.

Problem: Traffic delays caused by road accidents and road works or engineering works on railways
Solution: Check with local authority or just radio broadcast, accidents or engineering works that may affect your route and if need be find an alternative route.

Problem: Denied permission to travel due to incorrect passport or expired passports

Solution: Review your passport in advance to ensure it still has six months to run after your return to the UK. Also remember to pack your passport in your hand luggage.

Problem: Essential medication needed urgently is packed in the hold luggage which has been checked–in
Solution: If your bags do not join you on the aircraft you run the risk of missing your flight. Make sure any prescribed medication is packed in your hand luggage just in case you need it before the flight departs.  Most airports have a chemist but they may not stock your particular prescription.

Problem: Too late to check-in
Solution: Add more time – Airports are big and somewhere you might not be familiar with. Never under estimate your timings, make sure you have left plenty of time to get from the airport car park, (which may require a transfer service) to the terminal and into the correct check-in zone. Remember there may be a queue at check-in. Make sure you know which terminal as some airport have more than one and airlines can also fly out of more than one terminal.

Problem: Not allowing enough time to get to the departure gate once checked-in
Solution:  Airlines are requiring their passengers to arrive at the gate for their flights earlier than in the past. Plan on getting to the gate at least 30 minutes before your flight departs and remember some gates can be as much as 25 minutes away from the main retail area. If you’re late they won’t wait.

Problem: Flights not connecting
Solution: Connecting flights are the most difficult to negotiate. If there isn't a nonstop flight, then build extra time into your itinerary for the connection. Don’t take the connecting flight that gives you just 45 minutes to change planes at a busy airport; instead, ask for a 2 to 4 hour layover to make the connection. You may not be able to do this online, instead call your travel agent or the airline directly. Please remember if you have bought two separate flights your connection is never guaranteed.

The 2010 Bangkok Tales-Part 1 (The Beginning)

.......... time has comes for me to pack my things in a 50 liter back pack and start a brand new adventure!

Bangkok and Singapore here comes FIKA!!! ciiiaaaaattttttttt!! (gaya kung pao master!)

Bangkok

There was something about Bangkok or Thailand that i like. I don't know how to describe it, but i found it romantic, with all of its bustle and sound, also smell and the look of lady boys (he he he). I found it all very fascinating. Tuk tuk, taksi the wat's chao phraya, the humidity, the heat, the sweat, the dogs... ohhhh... all about Bangkok hate and love, made me want to go there again!!



At 2009 i book a flight through Air Asia, with their FREE SEAT, i got flight from Jakarta to Bangkok with price of Rp 30,000,- (about US$ 3,-) well it should be free, they actually charge Rp 30,000,- for my extra 15 kg's luggage. (Lu boleh jealous dah ! huahuahuahauhauha!!!!) Nope, i sit in a leather seat, full ac, and its not a single 80 years old propeller plane. Its normal 100-200 seated flight (maybe fokker, i don't understand this one), but its normal plane for sure, no plastic chair, i don't have to sit on the floor too, or jump off the plane with a parachute!! (yeah they tease me with these when theyt found out about my flight price!!).

My flight start from Jambi at 11 am with Batavia air. There were delays for 30 mins, but its normal in Indonesia (geezz.. i dont know how i see delay as normal... but it is pathetic!!). When you said "delay" as a "not normal" thing ladies and gentlemen... if you're an expat, you better know, this is one of sign you've been TOO LONG reside in Indonesia. If you are an Indonesian, please peeps... change this mind set, DELAYs are not OK!!!!



I arrive in Jakarta on lunch time. Switching terminal from domestic to international, using the airport free shuttle bus (yellow bus). And go down in Air asia counter, check my flight from the small monitor on every each air asia counter. Theres several lines already.

After check in at Air Asia counter and pay Rp 150.000,- for airport tax (around US$15/Person), oh i got help from two pretty lady in red, on self check in machine infront of traditional checking counter, it was very easy and comfortable! All i need is my booking number (ticket print out) and passport number. No need to queue, less than 5 min they gave me the check in sticker that printed on that machine, i attach it to my printed ticket, all i need to do after that just goes to "special queue line" that had big banner said "self check in" to scale/drop my bag, tag it and thats all! next will be finding an official fiscal office, not far from the counter.

I get my "free fiscal stamp" at my boarding pass from fiscal booth near immigration door on the same floor not far from there (about 100 meters from Air Asia Counters). I don't have to pay "fiscal" when ever i leave Indonesia since i had my NPWP. These days everyone that work have to had NPWP, even my youngest who wasn't work last time she went to Malaysia she made her own NPWP card at tax office and its very easy! (Read my writing about fiscal rules).

I fill in the "Indonesia Departure card" that was given to me by air asia counter/check-in guy (you will always had this card when ever you leave or enter a country, every country had their own departure/arrival card, oh its just one card by the way) and go to immigration queue line (for Indonesia passport) for stamp in my passport (hand off the departure card to the officer when you give the passport).




Oh, another tips i could give is, use the air asia "web check in". It is the best resolution for people like me i think. I get "lost" on my way to airport sometimes. But the rules is it could only be done 2 days up to 4 hours before departure. You could do this with your cellphone too. So there's no chance for you for getting late to airport for check in as the counter will closed 1 hour before departure!!

I still had at least one and half hour to go before my flight. It was a great time for having the most expensive sandwich that i ever had in my life and a bottle of water at Soekarno Hatta-Jakarta International Airport. I know i should stick to Mc D or or other junk food joint.

My flight with Air Asia was at 4 pm afternoon. My fingers are cold, because i was too excited to start this all!! i ask the check in counter if they could seat me near window seat so i could take pictures. Hehe.. she gave me emergency exit seat... good for my long legs!! hehe thanks JKT Air Asia crew.. no worry guys... i am tough enough to open those emergency exit, God Forbid that happened, but yaaayyy!

I fed up with local girls with their caucasian bf/guest/daddy what so ever, if the age gap over 25-30 years, thats not normal, and uuuhhhh... i hate too much PDA (Personal Display of Affection>> kissing smooching, grabbing, hugging tight, petting, etc). Whats wrong with these people!!! I had to listen to whispers and giggles, its disgusting! and its still Jakarta to Bangkok.. and Patayya is on my list.. i roll my eyes.. what ever... i use my eye patch and listen to my MP3 until time the stewardess minds me to turn off my MP3 because its nearly landing. Oh... i take Nasi Lemak Pak Nasir as my dinner menu on board, not bad actually... pretty nice. Its because i am hungry too! I landed nearly 8 pm at SuvarnaBhumi in Bangkok, i was amazed. Wow.. pretty clean! and futuristic, a little bit like Changi tho...



 
It was the very first time i landed in Suvarnabhumi. I went to Thailand several times but i was landed in Phuket, Krabi, or leaving from Changi. So... never been to SuvarnaBhumi. The arrival gate and the immigration check is quite far, and wow... its bigger than Changi! the lines consist of Thai passport and International passport. I pick the one that on the very left part, as the first 4 on the right was very looooonggggg! the immigration officer pretty helpful for traveling family with small kids, they short of made them priority as they come to them one by one and guide them to the "special boot" for the kids. Ok thats pretty cool when you had more than 3 kids running around or crying... you wont think its nice to stand on queue over 35 people. Its nuts. So yeah.. good for those mums and dads.


 
And i learn very good thing... please don't laugh ok... first i have to explain how small my town airport is: Jambi airport only had two luggage belt at the arrival, and its only less than 20 meters long (got the view?).

Here in Suvarnabhumi you will see over 25 luggage belt. Its huge, its crowded and.... confusing!!! I was jump around, try to see my flight number on the 3 belt that i just passed until a guy short of ask, what the hell i were doing that time, and i said it, i don't know which belt my luggage was! and he point at an electronic board, just exactly the same as the flight announcement (well.. ok.. i thought it was a flight announcement board) you know that blinking board that said which flight and numbers and arrival or departure time??? yepp... that one.



This one show the flight numbers, city of departures, and time of arrival, and ...bingo!! the luggage belt number!!! But i guess i am not the only one who look the luggage the "traditional way" which ill call "visual check" way hahahahha! Well it only work if you only had at least 5 belt lines!!! but over 25??!! ok that wont work buddy!



I was the first one who arrive on the belt! hahaha! pretty cool.. i took my luggage and goes to the "green" line exit which said "no goods to declare".

Outside, i go to the atm for the cash in baht as i didnt change my money to baht before. I just use my ATM from BCA well.. i use that for years since 2006. I went to 2nd floor to Starbuck as i see many people use laptop there... i thought they had free WIFI.... but i was wrooong!



Even Suvarnabhumi look as sophisticated as Changi but they don't have that free wifi!!! come on... even Jambi had free wifi!! why there is no wifi!! as the gadget freak, i feel so upset there! After a mocca latte grande and sitting for a while at Starbucks try to made a draft for this blog, finally Lee come with her big smile! she looks pretty like a super model just the same like i met her before in Singapore (remember the Ryan Cumpston and Richard Stewart "journey" back in Singapore?? the US navy guys from DDG 82/USS Lassen??). We sit for a while, and she order her cup of coffee.

Anyway, we walk down and we finally see free internet at THAILAND TOURISM boot on the first floor! there are two computer that people could use for free for browsing internet! and i ask for a Bangkok map also use the computer for a while, the girl could speak moderate English, convenient thing to know actually..... , and we met an Oz girl that very nice, she browse flights for Lee, but we had lack of choice as the flight price goes up to 3000 baht (to Singapore). When we go to level 4 for AirAsia counter, it was closed already (it was 11pm i think), so we go back down on basement to get a bus to our hostel.





To get to the bus station to town, we had to go to the exit number 8 near the taxi boot on first level, just look up for the sign said Airport Express Bus. We took the bus direction to Silom Area (AE1). The price for the bus to Sala Daeng Sky Train are 150baht (our hostel at Decho Rd not that far from "PATPONG" area!). It is cheaper than if we go by taxi, which is 400-500 baht and it still depends on the traffic too! so it could be much more!

The hostel name is Lub.D. I would highly RECOMMEND you this hostel, due to lots of reason ill tell later hehehe.... Oh i book the hostel from the Hostel Bookers website. They got he cheapest price and no additional charge too! I would recommend bus for airport, as the bus is very fast, and its comfortable and clean too. And i do think its safe! I do heard there was MRT from airport to city centre too, but the service is only until 7pm, so its not an option for us.

We leave the airport with the bus at nearly 10pm. The journey began with Lee. The city at night was very calm. I had my camera ready on my hand, i want to see pictures of what left behind the deadly demonstration few months ago. What Bangkok looks like in the eye of visitor/tourist for the very first time after they land in SuvarnaBhumi? It turn out to be a normal night in Bangkok city. Nothing that i see wrong, its not that Bangkok a spotless place, but there are things that not rihght and you could spot it easy as the prostitute and lady boy walk on the street or on a motorcycle. But its still one of the city of Bangkok "landmark" hehehe... so.. nothing strange about it.

Then i see it the burned malls stood in the dark.. covered with some green nets, looks like they're moving forward and try to fix it as soon as possible.... ok... its very fast actually.. Indonesia took longer time to recover from Bali bombing. Of course it was something different.... but still.. it was burnt few weeks ago but everything looks so normal, and feels normal too!

We were arrive around 11pm at the Sky train terminal. But its actually quite shady area, some local Thai guy drunk, come closer to us and we decide to go inside a 7/11 to ask direction. Because ts common for me to be disoriented at very first day when i was i arrive in a new city. And alas! the 7/11 cashier not speak english that well. And i forgot my other Thai 101; Thailand people never say "no" or "don't know" (sorry i generalize Thai people here...but that's the fact i experienced so far!), when we ask something they will try to point a direction or just pretend they don't really hear what we said. Geez... so instead of lead us to the right way they often get things even worse!

We finally took a taxi from sofitel hotel, if only we know its so close!

The room we stayed in is a dorm, when we arrive theres none there. But its 8 bunk bed there. And we could see the bed "tag" (like the bag tag from airport) from the hostel show only 4 of the bed are occupied.

We went out at 2 am since Lee want to have a sight of Patpong and we dont even feel sleepy! So we walk around and see small traditional market not far from Patpong, its all GREAT! we walk until the end of the road and decide to go back to hostel since it was 4 am! and even the drunk girls are on the way back home. It was safe to walk at night in Bangkok.

Well... matters safe or not actually it depends on us, how we carry our self, how you behave how you dress, how you talk, etc. If you use your best "i am not into trouble" look/behaviour, i think it will be ok anywhere.

Its was pretty funny to see the drunker walk back home, you could see their drunk smile, walk tipsy, some are cute, some are just sleazy (haha we only spot guys! hahah!).

Over all my first night are pretty awesome!!

Untuk yang baru merencanakan jalan2 ke LN ini yang aku lakuin di airport:

1. Siapin passport sama uang Rp 150.000,- untuk airport tax (Soekarno Hatta segitu nominalnya). Check in di counter penerbangan (air asia, tiger, garuda etc). Dapat "Departure Card".

2. Siapin copy kartu NPWP, pergi ke loket "Pelayanan Pajak" di dekat pintu masuk cek imigrasi. Kasihkan passport, boarding pass sama ticket trus fotocopy kartu NPWP tadi. Nanti petugas bakalan kasih stempel di boarding pass. Kalau punya NPWP bakalan di stempel "NO FISCAL" kalau gak punya hehe... bayar Rp 2 juta!!

3. Isi form/kartu keberangkatan/departure card selengkapnya (perlu liat passport dan tiket, buat ngisi nomor passport sama tanggal expire, trus nomor flight yang ada di tiket/boarding pass).

4. Ngantri di imigrasi, liat line untuk "passport indonesia" kasih passport sama kartu keberangkatan, boarding pass, ticket.. semua dah!! Passport di stempel sama boarding pass/fiskal

5. Sudah di stempel, tinggal pergi ke "gate" keberangkatan alias ruang tunggu. Kalau masih banyak waktu bisa liat2 toko2 di sana, harga "katanya" sih lebih murah sebab duty free alias bebas pajak...

6. JANGAN SAMPE TELAT BOARDING! hehehe... keasyikan window shopping kadang buat lupa waktu. Gate air asia rada jauh, jadi yah... tolong diperhitungkan lah waktu buat jalan ke sana!

7. Adios! Bon Voyage! jangan lupa oleh2 cerita nya yakk!

Oleh-Oleh aja kok bingung? holiday gift for your family

Di akhir masa traveling yang fun banget kita sering kali bingung, mikirin oleh2 apa yahh yang paling bagus buat keluarga? Sangking binunnya kadang malah kaga kebeli hehehe... (paraaahhh)
Oleh2 itu cuma tradisi di indonesia, tanda kalau kita sang "pengembara" teteup ingat sama keluarga kita atau temen2 walaupun kita jauhh di sanah. Cuma yah itu kadang sampe bingung sendiri milihnya.Pilihan aku kalau mau beliin oleh2 pastinya merhatiin berat/ukuran dari oleh2 itu.. trus hehe HARGA cetak tebel ya bo! secara ini backpackingan, gila aja kalau lo minta bawain patung godzilla yang beratnya 3 kwintal!!!

At the end of our joyous traveling journe (or perhaps in the middle?) we often kind of being nice and consider to give some "insight" about our journey by giving our loves one something unique from the places where were traveling to.

Good guideline about this gift i think... well.. if you traveling on budget, you should consider about the price and the size/weight of the gift. Being in budget means you could only bring limited stuff on your luggage, since most of budget airlines limit the luggage weight and also the size and weight of bag that you could bring on board. Its sucks.... hehe. So make sure you wont bring any heavy stuff such a bulky godzilla statue!!

Aku suka kagum sama expat yang aku kenal... mereka gak ambil pusing soal oleh2...
Contohnya.... ada yang bawa balsem caplang sampe 4 dus ke negaranya!! buat tetangga, anak, bibi, sama keluarga yang lain... balsem gitu loh!!!



I know for some people unique stuff from places where they go could mean something different than others. Could be key chain, tshirt, snow globe, sticker, fridge magnet, food, or something that as weird as a linggam (hehe read my 2007 traveling adventure in Krabi).

I like the way western did it, they bring some weird stuff.... well weird enough for me, such as rub balm or chilli sauce!! lol..
Ada lagi yang bawa sambel botolan... berhubung di negaranya ada saus sambel tapi gak pedas kek di Indonesia.. jadi alhasil tiap kali ke indonesia dia borong sambel botol sebanyak yang bisa di bawa di tas kopernya! coba mak gue di bawain sambel... hidihh gak kebayang musibah apa yang bakalan terjadi hahahahah! (peace mom!!)

Singapore: The "Not So Budget" Traveling

Most of time my traveling style would be budget, because the "wallet situation" (now i sound like that Jersey Shore show, yikessss!!!) not allow me to had so many choices but being smart to pick something that around my budget (yepp, feel pretty good at it now!). I like to pick something in budget in order i could travel much longer or had more places to go (e.g with only US$500, i could visit 3 different country in 18 days of traveling). Usually i pick cheaper accommodation, why would pay something over US$ 100 but you will go out like almost every time during the day? and might only sleep for couple hours? basic principle would be; security above everything, will pick something that recommended by other travelers, cleanliness-last thing i want is to find someone else hair on my blanket or pillow, yikes, distance to public transport or places of interest, i also prefer a dorm (good chance to meet new friends..hehehe, and most of time i will pick the one that had price included breakfast and had public kitchen, save more money. When i am on traveling i prefer the adventure part hahahaha.

I had a chance to do my traveling a little bit differently sometimes ago. It started when i met a new friends online and we decide to met in Singapore. Its one of my unplanned holiday gathering! and its great to try something that different than my type of traveling!

I stay in Lavender area, at A queen Hotel. Its a fairly new hotel, and it had reasonable price. The room is quite big (i was on the 2nd floor) and its clean. Service..hmm... comme ci comme ca... i like the fact that they're not really bother/too friendly, but because i also had problem with the room booking (ill write here later), i will say from 1 to 10, with 10 as the best hotel, ill say i gave them 5. But, really, if i had more choice, i wont stay here (Ry, said its "seemed ok"). The hotel is right next to a casket company, kind of spooky. I don't really mind that actually. But its the noise that comes from the "parade" when they take the casket out with the family, and music (like a marching band with trumpet, and drums) and ... its quite something different for me. And its actually funny (sorry, not being disrespect!). Its just something i never seen before. The room is not included breakfast too.

The boys that i am about to met there; their name are Ryan Cumpston (a.ka Ryan Crumpton?? i call him "Ry" hehehe) & Richard A. Stewart (Richard), they are working in a US Navy Ship USS Lassen/DDG-82 (yepp, sailor boys!), that stop by in Singapore for several days (they're on the way to their Japan base in Yokosuka from training in Goa, India). I know Ry like a month before we met, and its really nice to had chance to met him in person, kind of erase my curiosity.

(Lee, haha, i did try to hide your face, hope this work! you both cute!)

They're originally from USA and already spent sometimes in Navy (Ryan had only less than 2 years service left, out of 20 years! he kind of senior rank there). Richard had a girl friend name "Lee" and its quite a surprise she comes from Sumatra too, so, its four of us together. Lee is studying in Singapore, and shes a sweet girl! (i think they are sweet loving couple, hehehe). While with us, this "Navy Squids" seemed do know how to be a gentlemen... (haha don't be big headed boys!) we were impressive that time for sure. Me and Lee had great time with them, loads of laugh for sure.




We went to Marina Bay with MRT. From Hotel we had to walk about 5-6 minutes. Its not too far, but it might confusing for the first time. We had a fabulous dinner by the water at Vivo City at Carnivore. Its lots of fun! i never had so much meat! hahah Richard and Ryan, they eat a lot of meat. I think its because they had limited choice when they are on the ship (I know the feeling! i live in jungle!). We talk and laugh a lot. They were such a goofy guys! its wonderful night with lots of laughs and friendly conversation, its not awkward at all. The salad at Carnivore also worth the try, and they also had pasta on the buffet table. At carnivore its a unique experience as the waitress will bring you different meat to slice to your plate, you could have chicken, lamb, pork or beef. And its different kind of meat like for every less than 5 min! You should also try the cheese bread, its tiny button size bread, they also had garlic bread too. Its just awesome foods.

I never been to Marina Bay at night. The view is very good, and the air is not too cold and its just fine. Its a good place for walking at night as you could see city lights and being relax, enjoy the conversation and its quite romantic. For sure, its as happening as Boat Quay or Clarke Quay, but i think its more quiet. And of course not as crowded as those both places. Its just a place for a fine dining. They also had live music too in different restaurant. Oh, and it i s pricey to eat there (i think we spent over S$200..grin), but if you want to go on a date and your girl friend not a vegetarian, it might worth the choice tho. If you see across the water you will be able to see Sentosa Island and the Tiger tower! its beautiful and romantic (anniversary celebration perhaps?).

After we full, we went for movie still at Vivo City at Golden Village. We watch Iron Man 2, the movie start at 9.20 pm. I think its become one of my routine activity when traveling to go to movie, its fun ^.^ The theater is very good, nice sound system, and the seat is very comfy too! The air conditioner not too cold, its worry me a little bit when we enter the theater, because i thought i would be freezing! but i am not overall its worth the experience, and its a good movie too!


We kind of want to go somewhere else after that, i am thinking about Boat quay or Clarke Quay, but then they think its a bad idea since most of their navy buddy will be there! hahah nope its not really good idea! so we called it a night and decide to get some rest.


The boys had to go back to the ship because they have to work at the very next day. I don't really sure what my plan that time, so i spent some times that morning to browse places in Singapore, its raining a little bit. When i am about to fall a sleep, someone knock my door, its the room service, and they said something like "...check out time at 12.00" but i thought that time it must be misunderstanding as i got the room booked right until the morning i leave. But then, nearly 11.30am phone ringing, and its front desk saying, i had to check out!!!! what??? i try to contact dearest Ryan Cumpston for some suggestion on avoiding "kicked out from hotel 101", but, well, impossible to get his answer immediately, as he is working on his watch, and i need to clear this asap.

So i decide to wash my face and go down stairs to see whats going on. Front desk say that the room only booked for 1 night and i should check out (laugh like crazy) this is embarrassing. Then when i said, please do check again, because i am sure it was booked for another 1 night! they did stumble on papers, monitor screen..... and again papers, and notes (i am nervously thinking about running back upstairs and pack my things), and then say "oh, yes you right, sorry for the inconvenience" duhhhh.... seriously... they're on my black list already. Kick out your costumer that already book in advance definitely not a good thing.

After all the misunderstanding clear, i went for shower and dress up, think about Bugis Junction and some part of it that i haven't explore before. So i stroll on street by my self, went to MRT, missing my new friends, God know what they're doing anyway! hahah Ryan and Richard must be very bored at their ship! And i assume Lee must have a class, and too bad i didn't have chance to ask her phone numbers (duhhh silly!!) wish i know then we could go somewhere together. Talking about the boys hehehe (peace Ry!)

Its not a very good day since its raining a little bit. I went to Bugis Junction Mall, and had lunch at the ground basement. I have some Indonesian food there, i got my self a plate of Nasi Uduk with chicken and a cup of tea. Its fairly nice, and clean for sure. But real deals in Indonesia are much better, for sure, the "sambal" will be much hotter than the one i had there.

Up stairs after lunch, there are discounts in lots of things, shoes, bags, and clothes (feeling dizzy as trying to control my self not to shop!). But of course i fail to keep my self from the temptation, I end up getting two pair of shoes, and some vit. E from The Body Shop, and some smalls cute things. Satisfy with few bags on my hand, I went cross street in front of the mall and go to Bugis Market. Here you were at the mercy of the shop owner and your bargaining skills are needed. Prices are much different than the shopping malls of course. I had an opportunity to go to the 2nd floor of the market, finally. I've heard about this place several times before, but just doesn't have the chance to go. They sold almost the same thing as the first floor. The difference maybe because the 2nd floor had air cond. so its more comfort. There's less shop compare to 1st floor.


Its just the same crowded market as before in Bugis. You could find clothes, dress, jeans, watch and bags (mostly fake branded, but worth the look), and some stuff for gift like key chain, snow globe, and lots more. The price is lots cheaper than the mall price of course. I also went to the street market not far from there. Its quite fun walk. I see some street artist playing music, and hahah i think someone follow me! i saw that guy since in Bugis, and he there when i walk he walk and when i stop he stop. When i started to get worry, he was gone (fiuhh).


I went back to Lavender at Dinner time. I just had a cup of instant noodle that i bought from 7/11 not far from hotel as dinner. I also get my self a cough syrup as i feel not really good after long walk and had some rain, i sleep quick that night!

The next morning at 8 am, i heard a knock on the door, the boys coming. They are on liberty day again and today we are planning to go to the zoo. But first we will go to Orchard as they're need to groom their hair (hehehe) before they back to ship. I did notice the hair, Ryan had longer hair cut than military guys that i know, in Indoensia you could notice people who work in military with the cutting comparison 3:2:1 (3 on top, 2 on side, 1 on back if i am not mistaken) hehe my uncle is in army.


We had lunch in Orchard Rd, but this time we're fancy on Mc D (junk food is one of the fave!). After that we were back to hotel and call Lee and wait for her so we could go to the zoo.


After Lee show up, we went to MRT and start the fun journey! On map the zoo seemed very far away from where we are, so i think Ryan is right when thinking about using MRT then switch to taxi. I like MRT, so no problem. It took more than 15 minutes from Lavender MRT to Jurong East, we had to switch to another train in Jurong and we stop in Cho Chu Kang MRT Station, and then get a taxi to the zoo..fiuhhh...hehehe.. There is an interesting thing happened on train. Ryan a bit upset when theer was a lady stare at us, and its seemed bugging him hahah, he said its not polite etc. I told him about, most Indonesian girls dont want to had a caucasian boyfriend because of the negative image that caucasian guy gave. Most of girls that walk with a caucasian, just the same like in any other South East Asia country, just an escort. So i told him, hahah its not fun walk with him, hahaha because i will be center of the attention. They wont really notice Lee and Richard for sure. As Richard also half Asian. Ryan said he never know that, hehehe, yep.. now he know (told him not to bother that lady)!! I never been to the Singapore Zoo before. I know it will be interesting as, the zoo claimed to be one of the best zoo in the world. But from internet i could see it is lot smaller than Safari Zoo in Bogor, Indonesia.



We went there to find out that the zoo was closed like 5 minutes before, but then they offer night safari start at 7.30pm. So we don't have any choice. We decide to have some dinner first at Korea buffet in a mall, quite far from the zoo since were starving! The zoo does have some restaurant, and a buffet on the entrance, but.. gosh, i know Singapore are pricey, but.. haha nope, i don't think its worth the food. So yeah, we take another taxi back to a shopping mall with some food court and that Korean Restaurant. And its really worth it! its fun and we are very full!R

We full our tummies with fish meat balls, meat with different seasoning, shrimps and vegetables, and then we realize that its over 7.30pm hahaha!! so we rush to get a taxi back to the zoo.

The night safari turn out to be fun. We ride a small train like vehicle and there are plenty animals that we seen. Its not like some people said at internet, that they can not see the animals. Its very fun as i could see flying quarrels and enter a bat cage (its creepy as they flying all around!!). We stop near the lion cage for a walk. Its very fun!


There is a small cafe near the Lion cage, it sold drinks and food. We split and met there with Lee and Richard. When we finish see all the animals near the Lion cage we decide to have a rest for a while. Its not much food there and Its a little bit pricey too. We are a little bit thirsty, and its kind of hot, and we get our self ice cream. But then we had another bottle of water.


We finish the tour at 9.30 pm and line up for taxi near the parking outside the zoo. There are plenty buses to get to the town too. Overall once again a fun night!



Too bad the fun time have to be over and Ryan and Richard have to return to their ship, as they will head to Yokosuka, Japan (their base)! I wish we could meet again and next time i did offer them for doing some budget traveling! hahaha... (i don't think any of them (Ryan or Richard could stand hostels and budget things such public transport in Thailand) hehehe. Mr Cumpston at least admit it, if he stay in hotel, he want to be like a king, hahaha... so no bunk bed (after i saw his sleeping bed at ship, i got it!) he sleep in 3 storey bunk bed while at ship LOL! so no bunk bed for Mr Cumpston and Mr Stewart!!

And for Lee, we actually did plan a girls trip, and this would be her first for budget traveling, atta girl !! we will had our own adventure before she leave for Oz!


See ya boys!! Selamat Jalan! Smooth Sailing!



Note.
I found the Vivo city picture at night from google. Its really beautiful at night, i think.

News Flash: Bali is not a country !!!

This morning i read something that tickling my mind when i open a website about a free accommodation, and because i am planning to go to OZ i look up the "info about Australia".

When i see the part of "neighboring COUNTRIES, i saw something : Papua New Guinea, East Timor, Indonesia, New Zealand, South East Asia, Fiji, BALI.

EEH??!!



Since when Bali is a country? i know its been long time a go, maybe since high school tourist often call Bali as a country. They don't realize Bali is one of Indonesia Province, one among thousand pretty island in Indonesia.

Its just strange that so many people doesn't know that ! Its just the same like saying Hawaii is a country, or saying New York is a country instead a state !



I know that website been edited by the user, but its just make it worse, show how much people don't care or don't want to know places that interest them, and then pass the wrong information about that place... i found that a little bit ignorant.

Every time i travel i met tourist made such statement, that Bali is a beautiful country.. ewww... and i did my best to explain that Bali just one of Indonesia wonder. When i explain that i am from Indonesia, sometimes even from traveller from Europe or USA will paused and see me puzzled, and then when i ask "do you know Bali?" and their answer will be ahhhh.. ohhh.. ok i heard about Bali ! (uggghhhh!) hahahah.... Even once someone said the country between Australia and Singapore is just Bali...(ouch that hurt!!).

Trust me for local it feels much more better if you know about places you visit. They would feel you respect them (a little bit).

When i am traveling i would love to know about the place i am about to visit. Its just enrich the knowlegde, i think traveling its also about learning something, and learning that Bali not a country is one of the thing you should do if you want to visit Bali !



I hope Julia Robert latest movie "Eat Pray Love" (based on novel by Elizabeth Gilbert) somehow made more people abroad know about Bali ! and Bali wont be the only tourist place they visit.

Traveling Woman and Sexual Harassment

Last night I don't know why I kind of remember movie about a female traveler that traveling with her friend and become victim of kidnapping at her rent house and human trafficking/slavery. Her father who loose contact with her (he is talking on the phone when the kidnapper kidnap his daughter), try to know where his daughter is, by following clue to another clue that shows where his daughter is. He finally find his daughter friend in a brothel house, not even conscious because the kidnapper drug her all the time. Then from there he got info from the kidnapper that his daughter sold to other people (highest bidder) because she is a virgin. I think the movie title is "Taken".



It’s a tragedy, I can’t imagine that to happen to anyone that I know.

Its scare me when I remember the movie. It’s a movie, just a fiction, but it is possible to happen. I travel by my self several time, I know what is it like to be scared by local guys stalk you when you walk to an empty road.

Sexual harassment can happen anywhere, but it can be especially disconcerting when it happens while a woman is traveling. While sexual harassment may always feel like discrimination to you, unfortunately in some areas of the world such behavior is a normal way of life for local men and women.

Before you travel do your research on your destination, and while you are traveling try to keep an eye out for potentially dangerous situations involving local men. Also be aware that sexual harassment can be perpetrated by tourism officials, so never forget your common sense at all times and in all places while traveling.

1- Know Customs, Culture & Language



Unfortunately, the potential for sexual harassment and intimidation is a reality around the world. Be prepared. Do your networking and research before you leave. Find out as much as you can about the roles of both women and men in the places you plan to visit.

The first step to handling sexual harassment when traveling abroad is; gaining an understanding of customs, culture and language. How do men act when they are being sexually aggressive, and how should women behave if they are pursued by a man? And how can we say "no" effectively in the native language. Not only will this give you ammunition should an uncomfortable situation arise, but it will also give you confidence. Telling someone 'no' isn't always sufficient to make your feelings known, so close yourself off to the other person physically. Walk away, step back from wandering hands, find someone else to talk to, and don't be afraid to push someone away if he or she is getting too friendly. Sometimes you have to make it clear.

Furthermore, if you don't know how men and women typically behave when traveling abroad, you might be a victim of sexual harassment solely based on miscommunication. For example, is it customary for women to make eye contact with men at social engagements? And how much personal space is generally considered acceptable when chatting?



You already know that in any country, prolonged eye contact with a man is an invitation to flirt. In some developing countries or some societies, any eye contact at all may be considered carte blanche to approach you. Eye contact also may be considered disrespectful in some countries and may invite aggressive behavior from strangers. Almost as annoying is that eye contact ensures street buskers will pester you. Talk with local women to learn the rules.



In some male-dominated cultures, it's considered incorrect for a woman to travel solo. For these and other potentially challenging destinations, you might want to team up with a companion. Two women traveling together might have an easier time.

2- Watch, Learn, Imitate

Sometimes, the best way to handle sexual harassment when travelling abroad is to pay attention to what other people do in similar situations. For example, if you're sitting alone in a bar or club, watch other men and women and how they interact. When a man becomes too forward, how do the women respond? Noting these cultural differences will help you to respond the same way, and perhaps dissuade a sexually-aggressive suitor before it gets out of control.

Take your cue from the local women. As a general rule, if they don't sit in cafés alone, you shouldn't either. If they aren't wearing sleeveless dresses, neither should you. Never accept car rides or hitchhike. Ask the local hotels to recommend reputable taxis and, whenever possible, try to double up with someone you know when travelling by cab.

Avoid wearing provocative, form-fitting clothing. A woman alone may be considered fair game. Understand this and prepare yourself mentally for any propositions, suggestive comments or catcalls. Then simply ignore them.

Try to blend as much as you can... not that you could change your hair or skin color, but people will respect you more when you try to respect their cultures by simply using their clothes and cover up in some country.

4- Seek Assistance



If sexual harassment occurs in public when travelling abroad, you might do better if you seek assistance from an authority figure, or even just another civilian. For example, if you're in the aforementioned bar or club, find the bouncer or bartender and let him know that you're being harassed. You can even ask what you should do in your situation, or request to use the phone to call a friend or even the police.

Crowded trains and buses can be perfect breeding grounds for antisocial behaviour. Some men will use this opportunity to touch or pinch the female passengers standing close to them. If this happens to you, make a fuss. Point at the offender and chastise him in a loud voice. He'll probably slink away. However, to avoid these types of advances, consider choosing reserved seating. In countries where it is available, take advantage of the female-only section in buses, trains and subways. Use this excellent opportunity to communicate with local women and their children.

5- Know the Neighborhood



When traveling abroad, it is always a good idea to know the layout of the neighbourhood. This way, in the event of sexual harassment, you'll know how to find a police station, a fire house or another safe location from which to seek help. You should also know the emergency number in case things get beyond your control.

In the same case just like my experience the best way is try addressing one man in a loud voice and saying “No !” or “Go away!”. Use body language to convey your message, such as by crossing your arms in front of you, turning your body and/or displaying a frown. If this does now work then, leave the area immediately. Yes, this may be unfair but as the old saying goes, it is better to be safe than sorry. If you are uncertain of where to go, head for the nearest group of women or a public shop or café in which you can see other women. Making sure other women are on the premises is crucial, however, because to leave a group of men only to plunge into a male-only area would not do you any good.

But sure you wont need to be an uptight personality that much because you will miss the fun of the adventures its self. I know some couple that meet on traveling journey and they are okay. Its just we have to put some limitation/boundaries to several things for our own safety reason.

Here's our smart six for protecting your sexual welfare:

• Put your safety first at all times. Whether you're at work, in town or on a date, think ahead as much as you can, and avoid situations that make you feel uncomfortable.
• Be clear about boundaries. Everyone has the right to express themselves freely and feel safe from harm. Just be clear about your boundaries to minimize the risk of mixed signals, and if someone oversteps the mark them let them know at the earliest opportunity. Any kind of unwanted sexual advance is inexcusable, of course, but it might prevent such a situation from happening altogether.
• Alcohol and drugs can lower inhibitions. Be aware of your limits, and cautious of drink offers from people you don't know (to minimize the risk of knocking back something spiked with sedative).
• Keep good company. Stick with friends where possible, and if you do find yourself with individuals or people you don't know, put your personal safety first. This means thinking one step ahead all the time, and avoiding situations that make you feel uncomfortable.
• Be street smart. Wherever you are, day or night, it's always worth traveling visibly. This means sticking to populated routes (and well-lit areas at night), and knowing where you're going at all times.
• Avoid confrontation. Do not meet aggression with aggression, as this is likely to escalate the situation. Talk your way out of problems - stay calm, speak gently, slowly and clearly. If you are trapped or in danger, yell or scream. Your voice is your best defense. Shout, Phone the police or other specific instructions that people can understand easily.

I hope all traveling safe, and have fun !!