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MERDEKA!!

It's Independent day of Indonesia today!! (August 17th, 2016)

Every August 17th, I always feel so touched. 

Ever since I got into PASKIBRA (it may means Rising Flag Squad in English),

I do feels, we must respect our national heroes, love our cultures, differences, and unite as one nation, love the home of me and other Indonesian, Republic of Indonesia.

Even I didn't get to be pick as PASKIBRAKA (National Squad I've mentioned earlier) , I got the chance to experience to rise national flag in Kecamatan Pondok Gede (district) with other PASKIBRA fellow. I felt so honoured. 

DIRGAHAYU INDONESIAKU!

MERDEKA!

What is Gojek?

Hi again~

From the last post, I've mentioned a ride called "Gojek". Pardon me, I haven't properly explain it to you. Today, I'll let you know.

First of all, I certainly sure you all already know how the Taxi does. In Indonesia, there's alternative transportation you can choose. Besides TransJakarta, Trains (Commuter Line), etc, there is Ojek.
Ojek is Motorbike version of Taxi. Due to heavy traffic and highly costs to buy a car, people used to call an ojek instead to help Indonesian with their transport needs. Near or maybe far. You might fine ojeks sitting on their bikes in the corner of the road, or sometimes we build a mini hut and place "Pangkalan Ojek (Means ojek base)" sign to help people know that they are ojek driver. They're waiting for customer to get them and you need to debate with them on how much fare to get to your destination. Once you have deal, one of them will take you. If the fare is too high, you can also ignore those ojeks and find another pangkalan ojek.

But then, Indonesian get too tired on debating with them. Especially, people in Jakarta. Since Jakarta is the busiest, heaviest jam of all countries, ojek drivers used to put very high fare.

Example, your destination is only 2-5 km away but there's jam.You are too tired to walk, so you call for ojek instead. Ojek drivers in the traffic area will tell a ridiculous fare. I'm personally pretty sick of those ojeks who take advantage of the traffic. In desperation for easy, fair ojek, comes Gojek.

So, what is Gojek ?

[From Official Gojek Site]
GO-JEK is a social enterprise that partners with a group of experienced and trustworthy ojek drivers to deliver a one-stop-shop convenience service for Indonesians. Our services include Transport, Instant Courier, GO-FOOD and Shopping.

Gojek is made by one of Indonesian successful entrepreneur and essentially an Uber, Ticketmaster, Homejoy, Instacart and more all mixed into one. Using smartphones, you can book a Gojek to do anything for you. You can book a Gojek to do your grocery shopping, cleaning, buying tickets, sending stuff, etc. However, the primary Gojek service is their Uber like service where you can book a Gojek to take your destination. 

Now, Gojek is not alone. There are Grab Bike, Uber Motor, Blu-Jek and etc. But Gojek still on top regarding the number of Gojek drivers. How much is the price? It depends on your needs and it will show up in the mobile app.

If you have more questions about Gojek, visit their Official site. 

That's enough from me now. Thank you for reading this post.

See you again on my next post~

xoxo

Sightseeing in Jakarta, Indonesia

Hello again~!

It's been a while since my last post of Ramadhan Month in Indonesia. And now, I'd like to help some traveler who decided or still choosing places to go to in Jakarta. It's true that Jakarta is the Capital City of Indonesia, but I bet you all must have known Bali first , then Indonesia. Am I right? Some people even think that Indonesia IS in Bali. Nope. Bali IS in Indonesia!

So, where you can go in the one of the most crowded and awful traffic country in the world?
I do personally think that Jakarta is the most awful traffic of all countries. But I do know that It depends on timing. If you go out on Indonesian Rush Hour (6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m and 4:30 p.m to 8:00 or 9:00 p.m), you'll doomed. Heavy traffic everywhere. Well, the morning traffic will super hectic from Bekasi, Depok, Bogor, Tangerang to Jakarta routes! But if you are from Jakarta going to Bekasi/Depok/Bogor/Bandung, you can a bit relax. It's all about the right timing and place you want to go.

I'll tell you places you can enjoy in Jakarta and tips to go there.

• Taman Mini Indonesia Indah 

(Or we called it TMII [ It pronounce like Tame without the "me" + M + ee + ee ] or maybe just Taman Mini)

[From Wikipedia]
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) or "Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park" (literally translated) is a culture-based recreational area located in East Jakarta, Indonesia. It has an area of about 250 acres (1.0 km²). The park is a synopsis of Indonesian culture, with virtually all aspects of daily life in Indonesia's 26 (in 1975) provinces encapsulated in separate pavilions with the collections of Indonesian architecture, clothing, dances and traditions are all depicted impeccably. Apart from that, there is a lake with a miniature of the archipelago in the middle of it, cable cars, museums, Keong Emas Imax cinema, a theater called the Theatre of My Homeland (Theater Tanah Airku) and other recreational facilities which make TMII one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.

So, what can I do in here? Taman Mini is full of Indonesian cultural things. From Traditional houses, clothes, souvenirs, to many various museums. I think It almost like Smithsonian but of course not that large and complex and It is just about Indonesia. You can visit mini replicate islands of Indonesia, Traditional Houses, Istana Anak (Children Castle) and many more. But the locals used to come here to just picnic or just to go 1-3 recreational spots.

Well, how can I go there? I strongly suggest you to rent a car or have Indonesian friend who have car to take you. Because Taman Mini is so wide. Yes you can walk/cycling in there if you want to. But, I do think, you need a car. There are some cars for rent too near Taman Mini, but I don't know much about it. And for those Pokemon GO player, you'll love this place because Taman Mini have sooooo many PokeStop.

Traditional House of West Sumatera

Istana Anak-anak (Children Castle)

Taman Mini from google maps

Address : Jl. Raya Taman Mini | East Jakarta, DKI Jakarta, INDONESIA

Information : (+62 21) 8779 2078 (Bahasa Indonesia)

Gate Open : Everyday, from 7:00 a.m to 10:00 p.m

Cost : Depends on how many houses/museums you go

Approximately from Rp 25,000 to Rp 300,000 or more (2 US$ to 23 US$)

Even if the gate open until night, but the operational hours of each houses/museum/etc are different. I Maybe around 6:00 p.m max. So make sure you come around 7:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. To reach Taman Mini, it is a bit crowded to go there but you are not following the traffic flow, so, yes you can go from early morning but seriously, get out of there before 5 p.m or prepare for the heavy traffic. Can you go to Taman Mini with Public Transportation? Sure. Just hope on TransJakarta, Pinang Ranti route, and drop at Taman Mini Garuda shelter, find Angkot to Taman Mini in front of Tamini Square. If you want to ask the local, try ask " How to get to Taman Mini? " "Bagaimana cara menuju Taman Mini?"

• Monumen Nasional (We shorten it to "MONAS")

[From Wikipedia]

The National Monument (Indonesian: Monumen Nasional, abbreviated Monas) is a 132 m (433 ft) tower in the centre of Merdeka Square, Central Jakarta, symbolizing the fight for Indonesia. It is the national monument of the Republic of Indonesia, built to commemorate the struggle for Indonesian independence.

Construction began in 1961 under the direction of President Soekarno. Monas was opened to the public in 1975. It is topped by a flame covered withgold foil. The monument and the museum are open daily from 08.00 until 15.00 Western Indonesia Time (UTC+7) throughout the week except for the last Monday of each month when the monument is closed.

Well, this is the Iconic symbol of Jakarta. Your journey in Jakarta is not complete if you didn't go to Monas. For more information about Monas, google up yourself please . :P . Don't worry about transportation. There are a lot of transportation you can choose. TransJakarta, Free TransJakarta, The City Tour, Gojek, Grab, Uber, etc.

• Kota Tua Jakarta

[From Wikipedia]

Kota Tua Jakarta ("Jakarta Old Town"), officially known as Kota Tua,^[1] is a neighborhood comprising the original downtown area of Jakarta,Indonesia. It is also known as Oud Batavia (Dutch "Old Batavia"), Benedenstad (Dutch "Lower City", contrasting it with Weltevreden, de Bovenstad("Upper City")), or Kota Lama (Indonesian "Old Town"). It spans 1.3 square kilometres within North Jakarta and West Jakarta (Kelurahan Pinangsia,Taman Sari and Kelurahan Roa Malaka, Tambora). The largely Chinese downtown area of Glodok is a part of Kota Tua.

If you want to avoid too crowded or too many people, definitely don't go on Weekends. Please don't forget to bring your UV sunglasses, a hat, lotion and a mini fan. Why? It's super hot there in the afternoon.  Almost the same as Monas, you can reach Kota Tua with various transportation.

Hutan Bakau, Pantai Indah Kapuk

(No Wikipedia reference)

This, personally, I have not go there yet. It just too far from my home. Jakarta do have this place! Hutan Bakau (Mangrove Forest), Pantai Indah Kapuk is you must go to if you are looking for refreshing, relax sightseeing. With 99,82 acres, 40% of this area are Mangrove forest. There are some huts you can rent too. I don't how much cost to visit there. But for renting the hut, I'm guessing it starts from Rp 300,000 (Around 23 US$). I've read it in some random blog, that, there are several restriction to photography or else. I'm sorry I can't provide much information about this gorgeous place. >,< Trully sorry

• MALLS!

Jakarta have so many malls you can shops to! But My recommended malls are :

Grand Indonesia

Plaza Indonesia

Lippo Kemang

Lippo Puri

Pondok Indah Mall 1 and 2

Mall Kelapa Gading

(For shopping import brand and locals)

For shopping like crazy (most locals go to these places), try :

Thamrin City

Tanah Abang

ITC Mangga Dua

ITC Cempaka Mas

Pusat Grosir Cililitan

Asemka

Okay, wherever you go, please avoid 4:30 p.m to 8:00 p.m. Remember the rush hour. If you want to travel until midnight, and do so (around 10:00 p.m or more). But of course, travel in midnight is not recommended. There are bad people show up in the midnight.

Well, see you on my next post~

xoxo

Fasting Month (Ramadhan Month) in Indonesia

Hello again,

(Pardon my grammatical error if you read this)

Today is June 8th,2016. Third day of fasting of a month.
Many muslims around the world are celebrating fasting month or we called it "Ramadhan Month". In this case, celebrating means fasting from dawn to dusk (the length of fasting hour is different from each countries/area) , read much more the Qur'an, do more prayers (beside the 5 times pray), do more donation and do more good deeds. We also called this month as Holy Month. This year, fasting month is on June. Each year, it comes 1-2 weeks sooner.

Since the Majority of Indonesian is Islam, you'll feel something different in the fasting month. Indonesia will much more crowd aroun 5:00 .p.m . Many snacks booth or many stores will provide various kind of snack for break-fasting. From traditional snacks to classic snacks of break-fasting snack (dates). If you are in Jakarta, you'll face the most insane traffic in the world. Many cars & bikes will emerge in the main road around 4:00 .p.m and more.

What I personally loves from Ramadhan month are:
1. People tend to be much more nicer and quiter
2. Many kind of food will be sale, even the middle of the road (literally)
3. Although I need to come to work 30 minutes earlier than usual, the office will allow us to go home one hour earlier.
4. As many food emerging, many food bundling/set on the restaurant. Which is more cheaper (depends on the restaurant).
5. Many Ramadhan themes commercials.
6. After three weeks, they usually having "Lebaran" sale in many stores/department stores, etc.
7. And many more unique reason.

So, If you are coming to Indonesia now, Try to feel the Ramadhan Month euphoria from majority of Indonesian.

Sometimes, Different is good.

Hope you enjoy your stay in Indonesia~

xoxo

Indonesia's Recommended Places To Go To

Hi again!

As I posted yesterday, I'd like to post recommended places in Indonesia that you might want to go. Let's get to it.

If you seeking holiday in beautiful place/ gorgeous scenery/ exploring the nature, you might want to consider these places.

(Most people will recommend Bali, but Bali tends to be crowded of tourists, so, I'll recommend somewhere else)

1. Pulau Komodo (Komodo Island)

Pantai Pink Pulau Komodo (Komodo Island's Pink Beach)

Komodo Island was registered as one of World Heritage in 1986 and got into New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2011.These island offer you beautiful land and underwater view. You can do Trekking, Snorkeling , etc. I bet you want to take a selfie on Pink Beach! Don't worry, the color was made from super tiny pieces of corals that got washed up to the beach. Don't believe me ? Just google it.

2. Trio Gili

Gili, Lombok

Trio Gili are 3 beautiful islands in Lombok (Trio = 3).  They are Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. Gili Trawangan is the most populer island since it bigger than those two islands. If you looking for peace, quiet place but still want to enjoy yourself, I recommend this place. As far as I know, there aren't so many people visit there yet.

3. Raja Ampat

Recently, Raja Ampat became so famous in Indonesia. Many Indonesian wanting to go there, but the ticket to go there is expensive and it is located in Papua, which is the east side of Indonesia. Raja Ampat also known as one of the best location for snorkeling. The Nature Conservancy said that 75% of Sea Creatures can be found in Raja Ampat. Raja Ampat itself have several islands (Yes, I know. Indonesia have sooo many islands), but there are four main islands and they are Waigeo, Misool, Salawati and Batanta. Some people said that October and November are the perfect months to go because the weather and the waves is better. Loves the sea ? I recommend this place!

4.  Danau Sentani (Sentani Lake)

Danau Sentani is known as the biggest lake in Papua. Try to go there in July. They will host Danau Sentani's Festival which they do it once in a year. Many local cuisines and cultures shows will be there, so, remember July.

5. Taman Laut Bunaken (Bunaken Sea Garden)

Taman Laut Bunaken got registered as one of World Heritage by the UNESCO. So many sea creatures lives can be found there. This place have 30 spots for diving. You can dive while swimming with fishes and maybe touch them or sea the magical life of the sea without getting wet with submarine.
Can you guest the local cuisines are? I bet you know one of them.

6. Puncak Jayawijaya (Jayawijaya Peak)

Indonesia only have two seasons, which is Rainy and Dry Season. Thanks to be in the Tropical zone, we will never getting the coldness of the winter. But somestimes, we want to see the snow. Oh wait, we have the eternal snow! It is on the peak of Jayawijaya Mountain, it also called as Puncak Carstensz (Carstensz  Peak). 5,000 meters above the sea level, Jayawijaya mountain got into Seven Summits list. Okay, maybe not every Indonesian can see the eternal snow. Only the bravest and strongest hikers can defeat this mountain. Dare to hike ?

7. Tana Toraja

Hmm... Tana Toraja have many beautiful view and greenery. This place also have a strong ethnic stuffs and events, which many tourist get so curious about it. I think i can not explain too detail so, you might need to google it yourself. For me, I personally feel anxious about their strange culture. Tana Toraja people believes that when a person die, they might be just sick, so they inject some formalin into the corpse. Strange isn't it ? Even there is an article called Tana Toraja as " The Land of the Death that Lives. (?)". Click here for details.
Tana Toraja quite mysterious, but their culture makes the whole village participate in some events. That event usually open for public. Their cuisines also delicious. 


8.Candi Borobudur

Located in Jogjakarta (Jogja), Candi Borobudur is a complex temple registered as one of world wonders and world heritage in 1991.  If you go to Jogja and not visit this Candi, your trip is just not... not complete. There is Hollywood movie called "Java Heat" shot in there. There is also a place you need to go which is Malioboro.

Recently, thanks to Indonesia legendary romance movie called "Ada Apa Dengan Cinta? 2 " ("What's Wrong With Cinta i.e. Love? 2"), many Indonesian trying to some places that been shot in the movie. Click here for details.
I'd like to go there too, but, with who ??? I can't travel alone :p
Where are you Rangga ? I'm Cinta Kamu :)))

*Well, if you go to Jakarta, I might be able to guide you around. Especially if you want to do culinary trip. Hahaa. I love foods! Delicious FOOD!!!

Okay then, those places that i've mentioned are very worthy to visit. Even I want to go there too but, you know, money. I need to work first to safe some money. :(

See you again on my next post and thank you for reading this blog. Appreciated it.


Courtesy of pictures : anekatempatwisata.com

4 Things You Need to Know About Indonesian

Hi!

If you want to travel to Indonesia and want to make some preparation, this post is what you need. Yes, I am Indonesian. So, I'm going to help you to know the way of thinking of majority of Indonesian.

Indonesian

1. Indonesian Likes "Bule"
If you are living outside Indonesia, then you must "Bule"
What's Bule means? Bule means tourist/stranger from another countries, especially, the Australia, Europe, and United States. Indonesian usually call white people as "Bule" (Even White skin Asian does not count). Even for black people, who speak English, they will call you as "Bule" too.
Ok, i'll summarize that Indonesian call any non-Asian who lives outside Asia and talk in English daily as "Bule". (Sorry Asia, It just a habbit. Don't take it personally. Just another culture shock.)
Why Indonesia likes "Bule"?
They see you as foreign people (mainstream Indonesian thought that foreign people = cool people/ rich people, the others maybe thinking genuinely want to make friends). Don't be so shock when you are finally decided to come to Indonesia, and many people want to take a selfie with you or smiling/giggling at you. Just enjoy it.

2. Indonesian Loves Social Media
(In this case, Facebook)
Honestly, as Indonesian, sometimes I do feels kind of embarrassed to fellow Indonesia. They tend to obsessed to "Bule". If you have added Indonesian friend into your Facebook, I think, Evey posts you make will have their comments of loves or their own posts or etc. Thanks to the technology, addiction to Social Media is rising.
Oh, I suggest you to avoid friend request on Facebook for any strange name (e.g. L4il4 cH4Y4nK CmU4x, or any name combination of numbers and letters, Big or Small letters. We called them as "Alay". Alay is abbrevation of Anak Lebay = Overly Cheezy Person)

3. Indonesian Loves Bule that Learning Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian Language)
If you learning Bahasa Indonesia, i do recommend you need to post in your blog or youtube video or instagram or etc, that you want to learn Bahasa Indonesia. Just wait and let the magic happens. Indonesian will go crazy to want to teach you. My suggestion is pick a sane person that you think he/she might have the ability to teach you properly. I'm quite sure they will teach you for free.

4. Indonesian Loves Bule that Love Indonesia
Similar to what have I mentioned earlier, if you post in your social media that you love Indonesia and wait until 1 Indonesian saw you, it will go viral. And soon many Indonesian will welcome you greatly. Try to search name "Felipe Valdes" on goole. He is an example what I've explained.

Well, you can forget what i have explained try yourself to interact with Indonesian.
Or better, come to Indonesia right away! I will gladly welcome you. Need some advise/have some questions during in Indonesia ? Feel free to contact me.

I'll post later for some recommendation places to go to in Indonesia.
Sorry for my grammatical is a mess.

See you again on the next post ;)

Arrived in My Beautiful "Kampung" , Tanjung Pinang

Friday, July 19th, 2013.



It was 6.30 p.m. 'till I arrived in Tanjung Pinang. I was so happy. The flight is safe.
If anybody asked about Tanjung Pinang, well, it's a small city in a beautiful island called Bintan Island. It's the capitol of Riau archipelago in Indonesia ( Kepulauan Riau ). It's known as a city of Malay culture because there is a small island near Tanjung Pinang which is have historical things from Malay and Indonesia. That island is Penyengat Island, a very historical island of Malay kingdom. When you need time to find peace,relaxation,entertain , try to go this place. It's not just because it's my birthplace but also this is a very beautiful place. Strategic too.
Experience traveling to Batam, Singapore, Malaysia and other nearest island from Tanjung Pinang with hospitality from the locals. ;)

*reference : ( if you go to this place, lets try...)
- Local cuisine ( Gong Gong, seafood, otak-otak, etc )
- Visit places ( Penyengat island [most recommended] ; Lagoi ; Trikora Beach ; Bintan centra [shopping district] )

Tanjung Pinang

Penyengat Mosque

Penyengat Island

Bukit Kursi (means chair hills)

Penyengat Port

Somewhere in Lagoi Beach

Lagoi Bay

Tanjung Pinang from Google Earth