JAKARTA 2005 Part 5

Phew...sorry to keep all of you for so long...it takes me sometimes to finish this trip off...

You can find sooner parts here --> Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4

**HAPPY FRIDAY...ONCE MORE**

I, my colleagues, Joyce, Togi, Kadariah and class from many countries, has arrived at the SeaWorld comfortably in Blue Bird Taxis. It was a nice & large place, full of well designed facilities. The SeaWorld has much more than showing sea animals. It has many premises and parks for recreation and other activities. At that moment, I don't know exactly why this place is called SeaWorld.

Here is the front of the building...

Here is the place for visiting underwater animals. The entrance fee wasn't too costly. As you may know that Indonesia has a lot of strange but fantastic fish, sharks, turtles, and other water creatures due to its archipelagic landscape. Oceans and seas here are the best home for them. Inside the building, we found a huge amount of interest fish and other water creatures. Some of them I recognised their shape but not their size because it was so big!!

This place is claimed to be larger than Singapore's Underwater World but I havn't visit the Singapore's Underwater World so...can't agree nor disagree.

The place didn't object you to take photos but since the light was dim, my photos are awful...but don't worry...there is one left for you ^^

From the beautiful SeaWorld, we tried to discover more about the SeaWorld area. So, we left the group which is full of shopaholic ladies and start a new walking trip again...

We, then, have discovered that this huge place is not called SeaWorld. Thanks to the Wikipedia for revealing it's name which I already forgot.

This place is called 'Taman Impian Jaya Ancol' (Ancol Dreamland).

According to the Wikipedia, the Ancol Dreamland is "an integral part of Ancol Bay City, a popular resort destination located along Jakarta's waterfront, Indonesia. Opened in 1966, it's currently the largest integrated tourism area in South East Asia. Boasting an international championship golf course, a theme park, world-class hotels and other recreational facilities, it's the most popular destination of its kind in the region". The SeaWorld is only one part of the Ancol Dreamland complex. More information on Ancol Dreamland on Wikipedia is here

After spending some times on the Dreamland map, we agreed to find the way to the seafront. Because we still didn't see any glimse of jakarta sea and it's not too far in the map.

Again, we're wrong. The real distance is not so far but we found a long fence which we can't walk through. This S.C.U.K fence made our walk longer to one quick-walk hour and that might be more than 1 hour to reach the seafront. I'm soaked and my legs are tired.

The seafront is okay for its valuable as 'once at Jakarta sea'. There was almost no wind. I think it's the time to reveal 3 of my colleagues ^^, Mr. Aphichai, Mr. Seteep, and Mr. Sombat. Can you believe that they can walk in the same length and speed as me for many days? They're incredible, aren't they?

+++Now, what's next!!!+++

It seemed like we didn't think about returning route...but we agreed of no more walking in this huge area. Luckily, we found one Blue Bird Taxi nearby. The driver was sleeping. 'OH...what a nice place to sleep!' I thought.

We woke him up (Hey, you're my only hope...get up...don't sleep *0*) and ask him whether he can bring us to Mangga Dua. This dude didn't understand our English (or Tinglish), so we spotted the location in our life-saving map. Firstly, he tried to deal with us about the cost (As I said in part 4 that even in the Blue Bird Group, you've to make sure the driver will use the meter before getting on the car) but we treat him by saying 'NO'. After we tried to walk away, he then agreed to use the meter.

'GOOD, man!!'

I arrived at Mangga Dua shopping centre named 'ITC Mangga Dua' at about 5 p.m. The centre was full of fashion stuffs, e.g., clothes&garments, shoes, bags. The centre was enormous, many wings, many levels, many shops. I thought that if women get in here, they won't be anywhere else for days. However, we're all men, so, just walk&explore was enough ^^. We ended up in the same restaurant, Hoka Hoka Bento, because we needed a load of good food that day, so tired, so hungry, don't need to risk trying new thing now...

After finishing the dinner, my legs feel a bit better. We're about to walk for a bit more but, surprisingly, most shops were start closing. It's only 6 o'clock and I don't know why they close so early 'cause in Bangkok, these type of mall close at 9 or 10. We, then, have to leave.

This ITC Mangga Dua is not far from TransJakarta's 'KOTA STASION' (Kota Station) but we've no stamina left for a half-hour walk. So, we decided to take 'small car' to kota. The front of ITC was crowded and it's not possible to find a Blue Bird Taxi because there's some gangs there asking for money from every car that received passenger. I hate them because they made us wait 30 minutes for that 'small car'.

The small car charged us 1000Rp each to reach Kota station. The fare can represent its quality. The small car brought us to the WRONG DIRECTION in a given traffic flow!!!

+++NOOOO........PLEASEEEEE, I DON'T WANNA DIE +++

We reached Kota station safely. Took the old comfortable TransJakarta back to the hotel. That night, I slept as a dead log...

**BACK HOME**

I and my colleagues left early next morning. We decided to use a Silver Bird Taxi from hotel to the Airport. The Silver Bird is more luxurious than Blue Bird ones but it costs you more. We decided to use it instead of 2 Blue Bird Taxis because of our luggages.

We arrived the airport early, so, we'd some times to look around. It is a nice airport as I firstly said. Let's the pictures say...

Waiting....and waiting...oh, our plane has come...I's so happy.

BYE BYE Jakarta and BYE BYE for you all...So glad that I can finish the series.

'Till next trip...

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JAKARTA 2005 Part 4

Welcome to part 4 of this series...let's see what's next...you can also find sooner parts here: part 1; part 2; part 3

**THURSDAY ALONG THE ROAD**

Thanks to our richer guide for yesterday experience. As a result from your efforts, we were more aware of the local officers :) Today we planned to discover some interesting attractions along the TransJakarta route.

Before leaving our beloved hotel, let's look once more on my Ambhara Hotel...

We finished the class late because we've decided to finish half day on Friday. Right after the class finished, we catched TransJakarta to our destination...

It was almost dark so only a few pictures that I can share with you...

Here is the largest fountain on the road that I could find during the TransJakarta route. It has a fine statue on its centre. I'm sorry but I don't know the name of this place.

We went through a department store and a theatre near the fountain...Just windows shopping...(because everyone love Windows shopping, that's why Bill Gate is the richest man on Earth...:D)...almost everything is the same as of those good stores in Bangkok. To be frank, I never enjoy exploring department stores abroad. It might be because I have a lot of great department stores in my country.

We walked for a distance of 1 TransJakarta station and we reached the yesterday department store. We brought souvenoirs here because it offered good bargain. The picture is taken opposite the store

My dinner, again, with my 3 colleagues, was at the basement of that store. We found some good food with good price there. My set is around 11,000Rp
That's enough for my easy Thursday...tired of the walk...

++NOTE++

I planned to finished my Jakarta trip in 5 parts but there're a lot of things to put in here. So, to make it fit, my Friday will start on this part...

**HAPPY FRIDAY**

It was the last training day and the training lasted only half day. After finished everything including receiving of Certificate, the Indonesian colleagues kindly arranged a trip to 'SEA WORLD' for us. Before we left the hotel, rain poured...

OH..NO..IT CAN'T BE TODAY...F-C-U-K-ING RAIN...In the rain, you can see, what we called in Thailand, Tuk-Tuk in Indonesia version.

We travelled to the 'SEA WORLD' by taxis arranged by our indonesian colleagues...

TAXI IN JAKARTA...

I miss this most important thing because I often use TransJakarta but this is the first thing that you should know before going to Jakarta because there are a lot of tourist-trap taxis. All taxis have meter...but they normally don't use it... especially when tourist get in.

The only taxis that can be trust will have the logo 'BLUE BIRD GROUP' on their wind screen.

The Blue Bird Group Taxis are divided into 3 classes;

Golden Bird: price are expensive...I never tried one but I assumed that it shouldbe very luxury

Silver Bird: Normal hotel Taxi, if you use hotel's service to find one, they are medium size europe cars, price is between the Golden and the Blue

Blue Bird: normal taxi, can find them everywhere

Becareful!! Many taxis want to disguise their car to look like the Blue Bird Group...look at the cars' front (on wind screen) the BLUE BIRD GROUP should be on it

Even in the good group, there are some bad guys. Check with the driver whether he use meter every time before jumping into the car.

The last part will be updated soon...

JAKARTA 2005 Part 3

Sorry to keep you wait... I've many important things which will effect my life to do. But late is better than never, right?...(also see: Part 1 and Part 2)

TransJakarta: The big discovery for traveling in Jakarta...

Of the Monday failure, we decided to ask for help from Indonesian classmates. After long discussion (their English plus our Tinglish...so confuse...), we've found the great solution!!!

+++It's TransJakarta+++

'TransJakarta is a bus rapid transit system in Jakarta, Indonesia.'
'The first TransJakarta line opened to the public on January 15, 2004.'
'TransJakarta was built with the objective of providing the citizens of Jakarta with a fast, comfortable, and affordable mass transportation system in mind. To accomplish those objectives, the buses were given lanes restricted to other traffic and separated by concrete blocks on the streets that became part of the busway routes, and the ticket price is subsidized by the state government.'

(From WIKIPEDIA http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TransJakarta)
TransJakarta has its own lane and the traffic has no effect on them due to its special bus lane among other motorists. When I was at Jakarta, only 1 route, Blok M-Jakarta Kota, was in operation. This route is from the south of Jakarta, where I stayed, cutting through the centre to the north part of Jakarta.
The price of TransJakarta is fixed, only 3000 (or 3500) Rp when I was there. For me it's very cheap and can save time very well.
Unlike the other bus, TransJakarta has its own station, high lifted above ground, in the middle of the road. It uses the same system as trains that only stop at the station. So, it's easier to control and results in more safety and security.
The TransJakarta's 'blok M' station is just opposite my hotel. This is great because I'll have more time traveling. So, I and my colleague spent that evening on the bus. Take it from one end to another end. It pass many beautiful places along its route. However, because we'd time limit, we'd to wait for later day to visit these attractions.

RECOMMENDED - Travel through Jakarta with TransJakarta. It's cheap and reliable. There are new routes open now. So, it's getting better and better.

- THE MONAS SERIES -

The MoNas and its officials...
My Wednesday training finished early, so, we'd time to go visit the 'Monumen Nasional' (National Monument), the symbol of fighting of Indonesians for their independence.

From information we had, the MoNas will close at 6 p.m. so we had to be hurry.

We arrived at MoNas just before 5.30 p.m. The MoNas is inside a large park called 'Medan Merdeka Park'. After took some pictures in front of the park and walk inside the centre of the park where the landmark is located.

We rushed to the front gate at 5.35 but the guard won't let us in...

'Cose...cose...' he said.

'I don't want cosy' I thought (cosy - UK english [US = cozy] - means a cover that you put on a teapot to keep it warm - reference:

cambridge Online Dictionary)

'But it'll close at 6, isn't it?' I said, bit frustrating. It seemed like he didn't hear me... 'closed...can't get in...' he confirmed.

'but...I was told that it'll close at 6...but the time now...' I couldn't finish my sentence when he added 'ok...ok...come here'

++ GOOD...he admit us in the end ++

I and my colleagues followed him to his post he talked to the man in the post (I might be wrong but I think both of them wear police uniform). While they're talking, I who was assigned to manage the group money started to look around for the enrance fee rate but I couldn't read anything (all of them are in Indonesian) and couldn't guess because a lot of numbers were listed on the post. The biggest number was 15,000Rp. So I thought 'this might be the entrance fee rate for foreigners - Hmm.. not so expensive.. I recommended the Indonesian Government for this is the right way to promote tourism.

However, I never know how much did it cost. The guard (or police or whatever) turned to us and started saying... 'Sorry, it cose. No one can enter' 'Ah...and why you gave us hope' this sentence came to my head....but before long... he continued... 'I really sorry but for you, I can bring you around, OK! oh, for free!' That was better than nothing so we took the offer.

Right after we turned our back to the post, that man in the post shouted something in Indonesian and the guard who was leading us hurried back to the post and they started talking. After the talk, the same guard led us to the back of the post and said...

'OK, I can bing ya in... but 'cos get is cose... 50,000 for 1 pirson, OK?' Then I knew exactly what was going to happen to us...

++WE'RE IN THE TRAP!!!++

'It already cose...you can't get in' he started again...putting his pressure on us... Oh my Gosh...this time he's right...it's 6 already!!!...What a BIG PLAY he did!!!

In the end (as it should be), we took the bait and paid him 200,000Rp due to no chance to enter normally today and we think we won't find any day that our training finish earlier than today.

Arrrr......I HATE HIM!!!

After receiving money, he led us back to the check-in table station...I almost KICK him and KILL him when I saw many people queuing to enter the monument. He stopped us 10 metres before the check-in table and went to talk with the guard ('you don't need to do that again I know you do it everyday') and then, waved his hand to us as a signal to move in. We had not go into the queue but enter at the (normally closed) opened 'EXIT'. When we all entered he followed us and put a 100,000Rp note into the hand of the guard at the check-in station.

++ENOUGH... I know how the whole system work, now, DUDE!!!++

The MoNas and Indonesian Declaration of Independence...

Fortunately, he did a good job describing things inside the MoNas and show some good things that normal visitor couldn't see. We started from the basement (I still find some visitors out there) which is the brief history of the Republic of Indonesia in pictures, models and text displays. Our RICH guide explained us very long in each figure... I knew it's important but it is full of wars, losses and at last...victory... I yawned....

The next very important thing that our RICH guide brought us to was as the dark 2nd floor where he claimed that this place is normally open for VIP guest (but I know you do let some people in everyday, right?): the Indonesian Declaration of Independence, 1945.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The Indonesian Declaration of Independence was officially proclaimed at 10.00 a.m. sharp on Friday, August 17, 1945. The declaration marked the start of the five year diplomatic and armed-resistance of the Indonesian National Revolution, fighting against the forces of the Netherlands until the latter officially acknowledged Indonesia's independence in 1949."

This is the text in Indonesian:

"PROKLAMASI

Kami, bangsa Indonesia, dengan ini menjatakan kemerdekaan Indonesia.
Hal-hal jang mengenai pemindahan kekoeasaan d.l.l., diselenggarakan dengan tjara saksama dan dalam tempo jang sesingkat-singkatnja.
Djakarta, hari 17 boelan 8 tahoen 05
Atas nama bangsa Indonesia
Soekarno - Hatta"
The translated version is here:

"PROCLAMATION

We, the Indonesian people, hereby declare the independence of Indonesia.
Matters concerning the transfer of power, etc., will be carried out in a conscientious manner and as speedily as possible.
Jakarta, 17th day of 8th month, year 05 (note: Japanese calendar year)
In the name of the nation of Indonesia
Soekarno - Hatta"
(from WIKIPEDIA: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesian_Declaration_of_Independence)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've heard the true Soekarno voice and the original Indonesian Declaration of Independence. It is well kept... sorry if my picture isn't clear... it was so dark there...
The MoNas and views from its deck...
At last, we reached the deck of the monument. It's the open-air deck, so you can feel the fresh wind. You can enjoy excellent scenaries even it was at dusk... I've complained too much... a bit of tired... so, just relax with pictures from the sky deck of MoNas.
Same official and Ayam Goreng...
After the tour with the RICH guide was finished, one of my colleague, Mr. Suteep (I call him P' Suteep), recognised a shopping mall *name to be confirmed* where he came 15 years ago. This shopping mall is not far away from MoNas, he went back to asked the direction from the RICH guide who was leaving for his home. The rich guide agreed to lead us but for 50,000 Rp in return... 'My legs aching from binging you to MoNas' he, then, massaged his legs. By what means I couldn't remember, we agreed.
He led us to that department store through a local market and we learnt that the targeted department store is only 1 TransJakarta station in the South...

+++I would like to KILL him again...the RICHER guide...+++

Moreover, we decided to explore this mall later since it's completely dusk and we're dare for dinner. That night I and my colleagues tried a completely local 'AYAM KORENG', which means fried rice with chicken, 8,000 Rp only. It was yummy but you have to be careful in selecting the seller. Don't recommend for those who don't want to take risk.. ^^
'Til next time...part 4...

JAKARTA 2005 Part 2

Let's continue on my Jakarta trip...(see part 1 here) as I first wrote that I came there for training... so... this registration is the evidence... ^^

My first day...

The TG flight of mine landed on 'Soekarno-Hatta Jakarta International Airport' on the afternoon of Sunday 13th. The airport is nice, bright and decorated with oriental style architectures. Thanks to WIKI for a nice photo of the airport which I didn't have chance to take it.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bd/Cgk_domestic_terminalJPG.jpg

There are a lot of tourist traps in Jakarta. Firstly on the airport exit, I found loads of taxi charged at me and my colleagues, asking for whether we did need taxi... 'Yes, I do!!', I thought... However, saying YES! is not a good way to reply...because my friends already warned me about the taxi system of Jakarta (so I stayed calm...and tried to be cool ^^). If you're going to Jakarta on your own, not with tour, consider taking a prepaid taxi. In 2005, it's US$10 for a zidane car (up to 3 passengers) from airport to my hotel and US$15 for a van car. Becareful, the tourist-trap taxi will charge you double!!!

One thing that I really surprised today was 'there is no Jakarta map available for tourist!!!'. I found no useful Jakarta map both at the airport and my hotel - I was frustrated. However, with a bit of luck, one of my colleagues found a nice used Jakarta map from the ex-guest in his room. We had to rely on that almost unreadable map for a week. So, bring a map YOURSELF next time!!

I spent first evening in Jakarta gathering data around 'blok M'. I found this zone very crowded... too crowded. I felt like this zone is a developing zone... a lot of mixture between traditional poor buildings and modern department stores. Furthermore, I was wasted my time trying to find another zone called 'blok + sth.' but I couldn't find it. So, 'blok M' (it's Block M, I think) might be the only one 'blok' in Jakarta ^^

Monday, the first working (training) day...

'Oh my gosh... why my happy time is so short', I thought. My instructor was Chris (topher) Sweeney, a nice n' big British guy. You can see in the picture... he's so large, isn't he?
Let's shift to the evening session, started at 5 p.m. After cheerfully getting out from the hotel, oh yes!!! it's Monday evening!!! I found this bad traffic conjection outside (- .. -"). No, chance to go anywhere by buses or taxis. So, we decided to walk to 'Kemang point', the area next to our hotel in the map.

After trying to compare the land and the map (so poor made), I and my colleagues got lost... it was terrible because we're going outbound and there were so little english sign nor english speaker there... The destination is 5 km. from our hotel (very far comparing to what it's scaled on the map) but we need one and a half hour to get to the entrance of 'Kemang point'...

To be frank, we're too tired for a sightseeing walk, so, we didn't notice anything special inside 'Kemang point'. Finally, we had surrendered to our stomach and stopped at 'Hoka Hoka Bento, Kemang Point' for dinner before took a bus back to the hotel (use the word 'blok M' to speak with the ticket seller on the bus and pray ^_^ Hopefully, our pray worked).

RECOMMENDED - The Hoka Hoka Bento has many franchises in Jakarta. I've tried many of them and found that the quality and quantity of the food were consistent and the taste is good, especially for me and all Thais (I really do love its chilli sauce). The price is affordable...

Continue on Part 3...

JAKARTA 2005 part 1

It was my first trip to Jakarta, the capitol of Indonesia, a 6-day trip, and there were loads of surprising and impression things out there. (picture source: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/asia/indonesia/ )
Useful informations about Indonesia from WIKIPEDIA:
The Republic of Indonesia (Indonesian: Republik Indonesia), is a nation in Southeast Asia. Comprising 17,508 islands, it is the world's largest archipelagic state. With a population of over 234 million people, it is the world's fourth most populous country and the most populous Muslim-majority nation, although officially it is not an Islamic state. Indonesia is a republic, with an elected parliament and president. The nation's capital city is Jakarta. The country shares land borders with Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Malaysia. Other neighboring countries include Singapore, the Philippines, Australia, and the Indian territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The Indonesian archipelago has been an important trade region since at least the seventh century, when the Srivijaya Kingdom formed trade links with China. Indonesian history has been influenced by foreign powers drawn to its natural resources.
(source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indonesia)
Let's the boring things go, explore the Jakarta NOW!!!

Before going to Jakarta...

• Don't forget a passport & VISA...however, Thais (and other SEA citizens) can enter Indonesia for 90 days without VISA.
• Money: please see money topic below
• Check with you booked hotel to confirm your reservation
• Air ticket confirmation, not recommend to use Jakarta airline, many people got sick with it.

Money using in Jakarta...

Indonesia Rupiah (Rp) is the official currency of Indonesia.
Rate: 1 US$ = 9,137 (28 SEP 07 by Bank of Indonesia).
Don't try to obtain Rp from your country, the rate is cut by half (Oh my gosh!!). My recommendation is that you carry international recognised currency with you, US dollar is the best, followed by Euro dollar & British Pound Sterling, and change some of your money at the airport. The best rate money changers I could find are in the department stores.
My trip...
This first jakarta experience of mine was on 13-19 March 2005. To be frank, I went to Jakarta on duty of training in the EC-ASEAN co-operation programme on Standard, Quality and Conformity Assessment: "Training for GMP inspectors". However, there are a lot of experiences outside the class that I would like to share ^^

This is where I stayed during my period at Jakarta, 'AMBHARA HOTEL'. The Hotel is located in the south of Jakarta which is called 'blok M'.
Hotel facilities were fine but the environment in the 'blok M' was not quite friendly; People are crowed, a lot of traffic conjection, and air smell is quite bad. However, the hotel is near the main bus station of the 'blok M' which you can find shop with good bargain price in its basement and travel to many places in Jakarta.

On the other side of the road in front of the hotel, it is one of the biggest shopping mall in Jakarta named 'Pasaraya'. In this huge 2-wing building, you can find many stairs filled with stuffs to buy, including 1 floor of native products, perfectly place to find souvenior.

(continue on part 2...)