Jakarta - MONAS

Indonesia proclaimed it's independence from the Dutch in 1945, 17th August. 17th August 1945 declaration date marked the start of the diplomatic and armed-resistance of the Indonesian National Revolution. If India and Malaysia received independence via non-resistance route from the British, the Indonesian has fought theirs against the forces of the Netherlands and pro-Dutch civilians, until the Dutch officially accepted Indonesia's independence in 1949. Only in 2005 Netherland had decided to accept de facto 17th August 1945 as official Indonesia's independence date. 

MONAS is a short form of 2 Indonesia's word from Monumen Nasional, or the National Monument of Indonesia which is located in the centre of Merdeka Square, Central Jakarta. The 132 metre Monas tower symbolising the fight for Indonesia's independence, built to commemorate the struggle for their independence. The then President Sukarno directed in 1950 for the construction of the monument which was only commenced in 1961  and opened to public in 1975. Both the monument and the museum are open daily from 8 am till 3 pm. Kindly take note that it closed on the last Monday of the month. Remarks: I better take some good photos and blog about Malaysia Merdeka Square 1 day.

The 4 of us visited MONAS on 17th December 2013 while waiting for Dilla's to finish her works and adjourned for dinner. We were there for nearly 1 hour, posing for photos, looking at other visitor's (the locals especially) and shop a little as a bazaar was operating near the monument that day. Unlike any other visitors who will made effort to at least appreciating the miniatures of events (dioramas) set place by the National History Museum or presence at the beautiful Independence Hall, we chose not to due to the limit of times.

What we saw that day outside the monument suffice to satisfy our needs for a short visit. Photos I took does tells a lot of stories behind the monument itself, most importantly about a very unique Indonesian people. For some unknown reason, people says that Malaysian and Indonesian has a love and hate relationship. I have no comments to offer as I saw the same thing happened between the Indians and the Pakistanis though they are blood brothers.  

Visitors are charged to take photo with the soldier or the "Pocong" ghost but I made an illegal shot from afar hence it's free. What was given by an illegal photograper (means, me) was merely a sweet smile and a polite hello. That will do for those who expecting money for their efforts in putting the costume.

I really enjoyed myself taking photos of my 2 children that day. They both were in a good mood, enjoying the crowds and a lovely evening walks. Monas is topped by a 14.5 tons bronze Fire of Independence, which in actual fact containing the lift engine. Visitors may have a chance to view the whole Jakarta city from the observation deck seated at 115m from ground level using a dedicated lift, beside of course an emergency staircase. 

I have included in my itinerary to visit (meaning be physically presence inside) Jakarta Cathedral and Istiqlal Mosque. The minaret of Istiglal mosque and the top towers of Jakarta Cathedral are seem from the above photo zoom from the Monas. It would be wonderful to have a closer shot to the house of God, rather from the extended zoom. 

The last few photos before heading back to the car park are shared below. We passed by rows of clothes bazaar at the car park areas but did not stopped by as children these days are not interested to buy souvenirs of the visited place. We stop buying since few years as it became wasted in the wardrobe though it's nice to have something printed from the place that we visited as a souvenirs.

I have not many photos of myself at the Monas but the 1 below was snapped by my husband enable me to at least record a nice day that I truly enjoyed during the trip.

Photo Courtesy by le hubs

Minang Food - Natrabu Jakarta, Indonesia

My best friend, Dilla's root is Minangkabau as she came from Negeri sembilan, 1 of the 13th states forming the harmonious Asiatic country of Malaysia. When hubby mentioned the most recommended restaurant ""Natrabu" to her, she immediately nodded her awareness about the place, located in Sabang, Central Jakarta. We had dinner a night there before our departure home after a 9 day vacation in Indonesia.

Attraction corner of the place - Minangkabau Dais

The restaurant is a well-known fact to Malaysian as our present Prime Minister, Datuk Najib and the previous PM, Tun Dr Mahathir and Datuk Abdullah Ahmad Badawi  had their reception at this restaurant. The restaurant has a reputation that sticks with old Minangkabau traditions which originally comes from West Sumatra. You may view the Minangkabau decoration from the shared photos of this entry. 

So ready to eat! 

Syahirah recorded her visit with our PM's photo inside the frame behind

Natrabu opened this place serving Minang food in July 1967 where it originally accommodated only 20 guests with 5 tables. Over the years, they have grown at the same place (at No. 29A, Jalan H. Agus Salim, Sabang, Centre Jakarta) from 20 guests to 640 pax maximum. It receives numerous awards including letter of recommendation from the Malaysian Embassy.

The Minangkabau groom and waitress

Various of dishes were spread on the tables for us to chose that night. Everything look good and tasty. One must remember that was how Minang food and Nasi Padang are serves to the customer. If you touches the whole things on the table, it means you wishes to eat the whole lot, hence it all will charged to you. Be careful and dont fall into the trap. Just touch and eat what you really wanted to, then the charges is much fairer.  

Tasty food in a clean environment place

Closer view of the dishes, some of it

In overall perspective, what we enjoyed most during our vacation to Indonesia was the food. Similarly when we were in Korea, we love to eat out and love the taste of how the Korean meticulously prepared their food. I have shared the link to their restaurant, above. You may click the lick should you want to know more about the place and I hope you will enjoy the food as much as we did.

We posed before we ate

Sundanese Food, Sambara Restaurant in Bandung & Warung Sunda Ampera 2 in Jakarta

Bandung

We had another marvelous Sundanese meals for lunch in 1 of those break when we were in Bandung. The vehichles driver that we rent that day took us to Sambara in Jalan Muaraajeuran, the restaurant that is on Trip Advisor's recommended list. They have another outlet in Trans Studio Bandung. Beside Bandung, they also opened a branch in Jakarta, Serang, Ciberon, Sumatera and Kalimantang.

Beside an excellent food, the place has been decorated in a pure ethnic Sunda. The restaurant assistance are all wearing their traditional Sunda attire, which properly suited the environment. At the entrance foyer, a miniature wood dancer puppet and musical instruments are on display. Not forgotten theTrip Advisor and Google signs showing their participation in both webs on the international level, due to responses from both local and foreign visitors.

The food buffet is strategically located near the kitchen, hence, no smell of cooking is presence anywhere at the large dining hall. Variety of main dishes ready to be selected for them to send to the kitchen for final cooking were in display. Sunda's main favorite dish is Garumi Fish (freshwater fish), hence, coming to Sundanese restaurant it's a must to try dish for everyone.

Below display items are the green and red chili sambal and fresh vegetables for customer's to pick them up as part of the meals. It's more or less Asian salads in hot chili paste.

Jakarta

I first saw the photo of another Sundanese famous restaurant from my best friend photo collection in the Facebook. When Dilla moved to Jakarta in April 2013, she started to share quite a number of food varieties photos in Jakarta, coming from all different variety culture of Indonesia, which are very rich,indeed. She promised to take me there if I ever visited her. True to her words, the first day I met her in Jakarta, we had dinner at the said restaurant, Warung Sunda Ampera 2. I'm sharing the google map link directing you to the place, located in Central Jakarta.

The varieties of food selections on the display table of Ampera looks more exotic than a fine dining  of Sambara Bandung. I was amaze to see the simple shop (warung) and the ambience. This is not an AC restaurant as it's a merely a middle class eating place but the taste are equally good with Sambara. I assured you will have no regret eating at this place.

The cooked meals ready to eat with fresh vegetables and red chili sambal

What most important to me was to record a special moment with my best friend, Dilla. How I treasure our friendship.

Love this moment!

We tried Teh Botol (sweet tea in a bottle) for the first time

Last photo before saying my farewell

Hope you enjoy the photo and would 1 day visit both places that I recommend in this entry. Adios...

The itinerary of Jakarta - Bandung, 2013

Family photo in Tangkuban Perahu Mountain, Bandung

As soon as the flight ticket was booked via "KLM" in October, I had prepared an itinerary of 3 days 2 nights in Jakarta, boarded a train to Bandung on 3rd days, spent 4 days 3 nights in Bandung and return to Jakarta for remaining days till we departed from Jakarta on 24th December 2013. Hotel was therefore booked via "Booking.com". In November, the itinerary has to be modified due to Nazhif's examination schedule.

The schedule (in italic) and actual event of our trips are as follows:-

Day 01: Arrival Jakarta, 16 Dec 2013 (Monday)

2.05pm                 Naim to send us off to KLIA

3.05pm                 Arrived at the airport

5.05pm                 Departure at KLIA via KLM flight no. KL 0809

6.10pm                 Arrival at Soekarno Hatta Airport

6.30pm                 Transferred to the hotel for check in (*Transport to be arrange by Hotel 55).

8pm                       Dinner 

Remarks: Hotel 55 did not arranged any airport pick-up, hence we took airport taxi at Rp.180,000 to Mangga Dua from Soekarno Hatta airport. We had local cuisine, "Nasi Padang" that night at Mangga Dua area just outside the hotel compound.

2 nights stay in Hotel 55 located at Mangga Dua, read the review by Tripadvisor here

Day 02: In Jakarta, 17 Dec 2013 (Tuesday)

After breakfast (provided by Hotel 55), to visit the following places by taking Jakarta Commuter @ city trains:-

1. Sunda Kelapa Old Harbour - undoubtedly the most historic site in Jakarta - an old Dutch port;
2. National Museum - (Monas);
3. Istiqlal Mosque; and
4. Jakarta Cathedral 

Actual event: Syahirah and I took a commuter ride with assistance offered by the hotel staff from Jayakarta Station (seated right in front of the hotel) to Juanda Station at about 11am. From Juanda Station we took "Bajai" a motorbike similar to tuk tuk to Gambir Station to purchase a return train ticket to Bandung. We safely back to the hotel by lunch time. All 4 of us went out by taking a commuter train and stop at Gongdangdia Station thinking to shop at the biggest mall in Jakarta "Grand Indonesia". We had "Nasi Padang" lunch at Sederhana Restaurant located next to the Gondangdia station. While eating, we received a phone call from Dilla, my good friend who are now working in Jakarta. She sent her driver to take us to MONAS and for dinner at Ampera Sunda food house. Later the night, we made a quick stop at her place, met her children's and the driver sent us to Cikini Station that brought us back to hotel without any hassle of the traffic jam.

Remarks: We passed by Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral but did not stop for picture. A waste!

Most convenience way to avoid traffic is taking train when in Jakarta

Day 03: Jakarta, 18 Dec 2013 (Wednesday)

Plan to visit:

1. Mangga Dua Shopping Complex;
2. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, miniature of Indonesia (#maybe);
3. Ancol Dreamland (#maybe); and
4. Booking 1 day transportation to fetch Nazhif/Naim from airport

Actual event: After breakfast, 3 of us left hotel heading towards Sunda Kelapa Old Harbour by train. We were advised to take a train to the last station, Jakarta Kota and take a taxi to the harbour. However, massive jam made us took a local mini bus and stuck in the middle of congestic traffic. It was unlucky event that forced us back to the train station and thereafter straight to hotel. We checked out from Hotel 55 to Hotel Aryaduta located in Central Jakarta at Tugu Tani, Menteng. After checked-in at 2pm, we just relaxed and enjoyed a movie without getting out anywhere, due to the facts of scary traffic experience in the morning. Hubby called the 2 boys who scheduled to arrive that evening to take airport taxi. We left their room key & notes with the reception when we went out for dinner with Dilla. They were at the swimming pool when we get back. 

City getaway in Hotel Aryaduta

Day 04: Bandung, 19 Dec 2013 (Thursday)

Train ride via "Argo Pranhayat", a direct train from Jakarta to Bandung. This train departed from Gambir Station in Jakarta and  stopped at Bandung Station. 1 way ticket was at Rp70,000 but a return was charged at Rp90,000 for each person. All coaches are air-conditioned and ours are classified as an Executive Class. We get a small pillow to use during the ride. Foods can be purchased on board. It takes about 2.5 - 3 hrs journey. 

Actual event: It was a perfect itinerary excepting a fact when I was ingested with a stomach ache after breakfast at the hotel and was in pain until we boarded a train to Bandung. We chose 10.50am ticket and safely arrived at around 2.30pm. We took a taxi to Hotel Majesty at Rp75,000 from Bandung train station. Later in the afternoon, we took a taxi to Trans Studio Bandung (again facing a massive traffic jam) and a nice dinner at Raja Sunda restaurant. Remarks: We stayed in Hotel Majesty for 2 nights.

Majesty Hotel, Bandung

Day 05: Bandung, 20 Dec 2013 (Friday)

Place of Interest (POI):)

1. Visit Tangkuban Perahu Mountain;
2. Sari Ater Hotspring which is very good for skin treatment;
3. Shopping at Cihampelas Jeans Centre and Factory Outlet such as Rumah Mode, The Heritage, Summit,etc.

Actual event: We booked a hotel transport (Innova) for 1 day at Rp650,000. We first visited Tangkuban Perahu Mountain, second to Sari Ater Hotspring but 5 voted that I should go alone (sigh) while they waited for me in the car and later to the famous factory outlet spots at Gado. We had a nice Sundanese lunch at "Sambara" after finished shopping at Polo. The last stop after Pasar Baru was at the men's clothing (Jeans & T-shirt) before we headed back to the hotel at around 8pm.

Most recommended place to visit when in Bandung-Tangkuban Perahu Mountain

 Day 06: Bandung, 21 Dec 2013 (Saturday)

After breakfast at the hotel is to shop at Pasar Baru Wholeseller Market to buy Batik, Silk, Telekung & Sarong and local food products like Tempe Oncom,Sale Pisang,Keripik etc. I planned to walk in the park in the afternoon.

Actual event: During breakfast, ever body chatting non-stop about shopping heaven a day before especially when they were at Polo/Nike/Jeans etc Factory outlet. They were determined to continue the shopping spree at Jalan Riau where we  were going to stay for a last night in Bandung, at Hotel Amaroosa. As we were allowed to check-in at 2pm, we proceeded to the Heritage (another factory outlet within a walking distance from Amaroosa) for shopping. I had an opportunity to try a local street food (Bakso) after they called it off to rest while continued later after swimming session and Maghreb prayer. Later the night, we had lunch at Kodomochi Kitchen at the bowling centre just opposite the hotel. We got back to the hotel after the factory outlet was about to close the shop.

Nike factory outlet at Gado

Day 07: Bandung – Jakarta, 22^st Dec. 2013 (Sunday)

Check out at the hotel at 12noon.

Get a train station, maybe via train schedule at 1425-1710 hours.

Late check-in at hotel in Jakarta (to book)

Dinner at Dilla’s place

Actual event: The boys decided to continue shopping, hence, I offered to pack our belonging and arranged for check-out. Told the boys to be back SHARP at the hotel by 11am. When we get down with the luggage, Naim is the only 1 waiting at the lobby whilst the other 2 were no where in sight. I was freak out as the train to Jakarta was leaving at 12.05 noon time. Considering the traffic, I would not gamble with anything. After the payment was cleared, hubby arrived and arranged for taxi. We told Naim to look for Nazhif. God bless, both of them turned up shortly after. We arrived at the train platform with ample time. Dilla was very kind in offering her place to accommodate our last 2 nights in Jakarta. The driver came to picked us up and later we went to a local area to survey the bikes and shopping 3 pairs of shoes (men) at only Rp950,000. Good bargain and thank you my friend, Dilla for being so thoughtful and considerate to entertain 6 of us.

Comfortable train ride in executive coach Bandung to Jakarta

Day 08: In Jakarta, 23 Dec 2013 (Monday)

Country Side & Safari Park Excursion to Puncak/Bogor

Duration: Approximately 8 hours include Lunch, Daily Departure.

Driving through one of Jakarta's suburbs and lovely countryside to Bogor, 60 Km south of Jakarta. Visit the famous Botanical garden, a pleasant drive to Puncak and visit Indonesia Safari Park. 

Actual event: The above was a dreaming place. Nobody wanted to accompany me to my dream place, hence, we stayed on at Dilla's with her 3 lovely children's at the pool. After lunch, we took a cab to "Thamrin City Mall" and "Grand Indonesia" for more shopping. We had dinner at the famous restaurant, "Natrabu" that night with Dilla.

Having great time with beautiful girls

Day 09: In Jakarta, 24 Dec 2013 (Tuesday)

12.00 noon Check out

Spend whole afternoon at Dilla’s place

Flight to KUL at 1925, to be at the airport at 1725

Remarks: To book taxi to airport.

Actual event: The boys again wanted to have a last minute shopping. I let them go as I wished to have a nice time for massage and packing our luggage to the airport. Dilla had booked 2 cabs at 3.30pm. The boys came back at 1pm with more shopping bags which allows enough time for them solat, lunch and changed. The cab came slightly late due to Christmas eve traffic and after a tremendous traffic drama, we barely arrived at 5.30pm to catch our flight at 7.25pm to Kuala Lumpur.

Selfie with the boys at KLIA

I'm so relieved and thankful when we arrived home after midnight. As a conclusion, I was not really 100% happy with the vacation as a lot of my itinerary being slashed by groups voting. It was annoying being a loser to the boys. In addition, the city is similar to Chenai, to Mumbai and more or less Karachi in terms of cleanliness and safety.  

  

Fly to Jakarta with KLM

Arrival: 16th December 2013
Departure: 24th December 2013

It was the first time we booked and fly with KLM  Royal Dutch Airline. KLM is a short form of Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij N.V., the flag carrier from Netherlands. The airline offered the cheapest rate in comparing with our low rate carrier, Air Asia or Malaysia Airlines to Jakarta as they dropping off passengers at Kuala Lumpur before proceeding the last stop in Jakarta. We flew with aircraft Boeing 777-300 ER on 16th December 2013.

The booking was made and confirmed on 17th October 2013 when Nazhif's final exam schedule was  not even out. Unfortunately the ticket clashes with his last paper at 2.30pm on 17th December 2013, hence, we had to change his flight to 18th December 2013. Naim has to accompany him which allows him attending few more days classes in MSU. It's difficult nowadays to plan a family vacation when the children's are already in their college year, except for Nasrul. The fare for all six of us is reasonably cheap at RM2,178.

2 check-in and 1 cabin baggages for 9 days vacation

With the e-ticket in hand, we went ahead to self check-in machine placed right in front of a usual check-in counter (J is for other airlines including KLM) by Malaysia Airport Berhad. Thereafter, baggages for check-in will be drop off at the dedicated check-in counter.

Queu for baggage drop after self check-in

Off we go to gate C02 on the main terminal at 3.45pm. We thought of having our late lunch there but time was not permitted for us to do so. We ended having a vegetarian snacks on the plane serves by KLM steward. KLIA is pretty much quite if to compare to their old glory days before Air Asia's existence in the industry. The airport is no longer as noisy as before. Maybe it is wise to go for merger like what KLM and Air France gone through in 2004. 

In Airport train to the main Terminal 

Syahirah posed with the unbelievable RM3,400 scotch whisky at the free duty shop.

Nazhif will pack his thing and hand over the place that he occupied in GMI hostel for the last 3 semester after his exam today. Next year until he completes his diploma (another 3 semester to go) he need to stay outside, being a senior himself. We left Rp1 million, their passport, e-ticket and cabin baggage for both of them to manage the airport hassle tomorrow. Hope all is well.

A-ticket, passport and Rp1 million cash for the 2 boys on 18th Dec. 2013

The plane departed KLIA to Jakarta at 1705 (5.05pm) and arrived 1810 (6.10pm) with an hour time difference. I watched in flight entertainment, "Les Miserable" during the short travel period just to kill time. Soekarno Hatta International Airport is not a modern airport like ours but it's very unique resembles a cultural Indonesian heritage. We paid Rp180,000 for a taxi to a hotel located in Mangga Dua area.

View from Economy class, seats 18

Beautiful lamp shades at arrival hall captivated my attention

Heading towards Immigration lanes

I shall continue with our proposed itinerary in this 9 day family vacation plan. Stay in touch!