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Bayu Cottages Amed

2012-01-30T06:38:00.009+07:00

Finally we got a chance to stay at Amed Beach Bali with our kiddos. We stayed at Bayu Cottages, a very nice cottage with an affordable price. Four of us stayed at their triple room, and cost IDR 450,000 incl breakfast. Bayu Cottages located at Lipah beach, an area full of hotels in Amed. The cottages located on a hill and each of the 6 rooms has a stunning view to the ocean.

The room was nice and spacious, the bathroom is a half open air bathroom, and it has also a balcony. It was so peaceful and relax just to sit at the balcony. For our kiddos, the most important thing in the room was the cable tv with Disney channel on it. The room is rather old though, but with that price, I will not complaint.The breakfast were delicious, thanks to all of the wonderful staffs.

The kiddos of course love the pool! The pool was not big, but it's always empty, so the pool was always only for four of us:p We also played on the beach, the beach is only opposite the street, we have to step down through the hotel access, it took only few minutes.

We only stayed one night at Bayu, then we went back to Sanur. On our way, we stopped by Candidasa and had lunch in a resto called Vincent. It's a garden resto, a very beautiful resto, and the kiddos enjoyed their time sitting at one of the gazebo.

It was only a short visit to Amed, but a very memorable one :)

written on January 30, 2012

Mandalika Beach Lombok

2012-01-30T06:20:00.008+07:00

Here's some picture of Mandalika Beach (around Novotel Lombok) taken by noon time...

This beach is only 30 minutes away from BIL, the new airport of Lombok. So make sure you visit this beautiful beach if you're flying to Lombok. You can take taxi by the airport cost around IDR 150,000, or you can stay at Novotel and use their airport pick up.

written on January 30, 2012

Lombok Airport Bus

2012-01-27T12:00:00.007+07:00

Since Oct 2011, all of the airplanes going to Lombok will go to the newly opened Bandara International Lombok, about 1-1,5 hours to Senggigi Beach. But it is only 30 minutes away to Mandalika Beach.

I went there when the airport has just opened for 2 weeks, and many people from surrounding villages go to the airport just to see the airplane. Well, no wonder as this airport was built in the middle of those villages. So don't be surprised to see many people outside the airport:p

To go to Mataram or Senggigi, you can take taxi, the rate is about IDR 200,000 to IDR 300,000. The cheapest way is to take the Lombok Airport Bus, if you go from BIL to Mataram, it cost IDR 15,000 and if you go directly to Senggigi it cost IDR 25,000. The bus is an air conditioned bus, the same bus you may find at Soekarno Hatta (Jakarta) Airport.

Here is the schedule of Lombok Airport Bus.

The bus will stop at Senggigi just opposite Asmara Restaurant, from there you can continue taking taxi if you'd like to go to Bangsal Harbour to continue going to Gili Trawangan.

Let's go to Lombok my blog readers, I just love it!

written on January 27, 2012

Sade Village Lombok

2012-01-18T12:35:00.004+07:00

I heard about Sade Village from Lombok Travelling book that I have bought, and to my surprise, I passed the Sade Village on my way from Mataram to Novotel Lombok. So, on the day we left Novotel, we walked into this village, just to know what is inside.

We met Pietro at the parking place, a local guy whose job is being a tour guide. When we asked them how much was his fee, he answered that it depends on how much the guest would pay him. So we walked inside the Sade Village with him. He took us to many houses that sell homemade sarong. They are beautiful. I bought two of them, cost each IDR 75,000. I was not sure how much is the normal price, but after seeing the lady made it by hand, I refuse to bargain for lower price:p

Pietro took us to see the inside of the house, I just can’t imagine how to live in these houses..

This place can be reached from Bandara International Lombok about 20 minutes by car. So if you want to see this traditional village, you can spare some time before your flight or even visiting the village right after your arrival. If you ask me, is it worth a visit? I would answer yes.

written on January 18, 2012

Seafood Remaja Indah Lombok

2012-01-09T16:48:00.004+07:00

It is proven that if you want to try the best local food, than hear from the local! I am really fortunate to have Daniel as our tour guide hehee..not really an official one, but he is the one taking us here and there while we're in Lombok. And he took us to this place, a seafood small resto called Remaja Indah on Jalan Raya Lawang Kuta, Lembar.Daniel said that it's the best seafood in Lombok, and frankly speaking I trust him.

The resto located opposite of a mosque. If you go towards Lembar from Mataram or BIL, you will find this resto on your right side. It's only a small resto, but it's worth the journey! For your info, Lembar is the harbour in west Lombok, you will arrive in Lembar if you are taking ferry from Padang Bai, Bali.

We ordered their shrimp, crab and grilled fish, they are all delicious, and the best was of course the crab!

To our surprise, we were 10 people and only had to pay IDR 650,000 for all the food we ordered, very cheap! Well, don't judge the book by its cover, don't judge this resto by its look from outside:p If you plan to have your culinary experience in Lombok, than this resto should be on your list!

written on January 10, 2012

Novotel Lombok

2012-01-08T14:43:00.008+07:00

Novotel Lombok located at Mandalika Beach, has an advantage from the opening of the new Lombok airport: Bandara International Lombok ('BIL') which is only 30 minutes away from Novotel. The previous airport, Sepinggan was close to Senggigi beach, but was 1,5 hour to Novotel Lombok.

I stayed at Jayakarta Lombok on our first night for the business trip, and the second night we tried the Novotel Lombok, as the next day we'll have to take the flight back to Jakarta. It was really a long journey from Mataram to Novotel. We left the city at about 6pm, and arrived at novotel at 7.30 pm. A local driver took us to Novotel, otherwise it is considered not save to go there after the sunset.

We didn't see much that night, all we knew that the hotel is rather isolated. So we just got into our room and promise to wake up early to see the sunrise in the morning. But the hotel staff told us that the sunset couldn't be seen from the hotel. So we just stroll down to the beach that morning. The beach looks very different than when we visited it after 10 am. You'll see in the picture below.

Than we tried their pool. It's not a big pool, and it get hot at 8 am already. So make sure to wake up early to swim in their pool.

The hotel surrounding is really a resort type. But you are far away from everything! So if you wish to stay here, make sure you rent a car or a motorbike, so you can go to the nearest resto. The food is expensive at the hotel. The breakfast is just a standard hotel breakfast, nothing was special.

The room is nice and spacious, no complaint regarding the room. Please note that there is no lift at the hotel, so ask them to have room on the ground floor if you travel with your children or elderly.

We visited the beach again at about 1 pm, and we saw a different beach than we visited in the early morning!

It's the best Novotel I have visited so far, I think the beach that made it really special:)

written on January 8, 2012

Gili Trawangan

2012-01-04T06:39:00.017+07:00

It's our first time ever to visit Lombok, so we decided to have a short visit to Gili Trawangan. We wanted to visit Gile Meno and Gili Air, but as it was raining, so we decided to only visit Gili Trawangan.

We left our hotel The Puncak Lombok at about 7 am, and we were heading to the Bangsal (that's how the harbour called) which was about 1 hour from our hotel in Senggigi area. On the way to the Bangsal, we could see the Gili, the Senggigi bay, very beautiful.

We were guided by our friend Daniel Yosua Ramlan by blackberry messanger:p Daniel is our friend who is currently working in Lombok. He kept telling us not to stop at the first parking place, just go straight, and find a parking place near the harbour. If we stop at the first parking place, we will be forced to take cidomo (horse carriage) and will cost us quiet expensive. So when the guy in uniform told us to stop, we didn't stop and just go straigth. Thanks to Daniel:) We stopped at the parking place, just few meters from the harbour.

Than we went to the ticket booth, the Bangsal ticket booth is very traditional (the wooden house in the picture below, the modern one is the ticket booth in Gili Trawangan). Be careful with tourist scam at Bangsal. They are people telling you that the boat is not operate. Don't listen to them, just go straight to the ticket booth.

We bought a public boat ticket from Bangsal to Gili Trawangan which cost IDR 10,000 per peson. There are different colors of the ticket. We were confused of what to do after we got the ticket, until there was an announcement that passanger with pink ticket shall board to the boat. The boat is packed with people taking fruits and vegetables to the island. We saw also bed at bangsal to be taken to the island. So interesting to see how people move stuff to Gili Trawangan from Bangsal.

And finally after a 40 minutes boat ride, we arrived at Gili Trawangan for the first time ever :)

We rented a bike, we thought that we could explore the whole island with the bicycle, hmmm I am telling you never thing about it! :p We did, and we regret it so much. The stone road is only until the end of the road with many hotels and cafe, after that there were only sandy road, and we couldn't use our bike!

The good thing was, we could stop at a very quiet beach and enjoying the beautiful view :)

After enjoying the beach for a while, we continue pushing our bike until we found a stone road again, which lead us to the main road. Alhamdulillah :)

Before leaving the island, we tried their street food which look really yummy.

At about 11.30 am, the wheather was really cloudy, so we decided to go back to our hotel. It was only a short visit to Gili Trawangan, wasn't that impressive because of the bike problems:p But yes the beach is fantastic. Next time, I and rene will try to spend a night here to explore the Gilis more.

written on January 4, 2011

Talaga Sampireun

2012-01-02T15:29:00.010+07:00

If you'd like to have great sundanese food with super atmosphere while you are in Jakarta, than you have to visit Talaga Sampireun. Located in Bintaro, to be precised near the exit of Pondok Aren highway, you'll find this resto on your right side.

We had a reunion with tesyasblog tour to Penang participants in Talaga Sampireun :p We reserved the day before to get an airconditioned saung (bamboo house), which is suitable for 12 person. The reservation for lunch weekend is divided into two batches: 10.30 am to 1 pm or 1 pm to 3 pm. We choose to have lunch at 10.30 am, which was good as the resto was not (yet) crowded. And please be advised that the reservation is required a day before. There is a minimum order if you wish to use the saung, for an air conditioned single saung, the minimum order is IDR 700,000.

The kids love this place as they can play with the fish. Actually there is also a playground there, but we sat on the other side of the playground, so that the kids didn't see it.

We ordered gurame terbang (fried gurame fish), tahu kipas (one of the best!), chicken satay, shrimp, and squid.

The F&B here is quiet expensive. We went there when Permata Bank had a joint promo with Talaga Sampireun, giving a 25% discount with its Credit Card. We had to pay IDR 620,000 for three families, after discount. One person on average will be around IDR 100,000 to IDR 150,000. Well, for this great place, it is worth it. But I think that the playground should be free of charge on weekend as well.

Talaga Sampireun 021-7453999

written on January 2, 2012

Munich International Airport

2011-12-27T10:00:00.007+07:00

Finally the time has come for our group to go back to Jakarta. We flew again with Turkish airline from Munich International airport which called Frans Josef Strauss International Airport. We had to transit in Istanbul and Singapore before arriving in Jakarta.

This is going to be my last post of our East Europe Trip. After 25 posts, I have finished uploading my East Europe journey in my blog:) In this post, I just want to share how the Munich airport looks like.
The departure hall is huge, Lufthansa has a special section right at the center of the departure hall. After the immigration, we'll find duty free shop inside. The immigration was very detail, every SLR camera were checked thoroughly, and the officer tried each of the SLR camera!

We arrived 3 hours before our schedule, so we checked in first prior to the tax refund process. The gate was not open yet, but all the luggage already queue up. One person carry max 30 kg, and if the luggage is over 30 kg, the lady at the check in counter asked our group to take out some stuffs. Our tour guide explained that it's a government policy due to health concern for the porter, max luggage wight is 30 kg.
For those who have items to be declared for the tax refund, after checking in, the baggage should be taken to the tax refund section. After completing the tax refund process, the baggage shall be dropped in at the check in counter.

Than we proceed to the gate, where I found internet PC not for free! Wish the PC is free like in Changi.

It was an unforgettable journey after all, and glad that I have uploaded all the stories in this blog. I thank you who have read all of the stories.

written on December 27, 2011

Day 2 Muenchen

2011-12-27T05:09:00.006+07:00

This is the last day of our East Europe Trip, yes we're flying back from Muenchen. Our flight was on the evening, which is good that we had the time to explore Muenchen, since we haven't visited the famous Marienplatz on our first day in Muenchen.
Marienplatz is a square at the center of the city, with an old and a new town hall. A very beautiful building indeed.

We were given free time to shops arpund Marienplatz, there were so many branded store around the area. I went inside "Galeria Kaufhof" it's a seven floors building offering from chocolates, souvenirs, toys, bags, clothes, and much more. You can find almost everything here. Too bad I didn't take any pictures of it, but I did take picture of the shops in the surrounding area.

Than we went to the Hard Rock cafe, on our way we found a street full of souvenirs shop, and also an official fan shop of FC Bayern Muenchen. Well, we didn't have to walk at the Arean just to find a fan shop on the previous day:p

Here's the Hard Rock Cafe.

And the famous beer house called Hofbrauhauss is also near Hard Rock.

We ended up at a square near our bus parking place. Well it was a last minute shopping time, but I found it really enjoyable to shop at Muenchen :)

written on December 27, 2011

Oktober Feest at Muenchen 2011

2011-12-26T20:31:00.008+07:00

We were told by our tour guide that our group was lucky to be able to visit Oktober Feest at Muenchen during our tour. We went there after having dinner at Schubeck, yes we were so tired, some of us prefer to stay on the bus. But many of us still walk out of the bus to see how the festival was.

It was held in a huge garden in an area called Theresienwiese, which became an amusement park with many beer tents (I mean a really huge tent). People just went there to enjoy the beers and also the bavarian music.

I didn't go inside the tent, together with Lisa and Mba Cici, exploring the park. We just love seeing the crowd, many of them in traditional clothes, enjoying all the games.

Of course there were also food, beverages and sweets kiosks in almost every corner.

Indeed we were lucky to have the chance to visit the festival.

written on December 26, 2011

Westin Grand Muenchen

2011-12-22T05:23:00.004+07:00

We stayed one night in Westin Grand Muenchen. The hotel located a bit outside the city, but it's a very nice and modern hotel.

The room is spacious, it has a great view to the city. The bathroom has a mixed bathtub and showe.

What I like the most was the breakfast. It has so many variety of food, and the open kitchen concept was the highlight of the breakfast.

written on December 22, 2011

Muenchen 1st day

2011-12-17T16:45:00.012+07:00

Muenchen was our last city before we depart and go back to Jakarta. We left Salzburg after we had our lunch, and about 4 pm we arrived at Muenchen.

First we visited the BMW welt, a museum of BMW located in front of BMW headquarters. In this place beside cars and motorcycle, I also found a BMW robot and fire engine.

Just beside the BMW welt, there's a park which was linked to the olympic building. But due to the time constraint, I didn't visit the olympic building.

The BMW welt located not far from the famous Muenchen tower.

Our group requested the tour guide to visit Arena, the soccer field as the basecamp of FC Bayern Muenchen. The bus took us there, and the Arena (at the moment sponsored by Allianz) is just so huge. We had to walk quiet far from our bus parking place to go to the Megastore. Too bad we couldn't see the soccer field as it is closed already.

Than we had a fine dining, a farewell dining I might say at Schubeck. Started with a tomato soup with delicious bread, than chicken steak and apple strudel with ice cream as the desert. Mmm..yummy!

written on December 18, 2011

Salzburg day 2

2011-12-16T12:42:00.006+07:00

From the hotel we walked to the Mirabel Garden, the Garden which was being used for the film Sound of Music. The garden is so beautiful with the mountain at the middle. And there is a lavender, my purple flower:)

Thereafter we explore the Salzburg old town once again, but this time with the help of a local guide. We had lunch at a Chinese resto at the old town, and than we went to the bus. We passed the bridge once again, and enjoy the beautiful scene of Salzburg that morning.

I also notice that there are keys on the bridge with the name of two person on it. Hahaha so sweet.

That was our two days visit in Salzburg, I hope there will be another chance to visit this beautiful city. I still want to go to the Ikea and also to the branded factory outlet in Salzburg. And maybe to lock our key in the Salzburg bridge:p

written on Dec 16, 2011

The Sheraton Salzburg

2011-12-16T12:26:00.010+07:00

We stayed at the Sheraton during our visit to Salzburg. The hotel is located about 15 minutes from the old town by walking, we can also walk for only 2 minutes to the Mirabel garden from the hotel. But I expected the Sheraton Salzburg to be "more Sheraton" than this. What I got was an old hotel, as seen in their lobby, their room, and their resto. The only modern thing will be the internet corner, where we can use it for free. Even if we need to print something, than the printer is also free of charge.

The room is really old, however it has a nice view to the Mirabel garden. The nice thing about the room is that the room provide a weight scale, so that we could weight our luggage. Guess all the chocolates have made y luggage so heavy:p

On the last day, we just put our luggage on the bus, and walk to the Mirabel Garden. I have no complaint regarding the location of this hotel. But it's not the Sheraton as I expected.

written on Dec 16, 2011

Salzburg at night

2011-12-09T03:06:00.008+07:00

We only stayed one night in Salzburg, so after our dinner and transferred to our hotel, a small group went to the Old Town again to enjoy the night ambience of Salzburg. We walked from our hotel, and before reaching the Old Town, we found out that the opera house is so beautiful with the purple lights:)

And this is the view from the bridge to the old town as well as to the Sacher hotel at night.

All the shops are already closed at 6pm, so people just enjoy cafe and resto at night in the old town.

We were fortunate that the festival is up until 11 pm, so we can still enjoy the festival at night. The festival has so many stands selling sweets, nuts, and of course the Mozart balls chocolate.

We found also people playing traditional bowlings. Seems that everyone really enjoyed that night, including us:)

written on December 11, 2011

Salzburg Day 1

2011-12-06T07:03:00.014+07:00

It's my second visit to Salzburg after 17 years! Glad that I have the chance to visit Salzburg once more. On our first day we visited the old town and had dinner there. We were coming from the University of Mozart.

We passed by the bridge and had the fantastic view of the Alpen.

And this is the picture of Sacher Hotel Salzburg, a very famous hotel located just accross the old town. Bu we didn't stay here, we stayed at The Sheraton, and I will make a separate review on the hotel

We were given free time to explore the old town before the dinner. It was Saturday, the last chance to do the shopping as all shops are closed on Sunday. While many of my friends do the shopping, I explore the old town taking pictures. There are many small streets with beautiful shops. We were gathered at street #24 just in front of Zara.

There was a festival at the Old Town, so we could see people wearing their traditional clothes, they are so beautiful. There are also many stalls selling food, sweets, and not too mention the famous bread. The love shaped cookies was the highlight of the festival.

We stopped by the Eisgrote to have an icecream as recommended by Ibu Vonny, yes it was very delicious.

We had dinner at a nice resto, yet very small. We had a chicken steak and a soup. I had a special vegeterian meals that night.

written on December 6, 2011

České Budějovice

2011-12-06T03:48:00.015+07:00

Never heard about this place before? So did I. We visited this small town on our way from Prague to Salzburg. České Budějovice is the Home of Budweiser, yes the beer! With a population of almost 100,000 people, České Budějovice is the largest city in South Bohemia. Many of my friends from the group think that this small city is the most beautiful city that we've visited during the trip. Let's see these pictures to understand why they could think that way.

Our bus stopped by the river not far from the hotel Budweis which is a pink hotel. A very impressive building. So we knew from our first steps that it was going to be a special kind of transit for us!

Than we continue walking to the center of the city which is a square, a beautiful square with colorful buildings.

There is also a tower called the Black Tower, was built of the dark local stone in the mid 1500's, and the viewing deck offers wonderful views over the South Bohemian countryside. But of course we didn't have the time to visit the tower.

The most impressive building is the town hall.

I envy people reading book at the square, it's so peaceful! I wish I could do the same.

We had a group picture in front of the fountain, which is located at the central of the square.

The square is surrounded by pub and cafes, of course all with the Budweiser.

We had lunch at a hotel called Maly Pivovar. Actually we had lunch at a restaurant inside the hotel. We had a salmon steak and a soup, and also a glass of ice cream.

We only stopped by for lunch and were given few minutes to take the pictures at the square. But this short visit was such a memorable experience for me. I am thinking of renting a car to explore Prague countryside with rene. Hope someday my dream will come true.

written on December 6, 2011

Hilton Prague

2011-12-05T20:35:00.009+07:00

I was very excited when I knew that Hilton will be one of our hotel during our east europe trip, I thought that the hotel was going to be as nice as Hilton Bandung, my hometown in Indonesia. But when we arrived at the hotel, it wasn't look like what I had in mind. Yes it was a huge hotel, and I believe many groups are coming here, which made this hotel looks very busy.

The biggest dissappointment is for the room, is it really a Hilton? Look at the TV, so old!

The lobby area is huge..

The breakfast is really American, it was always crowded at the breakfast area.

The hotel located within a walking distance to the old town, and it is also a short walk to Palladium, the shopping mall. Of course there are many options which are closer to the Old Town. For example, Ibis is only few doors away from Palladium. But as for group, I think Hilton is great as it has a huge parking area.

written on Dec 5, 2011

Prague Old Town

2011-12-03T04:43:00.020+07:00

We continued walking from Charles Bridge to the old town of Prague. We passed by really antiques street, beautiful shops, lovely buildings, wohooo I love every corner of this old town:) I have managed to recap many pictures for this special post. Hope my blog readers can enjoy this old town just like me.

First destination was the astronomical clock, which what I read from Wikipedia, this clock was installed in 1410, making it the third-oldest astronomical clock in the world and the oldest one still working.

The clock is located at the Old Town Square, a very busy square especially with a food festival when we visited the place.

I also saw people having fine dining at the resto around the square, wow every table has its own flame to keep the guests warm.

After visiting the clock and also the square, we were given free time to explore the old town on our own, our group visited the hard rock cafe first. While other people were shopping, I enjoyed free wifi from Hard Rock Cafe.

Than we walked to a street full of souvenirs shops. The famous souvenirs will be bohemian crystal, but of course it is too fragile to take it home.

All the shops are unique, the branded items, the chocolate shops, the toy store..they are all very photogenic:p

One of the famous tower is the Powder Tower, I visited this place with Pak Eddy and Lisa.

By the way, it was very challenging to find toilet at the old town. The toilets are limited, we had to queue and of course we had to pay.

We also had dinner at the old town, we had dinner at a Thai resto. Too bad no pictures were taken:p After the dinner, we went to Palladium mall before going back to the hotel. This mall has a Marks and Spencer outlet, Esprit, Mothercare, and also Sparkys, the toy store.

Later that night, when everyone were transferred to the hotel, I ask Pak Yulius, one of the photographer of our group, whether he would like to walk to the river near the hotel. He would love to. So we walked from the hotel and take a picture of Prague's river at night.

All about Prague was fantastic. There are still so many places to see, we had only a full day to explore Prague, and for sure it was not enough. Looking forward for another chance to visit this beautiful city.

written on Dec 3, 2011

Charles Bridge

2011-11-29T03:58:00.007+07:00

Charles Bridge is one of the famous bridge at the Prague river. It's a stone gothic bridge with many statues on it, officially there are 30 statues on the bridge. Build in 1357 (wow!) and finished in the beginning of 15th century.

There is a tower standing at the both sides, we were coming to the bridge on the side of the old town.

It's one of the must visit of place in Prague, so this bridge is always full of people. There are artists, musician, souvenirs vendors, well, it's a very touristy place.

And this is the Prague castle and the opposite bridge as seen from the Charles Bridge.

With this view, I could stay hours at this bridge! Too bad we didn't have much time, as we had to continue exploring Prague's old town. I still wonder how beautiful it will be to see sunset from the Charles Bridge. Really hope to visit this place again someday with rene:)

written on November 29, 2011

Vltava River

2011-11-26T04:22:00.006+07:00

After visiting the Prague Castle Complex, we were transferred by our bus to one point near the river and continued on foot to explore the Vltava River of Prague. We were actually heading to the famous Charles Bridge, but I will make a separate post on the Charles Bridge.

It was very cloudy that afternoon, however we still enjoyed the beautiful scene along the river. This is the first bridge we saw at the river.

We continued walking to the left side of the river, where there is a park full of people selling their paintings. There are also boat resto along the river, a group of Harley Davidson, it's a perfect place to hang out.

The Prague Castle was very beautiful seen from the Vltava River.

written on November 25, 2011

Prague Castle Complex

2011-11-23T22:42:00.017+07:00

I am very excited to share my first visit ever to Prague in my travel blog. This is the most impressive city during my East Europe Trip. I fell in love with Prague!

We arrived at Prague at about 5 pm after our journey from Brno. We went directly to Hilton Prague, than had a group dinner. I didn't join the dinner that night, as most of the time I couldn't eat anything if we had local food dinner:p

The next day we explored this beautiful city, started with a visit to Prague Castle, which located on a hill. We alight at one point, and began to walk. We were warned by our tourguide to wear comfortable shoes that day, as we had to explore the city on foot. Than we arrived at a gate, the first entrance we found at the castle complex. Behind the gate we found a square with a beautiful fountain at the middle.

We kept on walking, until we found a bigger gate guarded by a soldier and which decorated with statues of Fighting Giants.

In front of the gate there is another square called Hradcany Square.

There is also a viewing gallery from the square where we can see the city of Prague.

We walked into the gate and found the St.Vitus Cathedral.

After that we got the ticket to go to the Prague castle, too bad we couldn't take the picture inside, but the ticket got the picture of it, so I posted the picture of the ticket instead.

Than we also went to the Golden Lane to see a street where houses are so small that they fit more to dwarfs than to people. Probably it's the smallest street in Prague:p

We also visited what so called Toy Museum.

The whole complex is just amazingly beautiful :)

written on November 23, 2011

Brno Czech

2011-11-15T06:35:00.006+07:00

On our way to Prague after visiting Vienna, we stopped by for lunch at Brno, the second largest city in Czech Republic. We had another Chinese meal at the center of the city, and after our lunch, we were given one hour to explore Brno.

It's a very beautiful and quiet city. We enjoy all the shops and the ambience at the square. Checz currency is crown (koruna), 100 crown is equal to 4 Euro.

I also found two toys store, Sparkys is a modern store which I also found in Prague and Salzburg. While the right picture below is a traditional toy store "Komiksy" selling toys made from wood. A really interesting store:)

Tram pass a road full of shops...

Wish that we had more time in Brno, I really love this city.

written on November 15, 2011

Sofitel Vienna Review

2011-11-14T06:58:00.009+07:00

This is the hotel where we stayed for two nights in Vienna. Sofitel looks very eyecathing with its rooftop, giving a very modern atmosphere from the moment we walked into the hotel.

When we entered the room, we were amazed by the size of the room. It's really spacious. It has an open bathroom with the direct access to the bedroom. The bed and pillows are really really comfortable. The soap and shamppoo are Hermes! The minibar are free of charge, and we had our coffee maker in our room!

The breakfast area is on 18th floor, allow guest to have increadible view while enjoying the breakfast.

The food are excellent, we can also order warm breakfast from the waiter.

I asked the Qiblat direction for my prayer to the concierge, and he borrowed me a sajadah with a compass on it. WOW amazing, they provide sajadh for moslem prayer! The one thing I really love from this hotel :) For sure, it was our best hotel during our East Europe Trip.

written on November 14, 2011

Dinner at Grinzing

2011-11-13T15:29:00.010+07:00

To complete our sightseeing in Vienna, we ended up that day with a dinner at Grinzing area to try some local food. The resto is quiet nice with its local touch, a lot of tourist bus coming to this resto.

We had a chicken meal that night, comes with potato and the salad. I didn't try the chicken and the salad. I only had the potato, and the apple struddle which we had for our dessert.

During our dinner, there was a traditional music show, and the guy even played Bengawan Solo, the famous Indonesian song. A very nice touch:)

Eventhough I didn't enjoy the food, I like the atmosphere of this resto. It will be nice to come here at summer and have dinner at the open space area.

written on November 13, 2011

Vienna Sightseeing

2011-11-13T13:31:00.009+07:00

After a visit at Schoenbrunn which is a former summer residence, we continued visiting a former winter residence or called Hofburg Palace. We didn't get in, we just take picture from the outside.

And of course we visited the Johan Strauss statue, too bad the original place is under rennovation.

After lunch, we continued our sigtseeing to Kärntner Straße, a famous place for shopping. We alight from our bus at the opposite of Opera House, and were given free time.

The street has so many branded shops, cafes and souvenir shops. We can find Mozart Chocolate in every souvenir shop, with -I might say- a very unreasonable price. This street is a very touristy area.

It was hard to find toilet in this area, so i went to McD for our toilet break. We had to pay 0,5 euro, but the toilet ticket can be used as discount for our purchase at McD. I had a strawberry smoothies, and found it has an online order system:p

We may find many stalls selling this huge sausage and beers.. We were told by our local guide that Vienna's people eat sausage and drink beers for their lunch.

written on November 13, 2011

Schoenbrunn Palace

2011-11-11T06:16:00.007+07:00

On our first morning in Vienna, we didn't have breakfast at the hotel, we went early in the morning to have a breakfast at the Schoenbrunn Palace, which is a former summer residence, and now is the major tourist attraction in Vienna.

The breakfast located at a small cafe located beside the palace. We had bread with jam and butter, a warm and very delicious bread! For the beverage we may choose a cup of coffee or a hot chocolate. I had a cup of hot chocolate which was very delicious and came perfect with the wheather of 10 celcius degrees that morning.

After the breakfast, we took pictures in front of the palace, and went inside the palace. The normal ticket price is 10,5 euro for adult. Too bad we were not allowed to take pictures inside. We had a local guide explaining the major rooms this palace has. I was not impressed with the front look of this place, I have been to Versailles Palace before, and I thought that Versailles is more impressive.

But when we went to the backyard, WOW, it has a beautiful garden, a very photogenic one! Too bad we only had few minutes to take picture here, so I didn't go up the hill. For sure, this place is a must visit place in Vienna.

written on November 11, 2011

Vienna's Ferris Wheel

2011-11-05T20:35:00.015+07:00

After the have fun go mad shopping at Pandorf, we continue another 1 hour drive to Vienna, and went directly to a Chinese resto. It was an upscale chinese resto I might say. The exterior looks like a japanese park, though inside it was realy chinese. Another good chinese food were served. But one of the resto staff was really rude. We could see from her gesture that she wanted us to leave as soon as possible! Guess the resto was fully booked that night.

Arriving at the Sofitel Hotel at about 7.30 am, we went straight to the room, and as I have read it on the TA review, the room was very special. I would make a review later on regarding the room in this blog, how the room has an open bathroom, has a coffe maker inside!, free mini bar..for sure it was the best hotel during our trip.

Than a small group gather at the lobby, we would like to try the tram just like in budapest, and tried the ferris wheel that we saw on our way to the hotel. Andy, our map reader asked the hotel concierge on how to go to the Ferris Wheel, and he was told to just walk straight. It was windy and really cold that night. We walked about 20 minutes to an interchange station called Praterstern.

We crossed the road and voila, we saw the Ferris Wheel. It is located in the Prater amusement park, which also has a roller coaster, and a Madame Tussaud.

The ferris wheel called Wiener Riesenrad, and the ticket for one ride is 8.5 euro! So expensive! But we still wanted it a try.

We went inside, first there was a little museum regarding the wheel. So we just knew from the museum that the wheel was really old fashioned, unlike the London Eye or the Singapore Flyer. Oh noo, but we have purchased the ticket already:p We walked to the next room which was a photo studio room, and we were surprised to see becak from Yogyakarta at the corner of the room. Heheee a becak in Vienna!

We got into the Wiener Riesenrad, wow so old:p I guess the expensive ticket is for the maintenance hehee However we could see the beautiful city at night from the wooden capsule. And inside there is the picture on the wooden wall with the name of the buildings. There were two other visitors in the capsule, and they were upset when we had to get out from the capsule and one of them yelled to the officer "only one ride? so expensive!" Frankly speaking, it's not worth it to get into the Wiener Riesenrad. It's 100% tourist trap.

When we walked to the exit, there was a souvenir shop with unreasonable tourist price.

We took pictures in the amusement park area. Glad that the Madam Tussaud were closed, otherwise it will be another tourist trap:p

As the night were getting cold, we decided to take the tram going back to the hotel. We were confused to find the machine to buy the ticket. We asked a guy for the direction. So we need to go downstair to take U1 line. Bought the ticket for 1.80 euro, and put the ticket on the macine. By the way I was wondering why the ticket was so expensive? The next day from our local guide, I just knew that the ticket valid for two hours journey! While we were on the train for only two stops away from Praterstern station!

The train is again so old fashioned. It remind me so much to Kereta Api Parahyangan, a train from Bandung to Jakarta which is no longer operated. The door should be open manually. Oeps sorry, we didn't know that we have to open it by ourselves. People who waited outside the train opened the door for us, and from their face I knew they were upset:p

We were confused whether to get out or go back to the previous stop. Andi the explorer told us just to get out from the station, and yess we saw our hotel:p What a night in Vienna.

written on November 5, 2011

Pandorf Factory Outlet

2011-11-04T11:36:00.010+07:00

It's the day that we left Budapest and continue our trip to Vienna. We left our hotel at about 8.30 am, there was an accident near the bridge, that made traffic jam all the way from the hotel to the bridge. Bye-bye Budapest, you are so impressive!

The bus took highway heading to Vienna, to be precised, to Pandorf Outlet, an outlet that have so many branded stores, located one hour from Vienna. After a 2,5 hours drive we arrived at Pandorf and it was windy and raining! Sooo cold (:

We went directly to Burger King for our quick lunch. Actually there are some resto at the outlet, but as BK is the nearest from our bus stop, so we choose BK.

Shopping time! We just walked through the outlets, and stopped by some shops to shop. My favorite is The Lindt factory outlet, ooh Lindt with outlet price:) This place is a shopping paradise.

There was also a galleria, still full of shops. I went there but I have never heard most of the brands, except Lego:p Too bad it was only a lego wear shop, so couldn't buy toys for the kiddos.

We were at Pandorf for six hours, so tired but glad to find so many things with cheap price. I bought jeans for myself, a Mexx jeans for only 20 euro! And also a purple travelling bag from Adidas for 17 euro. Love it!

An unforgettable shopping experience at Pandorf :)

written on Nov 4, 2011

The Puncak Lombok

2011-11-01T06:36:00.011+07:00

It wasn't easy to decide where to stay in Lombok for the first timer like myself. Kuta Lombok famous for its beautiful beach yet isolated, Senggigi's beach is not that beautiful, Gili Trawangan's hotel review is really confusing.

Until I checked the Tripadvisor ('TA') forum for Lombok (oh yes I am a big fan of TA and contribute reviews there as well), and found The Puncak at Lombok. It is the #1 hotel in Senggigi based on the TA review. I read all the review regarding the hotel, all rated excellent! The reviews and the pictures made me fell in love with this place.

I checked through Agoda, the rate after tax is around 1,150,000 but I read a tip from TA reviewer to book the hotel directly to the owner. So I sent email to thepuncaklombok@gmail.com and got a prompt reply. The rate offered by the owner Jean Paul and Nury was € 120 euro or IDR 1,200,000. After some e-mails they gave me great price, and I had to pay a 50% deposit, and paid via Paypal.

It was approx 1-1,5 hour drive to reach The Puncak Lombok from BIL (Lombok newly opened airport by Oct'11). When we see a gate to Senggigi and Jayakarta Hotel on our left, we have to turn right to Jalan Bukit Layar first. Here's the picture of the street going to The Puncak. Than just go all the way up, it's the highest villa there, no wonder it has the best view.

When we arrived at the hotel, we were greeted directly by Jean Paul and Nury. A very touchy welcome. We also got a glass of orange juice and watermelon. I knew from my first step to the Puncak Lombok that I would love the hotel so much.

There are only five rooms with two pools. We had a room called "Big Blue Room". Every room has this huge stone on the wall, and I regret that I didn't write down what the stone in our room called and also what are the benefits of having the stone. For sure it can give us positive aura and good health. The bathroom located at the back of our bed. Really smart so that guest can still open the curtain while someone is using the bathroom.

All rooms are ocean view room, really enjoyed laying on the bed with this breathtaking view especially at sunset.

At the blue hour time, rene has captured beutiful view as well.

Here is the breakfast, we may choose the Indonesian or American breakfast, and they deliver the breakfast to our room. Two thumbs up for the variety of food:) It was really nice to sit infront of hour room while enjoying the breakfast. The air was so fresh, really relaxing.

This hotel is just perfect! I have never had the feeling of leaving home when I leave any hotels that I have stayed so far. But when I left The Puncak Lombok, I had a feeling of leaving a family. We left at 3.30 am for our early flight, and Jean Paul woke up so early just to say goodbye to us.

Thanks so much Jean Paul, Nury and all the staffs. Again I learned and witnessed how people work with passion will give a lasting memory in the heart of their customers. I hope to come back soon to my home in Lombok: The Puncak.

written on Nov 1, 2011

Citadella Restaurant

2011-10-31T13:04:00.008+07:00

After a full day of Budapest sightseeing, we wrapped our day with a dinner at Citadella Restaurant, located on a hilly side of Budapest. When we got there, it was windy and also foggy. Actually there are souvenir shops along the way to the resto. But due to the bad wheather, most of them are closed.

So we just take pictures of Budapest and the Danube. Too bad we couldn’t enjoy the blue sky that day.

Than we went inside to a very old building. Frankly speaking, it was somehow very spooky. Especially when you have to go to the toilet by yourself:p

The resto were reserved for us and other group. We enjoyed the traditional music show first, and the dance, prior to our dinner.

Our main course came at last, it was a tenderloin steak, served with potato and tomato. The taste is just so so. Prior to visiting this resto, I checked a review of this resto on Tripadvisor, and most of them said that it was too expensive and the food doesn’t taste good. I didn’t try the steak, so I can’t say anything about the food.

And when we finished our dinner, we were amazed with the view of Budapest at night. The fog and the rain had gone. It was really beautiful.

I might recommend this place to enjoy the Budapest view, but the dinner wasn’t that special.

written on October 31, 2011

Castle Hill of Budapest

2011-10-25T03:50:00.012+07:00

This is the most breathtaking part of my visit to Budapest, the Budapest castle complex. We didn't go inside the castle, but the surrounding is really beautiful. I got so many pictures to upload, so let's enjoy my fave place in Budapest :)

Let's start to see the map first.

To reach this place we can take a furnicular train, too bad we didn't try the train and went up with our bus instead. Here is the station of the train.

It's one of Unesco heritage site, the complex is also house to some Hungary ministary and also where the president of Hungary works.

It has a beautiful park at the middle, overlooking Budapest view.

We may also see the danube river with its famous Chain Bridge.

The complex has many little shops, cafes and resto. It's just so nice to sit and enjoy the atmosphere of this place.

It has also the St. Mathias church.

And the Fisherman Bastion...We may also enjoy the Parliament Building view from the top.

I took so many pictures of this place and for sure it was for me the highlight of my visit to Budapest.

written on October 25, 2011

Budapest Sightseeing

2011-10-25T03:13:00.012+07:00

On the second day in Budapest, we had a chance to do the sightseeing with a local guide. Budapest divided into two parts: Buda and Pest which divided by the Danube River. Pest lies on the flat terrain of the Great Plain while Buda is rather hilly.

Firstly we went to the Hero Square again. It’s called Hősök tere in Hungarian. The place looks really different without the National Gallop and it made the square became so photogenic:)

The central site of the hero's square, is the Millennium Memorial with statues of the leaders of the seven tribes that founded Hungary in the 9th century and other outstanding figures of Hungarian history.

And at the back of Millennium Memorial there are two parts, each with seven statues representing great figures of Hungarian history.

After that we went to the Parliament House, a very beautiful building and our local tour guide said that it is the biggest building in Budapest and also the most expensive one. Too bad we didn’t have the time to get in.

Just beside the parliament building, there is a Kossuth Memorial, which is an imposing statue of former Hungarian Regent-President Lajos Kossuth.

Than the local guide took us to the famous designers street called Andrassy Utca.

And look there’s a giant sign of Samsung at the end of Andrassy Utca :)

Beside the shops, the road also has a beautiful Opera house.

Than we went to the best place in Budapest I might say; the Budapest castle complex. As I love the place so much, I will write the full review of it on my next post.

It was lunch time already, we had our lunch in a Taiwan resto.

written on October 25, 2011

Budapest Tram

2011-10-23T05:31:00.012+07:00

We had a chance to use Budapest public transport when we were given a two hour shopping time at Andrassy Avenue, a famous road for the international designers (Gucci, Armani, Roberto Cavalli, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, etc). I and some friends were not interested to shop at those kind of shops, and decided to try the tram. We were requested to gather at 4 pm in front of The Opera House. And the tourleader said it many times not to be late, as acually the bus couldn’t park in front of the Opera House.

There are of couse many types of public transport; buses, metro, tram, danube river cruise, the one we tried was the tram. I have noticed the Budapest tram on the very first day I arrived at Budapest. I might say it’s a really European tram, as it can be between cars in the middle of the street:)

The tram is powered by electricity. I took a picture of the wire, somehow it reminds me of the electricity wire I saw in Phuket.

We had to buy the ticket first, we asked to a Hungarian lady, and she told us to the ticket at the train station downstairs.

We bought a return ticket, it was in Budapest money (HUF). We had to exchange our euro first at the money changer. A single ticket cost 320 HUF. We bought a return ticket for 5 person, and the lady gave us a ticket book consist of 10 tickets cost 2,800 HUF.

We got into the train, and we inserted our ticket to the machine. Only five of us inserted the ticket, I wonder how other people pay? Oww maybe they got a tourist pass, or a monthly ticket? On our way back, our team member Andi didn’t insert the ticket to the machine. Nothing happened. No controller showed up. However I read it when I googling that if we're caught without a valid ticket by a controller, we are to pay a fine which is currently 6000 HUF paid on the spot. WOW..

We stopped at the last tram station, took picture in front of the tram. At the end of each tram station, we may see this thing, so unique.

At the last tram station, we saw a mall called “Alle” and went it for a while to have our toilet break. It has Marks & Spencer, Esprit, and other branded items inside, but we didn’t have the time.

We were late going back to Oktogen to catch our bus in front of The Opera House at 4 pm. I have send a blackberry messanger to our tourleader saying that we were coming a little bit late. When we arrived at Oktogen, we run t the Opera House, and we were late 10 minutes. Thanks God the bus was still there and no policeman were around:p We were greeted by clapping hands when we got into the bus. Hehee what an experience, and glad we tried the tram:p

written on October 23, 2011

Vaci Utca Budapest

2011-10-21T03:57:00.011+07:00

We went to Vaci Utca (utca means street) area for our dinner. Our tourleader told us that the area is famous for its cafes and that we may find many souvenir shops.

When I make this post, I search through http://www.budapestindex.com/near-vaci and found out that it's more than cafes and souvenir shops. It's a pedestrian with international brands. Whatt? I didn't find any of those shops. I read further that Vaci Utca is divided into two parts; the stretch between the Market and Erzsébet Bridge is full of souvenir and book shops with a few cafes, while the part from Elisabeth Bridge to Vörösmarty tér offers shopping opportunities with shops of major international brands.

Ok so this post is about Vaci Utca between Erzsebet bridge and the central market than:p We should have gone to other part of Vaci Utca.

From the hotel, the bus passed the Danube river, I love river so much. But in our itinerary, there is no plan of visiting the danube river. So when the tourleader gave us a 25 minutes shopping time, I walked to the river by myself to take pictures while the rest of the group got into the souvenir shops. The view from the Erzsebet bridge is so beautiful! Wish Rene were here, the pictures will be different than what I have taken:p

After the taking picture session, I walked to our meeting point and took pictures at Vaci Utca area. The souvenir shops were really tempting, and so did the ice cream.

At the end of the road, there is an open area with fountain, where we can enjoy from cafe or from the Burger King.

I also took pictures of the Central Market, but didn't get into the market.

And the Liberty bridge at Danube river with its light on! Ohh how I wish to take pictures of the river and the bridges with the lights on. Too bad we didn't go there on our way back.

Bangkok Thai Restaurant Budapest

That night we ate at a Thai resto called Bangkok Thai Restaurant. Surprising that there's a Thai resto in Budapest. By the way I also found a lot of "Thai Massage" at Budapest.

The resto served really good Thai food, started with tom yam, than fried shrimp, egg, fish.. mmm yummm.

written on October 21, 2011

Zara Continental Hotel Budapest Review

2011-10-20T16:25:00.014+07:00

We arrived at the hotel and had to stay for a while before we get our room key. I took the time to take pictures of the lobby. First impression would be the hotel gate, it’s so unique.

It’s a minimalist lobby yet spacious enough.

When I used the bathroom at lobby area, I was impressed by this wastafel. Never seen this kind in my entire life. Hehehe..

And here comes our room:) as mentioned in the Tripadvisor review the room is small but clean. So does the bathroom.

The resto to have breakfast located on the same floor as the lobby. Yess the breakfast were great, but it was really crowded in the morning.

The hotel is located at the city center, within a 10 minutes walk, we may reach the tram station where you can find a shopping mall. Sorry, I forgot the name as I didn’t go there. We can also walk to the Chain Bridge, the beautiful Bridge of Budapest.

The hotel has a free wifi, and I manage to write the zara continental hotel review on tripadvisor using its free wifi.

Upon arrival, I went to the front desk asking the qiblat to do my prayer. I asked the direction of South East from my room. The lady was very helpful, she even took a map of the hotel, showing where my room is, and she advised me the direction of qiblat.

Apart from being located on a narrow street that made it difficult for buses to park, and the size of the room which is compact, it was a nice experience staying at Zara Continental.

written on October 20, 2011

National Gallop at Hero Square

2011-10-19T03:43:00.014+07:00

After lunch, we walked to the Hero Square, Pak Peter our tourleader told us that there's a horce race there. When I make this post, I search through http://visitbudapest.travel/ and found out that it was National Gallop, an annual cultural event celebrating Hungarian traditions. The event held from 15-18 Sept 2011, we were so lucky to arrive on the 18 at Budapest.

The center of this event is a national horse race, but there is also a festival of food and sweets next to the Hero Square.

Too bad as it was so crowded, I didn't succeed to take pictures of the real horse, but I took pictures of these fake horse:p

The road were closed, people may enjoy the competition from the inside tribune or from a giant screen on the street.

I took picture of Hungarian trishaws, which are different than what we have in Asia:p

After enjoying the festival atmosphere, we were transferred to our hotel: Zara Continental. There was a accident when our bus has to pass a narrow street to get to the hotel. A narrow street with cars parking on the left and right of the street, was really challenging for our driver and ended up a parked car was broken. Our driver had to deal with the policeman afterwards. It was 4 pm already, we had only two hours to take some rest before our dinner that night.

written on October 19, 2011

Arriving at Budapest

2011-10-18T03:50:00.007+07:00

18 Sept 2011

Budapest Airport

We arrived at Budapest Airport at around 11.30 am, it took 2 hours from Istanbul to Budapest. The immigration process was quick, and so was the luggage. After collecting our luggage, we took pictures in front of the airport than continue getting into our bus.

During our short time, I managed to take some picture of the airport. It was a quiet and smaller airport compared to Istanbul.

Nine Dragon Resto of Budapest

Our first stop after the airport was the chinese resto:) The resto located just few minutes away from the Hero Square, one of Budapest's icon. It's so unique to see the Chinese letter between those antiques buildings.

I decided not to eat meat or chicken during this trip as I am not sure whether they are halal meat (I am not sure whether the butcher said Bismillah when they killed the animal). So I have requested in advance to the EO Ibu Lenny and also to the Golden Rama Tour to provide fish or just vegetables. And they accommodate my request. I really appreciate it. Thank you Ibu Lenny and Pak Peter :)

We had a really nice lunch especially after a 15 hours journey. The food recharged our energy to start our tour at Budapest.

written on October 17, 2011

Istanbul Airport

2011-10-16T16:00:00.015+07:00

We finally arrived at Istanbul at 5.45 am Istanbul time. We had to transit for another four hours. I really want to go outside the airport, we had to buy visa on arrival which cost 25 usd, before heading to the customs. But as the time is very limited, I decided just to stay at the airport. This is the place where we can get the visa on arrival:

First thing we did was the toilet break, it was when I realized that I have left Rene's jacket in the aircraft! Aaarrgh.. So I went to the airport information desk to ask what can I do. The lady said I need to go downstair to the Turkish Airline transfer desk. I went there by myself, and Alhamdulillah the ground staff from Turkish airline went inside the aircraft and found my jacket! Got to be more careful next time:p It's my luck that I still get my jacket.

Than I continued doing the Subh prayer at the Masjid near the transfer desk.

After window shopping for a while, I tried to get the free wifi. Too bad there were no free wifi available, no PC with internet availble, no free water available like in Changi.

The airport is not that big, but has huge duty free shops.

They also have Old Bazaar shop selling Turkish Delight and Turkish souvenirs.

It has foodcourt, and of course the famous Turkish ice cream stall is available at the airport.

We can shop using our euro, but they will give the change in their Turkish money. I just look around, and enjoy myself writing on my tab. Our trip continued to Budapest, again with Turkish airline.The security at the gate is at the maximum level..they really check each and every passanger. Amazing.

written on October 16, 2011

Surprising Europe Trip

2011-10-16T15:48:00.008+07:00

Alhamdulillah I got the chance to go to east Europe (Budapest, Prague, Vienna, Salzburg and Munich) from my office, with 26 other person from my company's group. I was told that it was going to be at the end of Sept, but than the travel agent confirm that the tour will be on 15-26 Sept 2011. I have raised the issue that I had the plan to go on holiday with my family to Penang on 10-13 Sept, and that I will need my passport. My chance was to get my visa approved was 50:50 until the travel agent confirm that due to the visa processing time, the tour will be postponed to 17 Sept. Lucky me.

The tours and travel gave my passport two days before my departure date to Penang, and I had to give them back right after I came back from Penang. Ohh so complicated!

Two days before the D day of the tour, all participants got email saying that we shall gather at Soekarno Hatta airport at 5pm, on 17 Sept. At that time, I still confuse whether my visa is approved or not, so I decided not to start packing. On 16 Sept evening, I got a phone call from the tour leader, he confirmed once again what time and where we shall met on the next day. After the phone call, I realized that I need to start packing.

Enjoy the stories and the pictures. By the way I borrowed Rene's SLR for this trip and took 1,250 pictures! But as Rene is not travelling with me this time, I hope my blog readers will not be dissapointed to see the pictures taken by myself:p

17 Sept 2011

Our Turkish airline leaving from Jakarta on 6.30 pm to Singapore. The aircraft is really nice and clean, it has a unique way to inform passenger the safety standard, they use video with Manchester United players in it, just what you might have seen on their tv ad. Wow, a smart way to utilize MU stars as Turkish Airline is sponsoring MU at the moment:)

30 minutes after the departure, we were served by a refreshment of sandwich and a drink. I asked for a mineral water, and they gave me a sparkling water. Ooh I should have asked just "water" instead. For the rest of the flight, I asked to have water, and I got Evian.

We arrived at 9.30 pm Singapore time and had only 20 minutes transit time. I hurry walked to the prayer room and walked back to the gate. Glad that I am now familiar to the Terminal 2 of Changi. Thanks to the experience of 6 hours waiting in Changi for our Hongkong flight back in 2010:p

The journey continued to Istanbul, we left Singapore at 11.00 pm Singapore time. We had a refreshment of Turkey's hazelnut, and when I started to close my eyes, they gave us dinner at 8.30 Istanbul time, but it was 00.30 am Indonesian time! But as they served salmon steak, I ate it anyway. I had to put pepper on the salmon to get my taste.

After the dinner, it was the sleeping time. I took my alergic medicine, and it made me sleep until the stewardess served us breakfast at 4 am Istanbul time. I look at the tv, we have flown for 8.5 hours. Wooo so tiring.

I enjoy flying Turkish Airline. They have an excellent entertainment and also great food. But the stewardesses from Jakarta to Istanbul flight were not friendly at all! I don't know why they can be choosen as Best Europe Airline 2011 with those unfriendly stewardesses! Out of 10, I give the stewardess score maximum only 6.

written on October 16, 2011

Penang Transportation

2011-10-16T05:11:00.014+07:00

As I have mentioned in my previous post, we flew with Air Asia from Jakarta to Penang. We got really early flight from Jakarta (at 5.30 am) and also early flight from Penang (at 10.30 am). Flying Air Asia has never been this excited before, and the experience flying with 6 children was just awesome!

We rented an airport transfer from Bayan Lepas airport to the Golden Sands. Actually there is also a direct bus #102 which runs every 45 minutes. But it takes almost 1,5 hours. While by a private car, it is approx 45 minutes. I searched through the internet for the possible option and of course to compare the price. I checked also the Penang forum at the Tripadvisor, and read a review which recommends Ocean Jupiter. I asked them by email for an airport transfer for 6 adults and 6 children. Steven Yeap from Ocean Jupiter, answered my email saying that we can use their van for RM 100 one way. Compared to one taxi which cost approx 60-70 RM from Bayan Lepas airport to the Golden Sands hotel, of course the van option is the best.

We were picked up on time, and the driver Shawn is a friendly and helpful guy. He also act as a guide for us:) We also hire the van on hourly basis which cost RM 35 per hour. A very recommended tour to hire van or car, yo can visit http://oceanjupiter.com/ We asked many questions by email to Steven Yeap regarding our trip, and he always answer my email promptly. Thanks so much Steven and Shawn!

We also tried the Rapid Penang Bus, it's very convenient. Bus #101 from Golden Sands to Komtar runs every 15 minutes. So we have never waited that long for this bus. It was cheap, cost only approx RM 1.5 from the hotel to Komtar (approx 1 hour ride). To go to several tourist spot, the rapid penang bus is also available. Visit their web http://www.rapidpg.com.my/ for more detail information.

written on October 16, 2011

Eating in Penang

2011-10-15T15:15:00.013+07:00

A bit difficult to make a title of this post. We didn't eat Penang local food a lot when we were there. So by this title, what I really mean was "what we ate in Penang" :p

As recommended by Tripadvisor forum, we ate at the Long Beach Hawker Center which located only 5 minutes away from Golden Sands Hotel. Well, in our case, it was somehow a 10 minutes walk. It's a huge hawker center with many variety of food.

We were told to try the spring rolls, but the stall was close. So we ordered the Char Koay Teow for RM 4,5 from a moslem stall. It was really delicious.

Next to the moslem stall, I found a halal pizza, so we ordered a meat lover pizza for RM 20. It taste really good as well.

Rene ordered Kebab for RM 15.

Another place we visited was the Nasi Kandar. You may see the Nasi Kandar resto all over Penang, it's a resto serving Indian food. The one we visited was recommended by our driver. We ate their Murtabak and the fried chicken with nasi kandar. I didn't like the food, but I really enjoyed the ice teh tarik.

We also tried ice cream at the Maxim's bakery on our first visit to Georgetown. It also has egg tart. It's not as delicious as Macau's egg taart, but ok laah.

So it was our Penang culinary tour, hopefully we can try more local food on our next visit.

written on October 15, 2011

Penang Sightseeing

2011-10-13T04:29:00.012+07:00

To be honest, Georgetown is the most interesting place to go in Penang, as seen on the website and brochure. And that's why we bought the Air Asia ticket to Penang in the first place. But on our first trial to Georgetown, we got lost!

Ok, firstly we missed the Golden Sands shuttle bus to Georgetown. We took the rapid penang bus #101 from the bus stop just outside the hotel, and within one hour we arrived at Komtar. We didn't really sure where to go, and ended up at Tune Hotel Georgetown, taking picture in front of a small temple:p

We walked further and still found nothing. We decided to take taxi to Gurney Plaza for our dinner and to visit the Toys R Us. Well my blog readers know it so well that Ikea and Toys R Us are the must visit place for me :)

The Gurney Plaza is a small shopping mall compares to those in Jakarta. The most famous thing about the Gurney is the Gurney drive, a hawker center where you can find all Penang's food. So did we eat there? Nope, we ate at the foodcourt at the shopping mall! hahaa..we just want to eat at a comfy place for our children. Actually there is also what so called Gurney Place, a mall with so many cafes and resto, just beside the Gurney Plaza. But we decided to just stay at the Gurney Plaza.

We go back to the hotel, taking a taxi with a fixed rate to Batu Feringi cost RM 28.

We succeed going to Georgetown after visiting Kek Lok Si Temple, but that time we used our rented van from Ocean Jupiter. And yes it was a beautiful place. We only take pictures from our van, somehow getting in one van with 6 children made us just want to stay at the van. Moms should know what it really means hehee However we still got nice pictures of Georgetown.

We also visited the Penang Bridge by the way. We didn't have to pay if we would like to go outside Penang, but to come back to Penag, we had to pay RM 12,5 for the whole van. Again, we couldn't stop there, so we just take the picture from our van. Ok lah, at least we have been there:)

Another sightseeing is to the shopping malls...we went to The 1st Avenue, and Prangin Mall, both malls located near Komtar. We also went to the Straits Quay. We might say that the most photogenic mall is the Straits Quay. The minus point of this mall is that we can't shop here, it's more a resto and cafes mall. Prangin mall has a Vinnci and 1st Avenue has many outlets to shop.

That's our Penang Sightseeing stories, we believe there are still more to see, we would love to come back.

written on October 13, 2011

Kek Lok Si Temple Penang

2011-10-02T20:16:00.012+07:00

This temple told me one thing: our travel itinerary shall be adjusted when travelling with kiddos:p The main reason why I put this temple in our itinerary was because it is close to Penang Hill, and it is well known as a very beautiful temple. We can go to this temple by bus 204 from Jetty or Komtar, but need to walk to get to the entrance. I have made it easier by going to this place by our rented van. However, I have read about the steps we have to go through to get to the temple, but still I put it on our itinerary.

And our story begins...

Our rented van dropped us in front of the small street, Shan the driver told us that it was the entrance. But it was full of souvenir shops. By the way I have read from the internet that the entrance heading to the temple was a little street full of souvenir shop. So I thought it was the only way to get into the temple. The street was hilly with many steps. Arkan at first walked hand in hand with me, then he started asking me to take him in my arm. So heavy!

When the souvenir shops street comes to an end, we found a pond full of turtle. Glad the kiddos enjoy feeding the turtles.

We had to continue walking, and arrive in a hall with a vegeterian restaurant and also a souvenir shops. When we got out, finally we saw a temple, a small one. The real one is still up there!

We didnt't have the willing to take another steps, no thank you.

We stopped by a shop where the kiddos asked to buy ice cream..and out of nowhere Arkan started to cry, louder and louder.. I don't know what he has seen inside that made him so scared. So I walked outside the building and found a parking place. Whatttt?? Why Shan didn't drop us up here at the first place?

Arkan refuse to go back inside, than Adi called Shan to pick up us at the parking place. Thanks God we didn't have to go to the cramped souvenir street again.

Well, from where we stand, it is a beautful temple, but never visit this place with little children or elderly. Or if you still want to visit this place, make sure you stopped at the right parking place.

written on October 2, 2011

Charlie Brown Cafe Penang

2011-10-01T11:45:00.015+07:00

I have never heard about this cafe before, until one night when we passed a mall called The Straits Quay, the taxi driver told us that it was the latest mall in Penang. That night I searched through mr google what inside this mall, and when I type "the straits quay" all mentioned about this Charlie Brown Cafe. And I was really interested when I knew that the name derrived from "the famous Charlie Brown"!! Ohh I love Snoopy! So I planned to visit this cafe if we have time.

As it was raining all day long on the next day, we decided just to relax at this mall, and of course had lunch at Charlie Brown Cafe. I have read that the food was expensive or in other words "we can get better food for those prices somewhere else" but hey it's Charlie Brown anyway. We don't have it in Indonesia yet. Well, an excuse:p

When we got there, we were impressed by the interior and also the exterior of the cafe. We can see all of their cartoons hanging all over the cafe.

We had to order the food from the cashier, our kiddos wanted to have hot dog, and a chocolate cake. For me and rene, we ordered a fish and chip, a caramel latte ice and a hot chocolate.

Najmi and Arkan enjoyed the Double Deluxe cake which was RM 12.

What so called Jumbo Beef Hot Dog with fries cost RM 15,8, well not that expensive. It will be at about the same price at any upscale Indonesian resto. Our kiddos only ate the sausage, the rest was for me and Rene:p The fish and chip was quiet big, it cost RM 15.8, sorry we got no pictures of the fish and chips.

My RM 9.5 hot chocolate was the highlight of the F&B, it is so cute!!

There is also a souvenir shop inside, for the real fans of Charlie Brown.

Don't miss the opportunity to take picture with this giant Snoopy!

The exterior of this resto is also unique, we can take pictures with all of the characters!

I wonder when this cafe will be open in Jakarta? Soon I hope.

written on September 30, 2011

Penang Hill

2011-10-01T08:37:00.019+07:00

Using the rented van from Ocean Jupiter, we went from our hotel to Penang Hill, which is about 45 minutes drive. We wanted to try the train going up to the hill, which has just been renovated and re-opened in May 2011. Of course our kiddos who are Thomas and friends fans would definetly love to try the train.

From what I read during my penang research, we were suggested to avoid weekends as the queue will be quiet long. So we choose to go there on Monday morning to avoid the crowd. It was not crowded yet when we got there. We took a group picture prior to buying the family package ticket which cost RM 70 (for 2 adults and 2 children).

We waited for about 10 minutes before getting into the train, our kiddos enjoying themselves playing the gadget.

And when the gate was opened, we got into the train..

From the train, we enjoyed the breathtaking views, a view of Penang town from the top :)

We arrived at the upper station, it was cold that I had to ask kiddos to put on their jacket.

Too bad we didn't have much time, so we just walk around near the station and of course taking pictures:p

Than we went down to the lower station, to continue our sightseeing plan that day.We were picked up by our van at the parking area, the same area of Rapid Penang bus #204 going here from Jetty and also Komtar.

It was really nice visiting Penang Hill, it reminds me of the Peak in HK, but of course Penang Hill is the older version of the Peak:p

written on Sept 30, 2011

Golden Sands Penang

2011-09-26T07:47:00.025+07:00

Finally after a year of waiting, we went to Penang with our kiddos, and also with two other families of Alisa Haqiqi and Rona Willis. Why a year? Because we have purchased the Air Asia ticket a year in advance. Yess of course we got a promo ticket, which cost IDR 49,000 one way, and in total with bagage, meals and the seats, it cost us total IDR 1,800,000 ; a return ticket for 2 adult + 2 children. Wow thank you Air Asia :)

We stayed at the Golden Sands Resort Penang around Batu Feringhi area. We spent months discussing where to stay. Parkroyal, Hard Rock and Holiday Inn were on the list beside the Golden Sands. We have read all the review of the hotel, and finally decide to stay at the Golden Sands Penang. We bought the hotel voucher from airasiago IDR 3,100,000 for a 3 night stay including breakfast for two adult and two children. And of course, it was on a sale when we bought the hotel voucher.

When we arrived at the hotel, we were relieved that we have choosen the best hotel in Batu Feringhi. Just 5 minutes walk we can get to KFC, just accross the road there is a brand new McD which was not yet open, and of course the famous hawker center Long Beach is in a walking distance. The check in process was fast, and we got two rooms for our early check in at about 11.30 am.

We had a superior hillview room, and this is the view from our room:

The room is really spacious, our kiddos love it so much.

The swimming pool is awesome! It has many pools; jacuzzi, children pool, sliding pool, adult pools..what a resort :)

It's a front beach resort, the beach is just so so, however kiddos really enjoy their time on the beach.

The breakfast has so many variety of food, but the taste are just ok.

Free wifi available on public area, whilst in the room you will have to use your laptop to plug in the internet cable. Our package includes a free internet from our room, but no one brought laptop. If you don't bring any wifi gadget, the hotel also provide a business center where you can use their internet PC for free.

A very family friendly hotel with affordable price.

written on Sept 20, 2011

Bull Wings Factory Bogor

2011-09-05T08:34:00.007+07:00

We tried this place as recommended by our friend Sheilla. She said that this resto has a real nice chicken wings. And as chicken wings lover, we really want to have it a try!

To find the resto, if you are coming from Jakarta, you will find Mc D on your right, than turn right. You'll find The Bull Wings Factory only few meters away on your right.

We asked the waitress what are their specialities. She said that the best are their Quesadilla and their Chicken Wings. We ordered their Quesadilla for IDR 40,000. It was our first Quesadilla ever, and we really like it.

Of course we ordered their chicken wings! We were confuse what to order and how many pieces we shall order. Ended up we ordered 18 pieces for IDR 54,000 and we choose two sauce: Pesto Chicken Wings, and Honey Mustard (again, based on the waitress and our friend Sheilla's recommendation). The Pesto chicken wings was really delicious, but we didn't like the honey mustard sauce.

This resto has just opened for four months at the time of our visit (Sept 2011). A really great resto to have different food from the existing Bogor famous resto.

Bull Wings Factory
Jl.Kumbang 1, Bogor

written on September 4, 2011

Bali Mangrove Forest

2011-09-03T06:06:00.012+07:00

As promised, Rene took me to several places in Bali that we haven't been before. One of those places was Taman Hutan Rakyat (Tahura) or Bali Mangrove Forest located at Ngurah Rai, about 15 minutes from the airport. Rene knew about this place from a photography website, as this place is famous for pre-wedding pictures purposes.

To be precised, this place located near the Hanoman statue. If you are heading from Carrefour Sunset Road, go straight until the Hanoman statue, turn left and make u turn when you see the lake on your right side. Find a small road on your left heading to Bali Mangrove forest. This place is really close with Hypermart Bali Galeria.

From the outside, the place doesn't look very interesting. There were not so many tourist around, I think this place is more famous to the local people, With an entrance fee of IDR 10.000 per person, I didn't expect that much. But when I was inside, wow, it's amazing! Well, it's my first time ever visiting a mangrove forest, and yess I am impressed.

Inside was sooo peaceful. We only heard birds talking to each others, and we walked on the wooden bridge, then we found a tower where we can look around. I didn't go up though, it was really hot, so I choose to save my energy and sit downstairs.

We continue walking just to know where the wooden bridge lead us to. And to our surprise, the wooden bridge took us to the end of it, and it was the sea!! I would suggest you to take books here, I think it's one of the best place to read your fave books.

Love it here so much! Got to come back with our kiddos :)

written on August 3, 2011

Warung D'Sawah Kerobokan

2011-08-29T05:10:00.006+07:00

We knew about this place when we saw culinary show hosted by Pak Bondan, and we told ourselves we shall try this resto someday.. This warung located near Seminyak, to be precised on Jalan Raya Kerobokan Kelod No.17. From the outside this resto may not interest you, but once you gotinside, wohooo this resto offer you a relaxing atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of Seminyak and Kerobokan area.

We ordered their crispy duck as recommended by Pak Bondan, a half duck with rice that cost IDR 66,000. It taste so good! We don't have to go to Ubud anymore to get this delicious crispy duck!

We ordered also their chicken kebab for IDR 45,000 and it is also so delicious...

The staff are very friendly and nice, the food are inexpensive, and it's not far from Kuta-Legian..Come and have a try:)

written on August 29, 2011

Bebek Tepi Sawah Ubud

2011-08-28T04:53:00.009+07:00

We have been to Ubud many times, and also have seen the sign of "Bebek Tepi Sawah" many times, but we always choose Bebek Bengil instead. If you are heading to Ubud from Pasar Sukowati, the sign is clear; you have to turn left to go to Bebek Bengil, and turn to right if you want to go to Bebek Tepi Sawah. And this time we tried Bebek Tepi Sawah, and I might say it taste better than Bebek Bengil!

Bebek Tepi Sawah' simply means 'Duck on the edge of Rice Paddy' (that's the direct translation:p). And it is really true that this lovely restaurant is situated next the a rice paddy. We can seat in their Gazebo near the rice paddy. We really enjoy the atmosphere, lots of greenery of the rice field, really a nice place for a relaxing experience. By the way, we went there before dinner time at about 5 pm, so there were not so many guests by that time.

We ordered their fried duck, a half duck with rice cost IDR 75,000++ The duck was so crispy! It came with three varieties of sambal, wow!

The price is quiet expensive, well...the same price as Bebek Bengil, but it's worth it.

FYI they also have a nice villa, chek them out at www.tepisawahvillas.com/restaurant

written on August 28, 2011

Tirtagangga Bali

2011-08-23T06:34:00.012+07:00

Tirtagangga is a water palace built in 1946 by the Raja of Karangasem. It is located about 5 km from Karangasem beach, on the eastern part of Bali. I have never been to this place before, we stopped at Tirtagangga on our way back from Tulamben to Legian.

With a cheap entrance fee for only IDR 10,000, this water palace amazed me so much! The garden is beautiful, the fish are lovely, the statue are very unique.. It is a very nice place to take your pre-wedding pictures..There is also a hotel inside which is "Tirta Ayu Hotel". For me the hotel will be very spooky at night with nobody around:p But it is a very nice hotel to have your honeymoon in Bali.

It was cloudy when we visited the place, too bad that we didn't get best picture with the blue sky.

We can play at the pond by standing on the stones..and all the fish will come to us:)

The Tirtagangga water is famous for their youth and healing power. So why not trying to swim at the pool? You can also take your children swimming there. Don't worry the swimming pool does not have any fish in it. Another fee will be charged for the pool.
If you are taking your children to Bali, this is one of the must visit place.

written on Augustus 23, 2011

Tulamben Bali

2011-08-16T06:23:00.009+07:00

Beside Amed, another diver paradise is Tulamben (eastern part of Bali), which is about 45 minutes drive with our Honda CBR 250 from Amed. We went there just to know how the place looks like, and also to see Mimpi resort, one of the famous resort in Tulamben. Unlike Amed, the beach is rocky but still the view is beautiful.

We went to Mimpi resort, and we loved it. It offers fabolous facility to the divers. It has a direct access to the beach and also a drop off to the shipwreck. We didn't look at the rooms though, we just walked through their garden, their tiny pool, and the beach. Tulamben is famous for its colorful underwater world, we'll sure be back for our diving lesson next time.

On our way from Amed to Tulamben, we saw a panoramic view of Mount Agung, so lovely.

After visiting Mimpi Resort Tulamben, we went back to Legian. We really enjoy our touring this time as we saw great views on our way from Legian to Amed-Tulamben. We saw also rice fields, and this big sign of Tulamben as we were entering the area. Visited Amed and Tulamben made us realize that there are so many places in Bali categorized as "must visit" :)

written on August 16, 2011

Amed Bali

2011-08-10T06:07:00.021+07:00

We bought a tour package from airasiago a year ago, a return ticket Bandung-Denpasar for two person, and a 3 nights stay at Tune Hotel double six Legian cost us only IDR 1,000,000! Air Asia is definitely our fave! We planned to explore Bali by motorcycle, as we were travelling in June, the peak period with traffic jam all over Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Sanur, Ubud and Nusa Dua. And we wanted to go to places that we haven't visited before. Than rene came with his idea to visit Amed which is located in South East of Bali, a very famous place for divers. I didn't have any idea how the place looks like, but than it turned out to be my Bali's best place!

With our Honda CBR 250, we travel from Legian to Amed. We left Tune Legian at about 5 pm, had breakfast at Karang Asem beach, and had another stops just to take pictures, than we arrived at Amed. It was about 4 hours drive with all those stops. Very tiring, but when we got there, we were so excited! The view is stunning! From the mainroad, we turn right to a narrow road with so many cafes and warung; Cafe Uyah, Warung Pantai, and many more. Than we found a parking place overlooking the beach. We stopped there, and we were lucky to get the best place to take pictures:)

We continued passing the narrow road, actually there is only one narrow road in Amed which connect villages. So our tip is, better to rent motorcycle to travel around Amed. But if you are not sure to take motorcycle from Denpasar, you can take an airport transfer to Amed than rent the motorcycle in Amed. It is so peaceful in Amed. The landscape is a series of headlands overlooking bays, lined with fishing boats.

We were tired and decided to stop at a little cafe on the hill, with a great view called "Warung Kemulan". Rene ordered a cup of coffee, and we shared a sandwich for our brunch. The food is cheap compared to the food in Kuta and Legian area. We had a chichat with the owner, he told us that he was one a fisherman, than he tried to open this warung with his friends. He said that he was surprised many people come to his place saying that they know the place from the internet.

After recharging ourselves, we continued visiting bungalows, just to see how it looks like. Actually we wanted to stay at bayu cottages, but when we asked the hotel thru email, it was full on the date we requested. So we decided to stay next time with our children in Amed. We passed by Bayu Cottages, it is a nice bungalow on the hill, overlooking the beach at a very decent price. Than we found Palm Garden, a very nice bungalows with affordable price (but more expensive than Bayu). We went in and fall in love with it! Unlike Bayu, Palm Garden is a beachfront bungalows, a perfect place for children! But too bad the owner doesn't let children under 12 stay here (:

We also found one resto called "the Sails" a more upscale restaurant in great headland setting. But it was still close when we wanted to have a cup of coffee there.

Amed is famous for the fisherman boat called Jukung. In the morning, the colorful Jukung left Amed, must be great to have pictures of them. Too bad we couldn't stay overnight this time. But still we saw some Jukung who already got back that morning.

We had another stop for our early lunch at Warung Pantai, and ordered a karee soup and a tuna steak. This warung has a direct access to the beach. They recommend us to have snorkeling. My biggest mistake was that I didn't take my swimsuit with me! How I wanted to swim on the quiet beach! We really love it here! Again we witnessed that the food is cheap. The Tuna steak was only IDR 35,000 with its big portion.

We really enjoy our short visit to Amed and we'll come back here Insya Alloh this December with our children.

written on August 10, 2011

Ibis Patong Beach

2011-07-10T04:11:00.008+07:00

We only got one night in Phuket, so we didn’t think that much of where we were going to stay. Our friend Yenni Puspo recommend to stay at Ibis Patong as many of her friends stay there. When we check through Agoda, the rate was approx IDR 450,000 and we utilized our Agoda points. We had their best rate for IDR 250,000 nett per night exclude breakfast! So cheap.

We checked in at 10 pm that night, had no trouble with the check in, and we got a room with swimming pool view as we requested. Great! When we check out, there was one big group from Indonesia who have just arrived. The next morning we realize that lots of tour groups staying at this hotel.

The room is basic, but not very small compared to Ibis in Jakarta that we have stayed so far.The room was ok but need maintenance, there are some spots need to be painted and also water leaks. I might say this is a kind of an “ok hotel”, but didn’t give us the feeling to stay at this hotel on our next visit.

It has a balcony facing the swimming pool.

This is the aisle in front of the hotel.

We can easily find halal food near the hotel, and we ordered a pad thai for our supper.

The hotel is only 5 minutes away from the Patong Beach, this is the road heading to the beach.

We went to the beach after checking out, we just wanted to know how the famous Patong beach looks like. Maybe because we visited early in the morning, we didn’t impress at all, except that it is very clean.

Before visiting Patong, I thought that it would be more “happening” than Bali, but I found out that it was not. If I compare with Kuta area, or Legian area, or Seminyak area..all those places in Bali are more “happening” with the cafés, bars, hotels, restaurants, the shops than those in Patong.

Compare this picture of Patong Hard Rock Café with Bali hard rock café. The Bali hard rock café in Kuta is more sophisticated.

After visiting Phuket, I agree with people saying that Bali is a better place compared to Phuket. The beaches, the temples, the scenes are more beautiful in Bali. Phuket is more old-fashioned than Bali I might say. However I still want to go to Phuket one more time for the islands hopping activities

written on July 10, 2011

Home Pro Village Phuket

2011-07-09T07:26:00.006+07:00

On our way from Big Budha to Promthep Cape, we passed a mall called Home Pro Village, and we saw a Toys R Us inside the mall. So after the sunset at Promthep Cape, we went to this mall. We would like to buy toys for the kiddos:)

This is an open concept mall, with a unique architecture. Inside there are so many cafes and restaurants. The name Home Pro derived from a store selling home equipments just like Ace Hardware. It has also a KFC inside. So after buying some toys at what so called “express Toys R Us” we ended up having dinner at KFC.

I just love this place, this is a modern side of Phuket.

written on July 9, 2011

Old Town Phuket

2011-07-07T06:52:00.007+07:00

When we think about Phuket, first thing cross on our minds will be their sandy beach, the islands hopping, the parties and so on… But don’t ever forget to visit the Old Town Phuket, it offers something real different.

As Old Town Phuket is close to Phuket Bus Terminal, we went there in the morning before going to the airport using the Phuket Airport Bus at 10.30am. We intended to have breakfast at Old Town Phuket, taking pictures and just enjoying the ambience.

The journey from Ibis Patong to Old Town Phuket took approx.one hour with our rented Honda Click. We had to stop at Circle K to ask which way to go:p We were so happy when we found Central Festival shopping mall, yes we were on the right way! Old Town Phuket is a few minutes away from the Central Festival.

When we arrived at Old Town Phuket, we decided to take breakfast before continuing our taking picture session. We stopped at the coffe shop just across a Honda Dealer, just because the place was crowded. We thought that the food must be ok:p We ordered ice milk tea together with roti canai with chicken. The chef could ask us “ayam?” (chicken in indonesian language), so I guess many people coming either from Indonesia or Malaysia to his place.

Our breakfast was delicious, cheap and the most important thing: the food is halal:) No wonder many people come to this place, both tourist and local.

We continue walking and taking pictures. We left our motorcycle near the coffee shop and enjoying the little shops. There are many coffee shops, and most of them are halal. So easy to find halal food at Old Town Phuket.

We went to one street with many shops selling Indonesian Batik.

Don’t forget to take picture of the electricity wire. It is so unique!

At the western end of Rassada Road stands a traffic circle with a fountain which called the Suriyadate Fountain.

The most visited Soi will be the Soi Rommanee, the buildings: coffee shops, guesthouses, souvenir shops are colored beautifully. What I got from mr.google: Soi Rommanee was known as the alley where everyone knew that it was a street brothel. That’s why it was called ‘Rommanee’ (Rommanee in Thai is happiness, and I’m sure what does this happiness mean, don’t you?).

We found one really nice guest house at Soi Rommanee called Phuket346. We stopped there to have a glass of orange juice and also to have a toilet break. Another visit to Phuket, we promise ourselves to stay at Phuket346 guest house.

We didn’t have much time to explore the Old Town Phuket, but from our 2 hours visit, we might say that this place must include in any tourist itinerary when visiting Phuket.

written on July 7, 2011

Promthep Cape

2011-07-06T07:15:00.010+07:00

I might say this is the highlight of our visit in Phuket this time: the Promthep Cape. We were able to see beautiful sunset at the Promthep Cape. We went there after visiting the Big Budha, it was about 45 minutes drive with our Honda Click. We just follow the map and the signs to reach this place. Thanks God we didn't get lost.

We arrived at about 5 pm and it was very crowded. Many buses and vans were dropping tourist off.

To reach the cape, we have to go down the hill, which after half the way, we decided to sit on one spot to take pictures. We were afraid we couldn't go up the hills on our way back:p

The view is stunning! While rene was taking pictures, I was busy with my gadget:p

And here's the picture of the beautiful sunset.

We went up again, there were still so many people.

And rene took these beatiful pictures at what so called the blue hours:)

And there was a moon came up after the sunset, we were so lucky that we could enjoy the sunset and the moon.

There are still some other places to enjoy the sunset in Phuket. But we will visit them on our next visit to Phuket.

written on July 6, 2011

Big Budha

2011-07-02T09:28:00.011+07:00

Our first stop with the rented motorcycle is the Central Festival shopping mall which is only 10 minutes away from the Phuket Bus Terminal. It is a huge shopping mall, with a huge parking space for motorcycle :) We didn't explore the entire mall though, we only had a quick lunch, than continued our journey to Promthep Cape. It was really hot at about 2 pm at Phuket, especially when you are riding a motorcycle! hehehe..

On our way to Promthep Cape, we saw the famous Big Budha, so we went there although from what I read, it is still under construction. We head up there with our Honda click, for sure you must be a good motorcycle rider to reach this place.

Yes it was still under construction, but many other tourist visited the place as well. There were so many donation box, the money collected will be used to continue the construction of the big budha.
We found this huge gamelan under the statue, and some tourist were trying to make a beatiful sound from the bell.

We started to climd the steps, and we reached the the top of the steps, we were right underneath the statue, and yes it was HUGE!

The view from the top is stunning, we could see some beaches from the top. For sure the Big Budha is well worth a visit.

written on July 2, 2011

Phuket Airport Bus

2011-06-20T07:27:00.015+07:00

We had no idea how to get around Phuket, so we checked on the tripadvisor forum for the recommended driver in Phuket. Then we found a driver named Daj who is recommended by many travelers. We send him email to kanidash@hotmail.com and he replied our email promptly saying that he is available on the dates we requested. As we have only one day in Phuket, we really wanted to do the islands hopping activity, and we realize that Phi Phi island is too far away. We googling whether it is doable to have a half day tour to Pha Nga bay. And yes it was, as long as we hire a longtail boat for our own. We asked Daj to manage a tour for us, and we got a great deal from him.

Unfortunately on the day we arrived at Phuket Airport, we went directly to the exit and search for a guy holding a sign with my name on it, but we couldn’t find Daj! Oh nooo… A day before we sent him email saying that we were in Bangkok already and confirmed him our arrival time and so on. Daj didn’t reply our last email, we thought maybe he was busy with other client. We waited outside the exit, people keep coming to us offering to take us somewhere with their car. We said no, we have our guy already. Rene went inside again to look for Daj once more, but still we failed to see him. We were so sad knowing that if we couldn’t find him, our plan to visit Pha Nga Bay has to be cancelled. Our mistake was that we didn’t have his phone number on our tab. It was because we had contact with Daj using email from my tab as well as from my office email. And the email with his phone number maybe somewhere in my office email.

When we arrived in Jakarta, we check our private email, still we got no email from him. But than the next Monday at the office, I got an email from Daj to my office email! Oh no..that's why we didn't receive any of his email to our tab. He told us his phone number to call etc, he told us that he waited at the airport but couldn’t find us… He is still a very nice guy and we hope someday to use his service. So if you are looking for recommended driver in Phuket, please send him an email.

Let’s continue our story on our first time ever arriving at Phuket Airport…. After a 20 minutes of waiting, we walked to the left side of the airport where we found a big sign of Phuket Airport Bus. We found this orange bus, we were not sure whether it is broken or not, we looked inside, no one was there. But the good news is, the aircon works! Hahah..So we got in, and people start to coming to the bus. After another 20 minutes waiting, the bust left the airport. We paid 85 baht on the bus, I guess it was the cheapest way to go to Phuket town. Taking taxi will cost approx 500-600 baht one from the airport to Patong beach.

The journey was quiet long, it took us 1 hour before we finally reach the Phuket Bus terminal. We decided that we are going to rent a motorbike, and just explore the city. We asked the co-driver how and where to rent a motorcycle, he couldn’t communicate in English, but from his gestures he asked us to stay on the bus. When we arrived at the bus terminal, the co driver told us where to rent a motorbike, so we walked to the place and asked the lady to rent a Honda matic. And I said, it must be Honda and not other brand. Oh yeaaahhh.. We got a Honda click, and it cost 250 baht for 24 hours, excluding gasoline. The lady kept Rene’s passport, and explained Rene how to go to Patong beach, as we told her that our hotel is in Ibis Patong. By the way Rene doesn’t have an international license, and still we can borrow a motorbike.

The Phuket bus terminal is close to Phuket Old Town, so it will be better if we stay in hotel around Phuket Old Town, take a motorbike from Phuket Bus Terminal, so when we return our motorbike, we can continue taking Phuket Airport Bus to the airport.

Our bus to Phuket Airport is better than our first bus. It parked on the same place where we arrived a day before, but this time it was quiet full. Local people use this bus also as they can stop on the way to the airport. This bus will pass the Central Festivals Mall, Lotus Supermarket, the factory outlet and so on. Yes we regret not able to visit Pha Nga Bay on our first visit to Phuket, but we also enjoy ourselves enjoying the city with motorbike.

written on June 21, 2011

Yana Restaurant MBK

2011-06-02T22:27:00.012+07:00

As I didn’t have time to shop at the chatuchak weekend market (a reason to have another visit to Bkk:p), we went to MBK directly after we visited the Grand Palace. MBK stands for Mah Boon Krong, for sure it is one of the most visited mall in Bangkok. We took the orange boat from Tha Tien Pier to Sathorn Pier, than continue taking BTS to the National Stadium. When we arrived at National Stadium BTS, it is directly connected with MBK. Wow very easy to have our Jalan Hemat Bangkok.

At the National Stadium BTS we saw an advertisement of KFC’s egg tart, so we took a picture of it just to remind ourselves how delicious it was:p

From what I have read, to do the shopping for Thai souvenirs, we shall directly go to the 6th floor. But as we were so hungry, first we search for halal resto called Yana Restaurant MBK, located on the 5th floor. We thought it was on the same floor as international food court on the 6th floor. But we found out that it was on the 5th floor, just across the Food Avenue on the 5th floor.

We ordered their vegetable spring rolls as appetizer which cost 79 baht. It taste really nice and also crunchy.

For the main menu, we ordered Shrimp Tom Yum with steamed rice, which cost 199 baht (tom yum) and 15 baht for a bowl of rice per person. The Tom Yum taste different, not as delicious as we thought it would be.

After having dinner at Yana Restaurant MBK, we continue shopping to the 6th floor. Bought some souvenirs and also dried mangos. You can find anything in MBK, too bad I didn’t take pictures inside the mall. MBK is really similar to Mangga Dua in Jakarta, the shops, how we have to bargain hard, even the stuffs sold in MBK are similar to Mangga Dua. Hopefully someday the number of tourist visiting Mangga Dua will be double than tourist visiting MBK :)

written on June 2, 2011

The Grand Palace

2011-05-29T05:33:00.008+07:00

After visiting Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, we had lunch at Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal “Sa Tai Mai”, we had KFC and tried their fabulous egg tart! Owww it’s as delicious as Macau’s egg tart *I wonder why there’s no egg tart in Indonesia’s KFC. We asked people what is the nearest BTS from Sa Tai Mai. They said the Wong Wian Yai is the nearest. So we took taxi which cost 140 baht, then continue taking BTS from Wong Wian Yai to Saphan Taksin. We bought the ticket at the machine which only cost 15 baht per person, as Saphan Taksin is only two stop away from Wong Wian Yai. The BTS is very convenient, and also very well maintained. But we hardly find BTS with escalator, so going up and down to the BTS, we should take the stairs instead.

Arriving at Saphan Taksin, we went to Sathorn Pier, and took the Orange Flag (public boat) to Tha Chiang Pier *I will be posting another stories of Bangkok transportation, and you will find the details of this Chao Phraya River Boat Service. After getting off from the boat, we went directly to the Grand Palace, it was almost 3 pm already, and the ticket counter opens only until 3 pm. But once you are inside, you can enjoy it until 4.30 pm. We read many stories about tourist spams at The Grand Palace. Uniformed guy will approach tourist saying the Grand Palace is close, and offer a tuk tuk ride with cheap price. The tuk tuk driver will be taking tourist to jewelry shops, souvenir shops, etc, as they will get fuel voucher! Be aware of this spams.

So that afternoon we walked straight to the main gate *remember there is only one main gate. At the main gate, you can see the Grand Palace from the outside if you think the 350 baht ticket is too expensive. But for me, the ticket price well worth it. This place is really impressive!

Once you enter the main entrance, you will find the first building on the right which is a place where tourist can borrow pants and shirts. Getting in the Grand Palace, tourist has to wear the dress code: our leg and shoulder shall be covered. Rene took kain sarung (sarong) with him as he was wearing short. But the guy told us that kain sarung was not ok, a guy should wear long pants instead. It was free of charge, but Rene had to give a 200 baht deposit for the long pants he borrowed. After wearing his long pants, Rene was upset seeing a guy with this long socks, and he managed to get in:p

We got into the line in front of the ticket booth, the line was not long as we were the late arrivals. Tourists will be equipped with a brochure to guide them at the Grand Palace as there are many buildings and temple inside.

We got inside and we were speechless, it was so beautiful and colorful!! You will forget the entrance fee price:p and will be busy taking pictures. You have to visit the Grand Palace if you are visiting Bangkok.

We spent until 4.30pm there and really enjoy our visit. Thanks God it was raining before we arrived at the Grand Palace, so it wasn’t that hot. But still after a 1,5 hours of walking we need to recharge ourselves. So we went to the Au Bon Pain, located just across the main entrance, to have some ice blended drinks and croissant.

Actually we still have two more places to go which are Wat Pho (the reclining Budha) and Wat Arun. But it was too late and also we were exhausted. So we decided only to take pictures of Wat Arun and wished to see the sunset. We continue walking to Tha Tian Pier and found a park across Wat Arun where we can take beautiful pictures of it. But it was too cloudy, so we didn’t get the sunset pictures of Wat Arun. At 6 pm, we decided to leave the park and take the orange flag boat to Tha Tien Pier, and proceed to MBK. It was really a busy day:p

One day Bangkok tour wrapped up: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, the Grand Palace, MBK.

written on 28 May 2011

Bangkok Loft Inn

2011-05-17T01:04:00.014+07:00

I found this hotel as recommended by many travellers on the tripadvisor review. They all rated Bangkok Loft Inn excellent. I checked their website to see how the hotel looks like and of course to check the rate. It was love at the first sight: the rate is very affordable, nice rooms and located near BTS.

I sent my enquiry thru their website to check the room availability. Prior to that, I tried the booking through Agoda to compare the price. The hotel replied my email saying the room is available and they offer their promotion which are: 2,400 baht for two nights incl breakfast and a free pick up from the airport. Wow the rate they offer is cheaper than Agoda.

Prior to our arrival, we asked many questions to the hotel staff as this is going to be our first easy travel experience to Bangkok and Phuket. They always answer our email promptly. We asked regarding the left baggage at the hotel which is free, we asked taxi fare to some points of interest, we asked to have our breakfast to be taken away early in the morning, they are really helpful.

Their service begins from the free pick up where they provide mineral water for us. A small thing, but very meaningful. We were picked up together with other couple from Singapore, so we had the opportunity to discuss our holiday plan. It was friday evening, thanks God the journey had no traffic jam. We arrived at the hotel when it was raining really hard. The check in was easy and fast, the reception was Pat that night, and she explained the Thai map, showed us the place of interest which are recommended. Pat didn't ask us to pay them in advance. She didn't even ask to pay a deposit.

Bob took us to our room, and terrific, the room is as lovely as it seen on their web! Large bed, very spacious, nice shower, lcd tv, safety box, very clean and homy.

We have a room facing the main road and at the opposite we saw a hawker center. That first night we went downstair again, it was 9.30pm and raining. We met Bob again and he asked "Where are u going?" hahaa.. So we asked them if we can find food at the opposite and whether we can eat it (whether it is halal). Pat said we can, as it is seafood.

On our first night, we had grilled shrimp, very huge for only 300 baht. And also a cup of ice milk tea, which in Indonesia we called it Thai ice tea:p

The next morning we left the hotel at 5.20 am and they packed our breakfast in that early time! The service of this hotel is amazing:)

The following day we had breakfast at the hotel. The restaurant located in a mezanine, just beside the business room. We ordered the night before that we would like to have a chicken rice. But to our surprise, they also provide many other food: cereal, bread, fruits, yoghurt, and not too mention juice, milk, they are right on the table and you can just take them. I thought my breakfast will only be the chicken rice with tea. I must say the breakfast compared to the price we are paying, is terrific:)

It was the check out time already, we have to go to the airport on sunday morning, to catch our flight to Phuket. I discussed with the hotel staff how can I get to the airport. She said I can take meter taxi for 500 baht approx, bts than the airport link, or they offer us to have an airport taxi for 400 baht all in price. As Bangkok bts doesn't have any escalator and we didn't feel like taking our luggage up to the BTS station, we decided to take the airport taxi. Just to give all means of transportation a try, as we will be trying the Airport Link when we come back from Phuket. The hotel staff called the taxi, they asked us to wait at the loby, and they even give us a glass of orange juice before we left the hotel. Increadible service:)

If there is going to be another chance to visit Bangkok, for sure I will come back to this hotel. And I would recommend anyone reading this post to stay at Bangkok Loft Inn if you visit Bangkok. Special note to my Indonesian friends, not many Indonesians have stayed here. Heeey move up from those hotels around Bangkok malls, you just don't know what you have missed by not staying at this hotel!

Thank you Bangkok Loft Inn, thank you for showing and teaching me how to work with heart. The result is just unbelievable, I am sure your customer will memorize the experience forever in their heart.

written on May 15, 2011

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

2011-05-14T21:46:00.005+07:00

We woke up early at 4.30 am, getting things ready and went to the reception lobby to ask our breakfast that we requested to be taken away at 5 am:p And yes the staff has prepared it for us: tuna sandwiches, orange juice, fruits and mineral water:) Wow the Bangkok Loft Inn is increadible, I have to say it outloud: don't stay elsewhere in Bangkok, choose Bangkok Loft Inn!

Than we asked the staff to write down some sentences in Thai on a piece of paper, also she helped us getting a cab. That morning we plan to go to Southern Bus Terminal or Sai Tai Mai, take the first bus number 78 at 6 am, than go to Damnoen Saduak floating market. The taxi was metered, it cost 109 baht from Bangkok Loft Inn to Southern Bus Terminal and was about a 15 minutes ride.

Arriving at the Southern Bus terminal (at 5.30 am and still dark), we alight in front of the lobby, which is a small shopping center, the buses park on the left side of it. We look for bus number 78, and asked a guy holding a handy talky. Thought he must be one of the in charge person:p He was so kind that he walked us to the bus stop where the bus 78 will be stopping. Oohh Thai people are sooo nice:) We hopped into the bus, and at 6 am sharp the bus left the terminal. We paid 64 baht per person, very cheap as the distance is quiet far, 110 km.

When I googling, I also read that if we take taxi from Bangkok, it will cost approx 1,500 baht a return way, and the taxi will be waiting their guest at Damnoen, and drive back to Bangkok. The price depends on how good we are at bargaining. But they will refuse using their meter. So as an easy traveller, I choose to take the bus, as it is easy and cheap:)

We arrived at Damnoen Saduak at 7.45, and the bus stopped at one of the boat service. Before getting out of the bus I remind myself not to get into any tourist trap. A lady approach us saying the boat tour is 300 baht per person. My itinerary warns me not to take boat from where the bus stop, as it will be so expensive. So we left the lady and walk outside. It was the four of us: I and Rene, and other couple who are Thai coming from Surat Thani. The lady approach us to the exit, saying that she'll give us discount 150 baht per person. We continue walking, and she asked how do you go to the market without the boat? I answered we'll find our way!

From the exit, we thought that we should go back to the market we have just passed and take a yellow minivan (songthaw) to Damnoen Saduak, cost only 8 baht per person. So we exit and turn right, while the Thai couple turn left. After a minute, they called us and said that we went to the wrong direction. Ok than we walk with them to the floating market and hoped there is going to be a songthaw passing by. On the street, there were many boat tour service. We passed another two boat services. The first one asked 100 baht per person, we continue walking. After about 10 minutes walking and getting know each other, we ended up taking a paddle boat, 60 baht per person. Of course Auttachai, our Thai friend, who did the bargain for us. Auttachai wanted the price 50 baht per person. But the boat man didn't give him that price. So we agreed to pay 60 baht per person to have a max 1,5 hours tour with a paddle boat.

From the main street we walked to the aisle, and saw the boat. An old lady will drive the boat for the four of us, amazing. Auttachai said he's not going to stop on the same place where we took the boat, they will get off the market and take songthaw to the bus terminal. We will just follow him:p

Our boat trip begins, it was very bumpy indeed and I was affraid that the water will get into our boat. Thank God it didn't. When a machine boat came approaching, they will stop the machine, so the water will not fill into our boat. First we saw beautiful boat houses, than we started seeing the boat shops selling food and souvenirs. What a wonderful scene and experience! We stopped by one place where everybody has to get out, it was a souvenir shop. We didn't buy anything, I had a toilet break instead.

We got into our boat again, and approach one food vendor selling coconut sugar which is a snack. We have also food like this in Indonesia, the taste is very similar to Serabi Solo:p More tourists are coming, suddenly it became very crowded. Our boat is hitting another boat and vice versa. But the old lady is really a good boat driver. We stopped at the end of the canal, gave the lady tip of 50 baht, and this time we'll enjoy the market from the canal's walking side. It was 9.15 am, and became very crowded.

We didn't try other food as we were not sure whether they are halal or not. But I am telling you the soup noodle looks and smell very good. Hehee.. After the taking picture session, we found our way back to bangkok on our own, as we were already separated from our Thai friend. We asked a lady to which way we shall take the Songthaw, she said that take the one heading to the north. I can't tell where north is, but from my experience just say that you are going to Bangkok, and people will tell you the direction. We waited only 5 minutes, and saw a Songthaw approaching. It was full with Thais friendly people.

So we went on the same road where we walked with our friend to the floating market, and alight at the boat service where we first alight from the bus. We get off and approach the driver to give him money, and confirm him whether we can take bus to bangkok from there. He said NO, and asked us to get in again. Ok, we got in again, and people inside asking us where we are going. We said we are going to Bangkok. And they discuss in Thai where we should alight, and a nice boy from his gestures told everyone that he is going to take us to the bus terminal. They were all talking in Thai, but I keep on guessing:p

When we were at the market, they told us to alight. And the boy asked us to go with him. Oh my goodness, we are surrounded by nice people! Alhamdulillah. Than yes we saw bus 78, Rene gave him money, he refused it. But we insisted him to receive it. We can't never thank him enough.

We waited until 10.00 and the bus left the terminal heading to Bangkok. At the first bus stop we saw our Thai friend again, and they were surprised that we were inside the bus. The journey back to Bangkok took 2,5 hours as there were traffic jam on some roads.

Actually I also read on the internet that taking bus back to Bangkok is not at the same place where we alight bus 78. We have copied the info to our itinerary, but did not really sure where to go. So my tip is, just take Songthaw to the market (first market we meet after Damnoen Saduak), tell the driver that you are going to Bangkok, he will let you know where to stop. Don't take the initiative to alight before the driver told you to (just like what we did). And one more thing, I don't know how frequent is the bus going back to Bangkok. So be aware of it, or just follow us taking 10 am bus back to Bangkok.

The plan to visit floating market was so confusing. We didn't sure whether to go there or not as it will take a half day. But all the review said that going to the floating market is a really Thai thing, and is a must. By going there we will not have time to visit Chatuchak, because we prefer visiting Grand Palace after Damnoen Saduak. After we decide that Floating Market will be on our list, Rene had an idea to visit Amphawa floating market. So I search on the net again which market to visit. As Amphawa opens in the late afternoon while Damnoen Saduak opens in the morning, we made two plans, meaning two itinerary as well. After visiting the Damnoen Saduak floating market, I must say that I enjoy the trip so much. Maybe if there is a chance to visit Bangkok again, we will go to Amphawa:)

written on May 14, 2011

Jalan Hemat Bangkok

2011-05-13T23:47:00.004+07:00

I have been to Bangkok with a tour from my office back in Feb 2010, we stopped one night there, only had dinner at the Royal Dragon Restaurant, went to Suan Lum night market, than continue the tour to Hongkong (You may read the stories under "Bangkok" categories). I didn't enjoy going in a tour, I am an easy traveller, don't want to be organized by anyone. That time, I travelled without Rene, and as I didn't explore Thai that much, I would love to come back together with Rene. So we plan to have Jalan Hemat Bangkok.

First thing we do of course wait for our fave airline's: Air Asia promo, and we were so lucky that we got the ticket in May 2010 (a year in advance) cost IDR 1,500,000 : a return ticket for two persons! That price include a 15 kg bagage on the return tickets, convenience fee and all the taxes. Not only that, the ticket dates was perfect, we got ticket during one of Indonesian's long weekend (13-16 May), and on our anniversary #1505 So in 2010 we celebrate it in Macau, and this year we will celebrate it in Bangkok, Insya Alloh.

After buying the ticket for our Jalan Hemat Bangkok, we read sources on the net saying that it's better to go to Phuket as well. So we look for bus going to Phuket from Bangkok. The journey will take a night! Oh noo, we didn't have any idea of other alternatives until Weny a friend of mine at the office, told the story how she connect the flight Jakarta-Bangkok-Phuket-Singapore-Jakarta! Wow what a journey! She told me how beatiful Phi Phi island is. I google its pictures, and fell in love with Phi Phi! Ok, my next target is to get a promo ticket from Bangkok to Phuket:p

In October 2010, Air Asia had another promo and yes it sold Bangkok-Phuket! That midnight I tried my luck, and we got the ticket! It was only IDR 800,000 a return ticket of Bangkok Phuket for two persons, including tax, but no luggage. Yipppieeee so my mission accomplished! It turn out to be Jalan Hemat Bangkok Phuket. I feel very lucky that I can get so many promo tickets from Air Asia so far. But wait, I didn't get it in one click. It wasn't that easy to compete with other Air Asia mania from all over the world. I have to wake up at midnight, and buy the ticket from my blackberry or my galaxi tab. That way is much more convenience than buying it thru their website. I can do it by lying on my bed, and often fall asleep waiting for the late respond from Air Asia as they are having a heavy traffic. I will never give up to look for the ticket even I got buzz so many times. The travelling journey that I will get, worth all of the efforts to get low price tickets!:p

At the time we begin to research for our itinerary, of course first thing we do is to decide where to stay. My first source is always the tripadvisor review, and found this hotel called Bangkok Loft Inn. All the review are positive, the hotel is nice, located 5 minutes away from the BTS, and very afoordable. We email the hotel, and we got two nights for 2,400 baht, including breakfast and free pick up at the airport. Ohhh wow, meaning one night only cost IDR 350,000! We confirmed the hotel that we book their room. In Phuket, as recommended by our friend Yenni Puspo, we booked Ibis Patong thru Agoda for IDR 200,000 per night without breakfast! Why so cheap? We used our Agoda point:) Even if we didn't use our point, the room was only IDR 400,000 per night. I didn't think that Ibis Phuket can be that cheap. The one in Malioboro Yogyakarta is far more expensive!

I forget how long I did the reasearch for our itinerary, but I am telling you this is the hardest itinerary that I have ever made. Not because the unavailability of the information, but it was more because the time limitation that we have, and we have to choose best of the best spot only. All in all we'll have 2 nights in Bkk, and one night in Phuket. So we have to choose is it either go to Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa floating market, Pha Nga bay or Phi phi island, and the most difficult question is Chatuchak or the Grand Palace! I would like to visit them both.
The galaxi tab helped me a lot, as I can browse in the car when Rene drive me to my office. I think every travel lover should have a galaxi tab. And I still think that it's the best bday gift from Rene:)

After jumping to tripadvisor forum, blogwalking, read a travel book, watch youtube, our itinerary is completed, Alhamdulillah.

On the first night, we we'll be arriving at 8 pm, so we'll go straight to the hotel and just enjoy the hotel and its surrounding.

The second day we'll leave the hotel early and go to Damnoen Saduak floating market by bus, go to Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and visit MBK.

The third day we'll go to Phuket, having a private tour to Pha Nga bay, James Bond island, Panyee Island, and we'll have a tour around Phuket on our fourth day with a driver named Daj, whose recommended by tripadvisor forum. We will be arriving in Phuket at 12.30 and no half day tour to Pha Nga bay starts after the time of our arrival. That's why we have to book a private boat tour, have an anniversary dinner at sunset, very expensive for us, but as it is going to be an anniversary celebration, than we decide to take the tour.

The fourth day we will leave Phuket at 1 pm, fly back to Bangkok, and later on 10 pm we will leave Bangkok to Jakarta. A very tight itinerary indeed, but hopefully we'll get lot of pictures and stories to share in our blog.

Note: my blog readers who wish to get our itinerary are welcome to request it by email :) Just drop an email to tesyas.blog@gmail.com. Follow @tesyas_blog on twitter as we will be tweetpics our jorney.

written on May 13, 2011 (on my Air Asia flight from Jakarta to Bangkok)

Suria KLCC

2011-05-11T07:09:00.007+07:00

A must visit mall while you are in KL, probably the Suria KLCC, a mall adjacent to the Petronas twin towers. Of course you can visit it while visiting the tower like we did. So after we went up to the tower, we did some window shopping at the mall which was full of Formula1 euphoria.

The architecture of this mall is sophisticated being a part of the twin towers, Rene has it captured.

We went to the resto raws, and found this Indonesian resto (originated from Bandung) called Bumbu Desa. We didn't went inside (of course we didn't!) so we couldn't compare the price with the one in Bandung or Jakarta.

We decided to eat Chili's burger, yes there is also Chili in Jakarta, but we just want to sit in a nice resto and enjoy the view. From Chili we can look at their huge windows to the fountain at the other side of the tower.

We got in at 11.30 am, and approaching lunch time the resto becoming full.

We ordered Ice Lemon Tea free flow (7,25 MYR) and also a new menu called "Burger Bites" (22,95 MYR). We didn't expect it to be a really big bites:p The price is about the same compared to the price in Jakarta

We also ordered their Oldtimer burger (17,95 MYR), also a huge burger. We should not order this burger, as the burger bites were huge. Ended up we took away the Oldtimer burger:p

To visit the mall, just take LRT to KLCC, than just go up to the mall. This mall has Marks and Spencer, Isetan, Body Shop, Cold Storage, and all of those branded items, even Miu Miu is also available here.

written on May 11, 2011

Parc Sovereign Singapore

2011-05-04T06:38:00.013+07:00

This is a new hotel in Singapore at the time of my booking (March 2011), there was limited review on the internet. However, I booked the hotel anyway through Agoda for a three night stay (12-15 April 2011) for USD 425 room only. I thought new hotel can't be that bad. All of the furnitures should be new.

Arriving at the hotel, the hotel staff looked surprise to my agoda's hotel voucher. He than asked me when did I make the booking. I had to search my email, and told him that I booked on 9 Mar. He said that they were fully booked, and I was like whatttt?? They ask me to sit first in the tiny loby. After 20 minutes of waiting, I went to the reception again, and ask the progress. I had to wait another 15 minutes at the reception before the staff approach me saying the room is not available, and that they will transfer me to their sister hotel called Fragrance Selegie which is 5 minutes walking distance from Parc Sovereign, and that they will refund my first night in full. I was so upset that I told him I would like to cancel the entire nights, get the refund and try to look some other hotels. He said it is impossible as I am paying to Agoda and not to the hotel! Arrrrrghhh..tired of standing there, I follow him to the Fragrance Selegie hotel, I got a singel room, tiny, without windows fortunately clean. The Parc Sovereign staff said that I can put my luggage at their hotel the next morning, and ensure the other two nights my room will be available.

So it's really annoying that the next morning, I have to pack again, checkout, put my luggage at Parc Sovereign Singapore, than go to the conference venue. When I come back, I got my room at Parc Sovereign, and they gave me the refund for my first night.

Despite that they did give me a refund I still dissappoint with the hotel, very much! That's why I wrote on the TripAdvisor hotel review, and as you may seen, I am the first reviewer of this hotel.

Now let's see the pictures of this hotel. The room is small, but ok for up to two people.

The swimming pool is nice with its playground. Its on the 4th floor.

The look from the outside is as seen in the above picture. And when we exit the hotel and turn left, we'll see this antique clock.

Basically no complaints regarding the room, the hotel surrondings, the location. It is 15 minutes walking to both Little India MRT and Bugis MRT. The nearest bus stops are Selegie Center and Bencoolen Street.

Take my advice, if you want to book this hotel, send them the hotel voucher by email, and ensure that you get your email replied. Just to avoid same thing happened.

written on May 11, 2011

Ikea Damansara

2011-04-29T06:45:00.011+07:00

Despite of its location which is outside the city of KL, we still put Ikea Damansara on our itinerary, with one reason: we wanted to try the Swedish Meatball, which is halal here! We had to take LRT all the way to Kelana Jaya LRT station. It was a 30 minutes trip from KL Sentral.

At the Kelana Jaya LRT station turn left when after the train exit counter and use the bridge to cross the road (bridge with "Mr Paint" ad on the above picture) which will take us to the bus stop at the opposite of Kelana Jaya Stn. We waited for the Ikea's free shuttle bus. The bus will be taking us to Ikano Power Center, the name of the mall. The bus interval is every 1-2 hours. The bus should have come by 10 am, but it didn't show up. And our itinerary doesn't contain which public bus to take, as we depend on the Ikea's shuttle bus!!

So we keep on reading the destination stated on the public bus passing by the bus stop, and suddenly we saw bus number U88 with the sign "Damansara". We thought maybe it's going to Ikea as well:p We approach the driver and asked whether it's going to Ikea, and he said yes. Thanks God. We paid MYR 1 per person, so cheap! By the way, we can also take taxi from the bus stop. I don't know the fare though.

After 30 minutes on the bus, we arrived at Ikea. The bus didn't stop in front of it, instead we stopped behind the building, and the driver told us where to walk. Warning, there is no bus stop! So we asked him how to go back to Kelana Jaya station? He said just wait at the opposite and take the same bus number from there, and again we didn't see any bus stop at the opposite.

We arrived at Ikea and it is huge compared to the one in Singapore Alexandra road! But the one I visited in the Netherlands still the biggest that I have visited so far. We went directly to the foodcourt, too bad the lunch was not ready until 11.30 pm. So we shopped around first, buy some little things for our house, with Rene keep saying "don't buy this and that":p Not because of the price, but because of its dimension as he's the one who will be in charge in packing:D

The food court area is also huge. All food are halal here!!!

We came back to the foodcourt just about lunch time..and yes we had the swedish meatballs! OMG it is so yummy :)

Other than that we ordered their chicken wings and pasta. The pasta is so so, but the chicken wing taste so good.

Before leaving Ikano Power Center, we visited Toys r Us!! We didn't know there is a Toys R Us on the same building as Ikea. So it was really a nice surprise for us.

We went back to the place where we were coming, and waited there for bus U88. The first bus coming on our way stated that it is going to KL Sentral. So we tried to take the bus instead of the LRT, to go back to KL Sentral. We have no idea how the bus route would be, and where to stop. We thought that the bus driver will tell us where to stop, as we asked him at the time we hopped into the bus that we were going to KL Sentral. After 45 minutes of drive, we just realize that we arrived at KL sentral already, and the bus driver didn't tell us to stop! We suddenly press the bus stopping button, and the driver was kind enough to alight us even after the official bus stop:p We than continue taking monorail to Bukit Bintang.

I personally always so happy to try new route, new mode of transportation (no taxi of course), just hop on to bus passing by..and glad we succeed going back by bus from Ikea. Too bad we forget to write down the bus number.

written on April 29, 2011

Vincci shopping at Bukit Bintang

2011-04-27T06:48:00.009+07:00

If I travel with Rene, we don't like shopping that much, we spend most of our travel time to explore new things, taking pictures and just enjoy our quality time. Only in Hongkong, we shop a lot:D In Malaysia, I only want to buy some Vincci bags or shoes, and we thought the outlet is still open in Suria KLCC. When we went there it is closed! So we were looking for it on our last day in Bukit Bintang.

Bukit Bintang is similar to Orchard Road in Sin, you may alight at Monorail station Bukit Bintang to go to Pavillion, Fahrenheit, Lot 10, Sungei Wang, or alight at Imbi to go to Berjaya Times Square. If you're taking kids with you, than go visit Berjaya Times Square as it has a fantasy land inside. This time we only visited two malls which are The Pavillion and Fahrenheit. And yes we found Vincci at Farrenheit.

I read that The Pavillion is the newest mall, a very nice mall, well for me, it is nothing compare to malls in Jakarta :)

We visited Fahrenheit as it has Vincci store, and yesss it was on sale!! I bought a bag for only MYR 65, wow that is very cheap.

So we don't really like Bukit Bintang that much as it is very crowded, but we will always come back for Vincci:p

written on April 27, 2011

Putrajaya

2011-04-21T06:26:00.013+07:00

This is one of our reason of visiting KL, to have another visit to Putrajaya. We loved the ambience there, it is so peaceful. That's why this place was on the top of our itinerary. But this time, we visited this place around 4 pm until the sunset, as it is the golden time of Putrajaya.

We took KLIA transit from KL Sentral, a return ticket cost MYR 19 per person, than we alight at Putrajaya. Exit the station, turn right to go to the bus station or taxi counter. When I googling, there were limited info on how to go around Putrajaya by bus. Mostly tourist take taxi here which cost MYR 30 for an hour. But there is a cheaper way by taking Nadi Putra bus which cost only MYR 0,5. Based on my googling, bus 900 will be takung us to Dataran Putra, Putra Mosque, Selera Putra food court, which all located in Precint 1.

Arriving at the bus terminal, we couldn't find the bus number! So when your itinerary is not the same as the actual, don't panic, just relax and have an ice cream:p It's a plan anyway, and plan might change. After eating the ice cream, I approach an uniformed lady which bust will take me to Dataran Putra. She than inform me to hop on the bus 901 which was just in front of me. I confirmed to the bus driver, he said the bus is going there. So we paid 1 MYR for two person! So cheap.. After 15 minutes, the driver told us to alight and just walk down the hills.

After 10 minutes walking, we arrived at Dataran Putra. By the way to go back to the Putrajaya train station, the driver said that this is the nearest bus stop. So we have to walk to the same bus stop later that night.

We went directly to the Selera Putra food court. We tried some malay food, taste very rare. Oh nooo..so we continue taking pictures instead.

After the sunset, the view is even better! So take my tip, go there to get the sunset, and enjoy the lights of Putrajaya afterwards

written on April 22, 2011

Tune Hotel Kuala Lumpur

2011-04-20T06:43:00.010+07:00

This is the second Tune hotel we're staying after Tune Legian. The atmosphere is really different, as the one in Legian has its beautiful Balinese touch at the lobby. When I entered Tune on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman Kuala Lumpur, I didn't feel the holiday mood, neither at the lobby nor in the room.

This hotel is strategically located, only 5 minutes away from Medan Tuanku monorail station. In front of the hotel, there is a shopping mall called Maju Junction, and at night, there are food stalls at the corner of the street.

The loby itself has subway and a kopitiam, so you never far away from food when you're staying at this hotel.

The hotel's lift looks very nice with its wallpaper.

The room is very small (of course it is tune!), but they have a very comfortable bed and pillow (we didn't see the king koil sign though), that made you sleep very well after you tiring day. The room is lovely with its painted wall by Danapaint:p

The toilet is clean, the aircon works properly, no complaint regarding the room, except that it doesn't have the control machine as Tune Legian has, that inform you how many hours you have used your aircon. And one more thing, at the first time we arrived in the room, we failed to insert our key to light up the room. There's insufficient information in the room or on the card itself. We had to go back to the lobby to ask whether our card was error. But there was no error, it's just how you open the room with the card and how you insert it to light up the room is on a different way. We also found other guests asking about the same problem.

We had a room which has a view to the city. Next to the hotel is the monorail railway, but we didn't hear any annoying sound from the monorail when it is passing by.

We took a cab from KL sentral as we're arriving at midnight, it cost MYR 20 only. On our last day, we also took a cab to go back to the KL sentral, it cost only MYR 15. From this hotel to the Petronas tower, I will suggest you to take taxi (as there's no direct monorail to Petronas), it will cost you max MYR 10.

On the last day, we checked out at 8 am and left our luggage at the hotel which cost only MYR 2/ luggage per 24 hours. When we reached Monorail Medan Tuanku, we realize that we left our gorilla tripod in the room. We were trying to call the hotel but we only got Tune call center which only opens during working days. We called Malaysia yellow page, got the phone call, but failed to reach the hotel. We went back to the hotel around 3 pm to get our luggage, and ask the reception whether they found our left gorilla tripod in the room. He than check it with the housekeeping, but couldn't find it for us.

Despite that we lost our gorilla tripod in the room, we enjoyed our stay here, and for sure we will come back.

written on April 20, 2011

Petronas Tower

2011-04-19T12:04:00.013+07:00

This is the third time that we visit KL, and this time we promised ourselves to go up to the twin towers! So when I made the itinerary, I visited some blogs to gather info how to get the ticket, where is the location of the ticket counter, etc. From what I read, the ticket is no longer free. We have to pay MYR 10 to go up until 41st level, and MYR 40 to go up until 86th floor. They also have lunch and dinner package for MYR 200 and MYR 350 respectively. We decided to take the package which will allow us going up to the top.

Other important thing is that we have to queue up very early as the daily ticket is limited. The ticket counter opens at 8.30am, but it is recommended to come as early as possible.

We planned to leave at 6am to catch the ticket, but that morning we left tune hotel at 7.15 am and were confused either to take taxi, monorail or just walk to the petronas tower. As our hotel is really close to Medan Tuanku monorail station, we took the monorail and alight at the next stop called Bukit Nanas. The lady in ticket counter suggest us to continue taking LRT from Bukit Nanas to KLCC. But when we arrived at Bukit Nanas, we didn't see any LRT station, instead the Petronas tower looks very close. So we walked along Ampang Street and turn right to KLCC. It was only 10 minutes walking distance.

It was 7.50 am when we finally found the ticket counter (which is located at the basement), there were already so many people..amazing! I wonder what time they arrived that morning.

One adult can purchase up to 5 tickets, so Rene got into the line, while I had breakfast at Mesra Shop, located just opposite the ticket counter. I had Nasi Lemak with fried chicken and a botol of mineral water cost MYR5
At 8.30 am the counter opens, and at 9.10 am no more people were allowed to get into the line. The gate is closed and there's a sign saying "sorry no more ticket available" Wooohooo!! Rene got the ticket only to go up to 41th floor (MYR 10 per person). The second package was no longer available for morning visit.

At 9.50 we entered the exhibition area where we can see movie, pictures, and some "try yorself" kind of tools. The one that I tried was to compare our height with the tower! So funny.

We were directed to a small movie, had to see a 7 minute video, than start the visit up to 41st floor.

The lift was really fast, it went by each floor by second, so it took only 41 seconds to the observation deck!

We were given only 10 minutes to take pictures. Too bad that we weren't able to go up to the top level. The view must be better. Believe it or not, but the view from the observation deck is not so breathtaking as I thought it would be. A little bit dissappointed, but at least we can say, we have been there:p

After the visit, we had lunch and did some window shopping at Suria KLCC, the mall adjacent to the towers. We were looking for Vinnci shop, too bad the outlet is no longer operate in KLCC. We went back to Tune hotel taking LRT to Dangwangi than continue taking monorail from Bukit Nanas to Medan Tuanku. We found out that the LRT and Monorail stations were separated by10 minutes walking. That's why we couldn't find it in the morning when we wanted to go to the twin towers.

written on April 19, 2011

Jalan Hemat Kuala Lumpur

2011-04-11T06:57:00.007+07:00

Another budget trip for me and my husband, this time to Kuala Lumpur. We have purchased the ticket a year in advance during the Air Asia Rp 0 promo (free seats). Thanks to our friend Yenni Puspo who helped us buying the ticket and also booking Tune hotel in downtown KL. Later on I upgraded the ticket with pre-purchased meals, skybus ticket, so in total the ticket cost IDR 545,196 for two person (incl two way bagage for 15 kg). Yenni recommend Tune hotel for us. At that time I had never stayed in Tune hotel before. But as the hotel were having Rp 0 promo (free rooms) as well, we agree with her recommendation. Our two night stay cost only IDR 423.000 nett. Unbelivable.

About one month I prepared the itinerary. Confused where to go in the short time in KL. First we'd like to go to Melacca, that was the plan a. But we thought that two days in KL will be too short, we go back to the original plan : just vising KL. So here's our itinerary:

Day 1: Go to Petronas tower early in the morning to queue up the tickets, visit the twin tower, shopping and lunch at Suria KLCC, visit Masjid Jamek and Dataran Merdeka, visit Putrajaya.

Day 2: Go to Ikea Damansara, visit Bukit Bintang, go back to KL sentral.

A very short visit indeed, and this time we made our itinerary with the detail budget. It's our first time ever, but we have to stay on track as this year we'll have holiday up to 5 times:)

Ok, we'll update our KL story really soon :)

written on March 4, 2011

Ever Fresh MAG

2011-03-30T06:59:00.011+07:00

We found this seafood resto inside Mall Artha Gading in Northern Jakarta area, and we fall in love with this resto for its affordable price and of course with the taste of the food! It's a seafood resto where we can choose the fresh seafood from their 'seafood display area'. The price is determined by the weight of the seafood we choose. And every 1 onz will be subject to IDR 1,000 for the cooking fee.

The most famous menu is the steam fish with its hongkong sauce. You can choose the kind of fish you would like to steam. But the most recommended one is the red neela fish. It cost IDR 35,000 for 1/2kg. I don't like steam fish, and tried the fried gurame and also the grilled one. Ther are also yummy.

Fried squid is also our fave here, it cost IDR 25,000 for 1/4kg. You can have it either fried, cooked with saos padang (spicy one), the one below is the fried crispy squid with salt and pepper sauce.

And for the vegetable, we choose salt fish with tauge for IDR 17,500.

This resto is highly recommended:) Average per person is around IDR 35,000

written on Mar 30, 2011

Pasar Klewer and Abon Mesran Solo

2011-03-21T06:17:00.009+07:00

Enough review on Solo's culinary experience, now let's talk about shopping in Solo. Of course there are several shopping malls in town, but the most famous place to shop in Solo is Pasar Klewer (pasar=market), where we can buy batik, souvenirs with very cheap price.

Pasar Klewer located off the west gate of Kraton north's square. It is quite hard to find parking place around the market, so better to take becak or taxi.

Inside the pasar, there are hundred shop in a narrow passageways. No aircon of course, and we have to bargain. We went in, grab some clothes in the first shop we passed by, and went out the market. It was really hot inside:p I didn't enjoy shopping here, but the long sleeve batik I bought was really nice and comfortable to wear.
Actually we can also find Batik shops outside pasar klewer where we can shop comfortably with aircon. But in those shops, the price is fixed and of course more expensive. Especially on those Batik boutiqes having famous brand.

Other thing to shop in Solo of course Solo's traditional snacks where we can buy in a shop called Abon Mesran. When we got there, the shop was full (because of new years vacation). We bought intip and brem our fave snacks. written on March 21, 2011

Review on Novotel Solo

2011-03-16T06:56:00.007+07:00

We were confused whether to stay in Novotel or Ibis to spend our new year holiday. Ibis is cheaper than Novotel, located just beside Novotel, and it is a new hotel. But when we read review that novotel has bathtube in the room, we choose Novotel instead. And of course because of Ibis room is smaller than Novotel's.

We booked through Agoda, the price of the room only was quite ok, around IDR 400,000 for new years eve! Prior to my booking, I have callled the hotel, and the staff said that I had to buy new years package, including the gala dinner. Well, going with your children, who cares about Gala Dinner?:p

The hotel was still as great as my first visit, however the interior now looks old (both in the room and at the lobby). Especially since the room has no LCD TV inside. But overall, it still impressed us: friendly staff, comfy bed, excellent location and friendly price.

Below is a picture of Ibis, taken from Novotel's poolside. Both hotel share their swimming pool, so guest can swim both at Ibis and Novotel.

I would recommend Novotel to anyone visiting Solo. However our stay will be more memorable if Novotel Solo do some changes for their room's interior. Well, start changing the old tv with an LCD tv would be a great idea:)

written on March 16, 2011

Tulang Jambal Bandung

2011-03-15T07:00:00.007+07:00

Finally we tried this very famous Tulang Jambal (how shall I translate it: bone of dried salted catfish?), which is really really spicy. From what I read, this resto was opened in 2006 and has been one of the top of bandung's culinary food. Me...just heard it a week ago. Unbelievable! And of course we went there directly to have it a try.

It has three branches, one in Jalan Sumur Bandung, one in Jalan Lengkong and the one we visited was on Jalan Ambon (around Jalan Riau). We arrived at 11.15 am (yes we had it for our brunch:p) and had to wait till 11.30 because the food were being delivered from the other branch.

And here it is, the famous Tulang Jambal with rice, tofu and tempe for IDR 21,000.

I am telling you this is really hott!!!! I gave up eating it as I don't like spicy food. But frankly speaking it taste good. Really.

written on Mar 15, 2011

Royal Garden Restaurant

2011-03-07T06:47:00.005+07:00

We were looking for a fine dining resto in Yogya through google on the last night of our new years vacation, ended up having dinner at Royal Garden Restaurant. This resto located in front of Alun-alun Yogya. Too bad that night was raining, so we had to eat inside. Actually this is not the kind of resto we were looking for, the resto is quite old, and seems not well maintained. We than asked the waiter for the recommended food.

We ordered their Royal Home Made Tofu for IDR 30,000, and for me it taste so weird.

Another food we ordered were Ikan Gurame ala Thai for IDR 70,000 and Capcay (mixed vegetables) for IDR 30,000. Both food taste good, especially the fish with thai sauce.

Our parents ordered a traditional drink called wedang secang (I have no idea how to translate it into english:p) for IDR 18,000.

After all it was a nice resto with good food, but this one time visit is enough.

written on March 7, 2011