Our Brothers': Malaysia and Singapore :)

Another Exploration with You

Another Exploration was in 2006 and 2007 when Putra was just about to depart for USM. We thought, hmm.. this is about time we should just explore some part of the neighboring country, Malaysia and Singapore. It will be just like college again, more just like college since we will not bring Dasha and Aqila along. Thanks to Air Asia, we managed a pretty cheap trip across the Melacca Strait. Then another exploration was with the girls, making sure they can adapt to our travelling style.

Looking back to 2006, as we arrive at Kuala Lumpur, it was just totally 'go with the flow' we did not have any hotel reservation - simply took the shuttle from the LCCT to Pudu Raya Station. Cool! We arrive at nigth and starved with hot meal. Luckily food was no problemo in Kuala Lumpur, even with the strong spices we can handle (we thought) as we dived into the cuisine of Nasi Mamak. Ayam Chappati, briyani rice, teh tarek - we were all set. I was totally fit, even though the rain was soking my outfit, but I was fine - we were just like happy kids with the rain.

Scrolling the isles of Bukit Bintang area, we finally found what became out favorite guest house - Eight Hotel (Hotel Delapan) - the coziest guest house for us. Located on Tengkat Tong Shin Road, in front of it are lines of restaurants. The management often put out tea light candle on its porch at night, just easy atmosphere to chat.

Kuala Lumpur was great, we explored Genting Higland as well, to prepare to take the girls there, which we did later on by August 2007. Even though many have said Genting is tacky, but to me, I think it is fine! Hey, where else can Medanese take their kids to experience rides, correct? Certainly not to Jakarta I say, too far!

In 2006 we tried the bus to go to Singapore. In 2007 we took the train from KL Sentral - which is much more convinient. Teh train took 10 hours, which allowed us to sleep in. Arriving in the morning for immigration check then proceed to hotel.

Our option in 2006 was in Little India. 2007 was changed to Bugis Junction area, much closer to lots of food and hang out to see the city. Definitely a place to go to.

We tried below:

Penang:

If arrive by plane: taxi from airport to Sungai Penuh Station around RM 30

If arrive from KL: at Sungai Penuh Station, taxi to Cititel is RM 30

Where to eat: Sup Kambing nearby Cititel

Place to stay: Cititel (with voucher booked from Medan you can get better rate)

Where to go: too much! Rumah Nyonya, George town, Bukit Bendera, Komtar, Feringhi, Tj. Bunga

Kuala Lumpur:

If arrive by plane: taxi from airport to LCCT to Pudu Raya Station (there is a new shuttle that hit directly to Bukit Bintang) around RM 8-9, every hour

Where to eat: too much, just explore!

Place to stay: well, we have experience staying at Hotel Delapan (we love), Allston Genesis (so-so)

Commuter: Monorail is located nearby, just walking distance.

Where to go: China town, Shops at Bukit Bintang, KLCC, Batu Cave, Petronas Tower, and many more...hey, easy! just browse through the internet :)

Advise: don't worry if you arrive late in Bukit Bintang, it is packed almost all night long 24/7!

Singapore

If arrive by train: then take the closest MRT from the train station (will update you on the name later) and go to wherever your hotel is located

Where to stay: we are cheap, as long as hotel has nice bed and bedroom we are fine. Damn! Singapore can be so expensive. So we stayed at Fragrance in 2006 and Seven Storey in 2007

Where to eat: Now this you have to be careful. As Moslem, we chosed Halal restaurant. There are a lot though in Bugis Junction. They even have Ayam Penyet. In fact, my first time to try Ayam Penyet is in Singapore. Crazy heh?

Where to go: get some nice shower, take a walk on pedestrian, which you can not do in Medan - We went to the Marina, then to Merlion, then to China town, back to Little India. Not to forget Science Center (is definite for the kids), Sentosa Island, temples.. gosh! Just too much, we have not even get them all done. We will though - why not!

Commuter: MRTs are available -and cheap - strongly recommended

Advise: Get worry if you arrive late in Singapore, even though it is very safe to wonder the city at night, but hey, not too many place I know are open at night, except bars.

One day, just you and me...

September 23, 2004 we decided as the day that we should explore a bit part of Indonesia. Funny how we have been away from the country but never really understand all the rich inside it. The four Flamboyan dwellers did the cross country road Sumatra-Java-Bali. It was just Abach Putra, Amie Uni, Dasha and Mr.Jazz. It was a test case for Mr. Jazz.
The trip was started through the Eastern Sumatra Inter Province Road. We have never seen such poor suburban areas in our life. Totally different from the urban poor that Putra and I walked through during our college years. This is the silent poor – in the middle of nothingness, crossed by the dry red earthed unfinished- too long of unfinished inter province road. Sad. Only sadness that came to mind at first, then followed by extreme furious.

The trip on Sumatra to Java took 3 days 2 nights. We passed North Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra and Lampung, then cross the Sunda Strait, wathcing Krakatoa from distance. How glad we were as we reached the first stop in Anyer. It was a fun trip – partially planned, partially goes with the flow. Putra and Dasha quickly jumped into the pool just by the ocean. Big smile arrived in my face as I see them playing with the fresh water.

From Anyer, it was Bandung. Bandung is another story. Meeting old college mates and sort of spent the time to hang at cafés. Indeed, Bandung was a student city. Lots of Factory Outlets, Cafés, and what we appreciate much was the quality of the Architectural work and finishes. As the thirst for new sights always hit on us, we explored to the smallest areas of Bandung. The yogurt, at…., batagor Riri… serabi imut at… plus the hot sekoteng. Nothing was like hanging out again at night. The night was also beautiful at the… seeing the little lights of Bandung that reflected the stars in the dark sky. The visit was also added by the visit to Tangkuban prahu and Ciwidey.
After a long rest before sunset on the second day, Putra hit the road. It was just him as the captain who led Mr. Jazz. We talked all night long, just like in college. Smiling on my parents worries as the let us go to the trip. It was my first cross country road trip as the responsible person to a family! I used to be just the kid in the trip who had nothing to worry about.

Jogja, was not quiet a surprise, as it was our second time back. But the first time to return together. The first day was mostly spending time at Keraton, the market, and Malioboro. Gave Dasha her first experience riding the andong. Second day and third day was all about Candi, Borobudur and Prambanan. Our favorite was Prambanan, mass wise. But as the great wonder of the world, nothing beat sunset at Borobudur. It was perfect. Scrolling the small roads of Jogja, little isles in the Kampoengs. Jogja-ness, the Kampoeng people, were able to live very humble. It amazed us, but made us realized how lucky our life is. Nothing much to complain. But we are not leaving Jogja without me getting the traditional Batik, wax, canting, and natural color materials to make Batik.

Slow Sunday we passes Solo on the way to Bali. We explore the quiet Keraton Solo neighborhood and tried the local Arab Kebab, plus sholat in one of the mosque at Kampung Arab.
From Jogja, leading to Bali – again another long drive. We took the Southern Java Provincial Road and then maneuver to the Northern Provincial Road. As we arrive at sunrise in the forest of…. Again, just amazed of the wonderful woods. Regardless it was dry season, and all the leaves had fallen on the ground, but reminds me of fall in the US. So why can’t Indonesia make the best of this country. If only…

Bali, Yes! The ride from the roll on roll off terminal was magnificent! One side is the ocean view, another is either hills or paddy field. I did all the driving while Captain Putra was just enjoying the sun, the view, and me giving him the time to relax. Immediately we checked into a Balinese style hotel in Kute. The plan to get rest was invaded by wanting to see the beautiful Bali garden. Dasha and I were busy playing in the garden after a hot shower. A necessary hot shower after being so tired on the road. Meanwhile our captain, Putra, and Mr. Jazz are resting in their sleep. Bali was again as simple as just resting and exploring. Candi to candi, market to market, silver smith to silver smith.. We really did shop there! Packed the car with tons of stuff. It was fun exploring and shopping! What was wonderful was the time when Dasha had the chance to play with Bali children who practice the dance. The villages were beautiful. The sarong were very soft rubbing against my face. The sunset at Kute was another joyous. I almost forgot how I love the ocean. Playing there at Kute, seeing Putra led Dasha into the water, slowly, teaching her about waves, ocean habitat, sands, sun,… reminded me of my own childhood with Dad. I hope Dasha will remember this somewhere in the tip of her mind as she grows up.

From Bali, back to Bromo mountain. The freaky drive within the early morning mist to mountain top really gave me goose bumps. But the reward was something. The cold breeze, and the heat at the same time, did not stop us from climbing the Bromo mountain. Dasha was pretty tough for climbing half of the stairways, until she gave up and gave more challenge to Captain Putra to carry her up. I was amazingly tired, clueless of what was happening, but I was…

Returning to home was also involving transit in many cities – again to Jogja to explore the cemetery of …., then to Bandung and Jakarta once more. The next Sumatra stop was thorugh South Sumatra again, then Bukit Tinggi, where we were just adored by the natural beauty of the Lakes, Canyons, Waterfalls, and food. The trip back home then followed by entering North Sumatra from Sidempuan area.

It was a full non stop 5 week trip. Nothing beat the fun of the trip. We will do it again soon. With Lombok as addition. Just love cross country too much!