Indonesia Travel Tips, News & Experience

Into the heart of Java: Ciamis – Banjar – Majenang – Gombong – Purworejo – Borobudur

2008-05-25T18:47:00.001+07:00

Saturday
Ciamis – Banjar – Majenang – Gombong – Purworejo – Borobudur
Setting off at ten, not quite as early as planned, it was great to be able to see the surrounding countryside. The dark of night had offered no clues and the morning light revealed a brilliantly green world, bathed in sunshine and surrounded by the majestic peaks of West Java. Perfect conditions for the road trip to Borobudur.

In route from Ciamis to Majenang we passed lovely pastoral scenes before joining the South Western Highway towards Yogyakarta.

A long day’s drive later, we finally checked into Sariswati Borobudur an interesting luxurious hideaway located a stone throw from the ancient temple site. After a quick dinner, we set off to explore the neighbouring village although it didn’t take to long to realize that the night end pretty early in these parts. Unlike Siam Reap, the bustling town near the temples of Angkor in Cambodia, it appears that most visitors to Borobudur stay elsewhere, as the streets now quiet with no obvious sign of tourist anywhere. The nearest bar, I was told was 40 kms away in Yogyakarta. I decided to move up to Amanjiwo nearby.

The Amanjiwo must be the most aesthetically pleasing hotel that I’ve visited. Not only is Ed Tuttle’s design and architecture exquisite, the standard of service and attention to detail are second to none. The beauty and splendor of this magnificent structure, coupled with the view from the restaurant terrace of fertile fields of tobacco to the Borobudur complex and sacred Tidar hill beyond is quite spectacular.

Into the heart of Java: A Driving adventure across country, to borobudur and back Part 1

2008-02-19T22:48:00.003+07:00

Java is a very beautiful island that you should see for yourself. Here is an inspiring beutiful story written based on an adventure driving experience to the heart of java.

Friday
Bangkok – Jakarta – Bandung – Garut
I succumbed to a rare vision of delight upon waking in bangkok with the sunrise. My Excitement was due to the approaching chance of fullfiling one of my life’s ambitions – driving through the mystical heart of Java towards the magnificent temple of Borobudur. Mydawn flight from Suvarnabhumi to Soekarno-Hatta airport marked the beginning of motoring excursion that would take me from jakarta to Central Java and back again in three days.

The few friends who had made exploratory trips into Central Java had brought back tales of a stunning, majestic and raw landscape, dominated by active, dormant and extinct volcaanoes, exquisitely sculpted padi fields, vast coffee, palm oil and rubber plantations and isolated, almost medieval villages set on lush slopes and valleys. I couldn’t wait to see it for myself.

Another source of excitement was the choice of steed for the expedition, a handsome anthracite black BMW X5 3.0i. In my mind, this sport utility vehicle really looks the business – sporty, stylish and luxurious – with an air of elegant understatement.

As the daylight began to fade, the heavens gushingly opened and suddenly we were driving through thick swarms of flying ants – the annual sign that the monsoon rains have arrived. On unknown roads in the dense Java night, things could get interesting. Four rather exciting hours later – it was my first introduction to the mesh of javanese traffic maneuvers – we arrived safely in the hotels that have sprung around the springs of garut. Our accomodation for the night was the area’s first and most established hotel, the Tirtagangga Gitamaya, where after some steming nasi goreng and a quick stroll to walk off dinner, we called in early – the next day promised to be quite a drive and I was eager to get started as early as possible.

To be continued

Escape in Jakarta

2008-02-18T21:45:00.002+07:00

Living in a city like jakarta is indubitably exciting. But it is certainly necessary to escape from the capitol from time to time.

Whether this be atrip to vineyards in renowned Margaret River near Perth, a wild night out in Hongkong, a road trip around mystical Java or a visit to Bali's elephant playground, the journey is easier than you think. Located between holiday-destination packed Southeast Asia and attractive land 'down under', tha capital of Indonesia is the perfect starting point for great gateways to both local and foreign horisons.

Need Some Place To Eat?

2008-01-02T21:55:00.000+07:00

Indonesian food famous for its rich and spicy taste. It's a lost if you dn't get the most of it during your vacation to Indonesia. But is there any good web site to be used as your reference?

There is!
You can search for Indonesian restaurant in this restaurant reference web site. There you can read reviews about restaurant all over Indonesia and search them based on location, name, food, etc.
This web site also provides promotion from some restaurant that you can use.
Go try it, but prepare your dictionary or ask your guide to translate it for you, since it's still in Indonesian language.
Warm regards.

Wanna Play at Wonderia Amusement Park? Be carefull

2007-11-17T08:50:00.000+07:00

Yesterday, I watched news about accident that happens at Wonderia Amusement park on TV. This amusement park is located in Semarang, Central Java. It seems that something went wrong on of its rides that caused it to fall down. 12 injured from 16 people on it.

This news really shocked me, because I used to went there with my family. And everything seems to be fine, nothing to be worried about.

What I can conclude from this accident is that the maintenance of rides and other entertainment ar poor especially at Wonderia.

Now, I won't allow my kids to play on any dangerous rides at any amusement park anywhere. Just pick the save one, just in case.

So be carefull if you want to take your kids to a play ground.

Kelud Mountain Alert

2007-11-11T21:31:00.000+07:00

If you are planning to go to East Java, you must be aware of recent activities of Kelud Mountain. Latest news shows that Kelud is in red alert situation. So I advice you not to go near that mountain for a while, especially city like Jember which is located around Kelud.

Indonesia Travel Agent

2007-10-23T08:44:00.000+07:00

Choosing a good Indonesia travel Agent can be a very dificult process. Here you can find list and description of Indonesian Travel Agency to help you make your decision.

Indonesian Travel Agency List

Bayu Buana Travel - One of the best Indonesian Travel Agent

Founded in 1972, Bayu Buana Travel Services has grown at a steady pace and become one of Indonesia’s leading travel agent offering a complete travel solution for both leisure and business travels. The company has over 450 staff within 20 branches across the country.The principal activities of Bayu Buana includes Ticketing services for both Domestic and International travelers, Organizing Domestic and International Tour Packages, Cruise Holidays, Ground Transportations, Hotel Booking and Incentives Program tailored to specific company or group requests. They have membership programme for free called Bayu Buana Travel Club.

Travelindo.com - Indonesia Online Travel Service that server all journey of tourism throughout Indonesia

Travelindo is part of an Indonesian travel agent that was established in 1995. In the beginning we engaged in manual ticket reservation. Seeing an opportunity in the development of tourism industry, travelindo promptly moved into the scheduled tour market, hotel accommodation which provides information hotel throughout Indonesia such as Bali hotels, Bandung hotels, Jakarta hotels, Yogyakarta hotels, Medan and another part in Indonesia. As local Travel agent in Indonesia we are specialized in inbound market or tailor made of the most tourist destinations in Indonesia. There are 7 top destinations including Toba lake in the north of Sumatera, Borobudur temple, Prambanan temple, Mount Bromo with their Tenggerese, Bali, the Toraja heritage and the beautiful of Bunaken in Manado North Sulawesi. With fully online system surely Travelindo is your reliable traveling partner as we serve the most completely Indonesian flight directory for overseas and local travellers covering Indonesia.

Alliance - Indonesia Tours and Travel Agent in Bali (also known as Bali Indonesia Travel Online)

Alliance Indonesia ™ is an Indonesian, Bali owned travel management with an established name for meeting the needs of various kind of objective of visitors and tourist to Indonesia. Since 1999 the skills of Alliance Indonesia ™ Professional team have been helping to bring thousands of International visitors from France, Belgium, The Netherlands, East Europe, North America and Asian Countries.

Indo.com - Bali Hotels Discount Bali Travel, Hundreds of Hotel in Bali and Indonesia Hotels

Indo.com is the leading Internet travel and technology company based in Indonesia. Founded in 1995, indo.com operates http://www.indo.com, the world's most popular inbound portal into Bali and other destinations in Indonesia, enjoying over 10,000 links from leading sites in the world, including America Online's, SABRE's, and others. Hundreds of thousands of visitors visit indo.com every month, generating thousands of room nights of online hotel bookings to close to over 300 hotels that support indo.com. Indo.com also operates http://www.paketrupiah.com, the leading domestic and outbound travel portal for Indonesian travelers.

Buminatatours - Tour & Travel Agent Indonesian java Bali Lombok

Bumi Nata Tours was estabilished to carve itself as specialist in tailoring and executing tourism unique by presenting new spirit of travel organization covering value of money, itineraries, excellent handling and quick confirmation. BUMI NATA TOURS provides innovative solutions, and, qualified bussines that believes in working closely with all of the partners to identify customer needs in providing an overall satisfication. We present new spirit of travel organization organization covering value of money, tour program, excelent handling, professionalism staff, quick information and confirmation, and, computerized technology application.

Accrossindonesia.com - Travel to Indonesia - Indonesia Travel Tour Agent - Indonesia Wildlife Tour.

Across Indonesia, an Indonesia travel tour agent and tour operator specialized in wildlife and adventure trips, offers a once in a lifetimeholiday around the dramatic tropical rainforests, national parks, tropical islands with white sandy beach, mountains, volcanoes, moors, creeks andcountryside of Indonesia, one of the adventure capitals in the world.

Hopefully this Indonesia Travel Agent list will give you a quick glance before you dig deeper and make your decision.

Warm Regards.

Lebaran Traffic

2007-10-16T18:08:00.001+07:00

We've just celebrating one of the most busy celebration of the year. Lebaran or known also as Idul Fitri. At this moment, we have the biggest traffic jam ever in a year, and it happens yearly.
I myself went to Central Java as my destination for "mudik" a term refer to travelling back to our origin (mostly it's the city where our parents or elder lives). Luckily, I mean luckily I only experience less than an hour traffic jam this year on my way to Purwokerto. And I didn't get one on my way back. Most people will experience up to more than 24 hours traffic jam during their way go and back. Can you imagine that, 24 hours trapped in your car?
So for you guys, I suggest not to travelling a lot during Lebaran celebration days. This traffic jam usually takes around 1o days (5 days before and after, depends on calendar's day off). If you have to, take the Lebaran Day it self for travelling, or if applicable you can use the oppsite direction of the main mudik stream. Before Lebaran Day, the traffic from Central and East java is less busy, and so as after Lebaran Day.
Good luck.

Indonesia Travel Experience: Kediri (part 2)

2007-08-26T21:02:00.008+07:00

I only stayed for 1 day at Kediri, so there is not much that I can share with you. We had dinner at Ikan Bakar Cianjur Restaurant (why would I travel that far only to eat west Java's food. I could easily find it in my home town Bandung). The place is great and so as the food. I ordered fried Chicken and tofu.
The day after, I came back to Bandung by "Kramat Jati" Bus. The ticket only cost me 13 US dollars. Actually there are limited ways to travel from Kediri to Bandung, train or bus. If you want to use flight, then you have to go to Surabaya first.
Travelling from Kediri to Bandung took about 14 hours by bus. So be prepared to sit for a long time before you go.
Ok, that is it for Kediri. Next, I'll tell you about Balikpapan, it's very interesting experience that I got there. C U.

Indonesia Travel Tips: Before You Go (Part 5)

2007-08-26T21:02:00.007+07:00

Travel Tip #7: Freeze a meal for when you get back
One of the saddest parts of a vacation ending isn’t that you have to go back to work. It’s figuring out what to make for dinner again. You are cooking before you ga in any case so make a little extra and freeze it. Sometimes getting to the grocery store takes a back seat to all the other must-do’s that are eagerly awaiting your return.

Travel Tip #8: Double Check Those Documents
It is just happened to a friend of mine. She woke up with a feeling to double check those airline tickets. Good thing she did because her flight was leaving in four hours, not in three days like she originally thought. Also ensure that you have your car rental slip, airline tickets (destination, schedule), hotel confirmation numbers, passports and travel insurance. You may have forgotten to do something and having more than a day to do it will make it feel less stressful. If you haven’t already, purchase an organizer that can hold all of your documents. Saves you the hassle of checking and rechecking those suitcase pockets when you need to have them ready.

Travel Tips #9: Lock Up
Make sure all your windows and doors are locked. This includes basement windows, that side door you rarely use and your garage. Be careful to not make it look like your house is sitting empty thoudh. For example, it is a good idea to leave your blinds the way you normally would. Keep in mind if all your blinds are closed it is easier for an unwanted visitor to take what they want – no one from the outside will be able to see what they are doing.

Indonesia Travel Tips: Before You Go (Part 4)

2007-08-26T21:02:00.006+07:00

Continuing part 3 of Indonesia Travel Tips: Before You Go Series, now you can read some more useful travel Tips before you go abroad like to Indonesia. Here they are.

Travel Tip #4: Cancel magazines and newspapers
Even though we live in an electronic age where we can pay bills and shop online, the amount of mail that stuffs our mailboxes is incredible. Don’t attract attention to your home with one that is pited high with flyers and magazines that are dated from last week. Plus, why would you pay for a subscription you aren’t even going to read? However, if you di have a home sitter, you can keep your subscriptions coming and catch up on the news and that week’s fashion trends when you return.

Travel Tip #5: Medications and Vitamins
Most People who have prescriptions won’t forget to pack enough for their trip. However, it is always a god idea to bring a little extra. Yous flight might be delayed, a storm may hit and you need to stay a while longer or there’s just one more stop you decided to make. Play it safe – not having what your body needs is a stress you can avoid. It is also important to buy enough vitamin C, Tylenol and Imodium. Purchasing these abroad can be quite expensive.

Travel Tip #6: Avoid Smells
It only has to happen once and you will never forget to empty all the garbage before you leave again. What a horribly potent smell. Carve out some time the day you leave to empty all the garbage cans. Another must do – empty the fridge of itemsthat may spoil. This can include fruit, meat, eggs and milk. There’s no need to grow penicilin while you are away. Something you might not think of is to clean and flush your toilets before you go, especially if you are training the kids. Remembering to flush is a hard thing to do for the little ones, so make an extra round just to make sure.

Indonesia Travel Experience: Kediri (part 1)

2007-08-26T21:02:00.005+07:00

Traveling from Surabaya to Kediri took abour 2,5 hours draive by car. I arrived at Kediri at 6 pm and went directly to a new hotel called Grand Surya Hotel. This hotel owned by the biggest company in Kediri : Gudang Garam. Gudang garam is one of Indonesia big cigarrete company.

Grand Surya's Hotel Sign

Grand Surya Hotel exterior. As you can see, the building is still new.

THeir front desk, I like the picture above them. :)

The Cafe

The first time you came into this hotel, you can get some rest in this cafe to refresh yourself. THey have plenty of coiches to drink here.

The Grand Surya Hotel's Room and Resturant

Hope you enjoy this hotel as I did. :)

Indonesia Travel-Experience: Surabaya (Pictures/Photos)

2007-08-26T21:02:00.004+07:00

As I've promised earlier, here are some pictures that I took during my trip from Semarang to Surabaya.

I started from Tawang Station in Semarang (the train schedule is 08:30)

Picture of Tawang Train Station Semarang

I arrived at Pasar Turi Train Station about 14:00. Here is Pasar Turi looks like.

Don't be surprised, many passengers just sit on the floor since there are not many waiting seat available.

See, not many seat available :)

Pasar Turi monument. It's an old train.

Lunch at Malioboro Restaurant (Kartini Street).

My Favourite food: Soft Bone Chicken (left) and tofu omelette (right).

Inside Malioboro Restaurant

My Drink: Cingcau Young Coconut. Fresh considering the hot environment of Surabaya.

Indonesia Travel Experience: Surabaya

2007-08-26T21:02:00.003+07:00

During my trip from Semarang, Kediri and Balikpapan, I must go to Surabaya first before I go to Kediri to pick up a friend.

I leaved Semarang for my business trip to Kediri by Train. Means, I went to Tawang Station to get a ride to Surabaya. I choose Train for my trip from Semarang to Surabaya, since it's a low budget and fast. Around USD 10 and less then 6 hours to reach Surabaya.

If you came from Semarang, then you will end at Pasar Turi Station. I arrived at Surabaya just about lunch time, so I went to Malioboro restaurant in Kartini Street, just a couple minutes from Turi Station by car. They have a lot of menu, but my favorite is Flying Gurame and special chicken with soft bone. You can literally eat chicken bones if you try that menu. The food are delicious, and the place is very comfortable.

I'll put some pictures later. Nest stop is Kediri.

Travel to Indonesia: Semarang part 3 (GAMA Restaurant)

2007-08-26T21:02:00.002+07:00

Having lunch at Sederhana Padang Restaurant is not to interesting for me since I've tried it a couple times. It's located in Pandanaran Street, close to Simpang Lima. But I should inform you that Sederhana Restaurant have many branch all over Indonesia. Almost in every big city I've ever visited. Even though their price are relatively expensive, but since their brand name and delicious food make them one of the most favorite restaurant in Indonesia. If you like spicy food especially Padang's food I recommend this resturant for you to try. Additionally, you can find it almost everywhere during your trip to Indonesia.

For dinner, I went to a restaurant called GAMA Restaurant located at MT. Haryono Street Semarang. It's a sea food restaurant, and this is my first time to try it. The food is not too special, but the atmosphere is different. I like their interior. It's simply an ordinary house that turned to be a restaurant. So you can choose to eat in their main room with some tables on it, or pick a room just for your group. From the amount of guest in that restaurant, I assume that this is one of the most favorite place in Semarang to enjoy Sea food.

Since Semarang is a city by the sea, you can find many restaurant that provides sea food there. As an alternative you can tray Kampung laut, Sari laut or other sea food restaurant.

The next day I leaved for Surabaya by Train. It took only less then 6 hours to reach Surabaya.

Well, don't forget to visit Semarang if you travel to Indonesia. Next post, I'll tell you my story about Surabaya and Kediri. See you :)

Travel to Indonesia: Semarang part 2 (Hotel Graha Santika)

2007-08-26T21:02:00.001+07:00

I stayed at Hotel Graha Santika for 1 night. And this hotel is a nice place to stay. You can access Simpang Lima, Gramedia Book store (just right on the left of it), and Baiturrahman Mosque by foot.
Thi is a picture of Santika's front desk, with javanese interior.
This hotel also have it's own swimming pool, not big but its the biggest pool available compare to other hotel around Simpang Lima.

I took some pictures in my room, and this is a standard room. You can have it only less than US 50 per night. Here they are :

Hotel standard room, as you can see, it has a long sofa near the window that you can use for another 1 person. :)

This is their bath room, quite standard.

Washtafel.

When I had my breakfast, I took some pictures of Santika's restaurant. The food is mostly Indonesian food. But you can have some javanese food here if you like.

Another picture of Santika's Restaurant.

In my next Post, I will tell you a beautiful place to eat called Gama Restaurant. They provides Sea food and one of the best place to eat in Semarang. See you.

Travel to Indonesia : Experience in Semarang

2007-08-25T20:36:00.000+07:00

As I've mentioned in my last post, my first destination is Semarang. There are many ways to reach Semarang from my city Bandung. I can choose train, plane, bus or travel agency.

I usually choose travel agency because unlike other options, they are able to pick me up directly from home or anywhere I choose. And when I arrived in Semarang, they also will drop me anywhere I want. So if you are totally blind about your destination, travel agency is a good solution for you. I have 2 favourite travel agency, Sentral Travel and Fortuna Travel (dial 108 to find out their numbers), and this time I only get Sentral Travel for my trip since the other is fully booked.

Travelling from Bandung to Semarang took about 8 hours and they picked me around 8:30. So I finally arrived in Semarang around 5 in the morning. There are plenty of time for me before my meeting at 9, so I took a walk around Simpang Lima, the center of Semarang city and took some pictures around.

Here are some of pictures that I took.

Simpang Lima Area. The heart of Semarang.

Baiturrahman Mosque, The main Mosque in Semarang. Located in Simpang lima.

Simpang Lima view in the morning. Around 6. If you noticed, you can see Ciputra hotel on the left and Horison Hotel in the front.

People of Semarang use Simpang Lima as a jogging area. Here you can see some one is walking, and some bikers (in red) behind.

You don't have to worry about shopping. You can find many places like Ramayana super store around Semarang. Ramayana located at the South of Simpang Lima.

Hotels in Semarang

When you go for Indonesia Travelling, you shouldn't worry about where to stay. Just like in Semarang you can find many stars hotel. Here are some of them located around Simpang lima.

Ciputra Hotel. A 4 stars hotel. Located north of Simpang Lima.

Horison Hotel. Located at the east of Simpang Lima.

Graha Santika. This is where I stayed during my trip in Semarang. I will show you some pictures and review about this hotel in my next post. See you around.

Leaving for Semarang, Surabaya, Kediri and Balikpapan

2007-08-21T20:00:00.000+07:00

Tomorrow, I'll leave for Semarang for a couple days and then Surabaya, Kediri and Balikpapan. Wait for my experience and stories next week.

This is my first experience travelling to Kediri and Balikpapan. Can wait to see those city and I hope I have enough time to enjoy them and share it with you.
Warm regards.

Indonesia Travel Tips: Before You Go (Part 3)

2007-08-20T20:23:00.000+07:00

Travel Tip #3: Home sitter and timers

It is always a good idea to have someone check on your home if you are gone longer than a weekend. However, timers can play a important part if they set up appropriately. You aren’t fooling anyone if the same lights turn on at exactly the same time every day. But now you can find timers that can duplicate your daily activities. It can save your habit when turning on and off your lights for a couple days. And when you leave your home, it will turn your lights on and off exactly the way you do in the last few days.

If you are comfortable with it, having someone stay at your home provides great peace of mind. They will be there in case the furnace or air conditioner shuts off, the water tank bursts or a storm hits the area. Plus more and more insurance agencies are requiring that a minimum someone must walk through your home every few days. Double check with yours to see what expectations are.

Read other usefule Indonesia Travel Tips here.

Indonesia Travel Tips: Before You Go (part 2)

2007-08-19T18:52:00.000+07:00

Travel Tip #2: Passport and Travel Insurance Tips

Ensure your passport are up to date and that each member of your family has one. This includes Jr. Also if you have recently changed your name you will need to ensure your passport has the most current info. Remember, passport is the main and probably the only ID accepted abroad. Should you need to apply or renew, it is best to do this as early as possible. Waiting for them to come can be nerve wracking if on a tight deadline. It is also a lot more costly.

Regarding travel insurance – don’t chance it. You get insurance because of things you can’t foresee. Research various agencies and see which ones can offer you the best rate as well as best services.

Indonesia Travel Tips: Before You Go (part 1)

2007-08-18T21:56:00.000+07:00

Once you have decided on your destination the countdown begins. Although there is a lot to think about, planning and preparing for your great escape can be a lot of fun. Here are a few key pointers to help get on your way adjusted for Indonesian travellers. Sent directly from your destination, Indonesia.

Travel Tip #1: Find out where you are going
Perhaps this trip is a once in a lifetime vacation. Or, it could be a simple getaway. Whatever your reasons for leaving, it is important to find out what your destination has to offer. Here are some questions and answer if you are planning a trip to Indonesia:
If you are planning to stay a little bit longer in Indonesia, You can use TV as your additional resource. Nowadays, there are some good television programme about travelling in Indonedia, so that you can watch them to find out many interesting places to go (unfortunately they are still in bahasa Indonesia, but at least you could ask later to your hotel about the place you heard).

Are there any good shows or events?
Indonesian tourism is not very well managed, unless for some specific place like Bali. But, I assure you that there are a lot more than just Bali to watch around. Not many event arranged every time some tourists come by. So, you better ask your agency to find out what kind of event are there happens during your vacation. Asking from your relatives that already came to indonesia also can be a very good and trusted sources.
What tours are available and do you need to book them in advance?
You just need to ask your travel agency to find out.
What is the weather like?
As a tropical country, Indonesia only has 2 seasons, rainy and dry. Plan your travel to Indonesia on a dry seasons, since you will get the best of Indonesia tropical view best. Consider that in rainy season you will likely to waste your time in your hotel seeing rain drops falling outside your window.
Can you eat the local food and drink the tap water?
No. You definitely can’t drink tap water in Indonesia. But you can buy mineral bottled water for a very affordable price (around 100 cent for 1 L of drinking water). They are available almost every where. The most popular brand is AQUA. Local Indonesian food are spicy, so be prepared with a lot of new taste from our food. Some of tourist find them delicious, but the other would rather eat in their hotel to get the most close with their native food.

Knowing these details beforehand can help make the most of your vacation.

Pandanaran Hotel Semarang

2007-07-21T10:06:00.000+07:00

Last week I went to Semarang and stay at Pandanaran Hotel. It's an affordable hotel with swimming pool.

With only less than 40 dollars you can stay there. The drawback is only the room. It's just too small.

I don't recommend this hotel unless you are price sensitive person. Like me :)

Have a nive travel to Indonesia.

Planning to Fly for travelling in Indonesia? Check out this list..

2007-04-06T17:22:00.000+07:00

We had a lot of flight accident lately. This fact should be considered if you are planning to fly in Indonesia.
Here, I have a list that hopefully might help you to decide which carrier you have to choose. In this list you can see each carriers fleet age (average):

Garuda Indonesia 10.0 years
Lion Air 17.3 years
Adam Air 18.1 years
Awair 18.8 years
Merpati 21.6 years
Batavia 23.4 years
Sriwijaya Air 23.5 years
Mandala Airlines 23.9 years
Bouraq Indonesia Airlines 25.1 years

But remember that even Garuda also has had terrible accident lately. So the decision is yours, whether to fly or choose another transportation mode when you are travelling in Indonesia.

Warm Regards.

Indonesia Travel Tips: Dress & Manner

2007-03-15T14:15:00.000+07:00

When you are travelling to Indonesia, remember that Indonesia is a tropical country. It's relatively hot here.
There is nothing special about clothing In Indonesia. Dress is normally casual and light clothing is advisable due to the hot and humid climate. Trousers or slacks and shirts are generally considered appropriate but a jacket and tie are required for formal occasions or when making official calls. For certain formal occasions long-sleeved batik shirts are acceptable. For travel to mountain areas, a light sweater or jacket is recommended.Halter-tops and shorts are frowned upon in most places except around sport facilities or on the beach. Proper decorum should especially be observed when visiting places or worship. Indonesians are very polite people. Handshaking is customary both for men and women on introduction and greeting, and smiling is a national characteristic. The use of the left hand to give or receive is taboo, also crooking your finger to call someone is considered impolite. Pork is forbidden for the Muslim population and beef for the Balinese Hindus but they are available at many restaurants and markets.

Travel Tips : You could leave some of your clothes at home and buy a new one in Indonesia. Since its very cheap here, you can just dump them before you go back home. You can save some of your precious space in your luggage to put your other important things.

Banjarmasin City of River -Part 1

2007-03-13T17:23:00.000+07:00

Banjarmasin is a city in South Kalimantan (Borneo). Last week, I had a chance to visit Banjarmasin for the first time. This is the first part of my experience to visit that city.

Since there ara many aircraft accidents lately, I decided to choose Garuda to fly with. Garuda is the safest flight carrier in Indonesia.

Worse of the worst, at the same day to my flight, Garuda also had a terrible accident in Yogyakarta (more than 10 people died). Imagine how afraid I am then to fly only a few hours later. See the fig on the left, thats the photo I took on the same day with the accident at Sukarno-Hatta Airport Jakarta. It shows many reporter try to capture one of the family victim visiting Garuda Care Center.

During the flight, I experienced many turbulence and it scared me, really. I never afraid to fly before, but this time, I'm.

Fortunately we land savely at Syamsoedin Nur Airport of Banjarmasin. Thank God.....

We stay at Hotel Banjarmasin International, I don't think that I will ever stay at that Hotel anymore. We got the most expensive room available the suite room, since all the other room already booked. The room is dirty, and considering the rate around USD 100, the room is not convenient. It doesn't worth your money at all, trust me.

Tommorow, I will go to Pasar Apung (Floating Market) over Barito river. I will write it on my next post.

See You.