Malaysia

From the Garden City to the Green Hills: Bangalore to Wayanad Adventure

9 November 20234 November 2023travelingpersecond

A Collaboration Post with BanBanjara

Introduction

Bangalore, also referred to as the “Garden City of India,” is a thriving city renowned for its energetic urban environment and thriving IT sector. But sometimes, in the middle of this hectic existence, the pull of nature becomes too strong. Nestled in the Western Ghats, Wayanad is a verdant paradise that is only a few hours’ drive from Bangalore. This post describes the trip from Bangalore to Wayanad Green Hills and explains why it’s the ideal getaway for Bangaloreans looking for peace and adventure.

The Desire to Get Away in Nature

Bangaloreans frequently find themselves longing for a getaway from the concrete jungle as the sun rises above the city’s skyscrapers and technological parks. The everyday grind, workplace meetings, and traffic congestion of the city may exhaust even the most dedicated urbanite. The verdant hills and placid surroundings of Wayanad appeal like a peaceful oasis and a safe shelter for exploration during these times.

The Wayanad Road

The trip from Bangalore to Wayanad is a tale unto itself, full of encounters that change from the city to the countryside, from the busy to the peaceful, and from the familiar to the unfamiliar. The roughly 280-kilometer car excursion reveals an amazing planet.

Mysore: A Royal Prelude A stopover in Mysore

en route to Wayanad sets the stage for a royal adventure. This historic city, renowned for its grandeur, is highlighted by the majestic Mysore Palace, whose Indo-Saracenic architecture and opulent interiors offer a glimpse into the royal heritage of Mysore. It’s a stunning prelude to the grandeur of the Western Ghats. Those seeking spiritual solace can find solace in the city’s neighboring Chamundi Hill, with its Chamundeshwari Temple. Climbing this sacred hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of Mysore and an opportunity to reflect and refresh.

Bandipur: A Wilderness Break

The route to Wayanad winds through the vast Bandipur National Park, one of India’s most important wildlife sanctuaries, as it leaves Mysore behind. The adventure is enhanced by the possibility of seeing a range of species, including deer and elephants.

The breathtaking natural splendor of the Western Ghats is vividly brought to memory by the Bandipur experience. You get the impression that you are in a real wilderness because of the deep trees, vibrant vegetation, and the sounds of the wild. You become aware that you are entering a new world at this point.

Gateway to the Green Hills: Wayanad

The boundary between Karnataka and Kerala is where Wayanad, a region known for its pristine natural beauty, begins. It’s noticeable to move from the busy metropolis of Karnataka to Kerala’s meandering highways and verdant plantations. The aroma of spices such as pepper, cardamom, and coffee permeates the air, giving a taste preview of what’s to come.

The main town of Wayanad, Sultan Bathery, serves as your entry point to this fascinating area. Historical importance may be found in the town’s name, which is thought to be derived from Tipu Sultan, who sheltered there during one of his military expeditions. Sultan Bathery is the ideal starting point for your Wayanad excursion, with a variety of lodging choices ranging from cozy homestays to upscale resorts.

The Natural Charms of Wayanad

Wayanad, an area endowed with pristine natural beauty, has plenty to offer lovers of the outdoors:

Chembra Peak: The tallest mountain in Wayanad, Chembra mountain, is a trekker’s paradise. The walk offers panoramic views and the heart-shaped Chembra Lake at the peak is a fascinating sight.

Banasura Sagar Dam: Encircled by the verdant Banasura Hills, Banasura Sagar Dam is the biggest earthen dam in India. A peaceful experience is taking a boat trip on the dam.

Edakkal Caves: The Neolithic rock carvings found in the Edakkal Caves provide a fascinating window into the history and culture of the area.

Meenmutty Falls: This three-tiered waterfall is hidden away in the jungle and can only be reached by hiking through it; the trip itself is just as worthwhile as the goal.

Thirunelli Sanctuary: This historic Hindu temple is a serene, spiritual place hidden away among beautiful vegetation.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: With a wide variety of plants and animals, the sanctuary offers views of elephants, tigers, leopards, and a variety of bird species.

Accepting the Traditions

Wayanad is home to a rich cultural legacy in addition to its natural beauty. The Paniya, Kurichiya, and Kattunayakan indigenous tribes in Wayanad have distinctive lifestyles that are intricately entwined with the forests. Experience their rituals, traditions, and artistic creations by going to their tribal communities. Their unique dancing styles and artisan handwoven goods provide a window into the rich cultural diversity of the area.

In summary

Traveling from Bangalore’s Garden City to Wayanad’s Green Hills is an experience that transcends simple transportation. Traveling from the crowded urban jungle to the untainted wildness of the Western Ghats is the goal. You may discover calm, refuel your soul, and re-establish a connection with the natural world via it.

Together with recollections of delicious meals and breathtaking scenery, you return to Bangalore with a sense of inner calm and quiet that comes only from Wayanad. Traveling from Bangalore to Wayanad is an enchanting voyage through a beautiful nature that revitalizes and revives the tired spirit of the city. So gather your belongings, go on the road, and discover the wonders of Wayanad starting at the Garden City to the Green Hills.

All You Need to Know about Kedarnath Yatra

7 November 20234 November 2023travelingpersecond

A Collaboration Post with BanBanjara

Introduction

Kedarnath, situated in the state of Uttarakhand, India, is a widely acclaimed pilgrimage center of great significance. Tucked away in the serene embrace of the Garhwal Himalayas, it rests at an impressive altitude of approximately 3,583 meters. Kedarnath holds a revered place in the hearts of Hindus, being regarded as one of their holiest destinations.

In the following article, we embark on a comprehensive exploration of the Kedarnath Yatra, endeavoring to unravel its profound importance, guide you on the optimal seasons for a visit, delineate the trekking trail, and shed light on the myriad attractions that grace the region’s landscape.

Significance of Kedarnath:

Kedarnath holds immense religious significance for Hindus as it is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (lingams of light) of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva appeared here in the form of a fiery column of light to bless the Pandavas, the central characters of the ancient epic Mahabharata. The main deity in the Kedarnath temple is a Shiva Lingam, which is considered to be self-manifested and is worshipped with great reverence.

Best Time to Visit:

The Kedarnath Yatra traditionally kicks off in late April or early May, concluding in November. The prime period for visiting Kedarnath falls within the summer months, spanning from May to June, characterized by agreeable weather conditions and accessibility to the temple. Conversely, the monsoon season, spanning July to September, ushers in copious rainfall and frequent landslides, rendering the pilgrimage quite challenging. Finally, the winter season, from November to April, is marked by heavy snowfall, leading to the temple’s closure and the temporary suspension of the yatra.

Trekking Route:

The Kedarnath Yatra involves a mountainous trek of approximately 16 kilometers from Gaurikund to Kedarnath. Gaurikund serves as the starting point for the pilgrimage, and it is easily accessible by road from major cities in Uttarakhand. The trek passes through picturesque landscapes, dense forests, and several small villages, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.

En route to Kedarnath, pilgrims come across various significant landmarks, including the Triyuginarayan temple, which is believed to be the location of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s celestial wedding. It is a popular site for devotees to take a break and seek blessings before continuing their journey.

Accommodation Options:

Throughout the trek, there are several stops where pilgrims can find accommodation options ranging from dharamshalas (guesthouses) to tented camps. These accommodations provide basic facilities such as food, shelter, and medical assistance. It is advisable to make prior bookings due to the heavy influx of pilgrims during the peak season. Once pilgrims reach Kedarnath, there are lodges and guesthouses available for an overnight stay.

Kedarnath Temple and Rituals:

The Kedarnath temple, a masterpiece of ancient architecture, is the main attraction of the yatra. It is built from large stone slabs and stands amidst the mighty mountains, providing a serene and divine atmosphere. The temple is open for darshan (worship) from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM and then from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, during which devotees can offer their prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.

Several rituals are performed at the Kedarnath temple, including the Rudra Abhishekam, where the Shiva Lingam is bathed with various sacred substances such as milk, Ghee (clarified butter), honey, and water. Aartis (devotional worship) and bhajans (hymns) are also conducted, creating a spiritual ambiance that resonates with the devotees.

Other Attractions:

Apart from the Kedarnath temple, there are several other attractions in and around the area that are worth exploring. One such attraction is the Vasuki Tal lake, situated at an elevation of 4,150 meters. This picturesque lake offers breathtaking views of the surrounding glacier-covered peaks and provides a peaceful environment for meditation and relaxation.

Another notable landmark near Kedarnath is the Chorabari Tal, also known as Gandhi Sarovar, which is a glacial lake formed from the melting of the Chorabari glacier. This lake holds religious significance and is a popular pit stop for pilgrims undertaking the yatra.

The Kedarnath Yatra is a spiritual journey that offers a unique opportunity to connect with divinity amidst the majestic Himalayas. The trek through the scenic landscapes, the serene ambiance of the Kedarnath temple, and the rituals performed during the pilgrimage create an unforgettable and transformative experience. It is a pilgrimage that holds immense religious and cultural importance for Hindus, and it continues to attract devotees from all over the world who seek solace, devotion, and a deeper connection with the divine.

Things You Need to Know about Leh Ladakh Bike Trip

5 November 20234 November 2023travelingpersecond

A Collaboration Post with BanBanjara

Introduction:

Conversating on a Leh Ladakh bike trip is a dream for many adventure enthusiasts and travel affectionists. Situated in the Himalayan region of India, Ladakh offbreath landscapes, challenging heights, and an experience that’s nothing short of excitement. However, a successful bike trip requires meticulous planning, especially when it comes to budgeting and costs. In this guide, we’ll delve into the various aspects of planning a Leh Ladakh bike trip, including costs, tips, and a sample itinerary.

Budgeting and Costs:

Before revving up your bike and hitting the road, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the costs involved. While the actual expenses can vary based on factors like the duration of your trip, type of accommodation, and personal preferences, here’s a breakdown of the major expenses to consider:

Travel and Accommodation: The travel costs primarily include fuel for your bike. The distance from your starting point to Leh can impact this significantly. Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels. Camping is also a popular and budget-friendly option.

Permits and Fees: Ladakh is a protected region, and tourists are required to obtain Inner Line Permits to visit certain areas. These permits come with a nominal fee.

Food and Drinks: Food expenses can vary depending on whether you choose to dine at local eateries or prefer restaurants. Local cuisine is generally more affordable.

Rentals and Repairs: If you’re renting a bike, factor in the rental charges and also keep a buffer for any potential repairs your bike might need during the journey.

Miscellaneous: This includes expenses for activities like sightseeing, shopping, and any unexpected costs that may arise during the trip.

Tips for Cost-Effective Travel:

While a Leh Ladakh bike trip can be a memorable experience, it’s important to keep your expenses in check. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your adventure while being budget-conscious:

Travel with a Group: Traveling in a group can help in cost-sharing for accommodation, fuel, and other expenses. Plus, it’s safer and more enjoyable to share the experience with others.

Pack Light: Carrying excess baggage can impact your bike’s fuel efficiency. Pack only the essentials to save on fuel costs.

Choose Accommodation Wisely: Consider budget options like guesthouses, hostels, and camping sites. This not only saves money but also offers a more immersive experience.

Eat Local: Indulge in the local cuisine as it’s often more affordable than eating at fancy restaurants. Plus, it’s a great way to experience the culture.

DIY vs. Guided Tours: While guided tours provide convenience, planning your own trip gives you more control over your expenses. Research and plan the route beforehand.

Maintenance Check: Ensure your bike is in top condition before starting the trip. Regular maintenance can prevent costly breakdowns during the journey.

Sample Itinerary:

Here’s a sample 10-day itinerary for a Leh Ladakh bike trip, focusing on key destinations and approximate costs:

Day 1-2: Start your journey from Manali, covering around 330 km. Stay in budget guesthouses (approximately $15-25 per night).

Day 3-4: Ride to Jispa (138 km) and then to Sarchu (80 km). Camp in Sarchu or opt for budget accommodations.

Day 5: Head to Leh (250 km). This leg might have slightly higher fuel costs due to longer distance.

Day 6-7: Explore Leh and nearby attractions. Visit monasteries and enjoy local cuisine.

Day 8: Ride to Nubra Valley (150 km). Experience the famous sand dunes and stay in a guesthouse.

Day 9: Proceed to Pangong Lake (160 km). Camp by the stunning lake under the stars.

Day 10: Return to Leh. Relax and prepare for your journey back home.

Conclusion:

A Leh Ladakh bike trip is an adventure of a lifetime, offering unmatched natural beauty and an adrenaline rush like no other. While costs are a significant aspect of planning, careful budgeting and smart choices can make the journey affordable without compromising on experiences. Whether you’re a solo traveler or part of a group, the memories and stories you’ll gather from this journey will undoubtedly be worth every penny spent. So, plan wisely, ride safely, and get ready to create unforgettable memories amidst the majestic Himalayas.

Air Asia AK 380 dari Kuala Lumpur ke Jakarta: Mengukur Jejak Chai di KLIA2

4 October 20235 October 2023travelingpersecond

<—-Kisah Sebelumnya

Geretan travel bag para pengunjung bandara akhirnya membuatku terbangun…..

Aku bangkit dan terduduk di area sempit nan pendek tepat di bawah pangkal escalator. Kulihat layar telepon pintar, waktu menunjukkan pukul setengah lima pagi. Mataku yang masing mengantuk dan badan yang belum benar-benar segar harus kupaksakan untuk mulai beraktivitas.

Aku membuka travel bag, mengaduk-aduk isinya, mencari keberadaan kemaja putih beserta jas dan dasi. Aku harus segera pergi ke toilet untuk menyikat gigi, mencuci muka dan berganti baju formal sebagai persiapan menghadapi rapat ketika aku tiba di Jakarta beberapa jam ke depan.

Selesai urusan toilet, aku berinisiatif untuk segera mencari sarapan di koridor menuju deret gerbang Q, itu karena aku akan dilepas landas dari Gate Q13.

Mataku awas menyapu sekitar koridor hingga akhirnya menemukan sebuah tenant kuliner yang cukup ramai dikunjungi para pelancong.

“NOOODLES”, aku membaca nama tenant itu.

Tanpa ragu, aku melangkah menujunya. Seorang pria India menungguku di meja kasir.

“Hello, Sir. Welcome. Please see our menu!”, dia menujukkan padaku deretan menu di meja kasir

“Penang Curry Noodle Soup….Can you make it less spicy”, aku meminta menu khusus kepadanya karena memang tak suka pedas.

“Yes, of course….28.9 Ringgit, Sir”, dia menambahkan.

“And Chai….One”, aku mengacungkan jari telunjuk.

“What….”, dia agak terheran mendengar kata itu

“Chai, Sir…”, aku mengulangnya kembali. Aku justru heran kenapa dia yang berketurunan India tidak tahu istilah Chai

“I don’t know what do you say, Sir”, dia menengadahkan kedua tangannya

“Teh Tarek, Sir….” Aku menjelaskan dengan cara yang lebih mudah

“Oh, I See….6,9 Ringit, Sir”, dia menambahkan tagihan dalam bill ku

Usai membayar 35,8 Ringgit aku pun mulai mencari tempat duduk

Aku mengambil tempat duduk di sofa restoran yang memanjang untuk mendapatkan rasa nyaman. Sedangkan hanya beberapa meter di sisi kananku, seorang karyawan restoran wanita keturunan India tampak tertidur pulas di bangku yang sama. Aku menebaknya sebagai karyawan “Nooodles” karena t-shirt yang dikenakannya.

Makanan yang kupesan tersaji tak lama kemudian. Aku menyantapnya dengan lahap karena memang aku selalu saja suka dengan segenap resep makanan Negeri Jiran, selalu sesuai dengan selera lidahku. Dan Teh Tarik khas Malaysia akhirnya menjadi penutup sarapan pagi itu.

Sekiranya pukul enam pagi, aku meninggalkan restoran “Nooodle” dan mulai bergerak menuju gate. Aku melangkah cepat menujunya walaupun aku tahu bahwa gate masih akan tutup dan aku akan menunggu di surau hingga gate dibuka.

Lima menit melangkah, begitu sumringahnya aku setelah melihat kenyataan bahwa gate room sudah dibuka. Maka aku menyegerakan untuk menjalankan Shalat Subuh untuk kemudian memutuskan untuk mengambil sebuah tempat duduk di pojok ruang tunggu dan memejamkan mata dengan cepat karena sejatinya aku masih digelayuti rasa kantuk akut.

“ZZZZZZZZ…….”

Entah berapa lama aku tertidur, hingga tiba-tiba….

“Hello Sir….Can you wait outside the room?”, seorang airport staff menegur.

Aku yang gelagapan terbangun, mengucek mata dan lamat memperhatikan staff wanita itu.

“Yes, Ms….What happen?”, aku yang bingung pun akhirnya bertanya

“Can you wait outside, sir. We will start the boarding procedure”, dia menunjuk ke boarding gate.

Tampak empat staff Air Asia sedang menyiapkan diri dan bangku ruangan yang tadinya dipenuhi calon penumpang telah kosong kembali. Itu artinya, aku dibiarkan tidur sendirian di dalam ruangan hingga ditegur oleh staff bandara.

Tanpa pikir panjang, aku keluar dari ruangan dan akhirnya harus berdiri di ujung antrian. Aku terus diperhatikan semua penumpang yang telah mengantri sedari beberapa menit sebelumya dan aku terpaksa harus menyembunyikan rasa malu dalam-dalam.

Tak lama mengantri, antrian itu mulai merangsek masuk kembali ke gate room. Sabar mengantri dari ujung, aku akhirnya tiba di depan pintu, kemudian harus menyerahkan boarding pass dan passport untuk kemudian dipersilahkan masuk ke dalam gate room.

Air Asia AK 380 (*Airbus 320 twin-jet*).

*Sunrise* di Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2.

Tiba di Soekarno Hatta International Airport.

Tak perlu lama duduk, proses boarding akhirnya dimulai.

Melalui aerobridge, aku perlahan mendekati pintu kabin. Dan ketika benar-benar memasuki kabin, aku merangsek ke dalam untuk mencari bangku bernomor 16A.

Di window seat, aku duduk bersebelahan dengan dua orang ustadz asal Malaysia. Tepat di sebelahku adalah sekarang ustadz bergamis dan bertubuh kurus, sedangkan di aisle seat terduduk seorang ustadz berperawakan tambun yang tampak sangat kerepotan untuk duduk di dalam pesawat berjenis Low Cost Carrier (LCC).

Penerbangan menggunakan Airbus A320 twin-jet itu berlangsung selama 1 jam 55 menit dengan jarak tempuh lebih dari 1.100 km. Pernerbangan pagi itu sangat menyenangkan karena pesawat sama sekali tidak mengalami turbulensi.

Satu momen yang menyita perhatian adalah ketika pesawat Air Asia yang kutumpangi, terbang bersebelahan dengan pesawat Garuda Indonesia yang sama-sama hendak mendarat di Soekarno Hatta International Airport.

Salip menyalip di udara itu akhirya terhenti ketika Air Asia dan Garuda Indonesia menyentuh landasannya masing-masing dan lindap di balik bangunan bandara ketika melakukan taxiing demi mengantarkan masing-masing penumpangnya di terminal akhir yang dituju.

Aku sendiri tiba di Soekarno Hatta International Airport pada pukul 08:30. Itu artinya aku akan terlambat menghadiri rapat di kantor yang rencananya akan dimulai pada pukul 09:00.

Semenjak memasuki bangunan terminal, aku terus berlari menuju konter imigrasi. Aku sengaja memanfaatkan e-passport gate untuk menghindari antrian, mengisi formular bea cukai secara daring dan mencari taksi INKOPAU seharga 300 ribu demi menuju kantor.

Benar adanya, aku harus terlambat 30 menit dalam mengikuti rapat. Hanya saja tak semua orang tahu bahwa aku langsung menghadiri rapat di kantor sepulang dari Phuket dan mendarat di Soekarno Hatta International Airport.

Dasar travel maniac kamu, Donny….

—-TAMAT—-

Air Asia AK 823 dari Phuket ke Kuala Lumpur

2 October 20234 October 2023travelingpersecond

<—-Kisah Sebelumnya

Rute penerbangan Air Asia AK 823 (sumber: flightaware).

Waktu satu setengah jam aku manfaatkan dengan cara duduk bersantai di salah satu bangku di waiting hall sembari menikmati secangkir cold latte sehaga 89 Baht yang aku beli dari salah satu tenant kopi, Phuket International Airport. Tenant itu bernama Siam Express dengan tagline utamaya Fresh & Go dan terletak persis di depan Gate 9, tempat pelepasan pesawat yang akan kutumpangi.

Gerbang itu berebelahan dengan Gate 10 yang akan digunakan VietJet Air untuk boarding menuju Vietnam.

Kursi di waiting hall tampak penuh malam itu, susah sekali untuk mendapatkan bangku kosong. Tetapi beruntung, aku mendapatkan satu bangku kosong di sebuah koridor tersembunyi, tepat di belakang sebuah tenant souvenir.

Setelah menunggu satu setengah jam lamanya, akhirnya panggilan boarding menggema di langit-langit bangunan terminal. Aku mengambil antrian di belakang seorang pasangan muda Malaysia yang tampak mesra, bak perangko dengan amplopnya, aku sendiri akhirnya menebak bahwa mereka usai berbulan madu di Phuket.

Aku melewati bagian pemeriksaan boarding pass dengan mudah, kemudian menuruni tangga demi menuju ke sebuah koridor dimana deretan gate pelepasan di tempatkan.

Memasuki aerobridge, aku terus merangsek menuju kabin dan segera mencari keberadaan window seat bernomor 32A, aku menemukannya di bangku paling belakang tepat di depan toilet kabin.

Begitu duduk dan memasang sabuk pengaman, aku baru menyadari setelah melongok sejenak dari kaca jendela bahwa kondisi di luar bandara sedang hujan deras, setelah melongok sejenak dari kaca jendela.

Itu dia penampakan Air Asia AK 823 (Airbus A320 twin-jet).

Setengah jam lamanya proses boarding, hingga akhirnya pesawat telah bersiap untuk lepas landas. Pesawat memulai proses taxiing menuju runway ketika para awak kabin sedang memperagakan prosedur keselamatan penerbangan.

Berhenti di atas runway, sejenak pilot berkoordinasi dengan petugas ATC untuk meminta izin lepas landas. Setelah petugas ATC menyetakan siap dan aman, maka pesawat mulai menyalkan mesin jetnya, meluncur cepat di sepanjang runway untuk akhirnya berhasil airborne dengan sempurna.

Aku mulai terbang meninggalkan Phuket…..

Sejenak usai lepas landas, pelita bumi di atas Phuket tampak cantik walau tak semeriah pelita di kota-kota besar, aku menangkap sejenak beberapa gambar malam dari kota Phuket.

Pemandangan Phuket malam hari saat *airborne*.

Perjalanan menuju Kuala Lumpur sendiri ditempuh dalam jangka waktu satu setengah jam dengan menempuh jarak sejauh 1.200 kilometer.

Duduk di sebelah pria Malaysia yang kuduga dari dandanannya sebagai seorang pebisnis, aku memaksakan diri untuk tidur, mengingat pada malam sebelumnya aku kurang istirahat di Dormsin Hostel. Memang demikian jika aku hendak melakukan penerbangan, aku akan mengalami kesulitan tidur nyenyak karena takut tertinggal penerbangan.

Mataku sendiri akhirnya terbuka ketika pilot memberitahu kepada awak kabin bahwa pesawat bersiap untuk mendarat. Aku melongok ke jendela dan melihat pelita bumi di Kuala Lumpur tampak sangat indah dan dominan dilihat dari atas.

“Sebentar lagi aku akan menginjakkan kaki di Kuala Lumpur kembali”, aku membatin sumringah.

Pesawat perlahan menurunkan ketinggian dan akhirnya roda raksasanya berhasil menyentuh landas pacu dengan mulus. Aku telah tiba di Kuala Lumpur untuk sekedar transit sebelum terbang kembali menuju Jakarta di keesokan paginya.

Pemandangan malam Kuala Lumpur dari atas.

Usai taxiing, pesawat merapat ke bangunan terminak Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2. Setelah pramugari membuka pintu pesawat, aku merangsek melalui aerobridge menuju sisi dalam arrival hall demi mencari keberadaan transfer hall. Aku yang sudah hafal jalurnya, menemukan transferr hall itu dengan sangat mudah.

Malam itu, transfer hall dijaga oleh aviation security wanita. Dia hanya bertanya kepadaku hendak pergi kemana. Aku hanya menunjukkan boarding pass terusan yang kudapatkan dari Phuket International Airport beserta passport hingga dia menunjukkan pintu menuju transferr hall.

Memang malam itu aku terkesan malas untuk keluar dari konter imigrasi ketika tiba, melainkan lebih memilih untuk beristirahat saja di transfer hall mengingat di keesokan harinya aku ada agenda meeting dengan manajemen di perusahaan tempatku bekerja.

Mencari barisan Gate Q, akhirnya aku tiba di transit hall luas dan berkapet tebal. Aku yang merasa sangat haus, membeli jus apel kemasan di sebuah beverage tenant.

Aku pun segera mencari tempat tidur yang tepat untuk memejamkan mata. Aku menemukan tempat yang nyaman di bawah escalator dan aku dengan percaya diri tidur di bawah escalator tersebut hingga pagi menjelang.

Terimakasih KLIA2….Izinkan diriku untuk tidur sejenak…..

Alternatif untuk mendapatkan tiket pesawat dari Phuket ke Kuala Lumpur bisa dicari di 12Go atau link berikut: https://12go.asia/?z=3283832

Kisah Selanjutnya—->

Chinese Fishing Nets: Fort Kochi’s version of Anco

27 July 2023travelingpersecond

<—-Previous Story

The long wait to be present on the coast of Fort Kochi had paid off. In one jump down the orange KURTC Bus, I stood in the city built on mangroves. For a moment I stood motionless looking around, quickly adapting to the boisterous travelers at that famous destination in the State of Kerala.

Starting from a corner of KB Jacob Road, I was aligned with the Kochi Corporation Zonal Office, a government office tasked with managing the city of Fort Kochi, which had a population of seven hundred thousand people.

It was still Thursday….I didn’t know why?…. In the middle of the day, the two-story government office with cream-colored walls had its front gate tightly closed. It managed to make me look away and stared straight at the stretch of KB Jacob Road which was perpendicular to the shoreline.

That afternoon I wouldn’t follow a structured agenda. Without an itinerary, I would let my feet go as to enjoy the charm of Fort Kochi.

Just stepped out….It didn’t feel like a beach area, that was because the streets of Fort Kochi presented a shady situation with old tree decorations shading all along. Even paving blocks were chosen as the base for the streets, which were arranged very neatly.

Coupled with the crowds of local and foreign tourists, it made me feel less lonely even though I was far from home. After all, many European tourists seemed to be walking alone as solo travelers like me.

Just setting foot a few steps on the streets of Fort Kochi, my heart was amazed because I was transported to the past when I saw models of local buses chasing passengers along the side of the road. The buses seemed to have come from the past….Old, but they make the atmosphere of the city more classic.

Kochi Corporation Zonal Office at the confluence of River Road and KB Jacob Road.

Toward the first destination, I decided to pull over to the beach. From the tourist photos of Fort Kochi that I often find on search engine pages, Chinese fishing nets were always the ones that appear most often on that page. Then, I wanted to find its whereabouts, if I was lucky I would look closely at the activities of the Indian fishermen in the vicinity.

The shoreline wasn’t longer far, only thirty meters parallel to the River Road that I was currently crossing. I immediately got out of the flow of the street and decided to move closer to it. Within a few steps I arrived at the edge of the beach and as far as the eye could see the blue expanse of Malabar Beach was quite pleasing to the eye.

The beautiful scenery was added to the routine of the fishermen along the coast. A group of fishermen seemed to be relaxing enjoying coffee in a food stall, another group seemed to be just taking shelter from the hot sun and several others were seen busy anchoring their boats and unloading their load from the sea to then transfer the load to cold barrels.

Another sight on the shore was the activity of several small groups of fishermen catching fish using Chinese fishing nets…Fishermen in Indonesia (my country) called it “anco” or “tangkul”. Because it was installed on the shoreline, the catch from the operation of that fishing gear was mostly small fish.

Well, the fish were coming….Let’s see how big the fish were.

Fresh and large fish from the sea were immediately transported using pick-up vehicles to be taken out of the beach area. Meanwhile, several medium and small-sized fish were immediately sold at fish stalls along the coast.

Mingling with the local community had indeed become a favorite activity. Sometimes even a little smile that was thrown on their faces made me feel like I was still close to home. That was what made me feel at home sitting with them for a long time and reluctant to move from the beach.

Fort Kochi indeed depicts a high economic movement, in any place, tourists could be seen thronging.

In the waters, tourist boats went back and forth along the coast carrying various multi-national tourists. Of course, the tourist ships offered sea cruise services along the coast to enjoy the exotic Fort Kochi.

Meanwhile, on the mainland, there weren’t a few tourist buses parked along the streets of Fort Kochi. As if Fort Kochi had been sovereign as a tourist city in the State of Kerala.

Tourist Boat….Boat tour around the west coast of Kerala, maybe as far as Vembanad Lake?

Even so, for one hour I put myself on the beach and was satisfied to enjoy the activities of the local fishermen.

I have to leave soon….

Let’s follow in my footsteps again….The next place wasn’t far from the beach.

Next Story—->

Second Chance to India: Air Asia AK 39 from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Kochi (COK)

3 May 202311 May 2023travelingpersecond

<—-Previous Story

Air Asia flight route AK 39 (source: flightaware).

Going to India always has a thrill in a side of my heart. The provocation of irresponsible information sometimes succeeds in making the guts tremble.

Gusts of news ranging from security factors, culinary hygiene, scam variations, and other gripping things began to cloud my mind that afternoon.

Therefore, before leaving for India, for five days I warmed my guts in Kuala Terengganu and Kuala Lumpur, hoping that by leaving them I would be able to carry courage. But that afternoon it seemed as if I was still building up the courage from zero again.

In the continuation of my adventure, India would be the prelude to my main destination, i.e. the Middle East. Why was that?…. The only reason was that India was always giving many chances to get cheap tickets to the main tourist city in the Arabian Peninsula, i.e. Dubai. In addition to tickets, India also provided a variety of starting points to jump into that city.

As for my adventure history, after New Delhi and Agra two years earlier, this time I chose another point of departure, i.e. Kochi, an exotic tourist destination in southwest India.

—-****—-

I enjoyed the soft texture of white rice at Quizinn by RASA after 24 hours of not tasting this idol’s food. The white rice at that time also represented the last Ringgit I had, starting the next day I was using Rupees.

Five minutes before the Air Asia Ak 39 check-in desk opened, I finished eating white rice with the last piece of fried egg.

As I stated above, instead of getting excited, my chest was beating fast…” Oh India, please make peace with my adventure this time”, I calmed my heart.

Rising from my seat in a corner of the food court on the 2M floor, I carried my favorite blue backpack. Stepping up to the Departure Hall on the 3rd floor.

“It turned out that the queue was long….”, my confidence to become the first queue fell.

The contortions of the queue, which was dominated by Indians, kept me in the bloated queue. After all, I remained calm, there was still a long way to the flight, still four hours away. I started taking out the zipper bag to prepare documents, i.e. passports, hotel booking confirmations in India, tickets to and from India, and free Indian e-Visa sheets.

“Do you have a Visa?”, the check-in desk staff firmly asked me.

“This is Miss”, I handed over all the documents I had prepared.

“Was Indonesia to India enough with e-Visa, Sir?” That female officer asked her senior colleague.

That senior staff confirmed and that female officer finally printed the boarding pass for me.

The first stage was over, I rushed to the International Departure Gate which was heavily guarded by several Aviation Security. In the front queue, there weren’t a few prospective passengers who were being held back due to carrying too much cabin baggage. In addition to Aviation Security, several Air Asia airline ground staff closely monitored passengers who cheated by carrying excess cabin baggage.

For me?….. It was easy, I pass through the gate without checking. Even with the inspection, I would still pass, because I had weighed the entire load of my backpack before heading to the check-in desk….Easy, only 6.5 kilograms.

“Where is the direction to gate L14?”, I asked myself.

I continued along the long corridors until I descended an escalator which at the bottom was already blocking several columns of the screening gate.

As usual, I always took off my shoes when I pass through the screening gate, it was all because I would feel lazy if I had to repeat the screening process when my shoes rang the screening door.

I easily pass it….

Now I only needed to continue through the remaining corridors to reach gate L14.

One of the corridors in the International Departure Hall is KLIA2.

Those are the directions to the Air Asia AK 39 departure gate.

A little after seven in the evening, I arrived at the gate in question.

“Hhmmmhhhh….An hour and a half to boarding”, I sat on a chair outside the waiting room which was still tightly closed.

I decided to perform the prayer and filled up drink bottles at the free water station. And in the remaining time, I just sit waiting until the waiting room door opens an hour before the flight.

Luckily while waiting, my boredom was dampened by the cute behavior of a little Indian toddler whose behavior was so adorable.

—-****—-

Waiting in the waiting room, I was again stunned by a large group of Hindu congregation. From the all-black uniform worn, I could identify the congregation as coming from the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, located in the State of Kerala, India.

The peculiarity of the Indian Hindu congregation was that they do not use footwear. Some Hindus in India believed that not using footwear was a form of respect for the Gods.

Dressed in black and Lungi*1) was also the religious appearance of the group. I had to sit mingled in the waiting room with their group.

While the view in the glass window was a perfectly parked Airbus A320 Twin Jet aircraft, dominantly white with a blue-red color combination and bearing the tourism promotion jargon “Sarawak More to Discover”.

Waiting patiently for it to end…

Boarding calls for Air Asia flight AK 39 filled the airport ceiling.

I immediately got up and prepared my passport and boarding pass to pass the final inspection of prospective passengers before entering the cabin. Ahhh….I couldn’t wait.

At half past nine I started boarding…..

Passing the aerobridge to the aircraft cabin.

Cabin situation while hunting for a seat.

Look at those Indian citizens…..Do you want to go to India or not?

Entering the cabin of the small-body aircraft, I looked for seat number 11E. On the next 3 hours and 40 minutes of flight, I would sit in the middle column, making it difficult for me to capture beautiful portraits of the earth.

When the boarding process was over, in my row there was only me and one of the Hindu congregation. Therefore, I decided to move to an aisle seat to get relief from the 3,000 km flight.

—-****—-

To my surprise, when I opened the Travel 360 inflight magazine, I found a self-portrait of a travel influencer that seemed familiar to me. I was very familiar with his surname….Groves.

I made sure it was a beautiful traveler from Aussie whom I had known a year earlier in Samosir, Eloise Groves. He once told a story under the Naisogop waterfall that he had a brother named Jackson Groves who was a travel influencer. Seeing the similarity in the facial expressions of the figure in the inflight magazine I was reading with the figure that often appears on Eloise’s Facebook page, I’m 100% sure it was her big brother.

And it was true, later I would get confirmation from Eloise that it was her sibling after sending a short message through the Facebook messenger application when I arrived in India.

Trying to close my eyes after flipping through Travel 360, I tried to sleep. But I didn’t sleep. That was how I was, never completely fell asleep every time I sat on the plane.

That was Jackson Groves in Air Asia’s Inflight magazine.

Arrive at Terminal 3 Cochin International Airport.

Finally, the awaited time has arrived….

At one o’clock in the morning, Air Asia AK 39 landed at Cochin International Airport, a magnificent airport in the State of Kerala in southwest India.

Thank God….

Now I was even further away from home.

Kochi which was nearly 9,000 km from Jakarta.

Let’s explore….What was in Kochi?

To get flight tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi, you can search for them on 12go Asia Asia with the following link: https://12go.asia/?z=3283832

Next Story—->

Description of the word:

Lungi*1) = A long piece of cloth that is wrapped around the waist and is a typical Indian dress.

Heading to KLIA2 from KL Sentral

26 April 2023travelingpersecond

<—-Previous Story

It would take a little longer to take a free service to the inn than riding the LRT “Laluan Kelana Jaya”. But in order to get around for the lack of Ringgit, I still decided to just take the free service of Go KL City Bus.

Hurrying to leave KLCC Park, I headed towards the KLCC bus stop which is located right in front of Suria KLCC. Arriving under the bus stop auspices, the green line of the “Free Bus Service” had been waiting for its passengers.

I rode it to reach the interchange point between lines, namely the Pavilion bus stop. From there I would catch the Go KL City Bus purple line to reach the Pasar Seni Bus Hub, the closest bus stop to my accommodation, namely The Bed Station.

—-****—-

Cheating underhandedly, I stepped up The Bed Station stairs, hoping not to be spotted by the receptionist when I crossed the inn’s front door. It was because I had checked out that morning, but that time, I forced myself to take a shower in the inn’s shared bathroom on the 3rd floor.

I made it through the reception room on the 2nd floor, at a glance I saw the reception staff were busy serving the inn’s guests who seemed to only just be arriving, indeed I arrived when the check-in period had opened.

Quickly moving, I immediately took a shower to clean all the sweat after walking around town that morning.

As soon as I finished bathing, I immediately went down to the reception desk to pick up the backpack I had left since morning.

The long queue at the reception desk made me invisible when I just came down from the top floor which wasn’t my right to enter it again, let alone to do any activity on that floor….Damn, Donny.

—-****—-

Succeeding to get a backpack, I rushed to Pasar Seni LRT Station which is only 200 meters from the inn.

When I arrived, I rushed to the automatic vending machine to exchange 1.3 Ringgit for a round blue token. That token would guarantee me to move toward KL Sentral.

The LRT Laluan Kelana Jaya with four wagons arrived to pick me up on the second-floor platform, and then I was following its spinning wheels heading to KL Sentral, which wasn’t even one station apart.

Within 15 minutes, I arrived at KL Sentral….

Down the escalator, I arrived at the first floor, and without long thinking, I immediately rushed to the basement level. I had an advantage in that I memorized the whole layout of KL Sentral, at least I had visited that famous transportation hub seven times. That was what made that so easy for me to reach the Aerobus ticket sales counter.

Aerobus is transportation from KL Sentral to Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2 (KLIA2) which offers cheap travel when compared to using taxis, the KLIA Transit train, or the KLIA Ekspres.

I handed over 12 Ringgit to get a ticket to the airport.

—-****—-

A quarter of an hour past four in the afternoon….

After traveling for 45 minutes, I arrived at the 1st floor of Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 2. I was dropped off at one of the platforms at the transportation hub at Gateway@klia2.

Even though my flight would take place at nine in the evening, that didn’t stop me from going straight to the 3rd floor to see more detailed flight information. As usual, I was always detailed and strict about flight schedules, at least that afternoon I had to find out the number of the check-in desk I would exchange my e-ticket for a boarding pass and at what gate my plane would take off.

I couldn’t hide a slight smile from my lips when I managed to get that information on the giant LCD on the 3rd floor.

“17:20, it turns out….”, I thought when I found out when the check-in desk would open.

I decided to do the last congregational prayer in the mosque on the 2nd floor and of course, planned to have dinner afterwards.

Not as usual when I was looking for food at KLIA2. That afternoon the regular restaurant serving cheap Indian food was closing. Was NZ Curry House whose location was covered by renovation boards.

But I don’t bother….

In 2015, I ate at a food court located on the 2M floor. I slightly forgot the position of the food court. But I intended to look for it until I found it. There was a padang-typical restaurant that offers cheap food in the food court.

“That’s it….”, I cheered inside when I saw the food court from a distance.

“Quizinn by RASA….”, I recited the name of that food court.

“Restoran Padang Kota Group….”, yupzzz I saw the restaurant I was looking for.

Presumably not able to linger, I headed for the Padang-typical restaurant and then looked for a menu according to the condition of my wallet. That was when my Ringgit would run out.

Fifteen minutes before checked-in, I was finally able to enjoy a portion of rice for 5.9 Ringgit. That was the rice I ate after I last ate it a day before.

So, that was Quizinn by RASA food court.

My menu that night: White rice, hard-boiled eggs, and vegetables.

Taking a seat, I enjoyed the dinner and then got ready to take my flight.

Was I going home?….

No….The real adventure was about to begin.

I would fly to a city in southern India….KOCHI.

KLCC Park: Visited at the End

16 April 202326 April 2023travelingpersecond

<—-Previous Story

The sun was at the peak of its power when I decided to retreat from Petronas Twin Towers’ yard. I couldn’t hide the wry smile on the corner of my lips and felt like I was a traveler who didn’t understand priorities just because I visited the Twin Towers right in the middle of the day.

I tried to make peace with myself and intended to make up for that mistake by presenting a new destination in my adventure history. Not a prestigious place, but it could make up for my priority error before. On the other side, this place could be the right spot to drown out the sun’s arrogance.

I stepped towards the east. While trying with all my heart to resist the temptation of the magnificent Suria KLCC gate, the shopping paradise in downtown Kuala Lumpur. How could it not be, a long line of classy four-wheeled vehicles willingly queued in front of it while the visitor’s flow kept flowing in and out of this upscale shopping center?

Arriving at the two-section road on the east side of Suria KLCC, I continued heading south. I still tried to hide from the sun under the palm trees that line up neatly in the middle of the sidewalk….yupzz, a single sidewalk that perfectly divides the road into two lanes.

Slowly, at the end of the road, lush large trees began to appear, giving the city a contrasting atmosphere. It was as if I was heading to an oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle of the city.

Even from afar, I was able to feel the fresh air blowing from that green area. Automatically made me speed up my steps toward it. After passing over an underpass base, I found a green area’s gate.

This was Kuala Lumpur City Center Park….People knew it as KLCC Park.

I entered the park from its entrance which was on the left side of the KLCC Park Office building. Entering the park, I took a seat in the resting area which was in a gazebo form right on the east side of Symphony Lake. Wooden benches with concrete legs can be seen scattered all over the park, placed under the shade of large trees whose identities were displayed in barcodes on yellow paper and taped to each stem.

Perhaps this was where the most favorite part of the park was because visitors could intensely stare at the patterned fountain against the background of the Petronas Twin Towers which were supported by Suria KlCC’s low-extended buildings. As if I didn’t want to quickly leave my sitting position.

The city park with a Brazilian-style architectural touch began to be traced deeper when I started to get up from my seat. Stepping along its jogging track, I decided not to pass a bridge that connects Symphony Lake and the children’s pool.

I preferred to pass the jogging track on the north side to get closer to the KLCC Park Children’s Pool. The crowd and coolness that appeared at the children’s pool held back my power to look away. Instead of leaving, I was unconsciously leaning on one of the benches at the edge of the pool.

The main actor in the pool with a depth of just above the ankles was a sculpture of a jumping white whale which was dramatized with the help of a fountain in the tail. While the sculpture of two dolphins also jumped on its side. In addition, the walls of the pool decorated with artificial waterfalls were very inviting for children to get wet under them.

A perfect concept, when the Children’s Pool was juxtaposed with the Children’s Playground in the east. This allowed children to choose one of them or even play in both alternately. Like a Children’s Playground in general, this section was filled with swings, seesaws, and rides up-down stairs with the playground’s floor covered with Ethylene Prophylene Diene Konomer which created a soft and safe tile sensation for children.

For finally….

My adventure in the park ended on a stretch of grass perfectly circled by a jogging track.

It was past noon…

I had to have lunch before returning to the inn and in the end I would stop at the airport to determine my next steps.

Since the afternoon before, my Ringgit had run out and was only enough for the budget to take the bus to the airport and had dinner in it later…..So I decided to eat from a potluck lunch, especially if it wasn’t the same menu as last night’s dinner and breakfast that morning….That was oat powder which only need to be watered with mineral water. A circle of jogging tracks with grass in the middle became the backdrop for my lunch that day.

KLCC Park Tasik Simfoni (Lake Symphony Fountain) on the west side.

Jogging track and bridge linking Lake Symphony and Children’s Pool.

KLCC Park Children’s Pool was right in the middle of the park.

KLCC Park, a one-hectare city park….

It was a simple place that I had wanted to visit since 2014, but I had visited it many times or just stopped by in Kuala Lumpur, and many times I had failed to visit it, of course, the big obstacle was the very difficult time available each time I visited Kuala Lumpur.

This is my best redemption with the success of stopping by that afternoon. I deliberately pushed my way through the traffic jam to Kuala Lumpur City Center but I didn’t put my intention on the Twin Towers but on my main goal that day….KLCC Park.

I left the park feeling happy…Time to go back to the inn, pack up, and went to the airport.

Next Story—->

Twenty Minutes at the Petronas Twin Tower

2 February 20235 February 2023travelingpersecond

<—-Previous Story

Time show is at half past twelve….

I stood on the edge of Bukit Bintang Street waiting for the Go KL City Bus-Green Line to arrive. That time I intended to revisit the Petronas Twin Tower. That would be the fifth visit to the famous twin towers.

“Do you bore, Donny?”, is a question that might arise.

“It’s not a matter of being bored or not, I have to fulfill a sponsor’s message at that famous spot”, maybe that would be my answer.

Go KL City Bus physically had the same color on each lane. Therefore I was always alert if the bus started to look slow in the distance. I had to quickly catch the path information printed on the LCD screen mounted right on the top of the windshield. The Go KL City Bus had come from other routes twice, it was understandable that the Pavilion bus stop was a stop where three Go KL City Bus lines passed, namely the Purple Line, Blue Line, and Green Line.

After ten minutes of waiting, it was clear at the end of the road, a Go KL City Bus unit was trying to approach the bus stop by breaking through the traffic jam. I just wished it was a green line bus. Getting closer, the writing on the LCD screen was visible, it was indeed Go KL City, Bus-Green Line. So get ready to get in it.

I got on it from the front door as soon as the bus finished dropping off some of the passengers. The number of passengers who entered made me not got a seat, and had to stand in the middle.

From the Bukit Bintang area, the bus moved towards the Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC) area. But before arriving at the destination, the bus would first turn from the south side and then turned towards the north side. I arrived right at the KLCC bus stop which was on the edge of Ampang Street.

I came down from the middle door….

The immediately visible sight was the existence of the giant legs of the Petronas Twin Tower which felt so close. Not lingering, I rushed to the courtyard of that giant twin buildings.

Shady pedestrian pathway in front of the Petronas Twin Tower.

*Petronas Twin Tower from the other side.*

The heat of the sun had forced me to find a place sheltered by trees. I found that place on the pedestrian walkway on the right side of the tower. From that point of view, I also started completing sponsorship messages, namely sponsors who at least helped pay for my trip at that time.

Visiting the 88-floor twin buildings always invited admiration, how could it not be, for six years that twin buildings have claimed themselves as the tallest buildings in the world? At least that had made Malaysia proud in the world economic arena.

The twin towers owned by a giant property company, namely KLCC Property Holdings, appear green when observed closely. Another feature that was easy to remember was the existence of a sky bridge that connected the two towers on floors 41 and 42.

That time, my stop-by time at the twin towers took place quickly, no more than twenty minutes. Therefore I tried to enjoy it by paying attention to the scenery around the tower area. Let’s see, what were the spots around the Petronas Twin Towers. Here it was:

Public Bank was right opposite in front of Petronas Twin Tower.

From right to left: Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN/National Savings Bank) Building, Menara TA One (37 floors of offices), and Prestige Tower (40 floors of offices).

Tropicana The Residences (apartment with a rental price of 2,500 Ringgit per month).

I wished my adventure at the Petronas Twin Towers had ended with the finishing of a sponsor’s message. I would not sit longer in the courtyard of the twin towers.

Then I stepped into the expanse of Green Open Space which was located right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of business activities taking place in Kuala Lumpur City Centre.

Came on…..

Next Story—->