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  • Waiting for Morning at Seoul Express Bus Terminal

    The temperature was dropping….It was already below freezing.

    The hour hand of round white clock in the arrival hall was starting to move closer to the first digit in its rotation.

    Arrival Gate at Seoul Express Bus Terminal.

    Back to ten minutes earlier, when I rushed to fold my t-shirts and socks from bus’ seat when that white and red bus approached at the Seoul Express Bus Terminal.

    Welcome to Seoul….It would be the last city in my adventure on early year.

    After getting off the bus, every passenger rushed to terminal building to escaping themself from cold city air. For a moment arrival hall turned crowded, several snack and coffee shops which were still open were visited by some passengers. While some others chose to leave the terminal, relying on taxis to continue their journey to their respective end points.

    Looking for a place to sleep.

    I stood still, watching the location around, looking for a comfortable place to sleep. I already understood that the MRT would start operating this morning, around half past six. So I didn’t have to bother pushing myself towards station building.

    The luck came, in the left corner there were two columns of long benches, each with three bulkheads without backrests with iron barriers between the bulkheads. Making it impossible for a makeshift bed on that early morning. I put my backpack in the corner of bench and I sat down to spend the rest of night.

    Waiting really quiet to acquiring a bench.

    As the clock ticked, passengers who had been enjoying hot coffee and snacks began to leave, leaving nothing but silence. Luckily all shops didn’t close themselves even though the owner must have fallen asleep on the floor in waiting for their wares. At least I didn’t feel alone.

    The terminal building was truly human. Clean, bright and safe although I still complained about it because I still couldn’t stand with freezing air from outside. The air entered through glass windows, making me unable to close my eyes at all.

    In the midst of silence, I got up, trying to approach food stalls. Observing a few cans of drinks which might be able to accompany me that night. I was solemnly choosing it when suddenly a crowd of passengers crammed into the terminal building. An intercity bus fleet seemed to turn on its hazard lights while getting off its entire load.

    Beauty passanger: “Hello, how do I get to downtown?”

    Me: “If you want to go there now, you have to take a taxi, Ms. MRT isn’t operating yet now….”. Damn, foreigner like me know better than her as a local resident.

    Beauty passanger: “Oh. Is’n operating yet?”, her breath smelled of soju.

    Me: “Yes absolutely, you can go by taxi or waiting here until morning”, hoping she can accompany me at the terminal….hahaha.

    Beautiful Passanger: “Okay..Okay”, she looked towards the side wall of terminal….”Oppaaaa…….@#$%^&*!?><”. Ah, she even called her girlfriend. My hope had been lost.

    I returned to the line of canned drinks, took one of them and redeemed it for 800 Won.

    Drink coffee first…

    In an instant, the terminal building was quiet again. I sat down on the seat again. This time an intercity bus driver was already sitting in the next row of seats, leaning against the wall and soundly sleeping.

    Meanwhile, I was very disturbed by the freezing air, trying to keep moving until morning. Luckily I took the time to sleep on the bus for two and a half hours at my journey last night.

    Come on Seoul, come soon the morning sun!….

  • Mencari Souvenir di Grand Souq Deira

    <—-Kisah Sebelumnya

    Melewati Utensils Market.

    Suhu udara mulai panas ketika aku keluar dari Museum of the Poet Al-Oqaili. “Pantas saja….Ini hampir tengah hari”, aku membatin kecut sembari menengadahkan muka ke langit. Surya sedang memamerkan terik yang teramat sangat siang itu.

    Aku bergegas mencari perlindungan di gang-gang sempit beratap di selatan museum. Aku pun segera tersadar bahwa langkah kaki itu tepat berada di kompleks pasar yang cukup ramai dengan pedagang-pedagang dengan wajah khas Asia Selatan, kebanyakan Pakistan menurutku.

    Pada langkah selanjutnya aku telah berada di salah satu koridor “Perfume Market”, kuperhatikan koridor pasar itu terletak bersebelahan dengan “Utensils Market” yang jelas menawarkan barang dagangan berupa perkakas-perkakas rumah tangga.

    Melewati dua penjaga yang berbeda kios, aku mulai merasakan atmosfer perniagaan di salah satu sisi Kawasan Al-Ras, tepatnya di tepian Dubai Creek.

    Dengan cepat aku melewatkan perniagaan di “Utensils Market” dan mulai melangkah di harumnya koridor “Perfume Market”. Kuperhatikan di beberapa kios, para pedagang menyediakan parfum merek internasional. Selain itu pasar ini menjual beberapa merek lokal yang aku sendiri cukup familiar dengan salah satu nama brandnya, yaitu “Oud” yang merupakan parfum khas Jazirah Arab yang diproduksi dengan cara mengekstraksi kayu Oud. Di Indonesia, mungkin kayu Oud ini masih sebangsa dengan kayu Gaharu.

    Aku terus menikmati paparan masif aroma amber, melati atau musk. Hingga akhirnya tak terasa langkahku tiba di Al Abra Steet.

    Aku terus saja melangkahkan kaki ke selatan. Benar saja seperti dugaanku, aku menemukan jenis pasar lain tepat di sisi utara Dubai Creek. Grand Souq Deira adalah nama pasar yang tepat berada di depan pandanganku.

    Aku tak segera memasuki pasar, melainkan memilih mengamati sekitar pasar terlebih dahulu. Menengok ke arah kanan, langkahku kini telah terbatasi oleh Baniyas Steet. “Aku sudah berada di ujung selatan kawasan Al- Ras”, aku berseru girang pertanda akan segera mencari destinasi baru ketika keluar dari kawasan tersebut nantinya.

    Sedangkan sebuah area parkir lebar berhasil memisahkan jalan utama tersebut dengan pasar di sisi utaranya.

    Grand Souq Deira nyatanya terletak di dekat Kawasan Pelabuhan. Adapun pasarnya terletak memanjang di sisi utara Baniyas Road, dibatasi Al Abra Street di sisi barat dan Old Baladiya Street di sisi timur. Pasar ini diposisikan tepat di sebuah koridor sepanjang kurang lebih 150 meter.

    Berikutnya aku tanpa ragu mulai memasuki ujung koridor sisi barat Grand Souq Deira. Perlahan aku mengamati barang dagangan yang ditawarkan di sepanjang kios. Tampak kios-kios itu menawarkan  barang dagangan seperti mainan, barang-barang rumah tangga, dan berbagai hadiah serta souvenir.

    Aku segera beride untuk mencari souvenir buat diri-sendiri. Tanpa kesusahan yang berarti, akhirnya aku masuk ke salah satu kios. Dengan cepat aku mencari sebuah fridge magnet berbahan logam yang dipajang di etalase gantung, mengambilnya satu buah dan membayarnya kepada sang penjual.

    Gerbang barat Grand Souq Deira.
    Rempah dan obat.
    Koridor Grand Souq Deira,
    Rempah dan obat.
    Gerbang timur Grand Souq Deira.
    Bersama Mr. Mousa.

    “How much is it, Sir?”

    “15 Dirham”

    “Can me buy it for 10 Dirham, Sir?”, aku mulai meawar.

    “It’s Okay, no matter….Why do you buy one only?”, pertanyaan pembuka sang pemilik toko untuk melakukan  penjualan berantai.

    “Oh, it’s just for myself to memorizing my trip, Sir….What is your name, Sir?” jawabku singkat sembari mengajak berkenalan.

    “I’m Mousa from Kabul, Sir”. Jawabnya sambil tersenyum.

    “Call me Donny, I’m Indonesian”, aku menutup pertanyaan.

    Usai membayar aku pun bergegas untuk meninggalkan pasar berusia 172 tahun tersebut.

    Selamat tinggal Grand Souq Deira…..

    Kisah Selanjutnya—->

  • The Madness in Bus from Busan to Seoul

    Slight interval between my arrival and bus departure sweetly paid off, so I didn’t have to wait too long for bus to depart. A few minutes ago, I had asked to one of drivers in order to find a bus which would I take at Busan Central Bus Terminal. His forefinger clearly pointed at the white fleet with a red color. I rushed to bus and asked to its driver who was sitting in front of the parked bus.

    “Yes, this bus”, he said when I showed the ticket.

    The ticket which I bought this morning with costs 23,000 Won.

    He allowed me to get on early on the bus which its machine was slowly starting but bus still neatly parked at the platform. Bus seats were in two columns on each side and I acquired a seat slightly behind. By being on the bus, apart from getting peace of mind because I won’t be left behind, I also got warm air which made me felt comfortable.

    One by one local passengers arrived and tried to find their respective seats. Until a minute before departure, bus seats were not full. The driver came and started checking each passenger with a manifest sheet in his left hand. After marking all lists in the manifest,then driver got off, reported to terminal’s officer, then began to sit behind the wheel. The bus was ready to start its long journey with more than half of its seats left empty.

    Then bus was slowly moving away from Busan Central Bus Terminal and starting to show off new areas which I’ve never explored before. Bus entered a toll road by showing the silhouette of South Korea’s beautiful hills. Not infrequently bus entered tunnels which splitting the hill. The streets looked deserted at night, only showing night lights along the contours of Korean hills. Unbelievably beautiful.

    Passengers have been asleep for a long time, while I, as a foreigner, prefered to enjoy evening shows while enjoying a few slices of bread which I bought from a minimarket in Busan Central Bus Terminal. Yup, I didn’t have time to have dinner properly, because I was being chased by time to catching bus departure since afternoon.

    I didn’t realize I had been enjoying street scenery for so long, until finally driver took a break at Sunsan Service Area near Gumi City, precisely in Gyeongsangbuk Province. All passengers got off to just enjoying a cup of hot coffee or at least go for a moment into toilet. Meanwhile, I just decided to walk around rest area while waiting for driver to finishing their dinner.

    Sunsan Service Area, where buses did break time.
    Bus which I took (photo taken upon arrival at Seoul Express Bus Terminal).

    Then that madness came….

    Twenty minutes later, bus was ready to leave, and all passengers returned to their respective seats. I rushed to bus and sat back in my seat. After driver counted passengers, then bus headed again to Seoul.

    I remembered that in my backpack there were still two t-shirts and a pair of socks which weren’t completely dry. Seeing a quiet situation in bus with all passengers were sleeping with their dream, I took out that t-shirt and socks and then spread them at headrest of seat in front of me, I deliberately did this to dry them out. “Ah, while all passangers are sleeping, it will be Okay …”, I thought while laughing amused.

    Then I started to close my eyes to rest, because when I arrived in Seoul, I would stay overnight and have to stay awake at Seoul Express Bus Terminal to then immediately exploring Seoul City in the morning. I had to save energy for that….

    I started to close my eyes, the bus would still arrive in next two hours….

  • Museum of the Poet Al-Oqaili: Warisan Sepanjang Generasi

    <—-Kisah Sebelumnya

    Lepas mengunjungi Traditional Spices Market, menjelang pukul setengah sebelas pagi aku kembali turun ke jalanan. Bukan di Al Ahmadiya Street lagi, melainkan Al Ras Road yang kini kutapaki. Aku kembali berbalik ke utara, mencari keberadaan bangunan warisan masa lalu Dubai lainnya di wilayah Al-Ras.

    Melangkah kurang lebih sejauh tiga ratus kilometer akhirnya aku menemukan satu lagi spot heritage yang cukup besar dan terawat dengan baik, bangunan itu adalah Museum of the Poet Al-Oqali.

    Disebut juga sebagai Al-Oqaili Poet Museum. Ketika berada di depan halamannya, aku mulai membaca informasi yang terpampang di pintunya. Dari informasi itu, aku mendapatkan keuntungan besar karena museum ini bisa dikunjungi secara cuma-cuma dan kebetulan sekali aku mendatanginya tepat pada pada waktu buka museum dimana museum akan menerima tamu pada hari Minggu hingga Kamis dari pukul 08:00 sampai dengan 14:00 waktu setempat.

    Museum di hadapanku itu memiliki dua lantai dengan keseluruhan 11 ruangan dengan fungsi berbeda.

    Ground Floor memiliki enam ruangan, meliputi ruangan Al-Oqaili’s Life, Classical Poetry, Local Style Poetry (Nabati), Al-Oqaili’s Correspondences, Kitchen dan Administration Room

    Sedangkan First Floor memiliki lima ruangan yang meliputi ruangan Cultural & Socil Life, Al-Oqaili’s Manuscripts, Restoration of the House, Al-Majlis dan Books on Al-Oqaili’s.

    Memasuki pintu museum aku langsung disambut oleh seorang front staff berkebangsaan Nigeria, Mr. Chamakh namanya. Hanya perlu untuk mengisi buku tamu maka aku pun dipersilahkan olehnya untuk mengeksplorasi seisi museum.

    Berikut beberapa informasi yang kudapatkan selama satu jam lamanya berada di museum.          

    Penyair terkenal Mubarak Bin Hamad Bin Mubarak Al Oqaili garis keturunannya dihubungkan dengan Al Manea yang merupakan bagian dari keluarga Bani Oqaili. Sedangkan Bani Oqaili memiliki garis keturunan dari Bani Khaled yang terhubung dengan keluarga dari Rabiah Ibn Amir yang merupakan salah satu suku terkenal Modhar Adnan di Semenanjung Arab. Garis keturunan ini sangat jelas dituturkan dalam beberapa puisi Al-Oqaili.

    Al-Oqaili lahir di Al-Ahsa, sebuah area di sebelah timur semenanjung Arab pada tahun 1875. Ayah Al-Oqaili sendiri meninggal di Oman ketika beliau terjatuh dan terinjak oleh unta. Kemudian Sheikh Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Mubarak mengajarinya yurisprudensi dan literasi Arab. Berkat pendidikan yang diterimanya maka Al-Oqaili semakin tertarik untuk berburu ilmu pengetahuan dan gemar membaca yang merupakan dua hal utama yang mempengaruhi pemikiran dan kehidupan literasinya. Hal ini tercermin pada puisi-puisi penuh makna yang dibuatnya.

    Ketika Mubarak Al-Oqaili dibebaskan dari penjara Al-Ahsa setelah menempuh hukuman selama masa pemerintahan Dinasti Ustmaniyah karea pengkhianatan beberapa kerabatnya yang beremigrasi ke Irak dan kemudian beliau hidup dalam beberapa batasan dari Emir Saleh Al Mansur, salah satu penguasa Al Mintefeq di Al-Nasiriyah.

    Sepeninggal Emir Saleh Al Mansur, Mubarak Al-Oqaili pun mulai berpergian ke Dubai, Oman, Abu Dhabi dan Bahrain hingga beliau menetap di Dubai pada masa pemerintahan Sheikh Butti Bin Suhail Al-Maktoum yang memerintah Emirat Dubai pada tahun tahun 1906-1912. Beliau kemudian membangun sebuah rumah di wilayah Al-Ras di Distrik Deira pada tahun 1923 dan mulai membuat sebuah Majlis yang sering dikunjungi oleh para pemikir, ilmuwan, sastrawan dan orang-orang suci lainnya.

    Bagian depan Museum of the Poet Al-Oqaili
    Ruangan pertama setelah pintu masuk.
    Dapur.
    Meja yang digunakan oleh Mubarak Al Oqaili
    Majlis.
    Dokumen milik Mubarak Al Oqaili.
    Nah itulah wjah Mubarak Al Oqaili.
    Mr. Chamakh meminta foto buat bukti kunjungan, aku pun meminta foto juga kepadanya buat kenang-kenangan.

    Penyair Mubarak Al-Oqaili tutup usia di Al-Ras pada usia 81 tahun. Beliau tidak menikah dan tidak berputra. Beliau hanya meninggalkan rumah semata di daerah Al-Ras yang kemudian sepupunya yang berasal dari Arab Saudi mewarisi rumahnya tersebut.

    Mubarak Al-Oqaili adalah penyair yang bijaksana dan bertalenta. Kehidupan penyair agung tersebut memang telah berakhir, akan tetapi warisan literasi tertulis dalam bentu puisi dan prosanya akan senantiasa dikenang dan diapresiasi di sepanjang masa dan generasi.

    Dan isu-isu yang menarik bagi Mubarak Al-Oqaili selalu tercermin dalam hidup dan karya puisinya. Dalam pendapatnya terkait perhatian terhadap Bahasa Arab Klasik yang bersumber dari Al-Qur’an maka beliau mengriktik mereka yang berusaha berkomunikasi dalam bahasa asing dengan alasan mengikuti kemajuan peradaban.

    Al-Oqaili adalah penyair kotemporer yang hidup dan menanggapi isu-isu bangsanya serta mengritik kepada mereka yang dianggap kurang benar.

    Dalam beberapa informasi yang terpampang di museum, ditunjukkan beberapa hal terkair Al-Oqaili, seperti sikap Al-Oqaili terhadap isu Palestina, alur waktu kehidupan Al-Oqaili, puisi-puisi korespondensi, kata-kata bijak Al-Oqaili, puisi terkait cinta, puisi terkait sejarah bangsanya, puisi elegi (ungakapan duka cita) dan puisi pujian kepada pemimpin bagsanya

    Mengunjugi Museum of the Poet Al-Oqaili telah menjadi pengalaman menarik selama masa eksplorasiku di Emirat Dubai.

    Nah, kamu juga harus ke museum ini ya jika berkunjung ke Dubai.

    Keren lho…..

    Kisah Selanjutnya—->

  • Towards Busan Central Bus Terminal: Backward Three Stations

    My gaze was just doing repetitions. Watches-route board-watches….and repeatly. Anxiety punished me by not being able to enjoying comfortable Humetro carriage. I still didn’t choose to sit down, my legs upright supporting my body at a pole near train door. I prepared to get off at Seomyeon Station to ending my journey at Humetro Line 2 (Green Line) to changing to Humetro Line 1 (Orange Line). I had to reach Beomnaegol Station as quickly as possible to retrieve my backpack which I was entrusted at reception desk of Kimchee Busan Guesthouse.

    Finally I arrived. Quickly stepping out of the carriage, stepping on several escalators, I quickly reached the surface. Then started to lightly running down Hwangnyeong-daero Avenue towards guesthouse.

    A few minutes later I panted, caught my breath in the front yard of guesthouse, and then headed to reception desk with regular breaths.

    Me: “Sir, can I take my backpack which I entrusted to receptionist this morning?”.

    Receptionist: “Can you show the label card which give to you?”.

    Me: “This, Sir”

    Receptionist: “OK, follow me!”

    After checking the label card, he got up from his seat and headed out into the courtyard. I followed him from behind until I arrived at the side of large container box. Apparently all backpack which every guest in the guesthouse put was in there. Now I had got my blue backpack.

    Me: “Thank you, Sir”

    Receptionist: “You are welcome. Be carreful on your way”.

    I said goodbye and waved him before turning around to leave the guesthouse.

    See you Kimchee Busan Guesthouse!….

    I went back down the street to station. It was getting dark. Bus departure time for Seoul was getting closer. 10 minutes of pounding made me arrived at the platform of Beomnaegol Station, waiting for Humetro Line1 (Orange Line). The beam of light was getting brighter and hit the bulkhead which separating the platform and Humetro’s path. The series of carriages I was waiting for had arrived, I entered the back carriage, put my backpack between my legs and stood against carriage’s wall right next to Humtero’s door.

    This time I calmed down a bit, because there was no need to change lanes to get to Nopo Station. The train slowly left Busanjin District. Every station I passed made me feel more relieved, brought me closer to my destination.

    Forty-five minutes later I arrived at Nopo Station. But something happened to my stomach, suddenly unstoppably twisting. I took an initiative to look for a sign to toilets throughout Nopo Station. But two different toilet which I found were far from ideal…. Urine smell, muddy and full of human traffic. Ah….Too bad.

    How could I let this happen, if trip to Seoul would take four hours, then I would be tormented by this stomach ache. I looked back at my watch, there was still forty-five minutes before the bus left. I was thinking a little crazy now….I was going to go back two or three stations, looking for a quieter and ideal toilet. I jumped back into Humetro’s carriage and followed its pace. Then get off at third stop, Dusil Station.

    As fast as lightning, I did a search for the toilet and finally I found a clean, fragrant and quiet toilet. Ah….Something just happened on my second day of adventure in Korea.

    I now have twenty minutes left. I was already sitting in Humetro carriage again, repeating my way to Nopo Station. Ten minutes later I arrived and immediately ran towards Busan Central Bus Terminal which was integrated with Nopo Station.

    “”Yes…”, I arrived at bus platform on ten minutes before departure.

    “Puufffttt….”, The journey was tense and tiring.

    Bye Busan…Love u.

  • How to Spend Five Days in the UAE?

    A guest post from Neha Singh (Dubai Wikia)

    The UAE is one of the Middle East’s most beloved and visited countries. With its mix of unequaled desert landscape, unparalleled coastline, enlightening culture, endless leisure choices, and out-of-the-world architectural gems, each of the UAE’s seven emirates has its own distinct charm and character. The best thing is that its attractions are easily accessible no matter where you plan to stay in the UAE. So, if you are looking for more ideas to fill up your five days Dubai program, this comprehensive suggested itinerary will get you started.

    Dubai Travel – Important Information

    Best Time to Visit

    The UAE, as a whole, is at its best in the winter months from November to March. Most seasonal events and attractions come to life during December – February, such as Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), New Year’s Eve festivities, Christmas celebrations etc. Being the peak season, it – however – is highly recommended to pre-plan your Dubai holiday for maximum savings. Alternatively, a budget holiday in the UAE can’t get any better than in the summer months (May to September) when everything from hotel accommodation and transfers to airline tickets and sightseeing tours comes with huge discounts.

    Where to Stay?

    Dubai is the starting point for most UAE holidays. Rightly so, it is the country’s most famed emirate with tonnes of breathtaking things to see and do. Abu Dhabi is equally popular, being the UAE’s capital as well as the largest emirate. Ras Al Khaimah comes next in the line in terms of the popularity. If you think that all emirates appear more or less the same, visit the eastern emirate of Fujairah for a refreshing shift in the scenery; it is definite to blow you away. When it comes to other emirates like Ajman, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain, they may be lesser known but each of them stands out for its unpretentious charm and cultural landmarks.

    In a condensed nut shell, wherever you choose to stay in the UAE, you can easily access other emirates on a convenient day trip.

    Accommodation

    One of the best things about a holiday in the UAE is that you will have plenty of accommodation options, no matter which emirate you choose as your base for your UAE exploration. For the most versatile accommodations, Dubai and Abu Dhabi has some of the most fantastic options. Accommodations here range from royal five-star and four star hotels and resorts to the mid-budget and cheaper yet decent alternatives. Other emirates, in particular Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, have their share of amazing hotels and resorts packed with high-end comforts. Regardless of your choice, make sure that your preferred accommodation is in proximity to transport means and other staples like shopping, dining etc.

    Places to Eat

    The Emiratis account for only 20% of the population and the rest is occupied by nationalities from over 200 countries. Not to mention, the UAE’s multicultural environment greatly impacts its dining scene. While there is no chance that you will miss your beloved homely food here, it allows you to sample cuisines that represent different parts of the world, such as classic English, American, Mediterranean, Spanish, French, Italian and more. Speaking of the places to eat, they fall under every budget and category; there are even venues that let you dine in the mid-air.

    Day-Wise Itinerary Of Top Things To Do And See In Dubai

    Day 1: Discover Dubai’s Main Attractions & Desert Safari  

    Day 1: Discover Dubai’s Main Attractions & Desert Safari  

    There is so much to see and experience in Dubai that it is probably the first stop on any UAE vacation. If you don’t know how to discover Dubai smart in a day, nothing could beat a comprehensive city tour; however, take care to get it arranged by an experienced service provider. You can also consider a Big Bus Dubai tour that allows for unlimited hop on and hop off during the validity of your ticket.

    Dependent on your available time in Dubai, be sure to add attractions across its astonishing neighborhoods, mainly Al Bastakiya (Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood), Palm Jumeirah, Bluewaters Island and Downtown Dubai. All these are home to some of Dubai’s most timeless and superlative attractions such as the tallest of its kind Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, Burj Al Arab Ain Dubai, the View at the Palm and the antiquated Dubai Museum to name a few.

    As you spend your first half of the day sightseeing, reserve the second day for the desert safari session complete with the most exciting experiences plus BBQ dining. This is a guided off-road activity which you can book it through a professional desert safari company. Enjoy a drive over the seas of desert sands on an electrifying dune bash ride and get a slice of the Bedouin culture with henna tattooing, Shisha smoking, and traditional performances like Belly Dance and Tanura.

    Day 2: Travel to Hatta

    Hatta Dam.

    Today, after your breakfast, set out on a pleasant trip to Hatta. Tucked away in the raw charm of Hajjar Mountains, it is a picturesque settlement, located less than 150 kilometers away from Dubai. This place is a draw for anyone who wants to spend some quality moment amidst the untouched natural Arabian landscape and ancient attractions. Make your day here activity-packed with mountain biking, hiking, kayaking etc, or turn it a relaxed day with a boat ride along Swan Lake or via visiting the age-old attractions of over 3000-year-old Hatta Heritage Village. Up for an exciting adventure? Get ready for an amazing glamping experience at Hatta Dome Park.

    Day 3: Spend a Whole Day in Abu Dhabi

    Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

    Dedicate the third day of your UAE trip to enjoy the top sights and activities of the capital city. Whether you are traveling to Abu Dhabi from Dubai or Hatta, it takes over two hours’ drive to reach here. To get the best out of your Abu Dhabi visit, it is ideal to take a full day city tour Abu Dhabi that includes a stop at the region’s greatest religious and cultural highlight at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque plus other attractions like Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi Heritage Village and Date Market. If you can’t go without adding some adventure, be sure to Yas Island’s pulse-racing attractions, particularly Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros, Yas Water World and CLYMB Abu Dhabi.

    It may not be practical to visit all these places in a day, but you can definitely pick your favorites and customize an Abu Dhabi program for yourself.

    Day 4: Venture Out to Fujairah

    Fujairah Port.

    Be it for unspoiled nature, pleasant climate or the traces of a bygone era, Fujairah is a definite-see on your UAE visit. So come explore the wonders of Fujairah on your fourth day; it is the only emirate along the country’s eastern coast which takes your breath away with its pristine beaches and rugged mountains. Go on a guided Fujairah city tour – it not only introduces you to the region’s most striking historical and heritage sites (such as the country’s oldest of its kind Al Badiyah Mosque, the Bitnah Fort and Al Hayl Castle), but also makes stop at the traditional Masafi Market where you can purchase souvenirs and relish fresh local produces.

    Day 5: Visit a Theme Park and Go on a Dhow Cruise

    Back in Dubai, you can spend your last day in the UAE by making your way to one of the emirate’s most amazing theme park attractions. You can choose to visit the largest of its kind IMG Worlds of Adventure, the snow-themed Ski Dubai, or the region’s ultimate and one of its kind theme park attraction – Dubai Parks and Resorts (with four cool parks under its roof.)

    After all action and amusement, keep your evening free for a leisurely dinner dhow cruise along Dubai’s vibrant waters at the classy Dubai Marina or the historical Dubai Creek. A dhow is a traditional wooden vessel which was greatly used in the UAE’s pre-oil phase for fishing and pearl farming. It is now transformed into a floating restaurant where the blend of spellbinding city views, exceptional buffet dining and traditional live entertainment make for a memorable night out.  

    Top Tips For The Uae Travel

    • Whether you are looking for a summer or winter trip to UAE, pre-plan your holiday to avoid to any kind of last minute hassles or delays. Book everything in advance, including accommodation, guided tours, airline tickets etc.
    • Save on your guided tours or activities by buying a combo ticket or an all in one pass that wraps two or more attractions or experiences for a single low rate. For instance, you can opt for a pass that covers Dubai city tour with desert safari, dhow cruise and entry tickets to Burj Khalifa.
    • Acquaint yourself with the region’s local customs and rules. This not only helps you to avoid embarrassing moments, but also prevents you from paying unpleasant fines.
    • Respect local traditions, avoid smoking / consuming alcohol in public, and refrain yourself from any kind of PDAs (public display of affection.)
    • It is possible to drive on your own in the UAE. With that being said, it is must to carry your international driving license.

    Conclusion

    The UAE, precisely, is home to a variety of attractions and experiences that are both alluring and exciting. Whether you want to slow down or feel the amusement and thrill of the lifetime or simply look for anything in between, the country has something for every budget, preference and skill levels. Don’t wait anymore to go on your long awaited UAE trip; go forth, take ideas from the above program, and get ready for the most unforgettable Arabian holiday.  

  • Traditional Spices Market: Berburu Kashmir Shawl

    <—-Kisah Sebelumnya

    Menjelang pukul sepuluh pagi, aku meninggalkan Al Ahmadiya School yang berlokasi di dalam sebuah gang di tepian Al Ahmadiya Street. Aku sudah ikhlas dalam menerima ketidakberuntunganku karena tidak bisa memasuki tiga peninggalan sejarah, yaitu Al Bait Al Qadeem Restaurant and Cafe, Heritage House dan Al Ahmadiya School yang dua dari ketiganya tampak menutup diri dari para pengunjung karena proses perbaikan.

    Beberapa waktu kemudian aku sudah melangkah kembali di Al Ahmadiya Street, menuju ke selatan, tepat ke arah Dubai Creek.

    Perlu kamu ketahui bahwa Ahmadiya Street adalah jalan sepanjang setengah kilometer yang membelah kawasan Al Ras tepat di tengahnya. Jalan ini membentang dari utara ke selatan dengan jalur satu arah dan berkarakter memiliki arus kendaraan dengan kecepatan rendah, sedangkan jalur pedestrian di kedua tepinya dibuat dengan ukuran yang lebar demi memfasilitasi wisatawan yang mengunjungi kawasan heritage tersebut.

    Sementara itu dalam setiap hentakan langkah, niatanku tak ingin terburu waktu dalam menggapai tepian Dubai Creek. Aku masih berharap menemukan peninggalan penting dari masa lalu lainnya di kawasan heritage tersebut.

    Memandangi awas setiap sisi jalanan, menatap satu per satu papan petunjuk jalan, maka aku berusaha keras menemukan spot-spot bersejarah lain.

    Dan ternyata, keberuntungan kembali berpihak kepadaku, tepat di sisi kiri jalanan yang kulewati, berjarak tak lebih dari tiga ratus meter, aku kembali dihadapkan pada sebuah spot bersejerah.

    Adalah sebuah pasar yang dikelilingi tembok tinggi dengan luas hampir seribu meter persegi dengan dindang berwarna coklat tua. “Traditional Spices Market”, nama pasar tradisional tersebut.

    Tepat di depan pasar itu, aku berdiri terkagum, memperhatian arsitektur kuno pasar yang sederhana tetapi mencerminkan kekuatan konstruksi yang digdaya, tebal, mengandalkan bentuk persegi dan memiliki ketinggian yang lebih dari cukup untuk mengamankan kondisi di dalam pasar.

    Sesaat kemudian, tanpa ragu aku mulai memasuki bagian dalam pasar rempah tradisional tersebut. Satu hal dominan yang kental tertampil di dalam lingkungan pasar tersebut adalah kesibukan para penjual dalam menyiapkan aneka rempah di depan kiosnya masing-masing.

    Karena ini adalah pasar rempah maka aroma kuat dari rempah-rempah sangat tercium lekat di hidungku. Justru aku menikmati aroma itu dan membuatku betah untuk berlama-lama berada di pasar itu.

    Mengelilingi pasar lebih dalam, aku mulai menemukan kedai-kedai jenis lain, seperti pakaian, sepatu dan souvenir yang penjualnya tampak ramai berbisnis di beberapa titik di dalam bangunan pasar. Sedangkan jenis dagangan yang berupa makanan, seperti berbagai macam permen, manisan khas Timur Tengah, kacang-kacangan dan teh masih bisa ditemukan di beberapa sisi pasar jika para pengunjung bisa mengekplornya dengan cermat.

    Sedangkan beberapa toko lainnya lagi tampak menjual Kashmir Shawl (selendang kas khasmir), wewangian, permadani, dupa dan artefa. Aku melihatnya sekilas di salah satu sudut pasar.

    Mengelilingi area Traditional Spices Market di bagian dalam dengan barang-barang dagangan yang jarang kulihat, berhasil menumbuhkan rasa antusias sehingga tak terasa bahwa selama satu jam lamanya aku telah berada di dalam pasar itu.

    Memang sesuatu yang berhubungan dengan pasar dan berbelanja akan membuat siapapun terlupa jika sedang berkunjung ke tempat baru.

    Kisah Selanjutnya—->

  • Towards Centum City Station: Solving a Blind Map

    On 16:30 hours, anxiously sitting under the shade of a small bus stop at Gijang-daero Avenue, my eyes kept turning to the left, waiting for the arrival of bus number 181. A few minutes ago I was sentenced to be lost. An amateur journey just to find Haedong Yonggungsa Temple which was located on the edge of Korea Strait.

    Two and a half hours of my time wasted in the eastern streets outside Busan City. Meanwhile, another threat came, i.e delay in catching my bus to Seoul which was leaving that night. In the midst of pale faces, the bus finally arrived. I was already waving when bus still seemed to be running from a distance. “I can’t miss that bus, this is my best chance to catch my bus to Seoul”.

    The blinking of bus’s turn signal signaled that driver understood that I was a potential passenger. The bus stopped right in front of me, I swiftly jumped from front door and handed over 1,200 Won in fare box. Then I acquired one of middle seat.

    Now my eyes were sweeping bus interior, looking for any destination marker or clues which could monitor bus’s whereabouts. My eyes were keen to see a manual route board on a side of upper compartment, while right behind the driver, there was LCD screens which kept changing its Hangeul characters when bus passed bus stops along Gijang-daero Avenue. “Yes….”, I found it but I couldn’t read it because it was a whole Hangeul script. I kept holding my breath, trying to stay calm. “Once again lost, I will be further, my chances of catching bus to Seoul will be lost”, I lowered my eyes closed. Imagine that horror.

    Now I decided to stand right under the manual route board, all passengers were amazed because I stood when the bus was never full. I ignored the stares, I was busy saving my own destiny.

    Looking closely the route map. Hangeul characters were so small and I didn’t really understand. “Yes, I find it”, my mind cheered with joy. There was a Humetro logo in that route map. That means that bus stop in question was integrated with Humetro station. While a Humetro map, I always hold it along the way. It was neatly folded in a back pocket of my pants.

    That means I just needed to memorize that Hangeul alphabetical sequence which composed the name of bus stop and matched it with the same alphabet sequence which would be displayed in the LCD screen behind driver. If that string of names appeared, then I would get off at the bus stop in question. Ah, it turned out that the remnants of intelligence in my brain were still there.

    I continued to observe the LCD screen and continued to match each letter with the manual route board in bus’ upper compartmen. That way I would know how many bus stops again when I have to get off. Perseverance and thorough in doing that, made me manage to get off at one of bus stops located near Humetro station, Centum City Station to be exact.

    Alighting at bus stop, I rushed to the basement of Centum City Station to intercept the departure of nearest Humetro. I had to hurry to Kimchee Busan Guesthouse to pick up my backpack which I had left at reception desk since check-out this morning.

    I ran down the escalator after a Humetro who had stopped a few seconds ago and prepared to close its door to leave. “Yes….”, I managed to enter its carriage before Humetro’s door actually closed. Now I was a little calm, of course I would quickly arrive at my destination. “Take your backpack and hurry to Busan Central Bus Terminal, Donny!”, I thought confirming an order to myself.

  • Al Ahmadiya School: Cikal Bakal Pendidikan di Dubai

    <—-Kisah Sebelumnya

    Aku telah puas mengelilingi sekitar Heritage House, rumah asli khas Dubai di masa lampau. Aku pun sesekali mengusap pelan beberapa dinding tembok untuk merasakan bahan utama yang digunakan untuk membuatnya. Bahkan sekali dua kali juga mengintip interiornya melalui bukaan jendela berteralis terbuka.

    “Hmhhh….Tak rugi-rugi amatlah aku datang kemari”, aku terus memenangkan hati yang pada awalnya kecewa setengah mati.

    Tetapi sebelum aku benar-benar pergi meninggalkan Heritage House, tetiba langkahku terhenti kembali. Di sisi timur rumah legendaris itu, aku dihadapkan pada sebuah bangunan klasik lainnya. Aku yang penasaran bergegas merapat sedekat mungkin. Kuperhatikan sebuah papan kayu bertuliskan nama bangunan masa lampau tersebut, Al Ahmadiya School namanya.

    “Oh….Sekolahan”, aku mulai faham.

    Bangunan sekolah itu tertutup rapat dan aku menemukan sebuah petunjuk….

    Al Ahmadiya School nan anggun,

    “Closed For Maintenance”, begitu bacaan pada selembar papan kecil berwarna putih yang kutemukan tergantung di daun pintu yang tertutup rapat. Sementara di ujung tengah terasnya, berkibarlah dua bendera yang berdampingan pada tiang berbeda. Keduanya adalah bendera negera Uni Emirat Arab (UEA) dan bendera milik Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

    Memang, Al Ahmadiya School tersebut telah dimuseumkan sejak dua puluh tujuh tahun silam dan kepemilikannya diambil alih oleh Dubai Culture & Arts Authority yang merupakan otoritas pemerintah di Uni Emirat Arab, yang bekerja dalam bidang pelestarian warisan budaya serta situs budaya di Dubai.

    Karena keberadaannya yang sudah melebihi satu abad di daerah Al Ras, maka Al Ahmadiya School telah menjadi salah satu landmark budaya di Kota Dubai. Sekolah ini ternyata didirikan oleh Sheikh Ahmed bin Dalmouk, sang pemilik Heritage House pada tahun 1912. Menjadi sekolah pertama sekaligus tertua di Dubai maka Al Ahmadiya School telah dikenang sepanjang masanya sebagai sebuah lembaga pendidikan formal yang secara keseluruhan telah menjalankan aktivitas pendidikan selama tujuh puluh tahun lamanya.

    Nah, nama “Ahmadiya” sendiri disematkan pada sekolah tersebut untuk menghormati mendiang Sheikh Ahmed bin Dalmouk. Penamaan itu sendiri diberikan oleh putra dari Sheikh Ahmed bin Dalmouk,

    Telah purna tugas sebagai tempat belajar dan mengajar, maka Al Ahmadiya School kini beralih fungsi sebagai museum sejak tahun 1995. Perubahan fungsi ini ditujukan untuk menyelamatkan sejarah asal mula pendidikan di Kota Dubai yang pada akhirnya bisa mengilhami generasi muda Dubai untuk mencintai budaya bangsanya.

    Itu bangunan apa ya? kek kantor gitu deh ….
    Ahmedia Heritage Guesthouse,

    Walaupun tidak bisa memasuki bagian dalam Al Ahmadiya School, akan tetapi aku masih berkesempatan untuk mengamati area di sekitar sekolah. Pengamatan pertamaku tertuju pada sebuah bangunan tunggal, bergaya klasik dan kosong di dalamnya. Entah berfungsi sebagai apakah bangunan ini pada masa keemasannya, mirip bangunan kantor.

    Sedangkan di sisi baratnya, tampak jelas bangunan klasik dan aktif yang difungsikan sebagai penginapan untuk para wisatawan, Ahmedia Heritage Guesthouse nama penginapan tersebut. Penginapan klasik berbintang empat ini kamarnya dibanderol dengan tarif termurah 440 Dirham per malamnya.

    Bahkan saking klasiknya, penginapan ini hanya memiliki satu lantai dan lima ruangan kamar. Buat kamu yang memiliki budget berlebih saat berkunjung ke Dubai maka kamu bisa mencoba untuk menginap di dalam fasilitas klasiknya tersebut.

    Kisah Selanjutnya—->

  • Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: Never Arrived….

    I hadn’t even reached Toseong Station yet, when my stomach tone sent a signal. “Oh yeah, I haven’t had lunch yet,” was the quick response in my mind. The last time I ate a Bungeoppang street snack was two hours ago at the same street where I stood now, Kkachigogae-ro Avenue.

    Getting to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple took a long time. I paused for a moment at a side of sidewalk. Slowly sweeping my gaze to the row of shophouses along my eyes reach. At far side of road, I saw a restaurant which wasn’t that big, some local residents came out of that tiny restaurant with plastic bags filled with food. Quickly decided, “I’d better eat there, I don’t have much time”. Later, I sat down at a seat in that tiny restaurant.

    “Annyeonghasimnika”…….

    “Good afternoon, Sir. This is the menu. Enjoy your time here”

    “Thank you Sir, give me time to choose the menu!”.

    A young man with typical Korean bangs smiled with nodding and returned to his busy in preparing food for several customers who were still queuing near door. Meanwhile I started to busy choosing a food I would eat at menu list. My first filter was, of course, price, considering my budget was running low in my second day in Korea.

    “Hello, Sir”, I called him after selecting the cheapest menu.

    “Yes, Sir” he prepared to go to my table.

    “This, Sir”

    “Oh, Kimbap….OK…OK. Oh yes, Where are you come from, Sir?”, He quickly understood my order while opening another topic of conversation.

    “Indonesia, Sir”

    “Wow, Indonesia. I ever worked there for 3 years. Good afternoon, Sir”

    I uncontrollably laughed watching him when recited some words from my country language.Hahaha.

    “Do you eat pork?”, he joked again.

    “No…No…..Hahahaha. Your Indonesian language is good”, I felt happy, as if I was in my own country.

    “Are you moslem?”

    “Yup. I am happy to hear Indonesia language in Busan, Sir”

    “Yes….Yes….Yes….. I can speak a little Indonesian. Wait, I’ll make Kimbap. Only 10 minutes, Wait!”

    “Yes, Sir”

    He was busy concocting my order of Kimbap diligently and exactly ten minutes later, he picked up a Kimbap and brought it to me. Now Kimbap was ready to eat. But I ate it with a flat expression. Damn…I miss “Nasi Padang”.

    Are you full if you eat lunch with that portion?

    Paying after eating it, I chatted for a while until I finally found out that he was the owner of this tiny restaurant.

    —-****——

    I sat down in Humetro Line 1 (Orange Line) carriage, then changed to Humetro Line 2 (Green Line) at Seomyeon Station. Next I headed to Haeundae Station to continue my journey.

    A destination  which made me pale….I didn’t know if there will be enough time until I catched bus to Seoul at half past nine that night. Or would I be left behind by that bus.

    My worries which had been going at along underground passages of Busan were stopped when a voice announcer announced that Humetro would soon be arrived in Haeundae Station. At the same time, my decision to going to my next destination was final…..I would visit it. I quickly rushed to station gate in the surface, when I got to the top, I nimbly stepped towards a bus stop located not far from station gate. The name of that bus stop was the same as the station name next to it, namely Haeundae Bus Stop, located on the edge of Haeun-daero Avenue

    I carefully looked at some bus numbers at bus stop’s wall. That were the identities of several city buses which passed that bus stop. Yes….There was a number 181 tucked in between, that was a bus number which I was aiming for. I closely looked at every bus which was going to stop at Haeundae Bus Stop. I was agile to find the whereabouts of numbers location at bus’ front window. It took quite a while, several bus with another numbers past me at bus stop until the sixth bus with a number I was looking for arrived. Now I was getting ready to welcome that bus, which from a distance started turning on its turn signal as a sign that that bus would pick up its passengers at Haeundae Bus Stop.

    The bus softly screeched in front of me, I immediately jumped in through its front door, entered the fare of 1,200 Won in a fare box next to driver while showing him a picture. “Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Sir. Please drop me here…!.”.

    “Hoohhh….hooohh”, a response that I believed that he understood.

    All seats were full, made me stand alone in that city bus. Surprised local faces stared at me all the way, of course because I had a different skin color than them.

    While in bus, there were no clues that can help to monitoring where I was at all times. I tried to calm myself apart from a fact that a small panic was starting to disturb my concentration. Thirty minutes had passed, countless, bus had stopped to picking up and dropping passengers, but driver seemed to continue to focus on driving the bus.

    Finally I got up the courage to approach him and asked again about the picture of temple which I showed at the beginning of trip. “Sir, is this temple still far?”, I briefly asked. Then how did he react?….Amazing, hahaha.

    “Hooohhhh….Hooohhhh”, while waving his hand as a sign of not knowing. Either I didn’t know that place or I didn’t know how to speak English. “Oh God, Imy request had be ignored from earlier by him”. Now I had no choice, I had to get off from bus even though I didn’t know where I was. “Sir. Drop me here now!”. And slowly, bus began to slow down towards a small bus stop in front of it.

    My hunch from the beginning of trip was clear, I was now really lost in a lonely place. Meanwhile, it was half past five in the afternoon. I would try to find out if Haedong Yonggungsa Temple was still worth to be visited by walking.

    Ten minutes of confusion and panic at a bus stop, I finally saw a young man jogging toward me. I mustered up the courage to stop him and ask him where he was going.

    “It’s about 10 kilometers from here, you get off from bus but it was too far from this place”

    “Ok thanks, Sir”

    That means I couldn’t walk and it was also impossible to wait for next bus to get there….It would be too long and time consuming. I decided to immediately cancel and prepared to heading back towards downtown. I would better to secure my bus departure schedule to Seoul. If I was late then I had to prepare to compensate it with additional accommodation costs for a longer night’s stay in Busan.

    With a sense of panic and disappointment…. And also a little fear because I was in a very quiet place at the edge of Gijang-daero Avenue, I finally waited for the arrival of bus number 181.

    I was so sorry…. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple….It was like unrequited love.