Hotel Staff: “Go to New Delhi Railway Station platform 1 floor 1!“, a short answer was spoken by beautiful staff who still looked busy in accepting traveler from various nations.
Me: “Thank you, honey Ms”.
Oh yes, looking for the nearest dormitory from MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) station is a habit which has been in me.
I started to open GoStops Delhi Hostel’s door and passed a few disadvantaged citizens. It was touched when the sun’s rays were the only thing which could help warm them who were still asleep curled up on an old foam mattress which I couldn’t know how they got it.
300 meters later I arrived at Delhi Gate Metro Station. Passing a X-ray gate every time when I entered MRT station in New Delhi made me feel safe while using train on its track.
Let’s see inside of subway station in New Delhi….This is Indira Gandhi Airport Metro Station when I first time arrived in India.
Going through Delhi Metro Violet Line and then transferring to Yellow Line at Kashmere Gate Metro Station, so at third station I arrived at New Delhi Metro Station.
Arriving at final destination, I had to move between two modes of train which weren’t integrated. Leaving clean and well-maintained New Delhi Metro Station to New Delhi Railway Station which is more than just dirty. The distance between them is only around 450 meters.
Walking 6 minutes, I arrived in front of New Delhi Railway Station.
From a connecting bridge between platforms, I noticed that Indian Railways officer sprayed water on railroad track. I thought they were so disciplined to reduce dust rate in air, it turns out some time later I knew that they were cleaning railroad tracks from human waste …. # unique.
Upss….The incident arrived:
Scammer: “Where will you go, Sir?”
Me: “Agra.”
Scammer: “Let me help you to get the ticket.”
Me: “Oh thanks. Based information from my hotel that ticket counter is on platform 1 floor 1.”
Scammer: “Oh, yes. But It’s Friday. So, the counter is closed. You can get the ticket at left side of this station.”
Me: “Oh, OK.”
Either “Unknow” or “Stupid“, I followed all his instructions. A handsome young man didn’t accompany my steps, so there wasn’t slightest suspicion in my brain. Amazingly, there was a person at a station gate who seemed to directing me about where ticket sales counter was located. He was obviously directing me to an office at end of road on the left.
“Oh, this is a travel agent’s office, not an Indian Railways office“, I thought. I canceled to going up the next step and turned to leave their office. Even though one of them continued to chase me, I smoothly insisted by saying that I would postpone my departure to Agra until tomorrow, so that I could reduce his emotions that seemed to be rising.
Huftt….I was safe now. Second scam which happened to me after the first one which happened in Bangkok at end of 2013.
—-****—-
Relieving which felt doubled because in addition to being able to find International Tourist Bureau ticket sales office on platform 1 floor 1, I also got a bonus for protect mysely in this office from New Delhi’s cold weather that made me feel frozen.
The modest office is beautified with excellent ticket sales officer consulting services for every tourist. So you have to be patient for waiting for your queue number to be called by sales officer because one buyer could consult for about 10-15 minutes, some even more. Not a problem for me, a longer queue time would be better because I didn’t need to be cold in out of office.
Jhelum Express ticket for about USD 2.9 was already in my hand.
Sebut namanya Yunus, pemuda tanggung berwajah Melayu dengan PeDe nya menepuk pundakku dari belakang. Fokusku menjepret gambar istana dari posisi terbaik pudar.
Yunus: “Bang bisa fotoin saya?”
Aku: “Oh Sinih. Jangan disitu….ke tengah aja!”, aku mengarahkan posisinya bak photographer professional.
Dia baru datang dari Pangkalan Brandan untuk mengadu nasib di kota Medan selepas meraih ijazah SMK jurusan Teknik Otomotif. Mau bekerja di bengkel tuturnya lugu. Dia begitu terpesona dengan penampilanku hingga dia menebakku sebagai seorang wartawan dengan kamera yang menurutnya berharga mahal. Padahal……
Obrolan ringan kami terselesaikan dengan langkah kakiku menuju bangunan terpisah di kiri istana. Kuintip didalamya ada meriam yang ujungnya patah. Itu adalah Meriam Buntung/Puntung . Tak tanggung, potongan meriam itu jatuh sejauh 75km di selatan istana saking panasnya meriam yang di tembakkan terus- menerus.
Konon meriam ini adalah jelmaan Putri Hijau ketika Deli diserang raja dari Aceh yang murka karena pinangannya ditolak.
“Dee Eerste Steen Van Dit Gebouw
Is Celeco Op Den
26 Augustus 1888
Door Z. H. Den Sultan Van Deli
Mahmoed El Rasjid Perkasa Alamsja”
Kubaca dengan lekukan bibir mirip pak meneer di dasar pilar tepat sebelum menaiki tangga bermarmer putih keabu-abuan.
Membenahi backpack untuk persiapan eksplorasi seisi istana dilanjutkan dengan membeli tiket masuk seharga Rp. 5.000 di anak tangga teratas maka kakiku mulai menapaki lantai istana.
Tempat duduk Raja dan Ratu.
Pintu istana berwarna kuning yang begitu banyak jumlahya, mengadopsi gaya Eropa dikombinasi daun jendela dominan hijau dengan lengkungan dibagian atas ala arsitektuk Mughal India menjadi pemandangan pertama yang ku ingat.
Pelaminan agung berwarna kuning keemasan.
Kemudian “si kuning dan si hijau” dikombinasi dengan “si merah”menandakan istana ini jelas milik banga Melayu seutuhnya. Kuning menunjukkan kebijaksanaan, hijau merepresentasikan Islam dan merah mewakili warna adat.
Ornamen lampu di atas tingginya langit-langit istana.
Begitu banyak wajah kelaurga Kesultanan Deli yang diperkenalkan ke khalayak melalui foto-foto klasik yang terpigura rapih dan menempel erat di dinding kayu istana.
Alhasil, Aku tertegun pada wajah cantik sendu Yang Mulia Raja Noorsida yang merupakan Istri Seripaduka Sultan Osman Al Sani Perkasa Alam
Foto Sultan Deli saat ini: Seripaduka Baginda Tuanku Sultan Mahmud Arya Lamanjiji Perkasa Alam Shah.
Di beberapa sudut, aku mengamati dengan tekun beberapa senjata peninggalan sultan seperti Keris Bentara, Tumbok Lada, Keris Cenderahati. Juga beberapa alat musik, perhiasan, piring keramik dan pakaian kebesaran Sang Sultan.
Tombak Kesultanan Deli.
Semakin siang maka pengunjung pun semakin meramaikan seisi istana. Banyak yang rela mengantri untuk memakai baju adat Melayu dan berpose di kursi raja dan ratu. Anak-anak sekolah pun tak segan duduk menghampar di lantai istana untuk mendengarkan penjelasan pak guru yang terus bercerita lantang hingga urat lehernya menampakkan diri.
Persewaan baju adat Melayu.
Kunjunganku ke Istana Maimun ini sungguh meninggalkan kesan mendalam karena baru kali ini aku mengunjungi sebuah istana di tanah Sumatera.
Sampai bertemu lagi Istana megah nan bersahaja.
Yuk….Lihat kreasi Kesultanan Deli berikutnya….Masjid Raya Al Mashun. Ga jauh kok…..
A fog storm in northern India has robbed more than six hours of my time. But my aggravation was defeated by my own vulnerability against India’s cold air .
Fog calamity in India
Jhelum Express pulled up at Agra on 8:30 pm. Do you want to hear my story in using their economic train….Just wait….HORRIBLE !!!.
There was nothing I could do that night. Temperature almost touched zero degree Celsius, even air quickly cooled fried noodles I bought at street food stall. Even Indian spices which are stinging, I still couldn’t feel because a frozen began to hit my tongue.
I was like a coward hiding under the blanket of GoStops Hostel while waiting for the electricity to fill all my “electronic friends”.
Hotel staff: “You must be grateful to be an Indonesian. You can easily go everywhere. Not like me, getting a passport is very difficult. Our government protect their citizen from getting difficult life at out of our country. I had waited for two years to get a passport, I hope I will get this year. I want go around the world like you”
Me: “Don’t worry, you will get it, my friend. You will go to my country also sometimes. One thing that should made you proud with India. Your currency is more stronger than my currency…..Aaannnnddddd, Your country have great histories and cultures in the world.”
It was a bit of a serious conversation before I entered room, and a slightly intellectual conversation after previously I only talked to Jhelum Express’ passengers who sitting in front of me and also to taxi driver who transferred me from Agra Cantt Station to hotel.
—-****—-
OKAY….A morning has came
Automatically, I only had 10 valuable hours to explore Agra starting on 7:00 in the morning. This time I wouldn’t justify myself to use public transportation….Too tight….Luckily, I did sharing costs with fellow backpacker roommates for a taxi services which was willing to be chartered until afternoon. Because in the afternoon, I would go to New Delhi. I just needed to spend USD 4.4 for my entire transportation fee.
1.Taj Mahal
Didn’t daring to touch water to wash myself, I rushed into a taxi which was ready in front of hostel. That morning….Fog was so thick which even the morning sun was unable to uncover it.
Yes, finally….I headed for dream destination of tourists all over the world….Taj Mahal
Taxi moved north along Agra-Bah Road. Not far away, only 3.5 km which is traveled in 15 minutes. Taxi stopped at edge of road, I was only remember a sign “Malik Tour & Travel” as a marker.
Bajaj service for USD 2.9 became a next connector toward Taj Mahal West Gate Ticket Office. I spend USD 7.25 to get a entry ticket.
Every inchies in Taj Mahal always carried an impression, a only thing which really disturbed all tourists was fog which made them feel annoyed because they couldn’t capture themselves with this historical building.
Taj Mahal was captured from Mehtab Bagh.
This mainstay of Uttar Pradesh State Tourism is truly impressive. A tomb which is dedicated to Mumtaz Mahal (wife of emperor Shah Jahan) is able to attract 8 million tourists from all over the world each year. One of UNESCO World Heritage Sites which you must visit if you enter Mahabharata land.
2.Itimad ud Daulah Tomb
Two hours of absorbing and enjoying the beauty of Taj Mahal which is almost entirely wrapped in white marble had carved a doctrine in my brain that the world is really beautiful.
Let’s go back to hostel to took a bath and ate a simple free-breakfast which was served by hostel. I immediately packed my backpack for check-out and put it in taxi luggage. After enjoying Agra Fort later, I would immediately go to New Delhi.
Located at 4.5 km north of Taj Mahal, this site offers tranquility and comfort. Unlike with Taj Mahal which is noisy with visitors. Similar but don’t as big as Taj Mahal which make it known as the “Baby Taj“.
A building which inspires architectural style of Taj Mahal.
If Taj Mahal is dedicated to Mumtaz Mahal, the construction of Itimad ud Daulah is dedicated to Mumtaz Mahal’s grandfather named Mirza Ghiyas Beg.
I don’t want to tell much….Visit it, yes!…Yuhuuuuu !!!!
3.Yamuna River
An hour moved quickly. My intention to immediately rushed to next destination ran aground. I was stunned by appearance of a dry river which stretched so broadly, as if showing off its beauty to all who were seeing, crossing or even living in it.
Located at west of Itimad ud Daulah.…Nice.
Guys….That’s Yamuna River….All my life, It was first time to saw a river which very wide like it.
Considered by Hindus as the Goddess Yamuna.
The river which is originating from Yamunotri glacier at Uttarakhand State looked receding and exposed to various forms of waste such as plastic and liquid waste which are easily guessed from its smell. .
4.Mehtab Bagh
Next two kilometers to south….
Licking, sipping and gently swallowing French fries with curry-flavored salt became my next unimportant activity….Set aside for about USD 0.7 to try some street culinary in India! I guarantee that you will be impressed.
Guys, I was already on a side of wide and romantic park….Mehtab Bagh is its name.
“Mehtab Bagh” itself has a meaning which is similar to a meaning of pair of words in English i.e “Moonlight Garden“…Yes, how romantic is it?
It was said that….Shah Jahan would build a Black Taj Mahal in this park. But it was never achieved..
It is often been King’s stopover to enjoy beauty of Taj Mahal which is located at opposite it and is only separated by Yamuna River.
The price of admission ticket for USD 2.9 is nothing compared to the beauty of park which you can safely enjoy. Safe?….Yes, park was guarded by two fully armed soldiers who always walk around park.
5.Agra Fort
Masala Tea = 90 Rupee….This is USD 1.2
Egg Fried Rice = 150 Rupee….This is USD 2.1
That was my lunch menu at “The Master Chef” Restaurant at Fatehabad Road before heading to my last destination in Agra….#sad.
Located 2.5 km northwest of Taj Mahal, Agra Fort is also a World Heritage Site which is very prominent in its red color.
The walled city of Agra Fort….Amazing.
You have to pay USD 7.2 to directly imagine how is the Mughal emperor living in Agra Fort.
Walking around as much as you can in Agra Fort before parting with Agra city. I traced one by one of part in this fort.
Entering Diwan-i-Am like Mughal people who are complaining, or entering Diwan-i-Khas like an important royal guest who is being entertained by the king.
Feel the luxury of Jahangiri Mahal, which is a special palace for king’s wife then sat down to relax in Anguri Bagh which was used by women member of kingdom as a royal garden.
And as a Muslim, I also feel obliged to visit Moti Mosque in Agra Fort as a worship place for all kingdom members.
—-****—-
A short time that introduced me to an ancient city in northern India. City whose its architecture influences many building creations around the world.
Make sure that you visit it longer than me because historical values of this city are so high and can’t be enjoyed in an instant time.
Aku tak pernah memberi kesempatan sedikitpun terhadap otak untuk berfikir panjang. Menunggang ojek online, aku mengucap sayonara pada Terminal Amplas yang sepertinya tak rela ditinggal pengunjung yang sudi meluangkan waktu untuk mengenalnya.
15 menit kemudian, aku sudah hinggap di destinasi utama kota Medan. Tak lain lagi dialah:
1. Istana Maimun
Istana yang namanya bermakna “Berkah” ini telah berjasa selama hampir 130 tahun merepresentasikan agungnya Kesultanan Deli. Dibangunnya istana ini sekaligus sebagai penanda berpindahnya ibukota kerajaan dari Labuhan ke Medan.
Kuning adalah warna khas Melayu yang melambangkan kebijaksanaan.
Menebus tiket masuk bernilai Rp. 5.000, aku menjelajah setiap sudut istana dan terus mengagumi setiap detail perpaduan arsitektur India, Timur Tengah dan Eropa. Lima hektar area istana membuat siapa saja leluasa menikmati keindahan istana dari berbagai sisi pandang.
Destinasi berikutnya hanya berjeda 2 menit dengan berjalan kaki, yaitu:
2. Masjid Raya Al Mashun
Terletak di barat istana, bangunan suci bersegi delapan ini berdiri megah tak bergeming melintas masa. Karya fenomelal milik Sultan Ma’mun Al Rasyid Perkasa Alam ini menyiratkan bahwa beliau lebih mengutamakan keagungan masjid dibanding istana tempat tinggalnya.
Marmernya didatangkan langsung dari Italia
Tepat waktu Dzuhur, aku menyempatkan diri berbaur dengan masyarakat Medan untuk mencicipi sejuknya hawa masjid tua berusia 110 tahun tersebut. Kemegahan masjid merupakan penanda kemakmuran Kesultanan Deli di masanya.
Jangan beranjak dulu dari area sekitar istana dan masjid karena masih ada satu tempat lagi yang diyakini sebagai peninggalan Kesultanan Deli, yaitu:
3. Taman Sri Deli
Melangkah 100 meter ke utara masjid, aku telah hadir di pusat taman. Untuk meresapi nilai sejarahnya, aku mencoba membayangkan menjadi putra Sultan yang sedang bersantai di sore hari kemudian membasuh badan di kolam trapesium yang terletak di tengah taman.
Taman yang mampu meredam panas kota.
Taman ini menjadi penutup eksplorasi mengenang kejayaan Melayu dibawah pimpinan Sri Paduka Tuanku Sultan (gelar Sultan Deli).
4. Menara Air Tirtanadi
Terus berjalan mengambil arah utara, dalam 800 meter aku menemukan tandon air raksasa milik PDAM Tirtanadi Provinsi Sumatera Utara. Penampung air raksasa ini telah lama menjadi wisata landmark kota.
Jangan lihat wajah tuanya tapi lihat perannya.
Siapa sangka toren belang merah putih ini adalah buatan Belanda di permulaan abad 20. Sesuai makna nama Sansekertanya, Tirtanadi memiliki peranan vital dalam mensuplai kebutuhan air bersih warga kota sejak pertama kali dibangun hingga kini.
Tahu kan arti kata Tirtanadi?….Yups, Tirta berarti air dan Nadi bermakna kehidupan.
5. Museum Uang Sumatera
Ayo melangkah lagi !….Tanggung nih.
Sekitar 300 meter di barat Tirtanadi Tower, aku menemukan koleksi berbagai rupa uang dari berbagai zaman dalam sebuah museum yang pendiriannya diinisiasi oleh seorang kolektor uang bernama Saparudin Barus.
Bahkan uang dari zaman Kesultanan Deli pun masih tersimpan dengan baik
Museum ini tidak bertiket masuk. Hanya saja mereka akan memberikan souvenir berupa 2 uang koin dengan lubang ditengah dan dihargai Rp. 10.000.
6. Tjong A Fie Mansion
Kali ini, aku singgah di destinasi penting lain kota Medan. Ini adalah rumah saudagar kaya raya keturunan Tiongkok yang mempunyai peran besar dalam pembangunan kota. Sang dermawan ini bernama Tjong A Fie. Dan yang tersisa selain dari kebesaran namanya adalah rumah tempat tinggal beliau.
Setiap ruang dalam rumah Tjong A Fie memiliki fungsi khusus yang membuatku terkagum.
Aku rela membayar tiket masuk seharga Rp. 35.000. Tetapi nilai itu terbayar lunas begitu memahami cerita tempoe doeloe yang membahas setiap sisi rumah dan menapak tilas kiprah Tjong A Fie dalam membesarkan bisnis dan membangun Medan.
7. Kampung Madras
Tak ada alasan shahih yang bisa kujelaskan mengapa aku harus mengunjugi Kampung Madras. Satu alasan sederhana saja, itu adalah efek domino karena aku menginap di Dazhong Backpacker’s Hostel yang berada di pusat Kampung Madras.
Berbaur dengan warga keturunan India!
Madras diambil dari nama sebuah daerah di India Selatan yang merupakan asal nenek moyang warga Medan keturunan India Tamil.
8. Waroenk Nenek
Selesai bertemu teman dekat di Medan, gelapnya hari membujuk untuk kembali ke hotel. Tetapi badai lapar yang tak terbendung , membuatku terpaksa mencari makan malam sebelum aku benar-benar sampai di hotel.
Destinasi bonus.
Hinggaplah langkah di sebuah rumah makan bermoto “Semua Ada” di bilangan Jalan Patimura. Seporsi pecel lele yang disuguhkan oleh dara-dara cantik berhijab menjadi hadiah terindah malam itu.
9. Merdeka Walk
Segarnya badan setelah makan malam membuatku urung kembali ke hotel. Aku menambah kembali koleksi dengan mengunjungi pusat kuliner dan hiburan kota yang biasa dipanggil eMWe.
Gerimis mulai turun ketika aku tiba.
Dibuat pada 2005 dan mampu menampung 700 pengunjung dalam satu waktu menjadikan tempat ini sebagai destinasi favorit saat weekend tiba. Terutama buat anak-anak muda yang ingin melepas penat setelah berkerja padat sepanjang minggu
10. Pendopo Kota Medan
Masih satu area dengan Merdeka Walk yang menempati salah satu sisi Lapangan Merdeka. Pendopo ini akan menjadi pusat alun-alun kota Medan di masa depan pasca revitalisasi yang sedang dirancang oleh pemerintah kota.
Jam 21:00 pun pendopi masih kedatangan pengunjung.
Ketersediaan taman di sekitar pendopo menjadikan tempat ini ramai akan berbagai aktivitas dari sekedar berkumpul bersama keluarga, berolah raga ataupun aktivitas beberapa komunitas muda Medan.
Itulah kunjungan kilat di Medan yang membuatku rindu untuk kembali.
Blue Hop on Hop Off bus little bit squeak in braking when entering a bend that leads this tourist bus into a worship building which is full of charisma. “Nash(ә)n(ә)l mäsk”…. My mouth spelled a black marble with gold alphabet.
Thought fast….Get off or not at all.
“Ladies and gentlemen, who want to visit the mosque, please get off here. Have a good visit”, beautiful tour guide smiled while holding her microphones.
Not listed in my itinerary, It didn’t make me turn and I chose it to be a bonus destination on my last day before returning to Jakarta.
It was the first Prime Minister who gave it a name as National Mosque
Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj is a nobleman who played an important role in its construction until naming this mosque. The initiator of the construction of National Mosque as an expression of gratitude for Malaysia’s independence from British colonialism without spilling out Malaysian blood.
I slowly entered main building after performing ablution to fulfill Asr pray. A room under a great dome auspices and high-quality soft carpet. I almost didn’t want to move from its comfort which trapping me.
The dome has 18 star-shaped ornaments.
Eighteen ornaments which alternately pronunciation of Allah and Muhammad symbolize 13 states in Malaysia’s constitutional monarchy and 5 pillars of Islam as foundation of Islamic religion which is embraced by more than 60% of Malaysians.
The extent of building….Indeed, it can’t be doubted if some statements state that National Mosque can hold up to 15,000 worshipers at a time. Incredibly, that’s half capacity of Patriot Stadium in Bekasi (a stadium near my home).
At front door before main worship room, you will find a white tower which stands in one corner of a pool which makes this mosque more elegant.
National Mosque tower is 73 meters in high.
Also pay attention when you enter this mosque. Then at far left, there is a building which is separated by a short corridor from mosque’s main building. Its white roof is in the shape of seven stars and below it, there are tombs of country’s great heroes. One of the famous heroes who buried here is Tun Abdul Razak. Bugis descendant who played an important role behind Malaysian independence.
Here are tombs of Malaysian moslem heroes.
National Mosque itself was inaugurated and opened to public about 8 years after Malaysia’s independence day. Do you know, when was Malaysia independent?…Yup, 1957.
Its inaugurating coincide with a year in which Malaysia and Singapore constitutionally separated..
Had become the largest mosque in Malaysia before this title was seized by Blue Mosque in Shah Alam area.
National Mosque is architecturally connected to Old Railway Station building through an underground passageway. The train station itself is located adjacent to Malayan Railway Administration Building which is currently used as headquarters of KTM (Keretapi Tanah Melayu).
A building at my behind is Malayan Railway Administration Building.
Bahkan seminggu sebelum terbang, pilihan telah kutetapkan. Bukan “Si cepat dari Woojin”, apalagi “si burung biru”yang biasa berlalu lalang di Kualanamu. Pilihanku tetap pada transportasi ala rakyat yang bersahabat dengan kantong. Tak lain lagi, itu DAMRI.
Terduduk kantuk di ruang tunggu stasiun kereta bandara lalu mengamati para eksekutif menggeret kopernya, berkejaran dengan waktu keberangkatan kereta. Atau sebaliknya, langkah cepat para penumpang necis yang baru saja keluar dari kereta untuk mengejar waktu penerbangan mereka masing-masing. Aku menjadi manusia tersantai pagi itu di Kualanamu. Ya iya lah…Aku kan lagi ngelayap, bukan sedang dalam perjalanan dinas.
Mereka yang pada sibuk
15 menit mengamati lalu lalang “Si Biru Langit”, Aku keluar stasiun dengan memanggul backpack biru cetakan Tiongkok yang kudapat lewat salah satu e-commerce ternama setahun lalu.
Senyum Sersan Kepala menyambut sembari membantu menyeberangkanku melewati jalur mobil untuk kemudian aku mengarahkan langkah menuju platform airport bus.
Tuh doi ngumpet di samping “si merah”
Berbelok ke ujung kanan pintu keluar bandara maka konter penjualan tiket DAMRI sangat mudah terlihat dan ditemukan. Terbaca dengan jelas “Amplas, Siantar atau Binjai”, sebagai beberapa tujuan transportasi umum keluar Kualanamu. Sudah kupelajari dengan baik dan tertuang jelas di itinerary, Amplas adalah tolakanku berikutnya.
Menebus selembar tiket seharga Rp. 15.000 saja, aku kini berakses untuk mencicipi transportasi milik pemerintah yang sudah terlanjur melegenda di hati masyarakat.
Murah bingit.
“Abang lihat papan petunjuk daerah tujuan aja ya, bang! Disana bang”, seloroh petugas tiket berseragam sembari telunjuk dan matanya menuju ke arah yang sama.
“Ok, bang”, aku menjawab singkat.
DAMRI medium berpenumpang 24 yang tak kunjung penuh.
Memasuki pintu tunggalnya aku duduk tepat disebelah pintu, tak sampai semenit aku sudah di bangku belakang, bahkan sejurus kemudian sudah di bangku tengah. AC ventilator itu sudah tak berpenutup, kaca bagian belakang itu sudah sangat kusam sehingga kameraku pun kehilangan kejernihannya, di tengah pun sama reclining seat tak berfungsi selayaknya. Aku selalu memaklumi dengan kondisi ini, ini DAMRI kannnn.
AC super dingin yang membuatku menggigil sepanjang perjalanan.
“Mana tiket Kau?”, sapa kondektur dengan kerasnya yang membuatku terperanjat. Kalau di Kampung Rambutan itu seperti hentakan preman.
“Ah, ini mah Medan ternyata”, batinku yang akhirnya membuatku bersikap wajar dan tak perlu kaget.
“Amplas, Bang”, kusodorkan tiket kepadanya. Ternyata dibalik wajah garang sang kondektur ada senyum tipis terlepas otomatis di bibirnya. Aku mulai jatuh cinta dengan Medan.
Melaju menjauhi Kualanamu
Aku sangat sibuk berpindah di bangku manapun demi menciptakan jepretan terbaik (walau akhirnya gagal….Hahaha), karena DAMRI ini hanya mengangkut 5 penumpang. Aku tahu pak sopir terus mengawasiku lewat kaca spion. Demi membuatnya wajar, aku mengacungkan jempol kepadanya dan uniknya dia juga mengacungkan jempolnya tinggi-tinggi. Semua penumpang tertawa melihatku….Kacau.
Suasana gang sebuah perkampungan
Kebun yang luas milik warga
Tak berasa DAMRI pun sudah melaju di jalan tol Medan-Kualanamu-Tebing Tinggi dengan cepatnya.
Bersiap masuk jalur cepat.
Tiga puluh menit DAMRI merangsek ke barat hingga akhirnya tiba di Terminal Terpadu Amplas yang sangat tersohor di Medan itu. Terminal yang tak sesangar seperti yang kubayangkan. Tak seorangpun menggangguku ketika selama 20 menit mengekplore seisi terminal itu.
Terminal Amplas yang telah berusia 29 tahun
Bahkan aku sempatkan bercakap dengan petugas Dishub perihal cara menuju Toba dari terminal ini. Juga bercakap dengan seorang kondektur bus PO Sejahtera untuk menanyakan keberangkatan pertama armadanya menuju danau vulkanik terbesar di dunia itu.
Warung biru tempat aku bercakap dengan warga lokal.
Senang mendengar kabar bahwa Terminal Amplas akan direvitalisasi oleh Mister Menteri dan akan menjadi terminal yang terintegrasi dengan mall dan hotel. Keren yaaaa.
Yuk, jangan lama-lama di terminal. Mari kutunjukkan Medan seperti apa.
Inexperienced to sleep in a room with a Central AC made me didn’t really sleep because of cold. The advantage which I got was keeping myself from welcoming the dawn which was slowly present. At 5:30am, I started bathing in shared bathroom.
Who’s taking a shower?
That were all because of me. Agosto Inn staff were stunned and rushed to prepare a breakfast menu which was actually quite simple at dining table. Forgive me if it made you nervous, miss….Hahaha.
Pouring tea pot, baking white bread, stirring oatmeal and slicing sunkist oranges in a relaxed manner before Srilankans sat at the same table.
Me: “Hai….Hello….Are you from India?”. My first question to them.
Srilankan: “No, We are from Colombo”.
Me: “Oh, Srilanka”.
Srilankan: “Yeaa….Great, you know that”. Broadly smiling and inviting to shaking hands.
Me: “I hope I can go to your exotic country”
Srilankan: “Yes….You must go there”
You know, how long did I need to realize that hope?….Yup, 5 years later I was present in Colombo. A derfect dream.
45 minutes later, I already rode LRT Kelana Jaya to KL Sentral. I would catch first departure of Go Genting Express Bus at 08:00 hours.
My failure to got a ticket on my first day in Kuala Lumpur wasn’t repeated after a ticket was held before first departure time.
My ticket which including Genting Skyway fare.
Very happy when roar of “The Maroon Red” began to be heard at a corner towards KL Sentral Bus Station which is located on basement floor.
15 minutes before departure. Go Genting Express Bus get ready on its platform.
Bus seats which was full made the driver immediately work in his seat by stepping on gas pedal and then leave KL Sentral in a matter of minutes.
Damn….The first sight was a Chinese descent child who had to pee in front of my eyes. His urine entered perfectly into empty mineral water bottle which held by his mum which is pretty….Hhmmhh. She kept the bottle in a small trunk in front of her chair….I hope you weren’t wrong to take a bottle when you drink, Mam.
As far as 42 km, my eyes enjoyed Karak Expressway views together with Go Genting Express speed. An hour later, the bus slowly approached at Lower Genting Skyway Station precisely at Basement Level 4 (B4). I immediately moved to Genting Skyway Complex level T1 to boarding the cable car.
30 minutes hanging to Genting Highlands Station.
On 9:20 hours, I arrived at Genting Highlands Station which is integrated with First World Plaza. It is located at level 4.
Actually, my expectations to visiting Genting Highlands were just curious, there wasn’t intention to staying there at all because of my limited time to explore. As a result, I only allocated 2 hours to explore First World Plaza.
Because I arrived at First World Plaza on 4th floor, I was doing reverse exploration. Starting from 4th floor and ending on 1st floor. You need to know that what I currently visited was a 4 storey modern mall building.
Nice….The first thing that I did was stop by at a local food and beverage retail store which is very famous in Malaysia, Heng Heng Local Delights on 4th floor. Even though I didn’t know how to bring it home later because of my small backpacks and I am a person who anti-buying baggage planes.
Conventional trip….Still thinking of buying souvenirs….Hahaha
After shopping, I got around myself at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Adventureland and visiting Jurassic Research Center and taking time to play on PlayTime! Video Games Park which is part of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium
After visiting First World Indoor Theme Park on 4th floor, I returned to 2nd floor to visit Snow World.
Do you want to play snow?
I also took time to see Genting Casino which is really greedy because it occupies 2 floors at the same time at First World Plaza. It uses Level 1 and Level 2 for gambling business.
Thin difference: look to lose in gambling or can’t afford to gambling?.
After exploring entire floor of First World Plaza, I decided to return to KL Sentral for exploring Bukit Bintang, which is also a retail and fashion center in Kuala Lumpur.
Preparing return to downtown.
Massive development by 21st Century Fox has turned Genting Highlands into an Asian and even world tourist gem.
For those who haven’t visited yet, please go a few hours to go there.
KNO adalah kode untuk Kualanamu International Airport yang ditetapkan oleh IATA. Seperti CGK untuk Soetta, KUL untuk KLIA dan SIN untuk Changi.
Dulu, kalau memikirkan Medan (sebelum aku benar-benar mengunjunginya) maka tempat pertama yang kubayangkan adalah Danau Toba….Parah, padahal Danau Toba berada di Kabupaten Simalungun, sedangkan Kota Medan berada 190 km di utara Danau.
Persepsi kembali berubah saat digalakkannya era optimalisasi bandar udara di seluruh negeri. Ketika mendengar kata “Medan” maka yang terbayang secara otomatis adalah Kualanamu. Bagaimana tidak, Kualanamu telah mencatatkan rekor sebagai pelopor penggunaan kereta bandara menuju ke pusat kota.
1. Arrival Hall
Area conveyor belt.
Sriwijaya Air SJ 010 dengan tiket kelewat irit berjasa mendaratkanku di Kualanamu International Airport (KNIA). Seperti biasa, eksplorasi bandara menjadi keharusan bagiku. Kuputuskan menginvestasikan satu jam pertama di Sumatera Utara untuk menjelajah setiap sisi Kualanamu.
Main Arrival Hall.
Suhu kota Medan baru beranjak di level 28o Celcius, jadi belum sepanas yang kubayangkan. Karenanya aku berasa santai ketika sedikit berlama-lama di parking lot pesawat sembari menunggu apron shuttle bus menjemputku tepat di kaki pesawat.
Replika Istana Maimun, ikon pariwisata Medan.
Memasuki bandara yang memiliki arti nama “Tempat Bertemu” tersebut, suasana menjadi riuh karena banyak penumpang berlarian bahkan rela mengantri untuk berfoto dengan Pak Jokowi yang sedang mengayuh sepeda atau untuk sekedar mengabadikan diri di spot signboard kuning KNO.
2. Departure Hall
Itu dia area check-in.
Pasca menjelajah Arrrival Hall dan memahami selusin arah menuju beberapa fasilitas bandara, aku menyempatkan naik ke lantai 2 untuk melongok Departure Hall. Ini menjadi keharusan karena sadar bahwa aku akan pulang ke Jakarta dari Minangkabau International Airport di Padang Pariaman.
Mereka yang sibuk untuk meninggalkan Medan.
Hanya kondisi ruang tunggu pesawat yang tak tertangkap kamera karena aku tak bertiket untuk memasukinya. Eksplorasi di Departure Hall akhirnya harus diakhiri di sini.
Pintu departure setelah Anda melakukan check-in.
3. Fasilitas Lain
Menuruni lantai 2 melalui escalator, aku kembali berada di Arrival Hall untuk melihat fasilitas lain yang tersedia.
Para turis harus kesini jika hendak mencari informasi tentang pariwisata Sumatera Utara.
Aku cukup lama bercakap dengan “Si Jilbab Cantik” yang bertugas di Tourist Information Center. Paras ayunya membuatku betah bertutur dan lancar mengeluarkan pertanyaan sebanyak mungkin hanya untuk bisa mengagumi beningnya lebih lama….Huuu, dasar kutu kupret kamu, Donny!…Hahaha.
Information Center di Arrival Hall.
Meninggalkan Arrival Hall dengan menggenggam banyak brosur sebagai buah percakapanku dengan si doi. Dipadu dengan itinerary yang kususun, fokus eksplorasi Provinsi Sumatera Utara kali ini ada di Medan, Danau Toba dan Pematang Siantar. Karena aku akan melewati ketiga tempat itu.
Pintu keluar bangunan utama bandara.
4. Akses Kereta Api Bandara
Yuhuii….Aku menjadi girang karena sekejap lagi akan melihat secara langsung “Si Biru Langit” yang sudah terlanjur tersohor ke seantero negeri sebagai kereta bandara pertama di Indonesia.
Lihat sign board itu. Gampang kok menemukannya.
Kereta buatan Korea Selatan ini menjual tiketnya seharga Rp. 100.000 untuk sekali jalan dari stasiun bandara menuju pusat kota atau sebaliknya.
Gerbang menuju stasiun kereta bandara.
Ticketing counter and information desk.
Automatic Ticket Vending Machine.
Tapi beribu sayang dan maaf ya, gaes….Aku tak bisa memperlihatkan interior kereta, karena aku tak jadi menaikinya. Harganya terlalu mahal untukku. Ada moda transportasi lain yang lebih terjangkau dengan dompet.
Tuh kereta bandaranya….
5. Akses Airport Bus
Yes, aku memilih menggunakan bus DAMRI menuju pusat kota. Harganya yang hanya Rp. 15.000 sungguh menjadikannya sebagai pilihan utama dan pertama yang sekonyong-konyong muncul dalam naluri. Lumayan toh, sisa Rp. 85.000 bias buat empat kali makan….Jadi pengiritan dimulai dari DAMRI bandara….Hahaha.
Yuk beli tiket DAMRI lalu menuju pusat kota.
Puas rasanya setelah berhasil mengoleksi kembali satu bandara milik bangsa dan akan tersimpan dalam sejarah kelayapanku.
I don’t know how many times I’ve said KL Sentral as far as publishing this 221 traveling articles. I remember, I have five times traced this phenomenal building. Five years also, various sides and interesting moments which I stole from Kl Sentral languishing in external hard disk which neatly wrapped in a desk drawer in my bedroom….Room which continually give me many inspiration in conquering beauty of the earth.
It’s not fair, if its greatness isn’t shared with you. Because I’m sure that you will visit it someday….Or maybe, you have visited it but you don’t understand yet its details.
Operating 18 years ago, KL Sentral has played an important role in Malaysian tourism. KL Sentral meritorious in being the link between Malaysia’s first gate (i.e Kuala Lumpur International Airport) and important tourism spots in city center…. Fast, effective and efficient. Maybe that’s what will be pursued by Manggarai Central Station in 2021 (It’s a station central in Jakarta).
Gives you a basic view of KL Sentral. Here’s my best photo at KL Sentral level 1:
KL Sentral level 1 which seen from Nu Sentral mall on level 2.
KL Sentral level 1 was seen from Kelana Jaya Line platform on level 2.
KL Sentral Bus Station
Before exploring level 1, I will invite you to look at KL Sentral basement level. Why?….Because 100% of my arrivals to KL Sentral use the cheapest transportation mode….Yups, Skybus, Aerobus and Airport Coach which its tickets are only worth USD 3.1.
After passing through Stesen Sentral Street, bus will enter basement level and stop at shelter which sells Aerobus/Skybus/Airport Coach/Resort World Genting Bus tickets. While, behind escalator (is used to go up to level 1), you will find Rapid KL Free Bus shelter which is used by tourists towards Batu Caves.
Left is Airport Coach ticket counter to KLIA and right is Skybus/Aerobus ticket counter towards KLIA2
Airport Coach towards KLIA (Terminal 1)
Skybus towards KLIA2 (Terminal 2)
Bus towards Genting Highlands.
Direction sign to Rapid KL Free Bus to Batu Caves.
Twice, I went down to KL Sentral basement level and immediately left KL Sentral towards Westree Hotel (2018) and M&M Hotel (2019) through this corridor:
The corridor at Basement level leads to Tun Sambanthan Street.
This is appearance of Tun Sambanthan Street.
Nu Sentral Mall
If you want to continue your trip using KTM ETS (Kereta Tanah Melayu-Electric Train Service), Kelana Jaya Line LRT, Seremban Line commuter KTM, Monorail, airport train (KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit) you have to go up to level 1 KL Sentral using escalator near Skybus/Aerobus ticket counter.
Or….you can also go up to level 1 as access to go to Nu Sentral mall on level 2….Let’s look at Nu Sentral mall.
Connector escalator between several train gates on 1st floor to Nu Sentral mall which is on level2
Nu Sentral mall situation.
Nu Sentral mall situation.
Finished shopping at Nu Sentral mall, then look for pedestrian bridge to Tun Sambanthan Street. The pedestrian bridge is directly connected to Nu Sentral mall.
Direction sign towards Tun Sambanthan Street.
This is the pedestrian bridge which I mean.
Transportation Area
Before going back down to level 1, you should see where the monorail station is. The floor plan shows that KL Sentral monorail station is a separate building from KL Sentral itself. But not to worry because there is a connection bridge from KL Sentral to monorail station.
Yuhuuu….It was in front of monorail station gate.
Here it is, the monorail….On its way towards Titiwangsa Park.
Come on!….We explore 1st floor. This floor is allocated as access to various modes of train transportation.
Starting from commuter train. There are two commuter train lines in KL Sentral namely KTM Laluan Seremban and KTM Laluan Pelabuhan Klang.
Preparing to take KTM Komuter Laluan Seremban to Batu Caves.
That’s KTM Commuter platform in basement.
Besides KTM Commuter, the most popular transportation mode to city center in Kuala Lumpur is LRT (Light Rail Transit). LRT Laluan Kelana Jaya was the one which was lucky because it was the only chosen LRT which visited KL Sentral.
Let’s rides LRT to city center!
Ticketing vending machines….Where to buy LRT tokens (tickets).
Automatic gates menuju platform LRT Kelana Jaya di level 2.
Finally caught a picture of LRT Laluan Kelana Jaya at Pasar Seni Station.
Besides Skybus/Aerobus and Airport Coach, Malaysia tourism also presents KLIA Transit and KLIA Express which are premium trains to Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Premium is certainly synonymous with expensive prices but certainly guarantees a comfort.
KLIA Transit ticket counter and its automatic gateSee, KLIA Transit!…Cool right?.
Of course….Super comfortable.
Eatery
Regarding food….As the biggest transit hub in Malaysia, KL Sentral certainly provides many eateries.
At level, there are several food and beverage shops such as La Cucur Express, Panettone (vegetarian food), Meals Station, I Love Yoo !, Chatime, Swiss Oven, Secret Recipe, Starbucks, Burger King, Ayam Penyet Express and many more.
Eat “Penang White Curry Bowl” at Panettone (2018).
Outside KL Sentral (around Tun Sambanthan Street), there are also some reasonably-priced food stalls with topnotch taste. I visited it because I often stayed around KL Sentral.
ABC Bistro Cafe….My hangout place around KL Sentral.
Nearest Cheap Hotels
Tun Sambanthan Street is an important road in Brickfields area. This area provides restaurants, shops and residences. Brickfields also provides many hotels from five-star hotels to budget-friendly hotels.
Westree Hotel during my Malaysia-Singapore trip on 2018
Hotel M&M while visiting an international event on 2019
So….Visit KL Sentral well and just enjoy its facilities.
Yessss….Akhirnya aku terbang ke Medan melalui rute itu.
Adalah SJ 010, penerbangan pagi Sriwijaya Air menggunakan BOEING 737-900ER yang mengantarkanku ke Kota Melayu Deli. Perjalanan menakjubkan yang sebetulnya tak terencana. Berbeda dengan kebiasaanku ketika menjelajah ke luar negeri dengan perencanaan matang hingga setahun sebelum perjalanan tersebut dieksekusi.
Jam 03:58 pagi, aku sudah merapat ke Terminal 2 Soetta
Berawal dari ledekan setiap pagi di kantor tercinta yang selalu saja aku menjadi korbannya. “Ah lo mah Don, ga cinta tanah air, pergi ke luar negeri melulu. Negeri kita ini indah, mengapa harus ke luar negeri?”. Beuh padahal yang ngomong juga jarang piknik kemana-mana….Hahaha.
Setiba bandara, aku langsung menuju konter check-in.
Perjalanan ini juga terobsesi karena kejadian menggelitik lain. Bermula dari rencana ngebolang bersama teman-teman marketing ke Danau Toba yang selalu direncanakan setiap akhir tahun. Bahkan sudah tiga tahun berlalu atau boleh dibilang hingga aku telah menjelajah lebih dari sepuluh bangsa, tak kunjung direalisasikan.
Pasang cabin baggage tag mu sendiri, Donny!
Ya begitulah, terkadang teman-teman itu hanya semangat di bibir. Jadi kalau aku sendiri yang tidak melakukan action maka aku tak akan pernah melanglang keluar Jakarta.
Bersiap melewati x-ray security screening di gate F.
Akhir Oktober adalah waktu dimana aku biasa mendapat cuti tambahan 5 hari. Ini adalah benefit yang kudapat semenjak menjadi supervisor di kantor (Sombong kan aku….Supervisor gitu loh….Hahaha). Entah kenapa pembahasan Danau Toba di briefing Kamis pagi membuatku iseng untuk membuka sebuah situs pencarian tiket.
Jam 5:46…Mari kita boarding!
Mengikuti jemari yang terus menari diatas keypad, aku bak terbius karena tahu-tahu sudah mengakhiri sesi payment gate di situs itu dengan membawa e-ticket Cengkareng-Kualanamu seharga Rp. 552.950. Damn, dasar travel maniac….Aku harus bersiap 18 hari ke depan untuk menjelajah pulau Sumatra.
Gagahnya Sriwijaya Air SJ 010.
Kini aku akan berstatus menjadi marketer pertama di kantor yang akan melihat indahnya Danau Toba. Tak perlu banyak rencana, tak perlu banyak bicara….Berangkat aja sesuka hatimu, Donny!
Tak cuma jalan tol….Mau terbang melalui runway Soetta pun harus mengantri.
Aku berharap sepulang dari ekspedisi Sumatra, teman-teman tak akan nyinyir lagi bahwa aku tak mencintai negeriku sendiri….#dasartukangbaper.
Jam 06:41 aku melayang di atas Jakarta.
Dan bersarapan pagi ala Sriwijaya Air
Dan perlu kamu tahu, perjalanan kali ini berawal dari Medan dan akan berakhir di Padang. Setelah pulang nanti, aku akan dijuluki traveler gila untuk pertama kalinya oleh seisi kantor….Wuakakakakak.
Kenapa Sriwijaya Air selalu mengeluarkan bunyi-bunyi aneh bak reot selama terbang.
Aku sengaja tak mendarat di Silangit karena begitu kuat keinginanku untuk merasakan menjelajah daratan Sumatra Utara untuk melihat alamnya serta berbaur dengan masyarakat lokal yang unik dari berbagai cerita yang kudengar.
Pemandangan di luar yang mampu melupakan kebisingan suara-suara aneh dalam kabin.
Penerbangan dengan zero turbulence
Selat Malaka yang berkilau tersiram fajar.
Garis pantai Sumatra Utara yang mengagumkan.
Penjelajahan terjauhku di pulau Sumatra selama ini hanya mencapai tepian kota Martapura, Sumatera Selatan. Tapi itu bukan dalam rangka traveling, tetapi hanya untuk memenuhi kewajiban ketika aku menjadi sales ikan air tawar bertahun-tahun lalu….Wah, buka kartu nih.
Sudah sampai….Ayo turun!
Itu dia bangunan utama Kualanamu International Airport.
Ada satu komen menarik di medsos milikku ketika baru saja mendarat di Kualanamu. “Mas Donny mah selalu Work Hard-Travel Harder”…..Sepertinya aku harus mengamini jargon dari temanku itu.
Menunggu di jemput apron shuttle bus.
Nah itu busnya datang….
Seperti mimpi saja, akhirnya bisa mengunjungi Sumatera Utara. Satu hal yang tak pernah terpikirkan sebelumnya. Memang harus begitu untuk menjelajah indahnya Indonesia. Tak perlu mikir panjang, berangkat saja….Kalau hilang ga akan kemana kan….Hahaha
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