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  • This Is My Logo….How About Your Logo?

    Everywhere, logo is identity. Its function is so important because it makes our brand stronger. Cool….millennial generation said.

    Therefore, I decided to design a logo in hopes of making this “travel blog” became unique. This logo will certainly be the basis of all logo variants from every activities which are travelingpersecond.com derivatives in the future. Who knows, I will have a travel agency someday….It’s my dream.

    Actually, making a logo is not easy….4 months were filled with indecision by installing and removing logo components.

    My concern don’t make a logo which looks good in people eyes, but rather to a design which illustrates my true conscience and character. It’s simple….but it makes logo maker confuses.

    Thank you Giovanni who has patiently designed the travelingpersecond.com logo. Are You curious about Gio?….Achhh, her photo is too pretty to display. If I put her photo here, You willn’t read my article but you will see Gio’s photo for a long time….Her boyfriend will jealous too….Hahaha.

    Already, forget about Giovanni.

    Then what is this logo meaning, Donny?….So complicated design….not really millennial taste.

    I can explain for you, guys:

    1. A man with his backpack….yes, that’s me….everywhere, I carry it….entering toilet, I bring it….I hug it when sleep….even if I’m lonely, I will talk to it….Hahaha, crazy.
    2. Can you travel for 2 weeks with two trousers?….That’s why, my picture in the logo is wearing trousers….Hahaha.
    3. Why do I take photo using a camera with that way?….yeah right, I’m a solo traveler. Yes I usually take selfies photo….Hohoho.
    4. What landmark is that?….Yes, it’s “Burj Al Arab” in United Arab Emirates which symbolizes “the east”. On the left is “Eiffel Tower” which symbolizes “the western” world. Not about a political world but it’s about traveling world….Hmmmh. I’ll finish to exploring “the east” world as soon as possible…Oh Eiffel, I’ll come to you.
    5. The footrests on the mound indicate that I’m a strong walker. Walking 8 km in a day, can you?….surely you also can, maybe just for one or two days….Fine, How about 14 days?….Hahaha.
    6. Are there 4 stars in logo, right?… Shhhtttt, that’s a secret….It isn’t a good moment yet to share about it….Hihihi.
    7. Then why are many part in logo are wrapped in a compass circle. Let me tell you !. On 2013-2017 is a phase which I traveling without internet. My special tools are a map which contain about local destination and a small compass for USD 2 which I bought in Gra ** d * a.
    8. What the meaning of letters “S” and “E” in logo? Yes….I’m a backpacker from “South East Asia” (“SE“-Asia).
    9. Woow, there is plane….Yes, why am I always excited about that flying vehicle. So, I tried to use various airlines during my journey.
    10. All are based on the tagline “Learning Culture by Traveling”. Yes, it looks very idealistic. But indeed I always try to learn cultures in countries which I visited.

    Yeeeaaaayyy….Finally, I have a logo.

    I hope to persistence in writing.

  • Deeply Exploring Sentosa

    Why do most tourists always post their photos with Universal Studio globe background?. It has become an informal agreement, if you take pictures like that then you have legitimately visited Lee Kuan Yew’s country.

    Then have you ever thought about exploring the whole of Sentosa Island?….Yea, one more, all of that was done by walking….Could it?

    Hahaha….Crazy.

    Have you ever been, Donny?….”Crazy backpacker” like me was asked like that …. Yea, I ever did it….until I got fatigue.

    It is my story….How is your story….don’t do it, tiring!

    Get off at Harbor Front MRT station, I exit via Vivo Mall. In mall, I tried to didn’t interested with nice goods there or even beauty Singapore’s ladies. Just need to focus on finding a sign which will direct you to Sentosa Boardwalk.

    Vivo Mall icon on top floor….from this floor, exit door to Sentosa Boardwalk is already close.

    By the way, wait….Do You know? What “Sentosa Boardwalk” is?

    Sentosa Boardwalk

    If you go to Sentosa Island by bus or car then you willn’t find this floating road. Especially if you ride Sentosa Express monorail or Cable Car….Hmmh, when will I be able to use it?…. hahaha, I ever once… just read it.

    Yes …. Sentosa Boardwalk is a 600m long pedestrian path which is made as if it floats on sea to connect Sentosa Island with Singapore mainland….Very cool.

    Sentosa Boardwalk starting point.

    If Sentosa Boardwalk is for pedestrians, then where is car lane and monorail line to Sentosa Island ?.

    Yes, it’s available….You just need to walk off the lane on left of Sentosa Boardwalk, then you will find the both of lane.

    That are its lanes….

    Street and monorail line towards Sentosa Island.

    Because of free cost seeker, so I went to Sentosa Island by….by walk.

    A little help by escalator. Even though big portion in this journey is still by walking.

    Please, no hurry in walking….yes, fast in reaching destinations isn’t important because you willn’t be able to see many awesome views.

    Here is it….results when I was observing on a side of Sentosa Boardwalk decks.

    Nice….that’s Harbor Front Port. If you want to get a ferry to Batam, just go there. I hope I can around the world by cruiser ship like that.
    Viewpoint in the middle of Sentosa Boardwalk

    Automatic Fare Gates at end of Sentosa Boardwalk was covered in cloth, a sign that I didn’t need to pay USD 0,75 to entering Sentosa Island…. I think it was a special promo for something in that day.

    Trick Eye Museum

    Do you want to go in there?….Just prepare about USD 15.

    Entering Sentosa Island gate, greeted by an artificial river opposite museum.

    Sentosa Resort World Sign

    The walking path led me to entering artificial cave below “Sentosa Resort World” nameplate.

    Needed time to take a good photo….Failed many times…..it had to wait for next monorail to passed again.

    Malaysian Food Street

    After a long time, I was peevish….Starving began to hit after getting the photo. But I knew, There is Malaysian Food Street after Trick Eye Museum.

    There was it….
    Don’t think that It is truly street food….No, Itsn’t. Sentosa Island is a place where Singaporeans spend their money….hahaha.

    To save money, I suggest filling your drink bottles at free water station next to ticketing counter near Sentosa Island entrance.

    Malaysian Street Food exit door which directly faces Universal Studio globe.

    Universal Studio

    Even though I have been here twice before, I came here again for third time….you wasted your time, Donny….Hahaha.

    Sorry, beautiful lady….I got a candid photo.

    Many tourists have had enough until here when traveling to Sentosa. So, what are other attraction which located after Universal Studio?

    Let’s Explore….

    Lake of Dreams

    Walking to south from Universal Studio globe, You will find Lake of Dreams. When afternoon, Itsn’t interesting. But if You come at night, this place will present an interesting choreography which combines audio, fire, water and light.

    The show is free.…

    The Maritime Experimental Museum

    It’s right next to Lake of Dreams, here it is:

    Heading south pass the pool with many small fountains like this:

    Sentosa Merlion

    Then it will be clearly seen the brown Merlion statue. This half lion and fish statue is often called as the twin of same statue in Merlion Park. You can follow Sentosa Merlion Tour for USD 13,5 to go to top of the statue from inside and enjoy beauty of Sentosa island from a height of 37m.

    At night, there is an audio-laser show with Sentosa Merlion as the object.

    The statue will change in color during Merlion Magic Lights Show.

    Sentosa Merlion Walk

    Behind Sentosa Merlion is a 120-meter Merlion Walk. Pedestrian path with a mosaic theme park concept with fountains along park will spoil your eyes in hot weather of Sentosa Island.

    Sentosa Express Beach Station

    At end of Merlion Walk, there are two large buildings. A building on left side is Beach Station. Sentosa Express user tourists who will travel along southern coast of Sentosa usually get off here.

    Finally tasting Sentosa Express for free when returning from Siloso Beach.

    i-Fly Singapore

    Well, on right side is i-Fly Singapore building. Everyone who want to play indoor sky diving have to spend USD 66,5.

    I can’t play sky diving….Hahaha.

    Siloso Beach

    Located right on beach, I decided to turn right towards Siloso Beach. Oh yes, if you turn left you will see Palawan Beach and Tanjong Beach. Just use beach tram which operate along coastline if you don’t want to walk!.

    Along Siloso Beach Walk, I encountered several Machine Gun Pillboxes. This Singapore defense line was built in 1936-1940 during Second World War.

    That….

    You need to walk 700m from i-Fly Singapore to Siloso Beach and play as much water as you like there.

    Interested ?? try to go around the island!.…definitely fatigue and sunburned….Hahaha.

  • Terdampar di Wan Chai District, Tersangkut di Lockhart Road.

    Meninggalkan Bank of China Tower dalam kondisi sedikit gerimis, Aku harus berlari kecil menuju ke ‘Murray Road’ Tram Stop. Aku bersiap naik trasportasi legendaris di Hong Kong yaitu Ding Ding Tram. Tram yang dulu sering muncul di film-film layar lebar Hong Kong.

    ‘Murray Road’ Tram Stop.

    Suasana sibuk Queensway Road yang padat akan kendaraan pribadi dan sebagian bahu jalan yang diambil untuk parkir kendaraan berat pengaspal jalan tak mengurangi rasa antusiasku menunggu tram ini.

    5 menit menunggu, tram warna biru pun tiba. Aku melompat ke dalam tram dari pintu belakang dan langsung menuju deck atas tram sehingga bisa menikmati suasana jalanan dengan lebih leluasa.

    Tujuanku adalah Victoria Park. Kamu tahu kan Victoria Park? Itu lho taman terbesar di Hong Kong Island yang menjadi tempat berkumpulnya para TKI di Hong Kong.

    Aku tiba dalam 35 menit. Setelah men-swipe Octopus Card di fare machine yang terletak di dekat sopir maka Aku segera turun dari pintu depan. Tarif tram murah kok, hanya Rp. 4.500.

    Turun di ‘Victoria Park’ Tram Stop yang terletak di Causeway Road.

    Victoria Park sudah sangat dekat di depan.

    Tapi tak lama setelah turun dari tram, hujan kembali turun dengan deras. Dengan cepat Aku berlari mencari tempat berteduh di depan pertokoan di tepi Causeway Road.

    Sepertinya Aku harus membatalkan bermain di Victoria Park. Hujan besar, taman juga pasti sepi. Aku harus mencari alternatif lain untuk memanfaatkan waktu supaya tak terbuang percuma di tengah hujan deras.

    Aku berusaha mencari tanda yang bisa mengarahkanku ke Stasiun MTR terdekat. Di stasiun bawah tanah pasti lebih hangat dan kering.

    Yes, Aku melihat logo MTR yang kemudian mengarahkanku ke entrance gate Tin Hau MTR Station. Aku memutuskan menuju area retail terkenal Hong Kong yaitu area Causeway Bay dan tentu akan berhenti di Causeway Bay Station. Tarif sekitar Rp. 8.000 dengan waktu tempuh 6 menit.

    Tin Hau MTR Station.

    Jam menunjukkan pukul 15:30 ketika tiba di Causeway Bay. Kuputuskan mencari kedai makan sembari menunggu hujan reda. Memilah-milah kedai menghindari pork hingga akhirnya hinggap di sebuah kedai kecil di bilangan Jaffe Road.

    Nasi plus ayam-tahu-toge seharga Rp. 48.000.
    Kalau ini kedai fast food terkenal di area Causeway Bay, yaitu Ying Heong Yuen.

    Selanjutnya,

    Aku menuju SOGO Mall….Ngapain Don?….Ngemall lah, kek orang susah aja. Keliling lebih dari setengah jam di dalam mall hanya untuk melihat barang-barang mahal. Yah seperti mall-mall di Jakarta lah.

    SOGO Mall di Hennessy Road.

    Keluar dari mall, Aku lama berhenti di salah satu sisi perempatan besar untuk mengamati aktifitas warga Hong Kong yang super ramai.

    Perempatan sibuk di Hennessy Road dekat Stasiun MTR Causeway Bay.

    —-***—-

    Dari area Causeway Bay, Aku kemudian berpindah ke pusat Wan Chai District menggunakan tram. Naik dari ‘Paterson Street’ Tram Stop dan turun di ‘Swatow Street’ Tram Station. Hanya butuh waktu 15 menit dan tarif sebesar Rp. 4.500.

    Menuju pusat Wan Chai District.

    Turun di ‘Swatow Street’ Tram Station, Aku segera menyadari keberadaan stadion sepak bola….Kok ramai amat. Ada pertandingan kali yee?.

    Ternyata nama stadionnya Southorn Playground dan terletak di Luard Road.

    Aku mendekat dan memberanikan diri bertanya kepada security di gerbang stadion….dan ternyata boleh masuk….geratisssssss pulak.

    Buru-buru masuk dan ambil tempat duduk di tribun. Oalah ternyata itu adalah stadion yang digunakan untuk bermain sepak bola bagi masyarakat setempat. Tapi lumayan rame juga. Ikut merasakan aktivitas warga dan tak terasa seperti turis. Aku ikut teriak-teriak ga jelas, asal rame aje….Hahaha….Gelo.

    Southorn Playground yang diapit Luard Road dan Johnston Road.

    Hanya menonton setengah babak karena Aku ingin melihat nightlifenya Wan Chai.

    Kamu tahu Distrik Wan Chai kan?

    Yang jelas Wan Chai adalah pusat kehidupan malan di seantero Hong Kong. Selain dikenal sebagai area para backpacker menginap, ada beberapa area di Wan Chai yang terkenal sebagai red district alias tempat prostitusi. Jadi selain penginapan murah, Kamu akan mudah menemukan bar and club disini.

    Aku mencoba menelurusi bar and club tersebut di sepanjang Lockhart Road. Dan benar adanya, wanita-wanita seksi berpakaian minim berlalu lalang keluar masuk bar and club. Beberapa diantaranya sudah nggelendotin para bule berduit….Mau donk Aa digelendotin, Neng!.

    Ah, daripada mupeng….Akhirnya Aku menuju ke pengkolan di pertengahan Lockhart Road dan singgah kedai food street yang menjual beragam sate sea food yang dibakar ditempat. Cukup dengan Rp. 10.000, Kamu sudah bisa mendapatkan gorengan yang enak disantap di tengah dinginnya udara malam Hong Kong.

    Ini dia kedainya….Ada Snack yang terletak di bilangan O’brien Road.

    Baru juga mengunyah, wanita-wanita seksi itu datang dan jajan di tempat yang sama….Alamak, tegang….Mengalah saja, akhirnya Aku kabur dari situ.

    Khawatir akan ketinggalan pertunjukan penting maka Kuputuskan untuk menuju Victoria Harbour. Aku harus sampai disana sebelum jam 20:00. Karena itu adalah waktu reguler dimulainya Symphony of Light. Menggunakan MTR dari Wan Chai Station menuju Central Station. Tarif sekitar Rp. 8.000 dengan waktu tempuh 8 menit.

    Wah itu band keren amat lagunya…..kek ngerti aja lo bahasa mandarin Don.

    Para pengamen keren di koridor penghubung Central MTR Station dan Central Ferry Pier.

    Aku berlari untuk melihatnya menyanyi beberapa lagu dan setelahnya Aku menuju ke dermaga untuk menyeberang menuju Victoria Harbour. Dengan Rp. 4.500, Aku tiba di Victoria Harbour dalam 12 menit.

    Mengambil posisi duduk yang nyaman, maka Aku menunggu Symphony of Lights dimulai.

    Beuhhh……Cantekkkknyaaaaa.

  • Star Ferry menuju The Hong Kong Observation Wheel

    Awan gelap dan kabut yang tak kunjung menipis di pagi itu membuat udara juga tak lekas pula menghangat. Was-was terhadap datangnya hujan yang bisa kapan saja mengguyur Hong Kong dan tentu bisa mengancam rencana gilaku di hari kedua.

    Jepretan terakhir di Garden of Stars sebelum meninggalkannya.

    Menyusuri Salisbury Road yang penuh dengan proyek pembangunan gedung bertingkat.

    Kek jalanan Jakarta yak…

    Terus melihat arah jarum kompas di tangan kanan dan map di tangan kiri, Aku terus melangkah untuk menemukan Star Ferry Pier yang Kutahu letaknya berada di sisi kiri arah jalanku.

    Di Hong Kong banyak banget double decker kek gitu. Di Jakarta kala itu baru ada 10 biji.

    Yess, Aku melihat menara jam warna orange. Itu adalah Hong Kong Clock Tower yang merupakan penanda bagi keberadaan Star Ferry Pier. Aku segera berbelok kekiri menjauhi sibuknya Salisbury Road.

    Keren yo, Hong Kong Clock Tower itu….macam di Eropa.

    Gerbang Star Ferry Pier sudah terlihat di depan.

    Nah itu ntuh…..

    Masuk yuk ke bangunan itu !. Wah pemandangan indah menanti di belakangnya.

    Kapal hijau-putih itulah Star Ferry yang dimaksud dalam tulisan ini.

    Hanya perlu men-tap Octopus Card yang kumiliki untuk memasuki raung tunggu Star Ferry Pier. Tarif ferry seharga Rp. 4.500 akan mengantarkanku menuju Central Ferry Pier di sisi seberang dengan jarak 1 km dan dalam waktu tempuh 12 menit.

    Aku masuk ke ruang tunggu ferry.

    Tak perlu menunggu lama, ferry pun datang dan masuklah Aku ke dalamnya.

    Kapal pesiar Star Cruises….Kapan ya naik kapal pesiar?

    12 menit kemudian, sampailah Aku di Central Ferry Pier di Hong Kong Island.

    Pelataran Central Ferry Pier.

    The Hong Kong Observation Wheel adalah destinasi di luar itineraryku. Bentuknya yang menarik mirip Singapore Flyer atau London Eye (Halah…maksain) membuatku enggan melewatkan wahanan ini.

    Tarifnya Rp. 40.000.

    Sementara AIA Vitality Park di bawahnya sangat ramai dikunjungi warga Hong Kong pada Jum’at itu. Mungkin karena mereka bersiap menyambut datangnya weekend. Keluarga muda bersama anak-anaknya yang masih kecil terlihat asyik bermain di taman yang di sulap menjadi wahana permainan dan beberapa beverages and food stall di sekitarnya.

    Oh indahnya Hong Kong.

  • Bank of China Tower yang Gagah dan Starbucks Si Penyelamat Muka

    “Kopi pahit tiba-tiba menjadi manis….Duh, indahnya”.

    Setelah 1,5 jam menikmati The Hong Kong Observation Wheel dan AIA Vitality Park di sekitar Central Ferry Pier, akhirnya Aku mulai menyeberangi Connaught Road Central menuju Bank of China Tower (BOC Tower).

    Lancarnya Connaught Road Central.

    Tak sulit menemukan tower kenamaan tersebut karena dari jauh pun gedung dengan frame segitiga yang khas itu sudah kelihatan. Kan bangunan tertinggi ke-empat di Hong Kong.

    Yuk Kita masuk ke BOC Tower.

    Walah….Kok yang keluar masuk bangunan itu berparas tampan, cantik, modis dengan jas berdasi dan bergaya metrosexual….Aku sejenak berhenti ragu dan mengamati pintu utama gedung dari kejauhan. Buseettt….kagak ada satupun tampang backpacker atau turis yang masuk kedalamnya.

    Raguuuu….Maluuuu….Deg-degaaaan

    Masuk gak ya?….

    Masuk ah….Melangkah maju.

    Eh ga jadi dink….stop balik badan.

    Pergi ah….Mulai melangkah untuk menjauh.

    Eh ntar….Berhenti melangkah….Nunduk mikir….Garuk-garuk pala #terkesandramatis.

    “Yah cemen banget Lo, Don….Jauh-jauh kemari, nyampai tujuan malah kabur….Malu tuh ama jargon”, hati berbisik ke otak.

    “Malu bro….Kaos kucel, celana dekil gak ganti 4 hari, sepatu murahan ala trotoar Cijantung, mana pangkal shoulder strap tasku sobek lagi….Kirain akan banyak turis disitu….Ternyata kagak”, otakku membela.

    “Iye sih Don….Apa kita langsung ke Victoria Park aja?….Kan banyak tetangga kita ngumpul disana”, hati confirm mengalah.

    “Nah bener kan, apa guwe bilang….Yuk lah ke Victoria Park, mumpung belum sore….Nggak usah ngoyo gitu”, otak mulai bersekutu dengan hati.

    Akhirnya,

    ”Guwe kan salesman, masak iya kemaluan masih dibawa-bawa”, mulutku mulai menyingkirkan hati dan otakku.

    Orang-orang sipit berdasi dan beberapa ekspatriat berambut pirang menatapku aneh ketika memasuki pintu gedung. Senyum semanis mungkin, berharap ada yang tertarik dengan kulit hitam eksotisku….Hahaha.

    Tes….Tes….Latihan senyum sebelum masuk. Pintu disebelah kananku.

    —-****—-

    Beberapa langkah memasuki gedung, Aku berhenti dan menatap seisi ruangan….Sok PeDe….Aku mencari letak front desk.

    Yes…Itu, di bagian tengah ruangan.

    Aku : “Mbak boleh nanya ngga?”….Eh, salah “Excuse me Ms, Can I get information about observation deck on 43th floor?”.

    Si Mbak : Aduh tersenyum manis beud, “Hai Sir, our observation deck had closed”

    Aku : “Since when, Ms?”, english ngawur yang penting doi ngerti deh.

    Si Mbak : “It closed since May 2015, Sir”.

    Aku : “Oh Okay, Thanks you Ms”.

    Si Mbak : “You are welcome Sir. Happy journey in Hong Kong. Where are you come from?“.

    Aku : “I’m from Indonesia. Again, thank you for your kindness”……”Can me know where do you stay in Hong Kong?, I want to meet your parent”. #fiksibeud

    Gagal tapi merasa puas mengalahkan ketakutan diri, Aku berbalik badan untuk keluar gedung.

    Ba….Tiba….

    Jegeeeerrrrrrrrrr……..keclaaappp keclaaaappppp……..jedaaarrrr (Jessica Iskandar).

    Hujan euy……duhhhh…..kudu kumaha?.

    Pegawai kantoran itu pada masuk kembali ke dalam lobby. Banyangin, satu setelan pakaian backpacker di tengah banyaknya setelan jas berdasi….Dasar gembel.

    —-****—-

    Okay…Okay……Aku kembali mengamati sekitar.

    Ahhhhaaaaa…….Itu, Starbucks di ujung kiri ruangan. Dengan pedenya Aku masuk ke starbucks. #ingatdompeteuy

    “Emang lo aje yang punya duit”, Gumamku angkuh. (tar malam ga makan dunk guwe).

    Ada suara di belakangku….

    Bule Cantik: “Hello, do you queueing?”.

    Aku : “Oh No, I just seeing the menu. You can queue first”, Busettt…..Guwe kelamaan mikir cari harga kopi termurah di depan kasir.

    Bule Cantik: “Oh thank you, handsome”.

    Aku : “You are welcome, sweety”.

    Akhirnya pesan long black coffee seharga Rp. 26.000.

    Pait ih….Telen sonoh……Gaya sih.

    Duduk di deretan bangku kosong aja supaya orang lain ga risih dengan keberadaanku.

    Kursi semakin penuh karena orang lain pun akhirnya pada ngopi menunggu hujan berhenti. Dan rezeqi itu pun datang.

    Kopi pahit tiba-tiba menjadi manis…kek ditabur gula 5 sendok. Lah iya ada Dia didepanku…….

    “Seruput pelan-pelan aja Don”, Setan mulai berbisik.

    Satu seruput…..ngelirik……sruput lagi….ngelirik lagi.

    Daripada hanya terpana mending guwe nanya deh

    Aku : “Hi, Ms….Do you know WiFi password here?”

    Si Cantik: “I’m sorry, I’m using my own Wifi”, sambil tersenyum.

    Aku : Pukulan telak si tampang gratisan….”Oh Ok, Thank you Ms”.

    Tak lagi ngelirik dan tak lagi bertanya. Pura-pura menikmati kopi yang sebetulnya pait warbiasah….#sambilsiul.

    Petualangan konyolku di BOC Tower berakhir dengan beberapa hook dan uppercut yang cukup telak….Menyedihkan.

    Hujan telah reda….Saatnya menuju Victoria Park. Aku keluar gedung menerjang gerimis lembut yang memapar muka.

    Yuk, naik Ding Ding Tram !.

  • Scoot Air TR 457 from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore (KUL-SIN)

    SCOOT AIR….Low Cost Carrier (LCC) from Singapore, which its stocks are owned by Singapore Airlines.

    Scoot Air TR457 flight path. Source from https://flightaware.com

    Scoot is 22nd airlines which I have ever used. Through flight number TR 457 on regular route Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Singapore (SIN), I firstly used Scoot Air service on March 31st, 2018. On that time, I boarded an Airbus A320 aircraft with 168 passengers in capacity.

    Even though I ever used Tiger Mandala Airlines on November 26th, 2013 while heading to Bangkok and Tiger Air on January 11st, 2015 when I returned from Vietnam. Now the two airlines have merged into Scoot Air.

    Look that ! Tiger Air identity in Scoot Air TR 457 plane.

    Ambiguity of terminal where I would depart (whether from KLIA terminal 1 or KLIA terminal 2) made me a little nervous because departure list usually publishes 2 hours before flight. And of course, it takes time to move from KLIA2 to KLIA.

    For international flights, I always start towards airport on 4 hours before flight time. So I left Westree Hotel on 05:30 and rushed to Skybus/Aerobus shelter which located in KL Sentral. Because distance from hotel to shelter is only 40 m, I only needed to walk for 3 minutes towards shelter.

    Indian descent hotel security sharply watched me in inner door of lobby….Because I stood for a long time in middle of lobby door….I was seriously watching around….So quiet, I had to make sure that there wasn’t suspicious thing along road which I would pass towards KL Sentral.

    Yesss….There aren’t any people on road….Fast walking. Like an racewalking athlete, I started to stay away from hotel. I arrived in shelter when bus was ready to leave.

    With USD 3.1, I arrived at KLIA2 on 6:30. I immediately headed to information center to ask about terminal where TR457 would take off. On early morning, I disturbed information center officer with some questions because departure board didn’t display yet an information about TR457, so She had to pull keyboard and searching information for me….very kindly officer.

    God…..my eyes glared while chewing Nasi Lemak (original food from Malaysia) with fried egg in corner of NZ Curry House….Look like a goat which was ruminating. It was a sign that I wasn’t ready to get early breakfast.

    Yes, there wasn’t other choice, it was better to have breakfast in Indian restaurant with cheapest price before heading to 3rd floor for check-in, immigration and departure processes.

    Departure Board in Departure Hall
    Information Centre in Departure Hall
    Departure Hall Area
    Check-in counter no Z2-Z3 for Scoot Air TR457.
    After passing immigration counter, I headed to waiting room at gate L3.

    I entered waiting room on 08:05. In boredom of waiting, Vietnamese came to me and ask something:

    Vietnamese: “Hi, Can you explain to me about my cigarette (while showing a pack of cigarettes which have been smoked two stumps). Can I bring it when entering Singapore?“

    Me : “Do you bring another one  or just this opened pack?. If you just bring it, you can savely entering Singapore.”

    Vietnamese: “No, I just bring it. So it’s savely. Thanks you.”

    Me: “You are welcome”.

    Waiting room in front of gate L3.
    After waiting for 20 minutes, finally boarding process begins.
    Where was seat 14D?

    Scoot Air is identical with yellow. The charm of young air crews was very fresh when their appeaybrance is clad in yeloow t-shirt and shallow.

    Fly over Malacca Strait
    The sky is really clear, very comfort to fly without turbulence.

    After fllying about 1 hour and 15 minutes, I landed at Changi International Airport Terminal 2. Trying to leave Changi as soon as possible to go to Greendili Backpackers Hostel in Race Course Road and then ready to explore Singapore for 7th time.

    Searching MRT map before entering Changi International Airport immigration counter.
    Catch the MRT ! towards downtown.

    Let’s go to Mustafa Center for lunch before exploring.

  • 10 Destinasi Wisata Hong Kong dalam 48 Jam

    Hong Kong merupakan daerah admistrasi khusus Republik Rakyat China yang menjadi wilayah pertama di Asia Timur yang Kukunjungi. Aku mengunjunginya pada tahun 2016.

    Perasaanku waktu itu?….Tak terkatakan, pertama kali keluar Asia Tenggara adalah pencapaian prestisius kala itu.

    Kenapa begitu?….Terbang ke Hong Kong sesegera mungkin sejak menjadi traveler pada 2011 adalah perkara mudah. Tapi bukan itu esensinya, Aku ini kan traveler penyisir yang mendatangi satu persatu kawasan dengan urut dan detail (tuh kan, Kamu jadi tahu kebiasaan anehku yang lain….orang gelo guwe mah, jangan ditiru!….Hahaha). Jadi begini….

    Sebelum menuntaskan eksplorasi Asia Tenggara maka Kupastikan Aku tak akan menuju Asia Timur.

    Sebelum menuntaskan eksplorasi Asia Timur maka Aku tak akan pergi ke Asia Selatan.

    Sama….Sebelum tuntas Asia Selatan, Aku tak akan menginjak Timur Tengah.

    Udah ye….segini dulu, karena Aku baru akan menuntaskan Timur Tengah….Jangan suruh nulis about Eropa!….Guwe belum punya bahan….Hahaha.

    —-****—-

    Yuk kembali ke Hong Kong. Oh ya, tulisan terakhirku tentang Hong Kong di blog ini ada di link berikut:

    https://travelingpersecond.wordpress.com/2018/02/19/bigbuddha-dan-disneyland-hong-kong/

    Nah, kali ini Aku akan menceritakan apa saja yang Kukunjungi selama di Hong Kong. Sedangkan kejadian-kejadian unik akan Kuceritakan detail satu-persatu setelah artikel ini ya….

    Inilah sepuluh destinasi utama yang Kukunjungi:

    1. Hong Kong International Airport.

    Hari pertama pukul 07:13

    Tahu kan, Agustus lalu Hong Kong International Airport lumpuh total karena di duduki massa pro-demokrasi yang menolak RUU Ektradisi Hong Kong.

    Ketika lihat TV, Aku jadi teringat kala mendarat di bandara ini pada 4 Januari 2016. Ingatanku masih kuat, waktu itu tanpa mandi selama 24 jam, Aku menaiki Cebu Pacific bernomor penerbangan 5J 108 dari Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila.

    Lihat tampangku…Percaya kan ga mandi selama 24 jam?.

    Lebih percaya lagi ga? tas seuprit itu adalah satu-satunya backpack yang kubawa klayapan ke Manila-Hong Kong-Macao-Shenzen selama 10 hari. Kayak main ke Depok aja kan?….Hahaha.

    2. Tian Tan Buddha

    Hari pertama pukul 10:13

    Dari airport, Aku tak lantas menuju hostel….emang piknik-ers?. Aku bergerak menuju Lantau Island (Yang perlu Kamu tahu bahwa Hong Kong terdiri dari 3 pulau utama yaitu Lantau, Kowloon dan Hong Kong).

    Naik double decker bus S56 menuju Tung Chung Station dan dilanjutkan dengan bus no 23 menuju Tian Tan Buddha. `

    Kalau ke Hong Kong, Kamu wajib kesini ya. Karena ini adalah patung perunggu terbesar di dunia dengan tinggi 34 meter dan berwujud Buddha duduk. Dibangun 26 tahun silam sebagai pusat kegiatan Buddhisme di Hong Kong.

    Gak mandi….tetep aja guanteng….Njiir, pede beud.

    3. Hong Kong Disneyland

    Hari pertama pukul 13:37

    Jangan buru-buru berpindah dari Lantau Island, dalam jarak 33 km dan waktu tempuh 35 menit, Kamu bisa mengunjungi Hong Kong Disneyland.

    Demikian pula diriku, meninggalkan Tian Tan Buddha menuju Tung Chung Station kembali kemudian naik MTR (Mass Transit Railway) Tung Chung Line dan berganti dengan MTR Disneyland Resort Line di Sunny Bay Station untuk mencapai tujuan.

    Dibuka pada tahun 2005, Hong Kong Disneyland adalah theme park terbesar di Hong Kong. Siapkan saja Rp. 1.000.000 untuk masuk kedalamnya.

    Aduh….udel.

    4. Kowloon Walled City Park

    Hari Pertama jam 18:37

    Sepulang dari Hong Kong Disneyland, Aku menyelesaikan proses check-in di Hong Kong Taiwan Hotel yang terletak di Chungking Mansions Building lantai 3. Hotel seharga Rp 264.000 per malam itu terletak di Nathan Road 36-44.

    Akhirnya menemukan kedai makanan halal milik warga Hong Kong keturunan India di lantai 1. Selepas lunch yang sangat terlambat itu, Aku menuju Kowloon Walled City Park yang dibangun di daerah bekas pemukiman padat penduduk dengan kriminalitas yang susah diberantas oleh kepolisian Hong Kong.

    Bertolak Tsim Sha Tsui Station menuju Lok Fu Station. Dari stasiun ini, hanya perlu berjalan kaki sejauh 1 km menuju Kowloon Walled City Park menyusuri Junction Road dengan waktu tempuh 15 menit.

    Taman cukup gelap di malam hari.

    5. Ladies Market

    Hari Pertama jam 20:15.

    Dari Lok Fu Station, Aku menuju Mong Kok Station dengan tarif Rp. 9.000

    Ladies Market yang terletak di Tung Choi Street merupakan tempat berbelanja souvenir terkenal di Hong Kong. Kamu yang jago menawar barang bolehlah berbelanja ke sini. Aku?….kagaklah, cuma lihat-lihat aja.

    Jam operasioal Ladies Market: 11:00 – 23:30.

    6. Avenue of the Stars

    Hari kedua jam 09:45

    Avenue of the stars adalah plaza jembatan sepanjang 400 meter di sisi utara Victoria Harbour yang dibuat mirip “Walk of Fame” nya Hollywood, dibangun untuk merayakan suksesnya Industri Perfilman Hong Kong. Dihiasi oleh patung para artis dan direktur film terkenal Hong Kong, cetakan telapak tangan (handprints) mereka serta patung-patung yang menggambarkan aktivitas pembuatan film di Hong Kong.

    Saat Aku tiba di Hong Kong, Avenue of the Stars sedang mengalami renovasi sehingga semua patung diangkut dan dipamerkan di sebuah taman yang diberi nama Garden of Stars di bilangan Salisbury Road.

    Karena renovasi sudah selesai saat ini, maka semua patung dan handprints sudah dipindahkan kembali ke tepian Victoria Harbour dan tentu penampakan lokasinya sudah lebih baik lagi.

    Cukup berjalan kaki untuk dari hotel tempatku menginap untuk menuju Garden of Stars.

    Ciaaaaaatttt…..hazedigggg.

    7. The Hong Kong Observation Wheel dan AIA Vitality Park.

    Hari kedua pukul 11:20

    Terletak di depan Central Ferry Pier di Hong Kong Island. Ferris wheel setinggi 60 meter ini memiliki 42 gondola sebagai media observasi Hong Kong dari ketinggian. Cukup merogoh kocek Rp 40.000 untuk menaikinya.

    Sedangkan AIA Vitality Park berada tepat di bawahnya. Taman ini biasa digunakan untuk olah raga, konser dan festival. Saat Aku kesana memang sedang ada festival untuk menyambut Natal dan Tahun Baru 2018 di taman ini.

    8. Bank of China Tower

    Hari kedua pukul 12:45.

    Bank of China Tower adalah landmark terkenal di Hong Kong Island. Saking terkenalnya sering dicetak sebagai souvenir yang dijual di seantero Hong Kong.

    BOC Tower ini terletak Garden Road dan merupakan kantor pusat Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited. Dengan tinggi 367 meter menjadikannya sebagai bangunan tertinggi keempat di Hong Kong.

    Di lantai 43 memiliki observation deck yang awalnya dibuka untuk turis sehingga bisa melihat seisi kota dari atas. Tetapi sayangnya, saat Aku tiba disana fasilitas ini sudah ditutup untuk umum. Beuh….nasib guwe kagak mujur emang.

    Trus apa yang kulakukan di tower itu selama 2 jam an?….Baca tulisan setelah ini ya!….hahaha

    Itu tuh towernya….khas berkerangka segitiga.

    9. Wan Chai District

    Hari kedua pukul 17:30

    Hadeuh…..ini mah daerah prostitusi…..dasar keparat kamu, Donny!….Hahaha.

    Eittt, jangan salah ya….Wan Chai adalah salah satu backpacker area di Hong Kong Island. Guwe baik kan…. ga nginep dimari (hotelku kan di Kowloon Island)….atut….hohoho.

    Ya gimana lagi….maksud hati menuju Victoria Park yang menjadi tempat berkumpulnya para TKI….Tampang guwe kan mirip TKI tuh….siapa tahu ada yang mau kasih makanan gratis buat jatah dinner guwe…..#ngarep

    Gue kebablasan pas naik Ding Ding Tram….karena keburu hujan lebat dan gak mungkin nyari ntuh taman, maka mampir lah sebentar di pusat Wan Chai District yang harga makanannya murah-murah….Aku keburu dilanda kelaparan.

    Bener ternyata….banyak pub-pub dengan wanita-wanita super sexy yang di gandeng para bule….lah guwe, gandengan ama sape?….hahaha.

    Suasana di Henessy Road, Wan Chai District

    10. Symphony of Lights

    Hari kedua pukul 19:55

    Symponhy of Lights adalah pertunjukan cahaya dan suara yang dipancarkan dari 42 gedung pencakar langit di seberang Victoria Harbour. Sepulang dari Wan Chai District, Aku sempatkan mampir disini sebelum balik ke hotel. Saat itu adalah malam terakhirku di Hong Kong karena keesokan harinya Aku akan berlayar ke Macao.

    Hayo….Siapa yang sudah pernah backpacker ke Hong Kong….Ngacung!.

  • Traveling….When Hobby Turns into Passion

    Changing paradigm

    Workaholic has become an inseparable character from my personality all this time. In the beginning, “home-office-home” was activity formula which I always did every day. The formula was very effective to bring me into confort zone with ownership of house, car and some investment assets.

    Increasingly inevitable, finally boredom struck. For several years, I felt that something was lacking in my achievement. Certainly not about money, but I was never able to ignite my eternal fire in passion bottom.

    Then a new thing arrived …

    Singapore became the first igniter of passion fire in my life. Starting from a trip was towards there with 18 colleagues six years ago, I finally brought home an impression. It wasn’t an impression about modernity of Singapore, but an impression about feshness of mind and changes in perspective about income allocation. It is actually that investment is not always about goods, but an experience investment must get an equally important in portion.

    Singapore changes paradigm.

    Regular Trip

    The paradigm shift made me have a new behavior amid busy activities in capital city. I began to allocate travel budget as a type of investment. Every 10-15% of income, I use to travel both domestically and abroad.

    At every beginning of year, I always set a traveling agenda in one calendar year. The density of work makes me have to be smart in managing leave, using national holidays, and deciding a right time to travel.

    In conclusion, traveling experiences which I have done for six years makes me have three traveling categories with a very tight schedule, namely:

    1. Long traveling in 14-16 days duration on year-end holidays.
    2. Short traveling in 3-4 days duration on long weekend holidays.
    3. Fast traveling in 1-2 days duration on extend vacation.
    4. Bonus traveling. This is a bonus if my job reaches a certain achievement.
    Visiting Toba lake during year-end holiday.
    Marina Beach in Semarang during long weekend holiday.
    “Singapore of Java Cruise” in Cilacap when extend vacation.
    Bonus traveling to Belitung.

    The tight traveling schedule also has a big role in changing my basic character to be more extrovert and easy going. I am aware that whether there are or aren’t travelmate in journeys, I must continue to carry out my every travel plan. Therefore, I need two characters above to always be consistent in carrying out each of my plans.

    Managing Trip

    What will you do as an employee when your work time is as tight as your travel plans?

    In early phase of my journey with a mediocre income, for budget saving, I took an initiative to arrange all my own travel plans. Limited time requires me to be proficient in digital mastery.

    How do I do it?

    Like this, guys….

    If buses, trains and ferries are transportation types with ticket fares which tend to be stable, then planes are transportation types with abundant promo tickets. No doubt, I am a cyber surfer who is persistent in hunting for cheap tickets. And of course, I memorized all Low Cost Carrier (LCC) airlines throughout Asia. To ensure the best ticket prices, I always prepare tickets on a year before departure date. Visiting many LCC airline website and monitoring every promo on several domestic and foreign Online Travel Agents (OTA) became my habit on every weekends. It only needs a tool so I can quickly execute every available cheap ticket opportunity. The tool is a credit card. No need to worry about having a credit card as long as you are obedient in managing your income. Through this ticket search process, I finally had tasted 24 airlines throughout my travels.

    Using Citilink airline when traveling to Solo.
    Air Asia was very instrumental in helping my adventure around Asia.
    Nok Air airline from Thailand while on vacation to Phuket.
    Jet Airways even took me to India.

    Then what about lodging?

    Now I have reached a certain level in membership of the world’s largest travel e-commerce. At this level, I always get the best deals when looking for lodging by online. Besides being cheap, I also always pay attention about flexibility in order canceling process on a few days before D-day, this is important to open opportunities to get the best hotel until D-day of arrival. For information that 80% of my choice are dormitories. Besides in cheap price, dormitory gave me opportunities to expand my networking among fellow tourists from various regions in Indonesia and even the world.

    • Top Banana Guesthouse’s dormitory in Phnom Penh has cost about USD 4,40 per night
    Sleep & Sleep Guesthouse’s dormitory in Semarang has cost about USD 3 per night.

    It’s time for me to talks about itinerary. Beside in purchasing ticket and hotel, budget saving can be did by making itinerary independently. If you are a fresh graduate and entering early days of work, persistence in making an itinerary can save your budget when you are a travel addict. I independently always set agenda which I will do when traveling, costing in each agenda and how to reach destination where the agenda will be run. To be able to compile a good itinerary, of course I often browse about destination where I want to go. I will usually read other tourist’s travel stories or look for info in the official travel destination website or in related tourism institutions (both government or private).

    Example of itinerary fragment which I made independently.

    But along with tourism development, there are several tourist destinations where would be even more cheaper if it is visited through “open trip” tourism type. This tourism type is essentially visiting tourist attractions together in a group so it can reduce cost rather than it’s did alone. I was experienced many times in using “open trip” services to visit several destinations where I targeted.

    Taking an open trip when traveling to Pahawang Island in Lampung.

    Adventure Atmosphere

    Preparation period and waiting period for each of travel agendas which I made will continuously create an adventure atmosphere in my life. And it was really fun and has a positive effect. I became a figure who is diligent in saving money for my travel needs. I am also a person who is always eager to work to guarantee my income.

    Of course a lot of scorn when I started travel program. Many people consider that my trips wasted money because they think that refreshing doesn’t need to travel far and spend a lot of money.

    Indeed for them who don’t understand how to arrange a trip, traveling is something expensive. But not with me, a consistency of running a traveling program during past 6 years has led me to set foot in 20 countries in Asia and 10 provinces in Indonesia.

    After hearing my story, are you interested in traveling?

    Hobby Turns into Passion

    Success in visiting tourist destinations and impression which I gained during journey made me always excited in making trips on the following year. This routine seems to be addictive to me. There is a thing which feels lack when I didn’t travel within three months.

    Then this traveling addiction has another impact. This impact became a very serious thing for me, because later on, I became a someone who was “ambitious” in traveling. Yeah right, I’m already in level which I’m habitual to setting total target of tourist destinations where I will visit it in a certain period of time.

    Success in achieving numbers of personal target which I set each year finally creates passion. And finally I have decided traveling as a passion in my life.

    Passion Creates Caring

    There was a time when I was deadlocked at a tourist spot. This deadlock happened because of lacking informations which I got through browsing in internet. The example of a deadlock which I meant was like when I didn’t have enough information about what transportation which I should use towards Ipoh downtown from Amanjaya terminal in Malaysia.

    T30a bus which I finally found in the midst of confusion when was heading to Ipoh downtown.

    Then moment like that which made me inisiatively creates travel stories to be shared with other fellow tourists. Finally I decided to make a blog which contains my travel experiences. I hope through this blog, I can complement some missing information in traveling world so other tourists will be helped about pre-travel information when traveling to a destination where I’ve ever visited.

    Blogging will be my next routine activity to documenting travel experiences and sharing interesting stories for other young people who have same passion as me.

    Finally, be a young person who is rich in experience and brave to explore!

    Come on traveling, friends!

  • Dibalik Penerbangan Air Asia QZ 206 Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur

    Baru juga pulang dari ekspedisi ke Garut-Tasikmalaya-Sumedang , lelahnya berkelana seminggu di tiga kabupaten itu tak lantas membuat tubuh lelah. Boro-boro istirahat, Aku lebih memilih menuntaskan misiku menyelesaikan eksplorasi Asia Selatan dengan mengunjungi tiga negara tersisa….Bangladesh, Sri Lanka dan Maldives.

    Tiket Air Asia yang kubeli seharga Rp 349.000 sejak 7 April 2018 mampu menjaga asaku dan dompetku untuk terus berkeliling dunia. Yes, Aku harus menjemput Malindo Air rute Kuala Lumpur-Dhaka di KLIA.

    Sepanjang masa tunggu keberangkatan, banyak pertanyaan muncul dari teman-teman sekantor atau teman-teman lain diluar pekerjaan.

    “Yeeee, jalan-jalan kok ke Bangladesh. Ga elit bingit”

    “Lo mau liat apa sih Don di Bangladesh?”

    “Tar lo pulang sakit loh, Don”

    “Kurang kerjaan….mending ke Ancol guwe daripada ke Bangladesh”.

    “Kenapa sih Don harus ke Bangladesh?”

    Jawabku: “Ya suka-suka guwelah….duit-duit guwe…kaki juga kaki guwe”.

    Eh gak gitu dink….kasar beud.

    Hahaha….”Ya gimana pren, duitnya hanya mampu buat jalan dimari”….wkwkwk….Itu jawaban guwe ke mereka yeee.

    Kan orang lain ga tau sih isi kepala guwe about traveling…..makin gila makin aseeeekkk…..makan aneh makin nagih…..hihihi.

    —-****—-

    Biasaaa….Nyegat DAMRI di Terminal Kampung Rambutan aja yang murah. Selain murah juga deket rumah bingit. Kupersiapkan Rp. 40.000 untuk membayar tarifnya dengan jam keberangkatan pukul 15:00. Perjalanan 1 jam 15 menit itu mengantarkanku tepat di Terminal 2F.

    Melalui gate 5, Aku mulai memasuki pemeriksaan X-ray tahap pertama. Tak begitu mulus, backpack yang menjadi temanku satu-satunya terlihat dibolak-balik petugas AVSEC, dioles-oles menggunakan tissue basah lalu mengamatinya dengan seksama. Tak perlu khawatir….yang penting tak ada narkoba didadalamnya….hahaha. Kalaupun di tolak masuk, tenang brur….ini masih di kota sendiri. Tinggal balik lagi naik DAMRI….ya toh.

    “Mbak, window seat donk !”, seruan memelasku kepada petugas check-in di konter Air Asia. Aduh, udah cantik baik pula, murah senyum…..eh emang tugasnye begonoh dink. “Ini mas”, sahutnya…..2D, yes gagal…..hahaha.

    Yuk ngecap passport….geblek, padahal itu kan e-passport, tapi kebiasaannku mengecap passport menjadi tak peduli dengan adanya konter autogate.

    Petugas Imigrasi  :  “Kemana?”

    Aku                           : Sebutin aja detail satu-satu, supaya ga curiga kek waktu itu, “Penang, Dhaka, Colombo, Maldives pak. Transit Mumbai dan Singapore”. Njir perjalanan macam apa ituh….gile

    Petugas Imigrasi  : “Backpacker?”

    Aku                           : “Yoi pak”….eh salah, bukan begitu….”Betul pak”.

    Petugas Imigrasi  : Lihat muka guwe, bolak-balik passport baru dan bekas guwe. Then….cekrek “hati-hati mas sendirian”.

    Aku                           : “makasih pak….tentu saya akan hati-hati”.

    Petugas                  : “Hebat nih si Mas”.

    Cieeee….Guwe dipuji laki-laki….Alhamdulillah…..hahahaha. Pasti mikir guwe yang engga-engga….GUWE NORMAL KOK.

    Kusempatkan shalat di ujung koridor sebelum masuk ke gate. Setelahnya, Aku memasuki pemeriksaan X-ray tahap kedua di depan gate D5….yesss, mulus.

    Sedang asyik-asyiknya duduk membaca di sebelah charging station, datang sepasang perawakan Korea. Mengoprak-oprek lubang stop kontak yang sepertinya rusak.

    Aku     :  “Hi, Sir. That’s broken. I had tried many times and failed”.

    Dia       : “Oh yea….Why put it here if broken” pura-pura menendang pelan charging station sembari tersenyum.

    Aku     : “Do you want go to South Korea?”.

    Dia       : “Oh, Nup….I’m from California and will fly from KL”.

    Aku     :  “Oh Nice”.

    Dia       : “What are you doing here? “.

    Aku     :  “My profession, your mean?”.

    Dia       :  “yeaaa”

    Aku     :  “Sales”.

    Dia       :  “Good money?”

    Aku     :  “If not good, I willn’t here to fly with you”.

    Dia       :  “yea…yea…yea”, manggut-manggut sambil tersenyum menatapku.

    Sepertinya pacarnya seorang travel vlogger. Ngoceh melulu dengan pedenya….hebat. Aku mana bisa kayak gitu. Lebih baik menulis daripada ngoceh terus macam Dia.

    QZ 206 akhirnya merapat ke gate. Beuh….petualangan segera dimulai. Kehabisan air membuatku lari keluar untuk membeli mineral water. Dan sedikit mendapat peringatan dari petugas untuk segera kembali ke gate. Ok dah pak, daripada beli didalam pesawat, kan mahal.

    Airbus A320-200 berkapasitas 186 penumpang.

    Tepat jam 19:17, Aku mulai boarding.

    Dibelakang cewek korean-american itu.

    Penerbangan malam yang penuh turbulensi mengingat saat itu akhir Desember. Terlihat bapak setengah baya di sebelahku begitu tegang dan berpegangan erat pada armrest chair sepanjang perjalanan sementara Aku dan seorang perempuan muda yang mengapitnya hanya tersenyum kecut sambil menyembunyikan rasa was-was.

    Kabin.

    Karena pengetahuan terkiniku mengenai Ipoh dan Penang begitu minim, kuputuskan untuk menjelajah inflight magazine Travel360. Berharap menemukan informasi berharga mengenai pariwisata Ipoh dan Penang. Dan….yesss….Aku sungguh mendapatkannya.

    Ipoh di inflight magazine Travel360.
    Informasi mendasar tentang Penang.

    QZ 206 bersiap mendarat. Tak bisa tidur selama perjalanan karena keasyikan membaca inflight magazine untuk mencari informasi. Kali ini petualangan transitku selama 5 hari di Malaysia bak bonek. Ngelayap tanpa bekal informasi yang cukup.

    Bersiap-siap mendarat.

    Itu bagasi buat apa ya? Perlengkapan keselamatan pernerbangan kali ya.

    Begitu tiba di KLIA2 tentu fikiran yang langsung terbesit di benakku adalah cari free water station, makan malam, sembahyang, tiket bus ke Penang dan kemudian molorrrrrr.

    Kamu harus menuju ke Transportation Hub di lantai 1 untuk mencari tempat makan murah. Oh ya…konter penjualan tiket bus juga ada disana

    Yuks….siap-siap menuju Penang esok hari.

    Sudah pernah coba beli tiket di 12Go ndak?. Sekali-kali boleh kamu coba deh. Berikut linknya: https://12go.asia/?z=3283832

  • Backpacking to Magelang….Enjoying “Lima Gunung” Festival.

    Magelang….a small town in Central Java Province, Indonesia which since Dutch colonial era was known as armed forces producer. But my arrival here was unrelated to military even though two members of my family were soldiers from Magelang barracks.

    This time I had a opportunity to climb to east slope of Merapi mountain for enjoying the beauty of “Tutup Ngisor” village. A village where is famous for its efforts to preserve dance culture through a Padepokan Seni “Tjipta Boedaja” (in english: “Tjipta Boedaja” dance gallery) which was founded in 1937 ago.

    And a main reason for my arrival there was the 18th “Lima Gunung” Festival (FLG XVIII). The festival which is able to attract my interest to heading there amid my dense work activities in capital city.

    The festival is named “Lima Gunung” (in english: Five Mountains)…. Referring to five mountain names located around Magelang district i.e Merapi, Merbabu, Menoreh, Sumbing and Andong.

    —****—

    My journey to Magelang used a legendary bus service which had triumphed in year 1990-2000, namely PO Santoso. Old and “voiced” bus slowly but surely drove and dropped me to Magelang on cold Saturday morning (6/7/19).

    The warmth of long black coffee in a cold morning disrupted my eyes to close and required me to accompany my morning until dawn coming.

    A shadow of festival’s majesty continued to disrupt my concentration that morning. And after the dawn came, a brother-in-law’s white hatchback began to split green rice fields towards festival.

    I have to be willing to lag one session, because this event has been started since Friday (7/7/19) afternoon. A road to Tutup Ngisor village that has been closed for several types of public transportation indicates that this festival will be attended by many visitors, and finally I had to park the car a little far from village gate.

    A few steps later I arrived.

    Java eagle as stage background. This bird is believed to give a sign when Merapi volcano will erupt.

    My Whatsapp continued to actively reply some messages to find someone who had an important role in my presence at this festival. Our friendship in blogging world started since a year ago and finally we met here.

    • Yes, She who wears a red t-shirt …. “Women with shoulder-length hair” (hihihi)… eh, just kidding….He is in the middle who I mean.

    He is Yokhanan who give a big contribution in my arrival at festival this time. Finally, we can meet in an event after we each other just contact in blogging world for a long time….Thanks, “Brother” Yo.

    —-****—-

    In addition to local performers, the festival was also enlivened by performers from other countries. Likewise with visitors….international visitors were also coming….It was cool.

    Kaori Okado from Japan performed “Gambir Anom” dance. She is a good Japanese dancer.
    Well, this photo is deliberately displayed, it’s nothing…I just interest to see Putri who was very exotic….hahaha, it’s heard naughty.

    FLG XVIII presented 79 performers, all performances were presented in 3 days duration (5-7th July 2019) with 20 minutes show time for each performance. Really massive agenda, visitors were required to be smart to choose performance which they wanted to see within timeframe which was prepared by committee.

    “Barong Gunung” dance from Sanggar Rangkul Dulur (Lumajang, East Java Province)

    This 18-year-old festival was also independently organized by “Lima Gunung” Community without sponsors. This is based on a commitment that community is trying to maintain art purity so willn’t be contaminated by commercial businesses.

    “Gedruk Pangekes” dance from Sanggar Gaboet Wasesa (Magelang, Central Java province).

    Carrying a theme of “Gunung Lumbung Budaya” (in english: “Mountain is Source of Culture”), shows that villages are main enclave of cultural guards amid swift influences of modernization. Villages are expected to be the guardian of diverse cultural originality which dance is one of them.

    “Uni Ing Geprak” dance from Gramang Art Community (Special Province of Yogyakarta).

    “Lima Gunung” festival is usually held close to Dieng Culture Festival. So these two events can be visited alternately if you want to feel how lively art parties in Java land.

    “Subali Senopatya” dance by Culture Board of Bantul (Special Province of Yogyakarta).

    FLG XVIII committee was organized on by millennials, this was very visible from many young faces of committee members, event concept was neatly arranged and brought an interesting theme. Stage design also looked very modern when night. Light shot towards stage wasn’t inferior to many performances in capital city.

    “Brahmarupa” dance in collaboration with Kemlaka Sound of Archipelago and Pesona Nusantara Surakarta (Central Java Province).

    FLG XVIII slipped a session i.e Culture Carnival of “Lima Gunung” Community around “Tutup Ngisor” village on third day of festival.

    Culture Carnival of “Lima Gunung” Community preparation.

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    There are several other things that can be found during FLG XVIII. Visitors could enjoy it as an added bonus for their presence in “Tutup Ngisor” village.

    Padepokan Tjipta Boedaja (“Tjipta Boedaja” Dance Gallery).

    Almost all Tjipta Boedjaja’s art activities are did out in this gallery.

    Gallery is often used for Wayang Menak show by villagers.

    The Tomb of Roso Yoso Soedarmo.

    Roso Yoso Soedarmo is a central figure in art development at “Tutup Ngisor” village. Padepokan Tjipta Boedaja was born as his initiation. Because of his pioneering work in art, “Tutup Ngisor” village has consistently produced artistic talents until now.

    This is the tomb.

    “Lumbung Karya” Art Exhibition

    This art exhibition displayed various artworks in form of paintings, sculptures, dance costumes and masks.

    Father and his son also took pictures in exhibition gallery.
    It was good right….masks felt alive.
    He was carving something in wood.

    “Mangunsuko” Suspension Bridge.

    During festival, MC always reminded visitors fo didn’t miss a view from Jokowi Bridge (the famous name of Mangunsuko Suspension Bridge). Hearing this repetitive emphasis, made me curious. And on my first day of arrival at “Tutup Ngisor” village, I immediately visited this bridge.

    Like a suspension bridge in general….sway if we step on it….hahaha.
    Enchanting mini waterfall.
    Beware, don’t eat there… can be bitten by a tiger.

    Transit House

    Transit house is a term for a resident’s home which was voluntarily and unpaid used to stay for festival visitors. Strong spirit of mutual cooperation, making every village residents is very compact in competing to provide transit house during FLG XVIII.

    Complete combination, visitors can also stay in tents in front of transit house.

    Culinary

    During my visitation in FLG XVIII, there were two culinary which have left an impression until today.

    Nasi Lesah (“Lesah” Rice) is an Magelang’s original rice with a mixture of vegetable sprouts, vermicelli, sliced tofu, small pieces of beef, fried onions and celery. Then it was poured with soup of hot coconut milk…..ulala.

    Eating Nasi Lesah for first time.

    Wine Coffee….For me who is a beginner coffee fan, finding wine coffee was something special. “Kopi Tanpa Nama” Coffee Shop which was located near stage, provided a “Sindoro Wine Coffee” menu with a very pleasant wine aroma.

    Wine coffee can also be called fermented coffee or coffee which undergoes 30 days fermentation process before it is roasted.

    So … Want to go to “Lima Gunung” Festival in 2020?….Let’s go with me.