For a while there, I've reviewed some of Jakarta's public transports on part [1] and [2]

Now, let's get deeper to the essence of Jakarta's transportation...
Here are the stubborn little things that will get you through any traffic condition!

BEMO

Bemo or BEcak MOtor (motorized tricycle) is one of the oldest means of transportation in Jakarta, dated back to the 1962.

Cost = 3000 IDR

The use of Bemo has been banned by the Jakarta's government since the vehicle is not so effective, lack of spare-parts, and also a cause of pollution. To ride on a Bemo is such a good-bad experience. You will be sweating from the heat, and your legs may crammed from such a low seat. Plus, your knee will "kiss" other knee-friends during the ride.

Even though Bemo has been banned, there are still some small routes that Bemo serves:
* Manggarai - RS Cipto Mangunkusumo
* Tanah Abang - Karet
* Salemba - Rawasari

IF you want to be driven right to your destination (for example: when looking for a specific address), aside from using a taxi, you can choose to use one of these vehicles...

BAJAJ

Bajaj here do not refer to a brand. Bajaj is one of the original vehicles of Jakarta that still operate widely on the city. You can instantly recognize a Bajaj by its bright orange colour, but even spot it from a far from its roaring sound!! The "vroom vroom" of a Bajaj is unmistakable.

To ride in a Bajaj is like nothing else!

• First of all, set a fix price to the driver before you get into the Bajaj. Since Bajaj are mostly operates on short ride, thus the price are around 7000 - 20.000 IDR.
• When you choose to ride on a Bajaj, please be prepare to have a very, very, very.. bumpy ride! even though the road is clear. You might want to tape how your body shiver all over the place because of it's "vibration"
  
• Private conversations are not supposed to be done in a Bajaj, since you have to shout out loud to outdo the thundering sound of the machine.
• Let your body flow with the Bajaj. There's a local saying: "No one really know where a Bajaj heading. It's only between the driver and his God." I suppose Bajaj driver has an ongoing thought that Bajaj is so small and stubborn and can get right through any traffic cracks. So, during the ride, you may experience some hardcore stirs hehe :) Because of this "attitude", the local people give another nickname for Bajaj - it's kecoa (or cockroach). Don't worry, it's not because of roaches dominate the Bajaj.
• There also a more upgraded version of Bajaj, it's called Bajaj BBG and it uses a different kind of gas. The Bajaj BBG is less bumpy, and more eco-friendly.

Tourist usually compare Bajaj with similar vehicle, Tuk Tuk from Thailand.

KANCIL

Kancil (Kendaraan Niaga Cilik Irit Lincah) is usually refer as the modern version of Bajaj - modern as in it produces less sound, just like cars. It also has 3 wheels, slightly narrower in the front. Kancil do not operate in all part of Jakarta. You can see Kancil usually in West Jakarta.

OJEK

Ojek (pronounced like "o-jack") is sort of a motorbike-taxi. This ride is a favourite since it uses motorcycle that can cut through the traffic jam, especially if the driver is gifted to know all of the short-cut (local call it "jalan tikus") around Jakarta.

How to find Ojek? Easy. Just look around for a group of motorbikes with drivers around your area (just like the pic above). Usually, they also got a sign/cardboard with "Pangkalan Ojek" on it. Expats also love Ojeks because the ride is personal and fast. One can make a monthly deal with the driver. Usually the driver also serves Ojek by phone-call. Handy, right? ;)

Sources: Alfasentosa blog

Welcome to Jakarta, folks!

Read it all:
Public transportation in Jakarta [1]

Public transportation in Jakarta [2]

Public transportation in Jakarta [3]

This article was also featured in Suara Jakarta, a paper by @ndorokakung.

Jogjakarta is one of the provinces of Indonesia, located in Java. It is not only famous for its classic Javanese atmosphere, marvelous temples and mystical culture, it is also a place to indulge yourself with one of the ultimate pleasures of life: goooood cheap fooods :)

Mostly, I go to Jogjakarta once a year. And every single time i go there, i will always find new places, new restaurant, new culinary experience. Nevertheless, here's my ultimate must-try foods of Jogjakarta (yes, especially for you, first-timers).

1. Gudeg 

Jl. Widjilan in Yogyakarta is well-known as the place to find the iconic food of Yogyakarta; it is the home of Gudeg. Gudeg is made of young jackfruit, boiled with palm sugar and coconut milk - and of course, other Indonesian traditional spices. Usually, a portion of Gudeg comes with some side dishes: chicken, egg, tempe and tahu - you may choose whether you want them or not. The taste of Gudeg may differ from one area (in Java) to another area. My all time favourite is still Gudeg from Yogyakarta. Even in Yogyakarta, the taste of gudeg from one "warung" to another can be different; mostly it's the degree of sweet. For all of you who are not a big fan of sweet, the sweet taste of Gudeg is usually balanced with Krecek, a spicy "dried" stew made of crispy cow skin.

So, here's what Gudeg Yogya looks like...

hmmm.. guess this one got Sambal Krecek all over covering the Gudeg :P

Personal taste: Gudeg Bu Wiwik
I have tried several warung gudeg, either at Jl. Widjilan or some other area. The famous one is Gudeg Yu Djum --> it even has a FB page. But my personal favourite is Gudeg Bu Wiwik, the sweetnes is perfectly combined with the spicy krecek, oh so yummy! Well, everyone gotta have their own fave :)

Price: starting from 15.000 IDR

2. Bakmi Jawa

Bakmi Jawa! It looks like a regular fried noodle or noodle soup, but then again it's different. One of the characteristics is that the noodle is a bit more.. squishy :) Worry not, the taste is still fantastic. To look for the good bakmi jawa, I prefer not to go to big restaurants. Those little warung got better homemade bakmi jawa.

Personal taste: Bakmi Mbah Mo
It is said that Bakmi Mbah Mo is the legend and the icon for traditional Javanese noodle. To find this specific eating place is quite tricky. It's far from what we can call "a restaurant" and moreover, it is not strategically located, it has no street address! You will need to ask the local people for direction. The Javanese call the location as "mblusuk" (means: in the middle of nowhere).

the cooking process is very traditional, using arang and clay stove..

See, it doesn't even look like a restaurant.
Source: Flickr

Despite of its location, the famous Bakmi Mbah Mo draws attention from many visitors - esp. those who are curious of its so-called legendary taste. People come there with their cars, lining up like hell. When you're not so lucky, you may need to wait around one hour (yes people, ONE HOUR) to enjoy your meal. This is because there is only one stove used to make all the incoming orders. a traditional stove, that is.
Price: starting from 10.000 IDR. Yes, that CHEAP!

the authentic and iconic Javanese noodle at Bami Mbah Mo!

3. Mushroom

No, it is not like what you're thinking.
There are some vegetarian restaurants in Yogyakarta, and most of them are using mushrooms as their main ingredients.

Personal taste: JeJamuran

It's fair to say that this a vegetarian place with a twist! Located in Jl. Magelang, you can see the big direction board to go to JeJamuran. The place got a big mushroom farm on the back of the dining area with some mushroom on display, so I suppose the mushroom served is always fresh. And since this is an Indonesian restaurant, all the mushroom are served with a lovely Indonesian flavour.

 YES! Sate Jamur!

Price: starting from 8.000 IDR.

Sate Jamur: RP. 8.000,00
Tongseng Jamur: Rp. 8.000,00
Rendang Jamur: Rp. 8.000,00
Pepes Jamur: Rp. 4.000,00
Jamur Goreng: Rp. 6.000,00

4. House of Raminten
Jl. F.M. Noto no.7 (next to Mirota Bakery), Kotabaru. Phone: 0274 547315.

Now this is what we call quirky touch of Javanese culture!
When you enter the place, you will be welcomed by old traditional chariots.
here and there, you may find signboard with a saying "Kami semua ini SLB. Kalau agak lama dalam melayani harap maklum karena kami kenthir" which means "we apologize if we present a slow service, because we are crazy".

The waiters are all dressed in traditional clothing, offering tons of authentic food, and even more authentic drinks and herbal drinks (in Bahasa: jamu) - all worth trying! Take a look at House of Raminten's Facebook page.

House of Raminten, from the entrance.

Source: House of Raminten

5. Bakso

Yeah, I know... bakso is quite common as Indonesian dish. But I got a surprise for you!

Personal taste: Bakso Ito

I have known Bakso Ito back from my high school years in Yogyakarta. After all these years, Bakso Ito still serves good varieties of bakso. The location, Jl. Mataram 59, is easy to find - it's on the back street of Malioboro Mall/Ibis Hotel. Make sure, if you go there, to try its popular bakso goreng (fried meatballs). You can choose either to have the beef bakso or the pork bakso. If you come around 6 PM, sometimes they dont have the pork bakso anymore, it's a bestseller :)

Source: Bakso Ito

6. Bebek

Bebek is simply duck. There's a lot ot restaurant in Yogyakarta that are specialized in serving bebek, in various way: grilled, fried, with soup, etc. One of the restaurants is Bebek Bakar Yu Sri, located in Jl. Tentara Pelajar (between Jogja and Magelang); it preserves the traditional ambiance of Java since the restaurant is within a Joglo (Javanese traditional house).

Attention all travelers and Yogya-newbies, when you arrive in Yogyakarta's airport Adi Sucipto, don't forget to take FREE map of Yogyakarta at the tourist information point right outside the baggage claim area. But if you fail to take one, or perhaps to lazy to find it out hehehehe.. Here. Download and print this one instead.

Map of Greater Yogyakarta, with touristic spots.

This article was also featured in Tourism Indonesia, a paper by @babyfwenas :)

OK. You have sufficient information about public transportation in general (in part 1) to cope up with the hustle and bustle of Jakarta's infamous traffic.

However....
IF you want to try the ultimate experience of daily life in Jakarta, then try to hop on one of the local buses! This morning on my way to the office, for the very first time, i saw an expat hopped on bus 213.

If you are lucky, then the bus will not be to packed, you may also get to enjoy the good "PENGAMEN" (street/bus amateur musicians) with great voices, good guitar, and sometimes, violin skills. But you may also encounter those horrible "pengamen" stinky clothes and bad sounds or other sort of beggars.

This is what you get when you're lucky. full-entertainment!

When you are riding on a bus in Jakarta, always be aware of your belongings! You should also prepare some small changes (500 IDR) in case you want to give appreciations to the good "pengamen" :)

Here are some of Jakarta's buses, also with their routes. I might have written some mistakes on some routes, and some routes are still empty. please inform/correct me :)

Mayasari Bhakti, PPD, Steady Safe

Those are the names of the big busses that run around Jakarta (greater area).

Cost = 2000 IDR (no AirCo); 5000 - 10.000 IDR (with AirCo)

Here are some of the routes:

P6 : Grogol - Kp Rambutan
P37 :
P55 : Grogol - Kp Melayu
P45 : Blok M - Kp Rambutan (usually it only goes to cililitan)
P46 : Grogol - Kp Rambutan (usually it only goes to cililitan)

57 : Blok M - Pulogadung
107 : Kp Melayu - Blok M
300 : Blok M - Rawamangun
213 : Grogol - Kp Melayu
916 :

Patas AC 10 : Dukuh Atas
Patas AC 11 : Pulo Gadung - Kalideres
Patas AC 81 : Depok - Kalideres
Patas AC 43 : Grogol - Cibinong
Patas AC 05 : Bekasi - Blok M
Patas AC 34: Blok M - Cimone
Patas AC 79 : Kp Rambutan - Kota
Patas AC 48 : Depok - Grogol
Patas AC 104 : Kp Melayu - Cimone

Deborah
Route Depok - Lb Bulus
Route Depok - Kalideres

Tunggal Daya
Route Lb Bulus - Bekasi

METROMINI

Metromini is a minibus by the colour of orange with blue stripe. Usually, these minibuses can stop almost everywhere (not only on the bus shelters). You can ask the "kondektur" where to hop off.

Cost = 2000 IDR

Here are the routes:

001 : Senen - RS Islam Cempaka Putih - Taman Solo
003 : Senen - Cempaka Putih - Rawamangun
005 : Senen - Johar Baru - Mardani
007 : Senen - Cempaka Mas - Semper
010 : Senen - Kemayoran - Sunter
011 : Senen - Kemayoran - Bendungan Jago
015 : Senen - Sabang - Setiabudi
017 : Senen - Cikini - Manggarai
023 : Tanjung Priok - Cilincing
024 : Tanjung Priok - Sunter - Senen
029 : Kota - Pademangan - Sunter
030 : Kota - Pluit - Muara Angke
041 : Pulo Gadung - Tugu - Tanjung Priok
042 : Pulo Gadung - Penggilingan - Perumnas Klender
043 : Pulo Gadung - Pondok Ungu - Seroja
044 : Pulo Gadung - Penggilingan - Pulo Gebang
045 : Pulo Gadung - Jatiwaringin - Pondok Gede
046 : Pulo Gadung - Utan Kayu - Kampung Melayu
047 : Senen - Cempaka Putih - Pondok Kopi
049 : Pulo Gadung - Utan Kayu - Manggarai
050 : Kampung Melayu - Duren Sawit - Perumnas Klender
052 : Kampung Melayu - Buaran - Stasiun Cakung
053 : Kampung Melayu - Condet - Kampung Rambutan
054 : Kampung Melayu - Kalimalang - Pondok Kelapa
058 : Cililitan - Pondok Bambu - Perumnas Klender
060 : Manggarai - Tebet - Kampung Melayu
061 : Manggarai - Bukit Duri - Kampung Melayu
062 : Manggarai - Pancoran - Pasar Minggu
064 : Pasar Minggu - Kalibata - Cililitan
069 : Blok M - Kyai Maja - Kreo - Ciledug
070 : Blok M - Pos Pengumben - Joglo
071 : Blok M - Tanah Kusir - Kodam Bintaro
072 : Blok M - Pondok Indah – Lebak Bulus
074 : Blok M - Tanah Kusir - Rempoa
075 : Blok M - Mampang - Pasar Minggu
076 : Blok M - Cilandak - Kampung Rambutan
077 : Blok M - Kemang - Ragunan
078 : Blok M - Mayestik - Kebayoran Lama - Cidodol
079 : Blok M - Fatmawati - Lebak Bulus
082 : Kalideres - Kamal - Kapuk - Grogol
084 : Kalideres - Pluit - Kota
085 : Kalideres - Permata Hijau - Lebak Bulus
091 : Batusari - Tanjung Duren - Citraland - Grogol - Roxy Mas - Tanah Abang
092 : Joglo - Kedoya - Jalan Panjang - Daan Mogot - Grogol
506 : Kampung Melayu - Klender - Pondok Kopi
610 : Blok M - Cipete - RS Fatmawati - Pondok Labu
611 : Blok M - Pondok Pinang - Pasar Jum'at
619 : Blok M - Pangeran Antasari - Pondok Labu - Cinere
640 : Pasar Minggu - Pancoran - Tosari
719 : Lebak Bulus - Pondok Gede - Jatiasih
733 : Blok M - Bintara - Kranji
783 : Kampung Melayu - Kalimalang - Cibubur - Cileungsi
789 : Perumnas Klender - Pulo Gadung - Harapan Indah
792 : Perumnas Klender - Pondok Kelapa - Bekasi
811 : Blok M - Lebak Bulus - Rempoa - Bintaro

KOPAJA or Koperasi Angkutan Jakarta

KOPAJA is a mini bus by the colour of green with white stripe.

Cost = 2000 IDR

There are some codes: (but usually they don't put the code)
P for Jakarta Pusat
B for Jakarta Barat
S for Jakarta Selatan
T for Jakarta Timur
U for Jakarta Utara

Here are some of the routes:

P16 : Tanah Abang - Slipi Jaya - Kemanggisan - Kedoya - Ciledug
P19 : Tanah Abang - Sudirman - Blok M - Ragunan Depan
P20 : Senen - HOS Cokroaminoto - Rasuna Said - Warung Buncit - TB Simatupang - Lebak Bulus
U27 : Pasar Senen - Kelapa Gading
T57 : Terminal Kp. Rambutan - Raya Bogor - Cililitan (PGC) - Dewi Sartika - Kalibata - Duren Tiga - Warung Buncit - Tendean - Wolter Monginsidi - Terminal Blok M
63 : Blok M - Ampera - Depok
S66 : Blok M - Rasuna Said - Latuharhari - Sultan Agung (Pasar Rumput) - Manggarai
S68 : Kp.Melayu - Ragunan - Pasar Minggu - Pancoran
B86 : Lebak Bulus - Slipi - Grogol
B88 :
T502 : Kampung Melayu - Tanah Abang
S602 : Tanah Abang - Mampang - Kb.Ragunan
605 : Blok M - Kemang - Kp. Rambutan
Terminal Blok M - Iskandarsyah - Melawai - Panglima Polim - Darmawangsa - Darmawangsa 4 - Darmawangsa 13 - Fatmawati - Abdul Majid - Kemang Selatan 8 - Kemang - Kemang Selatan - Ampera - TB Simatupang - Masuk Tol AMPERA~1 - Keluar Tol~30 "Cililitan—Cijantung" - Terminal Kp. Rambutan
605A : Blok M - Kemang - Kb.Ragunan
Terminal Blok M - Prapanca - Kemang - Kemang Selatan - Ampera - TB Simatupang - Harsono - Terminal Ragunan (Ragunan Depan)
S608 : Blok M - Tanah Abang
S609 : Blok M - Kebayoran Lama - Cipulir - Meruya
S612 : Kp.Melayu - Kemang - Kb. Ragunan (back)
S613 : Blok M - Bintaro
Pasar Minggu - Warung Buncit - Pejaten Barat - Ampera - Kemang Selatan - Benda - Puri Sakti - Antasari - Taman Brawijaya - Darmawangsa 15 - Darmawangsa - Darmawangsa 6 - Wijaya 2 - Panglima Polim - Kramat Pela - Barito 2 - Barito 1 - Kyai Maja - Cipulir
S614 : Pasar Minggu - Blok M - Cipulir
615 : Tanah Abang - Blok M - Lebak Bulus
S616 : Blok M - Ps Minggu - Cipedak
S620 : Blok M - Mampang - Pasar Rumput
95 : Rawa Bokor - Taman Anggrek

KOANTAS BIMA

it's a mini bus, just like Metromini and Kopaja, but the colours are yellow with green stripe.

Cost = 2000 IDR

Here are the routes:

101 : Tanah Abang - Pondok Cabe
102 : Tanah Abang - Ciputat
507 : Kampung Melayu - Cimanggis
509 : Kampung Rambutan - Lebak Bulus
510 : Kampung Rambutan - Ciputat
621 : Blok M - Ciputat
104 : Perumnas Tangerang - Grogol
106 : Cimone - Senen
103 : Poris - Grogol

ANGKOT

Angkot is an abbreviation from ANGkutan KOTa - litterally means city transport. It is actually a modified van/SUV so that it could carry more passengers. The colour for these angkots are varied: red, white, etc.

cost = 2500 IDR

Here are the routes:

Angkot B01 : Grogol – Mr Angke
Angkot B03 : Joglo – Meruya - Kedoya - Tanjung Duren - Citraland
Angkot B14 : Puri Indah – Pasar Puri - Kedoya - Terusan Arjuna - Tanjung Duren - Citraland
Angkot C01 : Kebayoran Lama – Ciledug
Angkot C02 : Ciledug – Jombang
Angkot C05 : Kebayoran Lama – Ceger
Angkot C09 : Lebak Bulus – Bintaro – Ceger – Pd Aren
Angkot C14 : Lebak Bulus – Ciledug
Angkot C15 : Semanan – Ciledug
Angkot D01 : Kebayoran Lama – Tanah Kusir – Pondok Pinang – Lebak Bulus – Ciputat
Angkot D02 : Pondok Labu – Lebak Bulus – Ciputat
Angkot D07 : Ciputat – Pamulang – Muncul/Serpong
Angkot D08 : Ciputat – Jombang
Angkot D09 : Pd Jagung – Graha Bintaro – Parigi – Bintaro Plaza – Rempoa – Situ Gintung
Angkot D10 : Ciputat – Bintaro – Pondok Aren
Angkot D15 : Lebak Bulus – Pondok Cabe – Pamulang
Angkot D18 : Ciputat – Bintaro – Ciledug
Angkot D26 : Ciputat – Pamulang
Angkot S01 : Blok M – Pondok Labu
Angkot S03 : Kebayoran Lama – Tanah Kusir – Pondok Pinang – Lebak Bulus – Pondok Labu
Angkot S06 : Mayestik/Tmn. Puring – Kebayoran Lama – Ceger
Angkot S07 : Kebayoran Lama – Pondok Aren
Angkot S08 : Lebak Bulus – Ciputat – Rempoa – Bintaro
Angkot S10 : Kebayoran Lama – Velbak – Seskoal – Peninggaran – Tanah Kusir
Angkot S11 : Lebak Bulus – Fatmawati – Pasar Minggu
Angkot S12 : Lebak Bulus – Bona Indah – Ragunan
Angkot S14 : Lebak Bulus – Pondok Pinang – Deplu – Bintaro – Petukangan
Angkot 461 : UKI cawang – Pondok Gede
Angkot JP03A (APB) : Karet – Tanah Abang – Roxy
Angkot JS01 (APB) : Mayestik – Kostrad – Kemandoran


MIKROLET
Mikrolet is similar to Angkot. The size is like normal cars (similar size to CRVs) but modified so that it could carry more passengers. It has light blue colour. The driver usually modified the mikrolets as they wish, so each mikrolet has its own "personalities"... some are with religious stickers, some with fancy headbanging speakers (seriously), and some others are just plain boring mikrolets. If you are riding on the mikrolets with the soundsystem, be prepared to shake your body to the Dangdut or House music hehehe...

Cost = 2000-2500 IDR

Here are the routes:
M01 : Kampung Melayu - Matraman - Senen
M02 : Pulogadung - Velodrome - Kampung Melayu
M04 : Cililitan - Cipinang - Rawasari
M06(A) : Kampung Melayu - Cililitan - Gandaria
M08 : Tanah Abang - Kota
M09 : Tanah Abang – Kebayoran Lama
M10 : Tanah Abang – Jembatan Lima
M11 : Tanah Abang – Meruya
M12 : Senen - Gunung Sahari - Kota
M15A Tanjung Priok - Ancol - Kota
M16 : Kampung Melayu - Cawang - Pasar Minggu
M18 : Kampung Melayu – Kali Malang – Pondok Gede
M19 : Cililitan - Pondok Kelapa – Klender Bekasi
M20 : Pasar Minggu – Ragunan – Jati Padang - Ciganjur
M21 : Pulogadung - Rawamangun - Kampung Melayu
M23 : Karet - Setiabudi - Manggarai
M26 : Kampung Melayu - Kalimalang - Perumnas II Bekasi
M27 : Kampung Melayu – Cipinang - Pulo Gadung
M28 : Kampung Melayu – Cawang – Pondok Gede
M29 : Cililitan - Kalimalang – Kranji
M30A : Pulogadung - Kelapa Gading - Tanjung Priok
M31 : Kampung Melayu - Duren Sawit - Pondok Kelapa
M32 : Kampung Melayu - Duren Sawit Raya - Perumnas Klender
M36 : Pasar Minggu - Jembatan 4 - Jagakarsa
M37 : Pulogadung - Kelapa Gading - Senen
M38 : Grogol – Bendungan Hilir
M44 : Kampung Melayu - Casablanca (Ambassador Mall) - Karet Kuningan
M46 : Pulogadung - Pemuda - Senen
M53 : Pulogadung - Cempaka Putih - Kota
M54 : Kampung Melayu - Jend. Basuki Rachmat - Pondok Bambu

NEXT!
Jakarta's favourite vehicles in Public transportation in Jakarta [3]

Read it all ;)
Public transportation in Jakarta [1]

Public transportation in Jakarta [2]

Public transportation in Jakarta [3]

The strong heat of Jakarta welcomes you at Soekarno-Hatta airport. Soon enough, you (specifically addressing Jakarta-first-timer) may experience the big fuzz every traveler mumbles about Jakarta all year long: traffic!

Yes, public transportation in Jakarta can be considered as a BIG headache!

As soon as you get off Soekarno-Hatta airport (assuming that you have no escort) you will be magically drawn into the mass of taxi drivers offering you to have their services.

Hmm.. what should you do?

The best thing is to order a taxi from inside the airport. You should check on the taxi desk nearby the baggage area. The cost will be around 200.000 IDR, and you will be driven straight to your destination. Rent a car is also an option, but the cost is higher, around 500.000 IDR.

DAMRI
The second best thing (backpackers, this one is for you) is to hop on the DAMRI (Djawatan Angkoetan Motor Repoeblik Indonesia). It's like airport-city shuttle bus. The buses are nice, clean, with AirCo (don't worry), and luggage dock. You can use the Damri to to get to the city center. From the city center you can continue by taxi (see below).

Cost: 20.000-30.000 IDR

You can ask the airport staff, where to sit and wait for the DAMRIs. The DAMRI starts very early, around 4 am. and the interval between the DAMRIs are 15-20 minutes.

Here are some DAMRI routes:

• Soekarno-Hatta Airport - Blok M (bus terminal, south Jakarta). IF you are heading to west/south Jakarta (Slipi, Semanggi) you can ask the driver to drop you there.
• Soekarno-Hatta Airport - Lebak Bulus (bus terminal, south-east Jakarta)
• Soekarno-Hatta Airport - Rawa Mangun (bus terminal, east Jakarta)
• Soekarno-Hatta Airport - Kampung Rambutan (bus terminal, east Jakarta)
• Soekarno-Hatta Airport - Pasar Minggu (bus terminal, east Jakarta)
• Soekarno-Hatta Airport - Tanjung Priok (north of Jakarta)
• Soekarno-Hatta Airport - Kemayoran (north part of Jakarta)
• Soekarno-Hatta Airport - Bekasi (east part of Jakarta)
• Soekarno-Hatta Airport - Cikarang
• Soekarno-Hatta Airport - Gambir (train station, central Jakarta). IF you accommodation is located on the central Jakarta (Kebon Sirih, KH. Wahid Hasyim) you can ask the driver to drop you there.
• Soekarno-Hatta Airport - Serang, Banten (West Java)
• Soekarno-Hatta Airport - Bogor (West Java). The cost to get directly to Bogor is a little higher, around 30.000 IDR. But it's considered very cheap, if you compare it with taxis.

Click here to see DAMRI routes and hours.
Of course, you can also go to the airport using the DAMRIs.

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NEXT!
So, since you are now in town... How do you get yourself to places? Unfortunately, Jakarta has not yet equipped with fancy rapid transportation system such as the subways, or trams. But we do have several options :)

TAXI
If you are blessed with extra money on your pocket, then use taxi to run around Jakarta. Just go to you hotel lobby, usually the taxis are already lined up there, waiting to serve you. The standard taxis I recommend are from:

* Blue Bird (light blue with some kind of wing atop), to order by phone: +62 21 7917 1234

Blue Bird taxi

Taxi Pusaka Nuri, Pusaka Satria, Morante (also light blue, but different logo) are also part of the Blue Bird group. Please do beware that there are a lot of "Blue bird" imitation - as in the colour and the logo. Make sure that there are "Blue Bird Group" stated on the taxi before you take the ride. Besides blue bird, you can also ask for a more sleek and fancy taxi, Silver Bird (black ones). The cost is slightly higher that blue bird.

even the picture looks fancy!

Some taxis are considerably cheaper than blue bird. You can see the sign of "tarif lama" or
"tarif bawah" or basic fee usually written on its window. Here are some "tarif bawah" taxis that you can trust:

* Express (white), to order by phone: +62 21 2650 9000



* Express taxi also offer a big luxurious transport using Toyota Alphard. It's called Tiara Express. To order by phone: +62 21 2650 8000



* Putra (dark blue), to order by phone: +62 21 7817771



* Gamya (dark blue-green), to order by phone: +62 21 8779 5555 and 840 3838


* Trans Cab (bright yellow, like those in NY), to order by phone: +62 21 583 55 500. This one is nice because it has cable tv on it that you can watch during your trip :) takes your mind off the busy road.

Some TIPS ;)

• If you are (unwillingly) stranded somewhere in Jakarta at night, you can always call the taxis. But if you forget to write down taxi phone number, and you can only find the "suspicious taxi", always make sure that the driver will use the argo (meter). Otherwise, you may find yourself giving away thousands IDRs for a short ride.
• Even if you take a ride on the taxi, please make sure that you have the specific destination/address at hand (esp. when you are looking for an address - some friends/relatives' place) so that it will ease the driver too.
• You can also talk with the driver to "bond" in some way that the taxi ride will be more enjoyable :)
• Always write down the taxi's car number, just in case you forgot your belongings. Then you can just call the taxi's operator and report your lost. 

There are also another public transportation that you can take. Let me start with the big and shiny one...

TRANS JAKARTA
Trans Jakarta, or the local often calls "BUSWAY" - which actually refers to the bus lane, currently have 9 routes called "koridor" that can take you to most places in Jakarta.

Cost:

05.00-07.00 = 2000 IDR

07.00-22.00 = 3500 IDR

Trans Jakarta is nice when it's not so crowded

Usually, we can differentiate the bus route through its different colours:
Koridor 1: red-yellow Mercedes-Benz & Hino
Koridor 2: blue-white and grey Daewoo
Koridor 3: red-yellow and grey Daewoo
Koridor 4: grey Daewoo & Hyundai (JTM), Hino (PP)
Koridor 5: grey double HuangHai (JMT), double Komodo (LRN)
Koridor 6: grey Daewoo & Hyundai (JTM), bus Hino (PP)
Koridor 7: grey Daewoo & Hyundai (JMT), bus Hino (LRN)
Koridor 8: grey Hino (LRN) bus Hino (PP)

Trans Jakarta - the red one

Here are some links (taken from www.suaratransjakarta.org) to download the Trans Jakarta routes:

* Download link (printable version) - 507 KB

* Download link (complete version) - 1536 KB

IF by any chances, you left your luggage or anything on the bus, you can call BLU Trans Jakarta +62 21 7228727

KORIDOR 1 (Blok M - Kota)

*Halte Kota: Stop here if you wish to continue you journey by train (Station Kota) or to Mangga Dua shopping district (with a short angkot ride).
*Halte Glodok
*Halte Olimo
*Halte Mangga Besar
*Halte Sawah Besar
*Halte Harmoni: Stop here if you want to transfer to Koridor 2, 3, and 8 (holiday only)
*Halte Monas: Stop here if you wish to go to Monas (the national monument and iconic symbol of Jakarta) or to pay a visit to Museum Gajah (the national museum).
*Halte Bank Indonesia
*Halte Sarinah: Stop here if you want to go to Sarinah, Jl. Sabang, or Jl. Jaksa. This area is blessed with 24-hour food, late night snack, and cozy place to hang out (with beer, of course).
*Halte Bundaran HI: Stop here if you want to go to Plaza Indonesia and EX mall.
*Halte Tosari: Stop here if you want to go to Grand Indonesia.
*Halte Dukuh Atas: Stop here if you want to transfer to Koridor 4 and 6.
*Halte Setia Budi
*Halte Karet
*Halte Benhill: Stop here if you want to go to Plaza Semanggi.
*Halte Polda Metro: Stop here if you want to go to Pasific Place (walk a little bit) and Istora Senayan.
*Halte Gelora Bung Karno: Stop here if you want to go to FX Mall (walk a little bit).
*Halte Bundara Senayan: Stop here if you want to go to Ratu Plaza. Get to the back of Ratu Plaza, and voila! you are already in Plaza Senayan. Another 5 minutes walk, and you get to Senayan City :)
*Halte Masjid Agung
*Halte Blok M: Stop here if you want to go to Blok M area.

KORIDOR 2 (Pulo Gadung - Harmoni)

*Halte Pulo Gadung
*Halte Bermis
*Halte Pulomas
*Halte Asmi: Stop here if you want to go to Kelapa Gading area.
*Halte Pedongkelan
*Halte Cempaka Timur
*Halte RS. Islam
*Halte Cempaka Tengah
*Halte Pasar Cempaka Putih
*Halte Rawa Selatan
*Halte Galur
*Halte Senen: Stop here if you want to transfer to Koridor 5.
*Halte RSPAD
*Halte Deplu
*Halte Istiqlal
*Halte Juanda
*Halte Pecenongan
*Halte Harmoni: Stop here if you want to transfer to Koridor 1, 3, and 8 (holiday only).

Trans Jakarta - the blue one

KORIDOR 3 (Kalideres - Pasar Baru)

*Halte Kalideres
*Halte Pesakih
*Halte Sumur Bor
*Halte Rawa Buaya
*Halte Jembatan Baru
*Halte Dispenda Samsat Barat
*Halte Jembatan Gantung
*Halte Taman Kota
*Halte Indosiar
*Halte Jelambar: Stop here if you want to go to Mall Ciputra/Citraland.
*Halte Grogol: Stop here if you want to transfer to Koridor 8.
*Halte RS Sumber Waras
*Halte Harmoni: Stop here if you want to transfer to Koridor 1 and 2.
*Halte Pecenongan
*Halte Juanda
*Halte Pasar Baru: Stop here if you want to go to Pasar Baru area.

KORIDOR 4 (Pulogadung - Dukuh Atas)

*Halte Pulogadung
*Halte Tugas
*Halte Pertamina
*Halte Telkom
*Halte Tarakanita
*Halte Sunan Giri
*Halte IKIP
*Halte Kehakiman
*Halte BPKP
*Halte Utan Kayu
*Halte Pasar Genjing
*Halte Pasar Pramuka
*Halte Matraman I: Stop here if you want to transfer to Koridor 5.
*Halte Manggarai
*Halte Pasar Rumput
*Halte Halimun
*Halte Dukuh Atas 2: Stop here if you want to transfer to Koridor 1 and 6.

KORIDOR 5 (Ancol - Kampung Melayu)

*Halte Ancol: Stop here if you want to go to Ancol or Dufan.
*Halte Pademangan
*Halte Gunung Sahari Mangga Dua: Stop here if you want to go to Mangga Dua area.
*Halte Jembatan Merah
*Halte Pasar Baru Timur
*Halte Budi Utomo
*Halte Senen: Stop here if you want to transfer to Koridor 2.
*Halte Pal Putih
*Halte Kramat Sentiong (NU)
*Halte Salemba Universitas Indonesia
*Halte Salemba St. Carolus
*Halte Matraman 1: Stop here if you want to transfer to Koridor 4.
*Halte Tegalan: Stop here if you want to go to Gramedia bookstore. The one in Matraman is the biggest in Jakarta.
*Halte Slamet Riyadi
*Halte Urip Sumohardjo
*Halte Kebon Pala
*Halte Pasar Jatinegara
*Halte Kampung Melayu: Stop here if you want to transter to Koridor 7.

Trans Jakarta - the (double) grey one

KORIDOR 6 (Ragunan - Dukuh Atas)

*Halte Ragunan: Stop here if you want to go to Ragunan Zoo.
*Halte Departemen Pertanian
*Halte SMK 57
*Halte Jati Padang
*Halte Pejaten Phillips: Stop here if you want to go to Kemang area, continue with minibus or taxi.
*Halte Buncit Indah
*Halte Warung Jati
*Halte Imigrasi
*Halte Duren Tiga
*Halte Mampang Prapatan
*Halte Kuningan Timur
*Halte Patra Kuningan
*Halte Depkes
*Halte GOR Sumantri: Stop here if you want to go to Pasar Festival, and Mega Kuningan area.
*Halte Karet Kuningan
*Halte Kuningan Madya Aini
*Halte Setiabudi Utara
*Halte Latu Harhari
*Halte Halimun: Stop here if you want to transter to Koridor 4.
*Halte Dukuh Atas 2: Stop here if you want to transter to Koridor 1.

KORIDOR 7 (Kampung Rambutan – Kampung Melayu)

*Halte Kampung Rambutan
*Halte Tanah Merdeka
*Halte Flyover Raya Bogor
*Halte RS Harapan Bunda
*Halte Pasar Induk Kramat Jati
*Halte Cililitan PGC
*Halte BKN
*Halte Cawang UKI
*Halte BNN
*Halte Cawang Otista
*Halte Gelanggang Remaja
*Halte Bidaracina
*Halte Kampung Melayu: Stop here to transfer to Koridor 5.

KORIDOR 8 (Lebak Bulus – Harmoni)

*Halte Lebak Bulus
*Halte Pondok Pinang
*Halte Pondok Indah 1: Stop here if you want to go to Pondok Indah Mall.
*Halte Pondok Indah 2: Stop here if you want to go to Pondok Indah night area.
*Halte Tanah Kusir Kodim
*Halte Kebayoran Lama Bungur
*Halte Pasar Kebayoran Lama: Stop here if you want to go to Gandaria City Mall.
*Halte Simprug
*Halte Permata Hijau: Stop here if you want to go to ITC Permata Hijau and Belleza Mall.
*Halte Permata Hijau RS Medika
*Halte Pos Pengumben
*Halte Kelapa Dua Sasak
*Halte Kebon Jeruk
*Halte Duri Kepa
*Halte Kedoya Assiddiqiyah
*Halte Kedoya Green Garden
*Halte Grogol 2: Stop here to transfer to Koridor 3.
*Halte Tomang Taman Anggrek: Stop here if you want to go to Taman Anggrek Mall and Central Park Mall.
*Halte Tomang Mandala (only during holiday)
*Halte RS Tarakan (only during holiday)
*Halte Petojo (only during holiday)
*Halte Harmoni: Stop here to transfer to Koridor 1 and 2 (only during holiday)

Koridor 9 Pinang Ranti - Halte Pluit (coming soon, 2010)

Koridor 10 Cililitan - Tanjung Priok (coming soon, 2010)

Koridor 11-15 are still in development :)

Hopefully, the trans Jakarta transportation system can be fully operated by 2012.. I mean , before we all die because of the end of the world hehehe *jk. Then, it will be so much easier to transfer from one place to another. Easier, and hopefully, faster.

NEXT!

There are more about transportation in Jakarta: buses, angkots, bemos, etc. on the second [2] part

Read it all:
Public transportation in Jakarta [1]

Public transportation in Jakarta [2]

Public transportation in Jakarta [3]

A weekend getaway to Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands) is one of the efficient (and considerably cheap) options when you're living/staying in the hectic Jakarta. Unlike its name, Kepulauan Seribu apparently only has 110 islands, not 1000.

Pulau Tidung is one of big islands, located in the area of Kepulauan Seribu Selatan, in the bay of Jakarta, approximately 60km from Jakarta.


HOW TO GET THERE ANYWAY?

Take a traditional boat from Muara Angke. Muara Angke is Jakarta's fresh fish market and fisherman's docks. Ask around, local people will direct you to the departure point. If you get to Muara Angke by car, you can put your car on an area nearby the post-office for 20,000 IDR per night.  
*updated: 20,000 IDR as long as you like :)

Kapal Muara Angke

Time of departure: 07.00 am. Be sharp. (while the boat to get back to Jakarta departs at 07.00 am and 01.00 pm.)

Price: 33,000 IDR/person.

With 20km/hours speed, you will get to Tidung in 3 hours. Do not expect fancy stuff when you get on board. One thing for sure, your legs will be cramped for sitting on the crowded floor.
Tips: If you are sea-sick, do not forget to have Antimo prior to the journey. Being on the open air or catching the sea breeze once in a while can also help repressing the sickness.

If you have more money, or i may say less adventure, the head your way to Marina Ancol and catch a boat from there.

Once you get to the island, embrace the bright sun and the salty wind - something you can not find in Jakarta. Usually, the tourists have already booked for accommodation on the island in advance.

Here are the contacts (that i know):

Lima Saudara (Pak Hamid): +62 858 88742129
Pak Suwardi: +62 856 93565464

The package that's offered covers accommodation, meal (breakfast-lunch-dinner) and water, bike rental, and snorkeling gears rental. Call them in advance to have a deal on your package.

Photo by: Jose Widjaja.

Accommodation: +/- 300,000 IDR/night/house.

You can have up to 12 people or more in one house. Well, as long as you don't mind to sleep on the floor together with your friends :)

Meals: +/- 15,000 IDR/person.

When you are in Pulau Tidung, you should ask your guide for a specific meal called "Sate Odol". and NO, it's not sate made of toothpaste.

Bike rental: 15,000 IDR/bike/day.

You can choose your own bike. Make sure that your bike is in a good condition.

Snorkeling gears rental: 35,000 IDR/pax/day.

You'll get a vest, fins, and the snorkel. For those who got small feet, bring along your socks. it helps your feet to stay put on those fins.

Boat rental: 300,000 IDR/boat.

I recommend you to go rent a boat with your friends to get to snorkeling spots around the islands. I do hope that you get such friendly guides like my friends and I did. The guide snorkel together with us, telling us the good spots and the "dangerous" spots (some coral reefs are too close to the surface that when you passed them you can get scratched all over your body)

Pulau Tidung actually consist of 2 islands. Tidung Besar and Tidung Kecil. There's a bridge that connects the islands.

BUT, SERIOUSLY... WHAT TO DO IN PULAU TIDUNG?

Enjoy the silent treatment of being in a small island. Sunbathing with a good book at hand, lazy-mood iPod playlist on your ears, and appropriate sunblock sounds nice. Don't forget to have a portion of Kelapa muda!

Biking. Just ride your bike, rummaging through the island. One thing for sure, you need to know your "home". Who is the owner of the house, what colour is the house, the number, or nearby landmark - so that when you get lost, you can ask people for direction to get back. But don't worry, the island is quite small.

Just keep swimming. You have the sea, what are you waiting for? SWIM!

Jump from a bridge (that connects both islands) ! and swim ;) like the local kids do. like my crazy friends did.

Snorkeling! You can pick a spot somewhere in the beach of Tidung Kecil. OR you can rent a boat&guide to take you to some interesting snorkeling spots around the island. Morning time, around 8-10 am, is the best time to snorkel because the waves and the streams are not that big/heavy. Snorkel your way and find the beauty of the underwater world. It was my first snorkeling experience and i did see gorgeous fishes, including "Nemo" the clown fish ;)

Photo by: Alex Arso.

Photograph the marvelous landscape, the sunrise, the sunset, and the beauty of the island.

PLEASE.. Don't waste your time by watching TV or play with your mobile phone. Throw them away! Escape from modern technology for a change.

What to bring? Money, camera, sunblock, loose clothes, snorkeling/diving gears (if you have 'em), self-entertainments (playing cards, Uno, books, iPod).
Tips: If you really really need to make important phone calls at all time, etc. then you should bring phone with Indosat number. It has good signal there.

and remember... DO NOT LITTER! Buang sampah pada tempatnya.

Traveling is one of my passions.
I developed this certain passion since i was a little girl, used to travel with my nomad family across Indonesia. I said that i want to go abroad someday.. and got everybody laughed at me as a reply. Somehow, I managed to get a 'scholarship' and went to the Netherlands... where my world-wide adventure begun :)


So far, I have visited several countries (outside the Netherlands) - all using my own saving and salary :) Switzerland, Greece, a little bit of Germany, a little bit of Austria, a little bit of Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic, Singapore, and Australia.

This year, I have plan to go on a budget travel (kapan sih engga hahaha) to Vietnam and Thailand.

But don't see me as an Indonesia-hater. On the contrary, I love every culture carved in perfection in Indonesia. I would love to spend months of traveling across Indonesia, drink in all the stunning view, know every local languages, master every traditional songs and dances.. However, traveling inside Indonesia cost a fortune! The plane ticket is freaking expensive... and one can not really depend on transportation. The journey that was supposed to be one-month journey can extend to 3-or-4month journey. So far, I have been to 4 out of 5 main islands in Indonesia. The only places left untouched is Papua. I have to go there someday :)

If i do have the time, the money, the luck, and the strength...
I want to go to:
I shall skip the places i have visited, even though i do want to go there again. ..

*Japan!
Going to Japan is my living dream! I want to live there and breathe the air in the country of the rising sun! I can only wish I was born a Japanese >.<

*Russia: Moscow
Russia and Japan trip will be the most expensive trip offered in any travel agencies (at least in Indonesia), I don't know why. Personally, I am amazed on how big the country is, how marvelous the architectures are, and.. I love Anastasia.

*Argentina
Recently, i have a growing passion of visiting Argentina. In my imagination, Argentina appear to be a little different from the all-hectic all-summery all-bikinis Brazil. With the blue blue sky and beautiful mountains. If i am not mistaken, Argentinan speaks Portuguese instead of Spanish. I'm gonna love Argentina more because it is the birthplace of Tango!

*Italy: Rome, Venice, Cicily, Vatican
I missed out Italy when I was having a road trip back in Europe. The exotic handsome men... with brown eyes and brown hair... the scent of salty water... the beautiful architecture... the intertwined love and religion... all in one.

*Morocco
The Mediterranean-African breeze tingles my ears every time i think about Morocco.

*Turkey: Istanbul
The sound of the belly dancing music follows you every step of the way. The smoke of Shisha and the indulging smell of Turkish kebab and falafel will keep me there and drown me.

*Greece: Santorini (again), Crete, and other cities in the main island.
Greece is one of my favourite countries. It is not because of it's white and blue houses (because white and blue are not my colours), it is because of the myths within. Yes, I fancy astrology, I fancy Greek Gods & Goddesses. My superstitious soul comes from my Greek DNA hehe..

*Spain: Seville, Canary islands, Granada
I love Spain! I can see my self living in Madrid, walking around in the city, loving life. I have only been to Madrid and Barcelona during a road trip with my girlfriends back in 2006. Going back to Spain again, visit more places, drink more sangria, eat more paella, and maybe fall in love... aww, what a dream...

*Egypt
The cosmic of those giant pyramids makes me wonder if i can sit at the top of one of its sphinxes and eat my lunch - just like that scene on Jumper hahaha

*Norway & Finland
The Scandinavian islands! I imagine chilly wind blows every now and then, making me wish i never went the first place. But i guess it will cool to wear furry winter jacket most of the time. Also, i want to see the place where several of my classmates come from.

*Germany: Berlin
Next to Holland, but I never really got the time (or money) to travel to Berlin. Yes, I am lame :P

*UK: London
I mean, c'mon... Europe without the all hectic, weather-crazy, English men with strong British accent London? I want to hop on to the double-decker bus, ride on the cute taxi, and be preppy. Maybe, i will see Hogwarts too - sprinkle myself with a little bit of Harry Potter's magic dust, disappear under his cloak. Pfff... why is UK so expensive?

*Ireland: Dublin
The home of Irish pub for a change. I will be dizzy trying to figure out what the people are talking. Or yet, maybe i will be fluently talking English with Irish accent!

*Africa
The thrill of safari in Africa fills the head of every real traveler, that is my belief. The extreme heat, the wild life, and the drumbeat of local people dancing with their colourful dresses... Gosh! Why does travel to Africa can be so expensive?

*Fiji
It is like being in the middle of nowhere, literally! Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, disappear from the map of the world for a while. That will be a "WoW" experience.

*Thailand: Bangkok etc
Thailand will be the closest exotic destination in Asia. I imagine living around people talking in funny Thai accent :) like some of my Thai friends in Holland. Plus, i love love love Thai food!

*Vietnam & Laos
Next to Thailand, there are Vietnam and Laos. I don't really know what to expect in those to countries. Need to have more researches! Well.. I'll be going to Thailand & Vietnam this year! yay!

*USA: NYC & Hawaii
US is not listed in my travel preferences. Well, but i do want to see Hawaii. Me and my tanned skin will blend easily with local people of Hawaii. Another city i want to see is New York - and pretend to be one of SATC girls! :p

*Tibet
I think it's a wonderful place. Although i am not sure i will be able to climb. I'm no climber :P

*Brazil: Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, Sao Paulo
South America is a destination to go! I am mostly attracted to the infamous Iguazu Falls, located in the border of Brazil and Argentina. How to get there? When to get there? Pfff.. Have no idea!

*Israel: Bethlehem
This is more like a pilgrimage. I have been to Lourdes and Fatima. So i need to complete the journey and go to Israel, too.

...
But wait! Who says Indonesia is not on the list? It will take a year or more to travel and explore and unveal the ultimate beauty of Indonesia - both its marvelous plaves and exotic culture.


So, here's my "Travel Indonesia" wish list!

*Aceh: Danau Laut Tawar, Sabang
Never been to Aceh, dan ingin sekali.

*Sumatera Utara: Berastagi, Sipisopiso, Pulau Nias
North Sumatra is one of my heritage. My "kampung" is in Pematang Siantar, several hours away from the capital city, Medan.

*Bangka Belitung: Pulau Belitung
I have only been to Pulau Bangka and went to Parai Beach. Pulau Belitung is a smaller main island located in the west side of Pulau Bangka.

*Jakarta: Pulau Pramuka, Kep. Seribu
The nearest, most doable spot to go.

*Jawa Barat & Banten: Sawarna, Bayah, Karang Bolong, Ujung Kulon
I started to explore west java with my friends from 2008. At first, it was always be Ujung Genteng (gorgegous and advendturous place), then Bogor, then Sukabumi. There are many more places i still want to explore in west java :)

*Jawa Tengah: Dieng, Karimun Jawa islands
I always focussed my journey to Jogjakarta and never really to the highlands of central java. That should be lovely too.

*Jawa Timur: Mount Bromo, Malang, Pulau Madura
People said that East Java's landscape is the most beautiful in Java. I am curious indeed. Especially when my friends start talking about their journey in Bromo, about how the stars fill the dark sky like diamonds as your feet touch the warm sands.

*Bali: Lovina
There's so much about Bali than just Kuta. I mean, Kuta is for teenagers and Bali first-timers. Out of several towns in Bali, I love Ubud the most. But that's probably because I have never been to Lovina and indulge another side of Bali.

*Sulawesi Utara: Manado, Bunaken
The only place i've ever visited in Sulawesi is Makassar, the capital city of Sulawesi Selatan. I was only 15 and knew nothing about the art of traveling. My old friends from Ambon are also living in Manado. I should pay them a visit and enjoy the underwater scenery of Bunaken :) Hopefully that by the time i get there, I already know how to dive!

*NTB: Gili islands, Lombok
I've been wanting to go to Lombok for quite sometime now.

*Papua Barat: Raja Ampat islands
I have lived in Maluku for 6 years, yet I have never travel to Papua. Well, I was still a tween back then... I only travel to the big cities. However, I always envied my father for getting the chances to travel in Eastern part of Indonesia. Yes, i want to go to Papua and blend with the nature!

*Kalimantan, Borneo cross-over
Going through the thick tropical wood in Kalimantan is the ultimate experience! Then cruising with the local boat through its rivers. Challenging, huh? The woods and the mountains are not really my thing. But hey, who knows?

*Sulawesi Selatan: Toraja
Several of my high school friends come from Toraja. They are very proud of where they came from, and recommend people to go there... I only know that Toraja has an unique culture, and one of the must-go-see places in Indonesia.

*GOING NUTS!*

January... burning me.

• Skin was still very very dark from my trip from Bali and Uge. and I was still eager to burn myself even more. Ok, what happen in Uge stays in Uge haha..
• Watching Diana Krall's concert with Goldie was lovely indeed.
  

February... What Valentine?

• I met Zee for the very first time (in Burger King Thamrin - after waiting for around two hours!), and got myself a new best friend in a blink :)
• Love life was so low, esp on Valentine's day. But Chikha gave me Starbucks' chocolate cupcake topped with colourful hearts. nyam! *Update: I suddenly remember that on last year's Valentine's day - i got myself a free dvd player hahaha
  
• Putri and Dave came to town! wonderful dinner and hilarious talks and meaningful eye-glances were involved hahaha
  
• Got myself an outrageous decision to visit Australia with my baby B. Too bad, i missed meeting Lina since she was in Indo (argh!!!!). Melbourne was just another Jakarta for me; loved Sydney for it's somehow-similarity with Madrid; Goldcoast theme parks and the stay-up-all-night-since-we-wanted-to-save-money-for-hostel night under the stars was extremely tiring yet remarkable.
• However, i missed Zee's bday :( - and i missed meeting Alex :p
  

March. Crashing Aussie and every other places.

• Still wondering around Australia for several days. Coldplay superb concert in Melbourne was also one of the reasons why i went to Aussie. Details! Missed my Mom's bday too :( but i managed to give her some nice souvenirs from Aussie :)
• Involved myself in another spontaneous getaway plan. No, actually Chikha was the devil - in a good way (?) for not letting me be miserable and regretful in the future. Thank you girl!
• Came to a weeding in Bogor with the girls, and spent a nice eve at Kedai Kita :) I did crash several weddings now and then hahaha
• Skipped the Java Jazz Festival this year. no urge. no urge.

April. Long live the Queen!

• Friend's wedding was coming up in 2 weeks. Chikha and I agreed to help and make ourselves Wedding Organizer duo :P - a very challenging project it was.
• The shocking news about the killing attempt of the queen of Holland was almost ruining the big reception at Ritz-Carlton. almost. however, a reception without Mr. E was not as fun :(

i guess i still miss some points here....
when was our trip to Kebun Raya Bogor and Museum Gajah? Zee.. Ari... help :S

May. all my friends be merry and gay.

• Sneaking around and got bitten by mosquitoes before surprising Ari on her bday at Kafe Pisa :) i got licked too... i think it was Ari. or Zee? hmm..... *Update: ARI licked me!
  
• and on the same day, I got very busy with the wedding! it's was successful and almost everybody was happy. at least i was. i got to sing and to bring lots of good food home hahaha
• It's a 3days 2nights with my girls (and boys) in Singapore :) while half of us team was crazed with shopping and pre-wedding-ing, Ari, Zee, and I was busy over-torturing ourselves by walking around to experience another side of Singapore.. temples and markets. So we have experienced metro-tour, walking-tour, and car-tour (with great thanks to Sham).
• Sukabumi with Chikha and Ruben :) for the weekend - a culinary trip indeed!! I took pleasure of every flavour tingled in mouth, and gain weight in an instant. uhm 3kg in 2days? that's hilarious.
• My old and dear friend from Ambon came and we spent some hours all together. Gosh, I haven't seen Natalia in 10 years!
  
• Dominik and Lilith came to Indo for holiday. a week in Jakarta, another week in Bali. the whole group reunited in Jakarta for few days. Odd moments risen, as well as old flames. and of course, in the end, we all get burned.

June... i stay alone.

• Another month alone at the office. Lame.....
  

July be my birthday :)

• More wedding crashing! and off to the Public which was apparently going to be closed the day after.
• My birthday was around the corner and i didn't really mind about not having surprise party. It is written that my bday is forgettable. Yet, my beloved friends caught me off guard. I was very very touched T.T with the cake and the kisses. I had a fun weekend - a home-cooked meal of tempe and sambal, and Harry Potter at Blitz.
  
• However... my bday was not complete because Ari was not around T.T and B almost (arrrrgggggh!!!!) missed my bday.

and i miss some stuff happened in July. I mean was my July really that lame? xD
did i cut my long long hair and missed it instantly in July?

August comes too soon

• Supposedly, i went to Java Rockin Land. but i went to...
• Jogjakarta. This time it's to commemorate 1000 (Javanese) days of my father's pass. I also took the time to go around Jogjakarta with my dear friend Beni, went to Solo to Ardy-Nita's reception, and visited some tourist attractions with my mom and sister. That was fun :)
• I saw Ardy&Nita again in Jakarta for our small gathering with dear friends from Amsterdam. The event that was suppose to be just us 10.. turned out to be just us 20 people hahaha..
• Ujung Genteng (again) with my beloved girls (and boys). a trip without scandal, at last hahaha..
• Shhh.. and a daring ride with Ari! Super thumbs up for her super bravery riding motorbike on super high-risk tracks with high-risk weather. Near-death-experiences to the max! totally advanced!

September to remember!!

• People lined up to get Visa on September! with a great luck, i managed to get mine one day prior to my departure.
• So, i boosted myself by buying iPod Nano (purple) and filled its 16GB space with songs, songs, and songs. At last, i fulfill one of my personal wishes.
• and yes, I went to Holland! For office stuffs. I called it my Selligent trip. At first, i really couldn't believe that it's real. even after i stepped my feet on Holland's busy Schipol airport. It's like coming home after years of longing :) Another personal wish fulfilled.
  
• Reminiscing the good old days, hanging out with my good old friends, eating falafel and lays chips and hero onbijtvrucht, doing nothing and be happy about it, loving the cold weather, and indulging myself in bra-shopping ;)
• Fons has been very wonderful to me :) we had Spanish dinner at that little place in Zeedijk. He even gave me a gorgeous shirt + tank top as my farewell present.
  
• Got away to Prague for a nice weekend getaway with baby C. Praag is Prachtig! If i do have the time and the money, i really wanna to go to Czech Republic again.. and spend some more days wandering in Prague's streets.. maybe even go to other fascinating Eastern European countries. and maybe i'll finally have the gut to try the excrutiatingly herb-sy taste of Becherovka.
  
• Missed Ika's wedding - several days after i went back to Indo.
• I learned what "cinta mati/cinta gila/cinta buta" means. To be loved so deeply can be beautiful and deadly at the same time...
  

October quite a battle

• Even though the bachelorette party was canceled... (my condolences for Alex), my diet was a scam (there's no way i can be thinner in a week hahaha) but at least we did managed to gave Lala & Jose a kinky gift for their marriage!! and we managed to come in our silver "armour", doing all the crazy things at the reception. Uhm.. I suddenly wanna see the video.
  
• Office work, updating database and preparing for the upcoming campaign!
• Niels is here :D and he's my date to Soulnation! Musiq Soulchild's performance was *speechless* the thing that i look forward the most for the last couple of months. Too bad, Estelle was not performing.
• caught myself in a very awkward situation, and survived ;)
• I met Kaysan (Dory's big baby boy) for the very first time and got entertained the whole time. He's such an adorable kid. Poking his petite mommy all the time.

November black and blue

• Bali was scheduled for the weekend ;) I finally met gorgeous Radha for the very first time and fell in love instantly! Also there for her mommy, my dear Sita - haven't met her for almost 5 years! and she is still a stunning woman.
• uhm.. also got a glimpse of Indah's belly, the soon to be mom, and tried out almost every flavour of her up and rising business Gelato Secret's in Ubud. Next time, I want apple&cinammon as well as tomato&basil for my gelato! I mean, u can not say not to good stuff ;)
• Again. I'm working alone for another month.
• Crazed up with the IDR 0 (not joking!) seats from AirAsia. Successfully secured seats for my upcoming trip to Vietnam and Bangkok - will do a duo travelers with Ms. Ari.
• Kalimantan trip was also on the agenda. I went back and forth to Sampit, Palangkaraya, and Banjarmasin. Got extremely exhausted from the trip, but happy. I got to meet new networks, radio partners, best friend, best friends' mothers, and my family/cousins too. Add some extra bling in Martapura.. i couldn't ask for more.
• Alfons was in Indo for almost two weeks, but we passed each other's schedule every time :(
  
• A Samirono reunion. at last! It was only 15 girls that came that day (including Chikha), but it was nice and cozy :)
  

December razzle and dazzle!

• Extremely busy with the marketing campaign i've been involved with for the company. do this, initiate that, translate this, explain that. Hectic to the max, but enjoyable. I'll say i am a work addict hahaha
• However, playing around was still on the list. A jolly picnic session (under the rain) with best friends was the perfect medicine to cure my tired mind.
• Ika was in Jakarta for sev days to prep her reception next year. We stole a little of her most precious time to meet up and catch up with each other :)
• Another session with Radha (she's thinner!), with Robert this time. Baby Radha remembers me!

So what did I have for Christmas?
I had a low and silent Christmas. Also a bit down since my B and my girls were not around.
It started with 3-4hours of heavy heart wake-up call (implicitly and explicitly). It got better after a fancy brunch with my American friends at Social House. and it ended with a small visit from my relatives. Nevertheless, I really believe that i received a wonderful Christmas present this year.

And how about New Year's Eve?
New Year's Eve (NYE) was a blast! My agenda started quite early in the afternoon, good coffee and good conversation with our network at Kedai Kopi Phoenam, a nice coffee place in Wahid Hasyim area. They served delicious roti kaya and coffee from Sulawesi. Later on, I had another fancy Italian dinner (i mean, u need to spoil urself from time to time hahaha) with enjoyable companions at PEPeNERO and mingled around till the count down!

Overall, i can only see my life in 2009 in HIGHLIGHTS.
because that is exactly what we human need to do.
to see everything in bright light.
to embrace every blessing.
to walk every path with good will and positive thoughts.
and everything that we human can't understand, let it be...
the answers will come to us eventually :)