Kata MERDEKA itu mudah diucapkan. Apalagi bagi generasi muda sekarang yang notabene sudah tidak perlu memperjuangkan hak untuk hidup dari tangan penjajah. Tinggal busungkan dada, kepalkan tangan di udara atau melambai-lambaikan bendera.

Kata MERDEKA itu jauh lebih berarti bagi mereka, generasi pejuang yang hidup di tahun 40an. Merekalah yang angkat senjata, bungkam seribu bahasa, paling nyaring saat teriak MERDEKA, dan rela mengorbankan jiwa raga untuk negara.

Taken from: http://gsdewabroto.com/

Lalu apakah ada yang pernah merenung sejenak, bagaimana nasib istri dan anak-anak para pejuang? Mereka bukan debu yang bisa hilang tanpa jejak begitu saja. Mereka manusia yang butuh makan, minum, dan harus dapat terus hidup.

Saat ini, janda-janda Rawagede mungkin sudah bisa bernafas lega. Gugatan mereka di Pengadilan Belanda atas hilangnya nyawa 431 nyawa pejuang sudah dikabulkan, meski kasus ini sudah dianggap "kadaluwarsa". Namun, akankah ganti rugi dan permintaan maaf dari pemerintah Belanda bisa mengobati luka hati yang telah mendera selama berpuluh-puluh tahun?

Legowo. 
Semoga mereka dapat merasa legowo...

Kisah patriotisme para pejuang Rawagede membuat saya ingat akan puisi rintihan hati oleh Chairil Anwar yang pernah saya baca dan bawakan beberapa kali..


KRAWANG-BEKASI

Kami yang kini terbaring antara Krawang-Bekasi
tidak bisa teriak "Merdeka" dan angkat senjata lagi.
Tapi siapakah yang tidak lagi mendengar deru kami,
terbayang kami maju dan mendegap hati ?

Kami bicara padamu dalam hening di malam sepi
Jika dada rasa hampa dan jam dinding yang berdetak
Kami mati muda. Yang tinggal tulang diliputi debu.
Kenang, kenanglah kami.

Kami sudah coba apa yang kami bisa
Tapi kerja belum selesai, belum bisa memperhitungkan arti 4-5 ribu nyawa

Kami cuma tulang-tulang berserakan
Tapi adalah kepunyaanmu
Kaulah lagi yang tentukan nilai tulang-tulang berserakan

Atau jiwa kami melayang untuk kemerdekaan kemenangan dan harapan
atau tidak untuk apa-apa,
Kami tidak tahu, kami tidak lagi bisa berkata
Kaulah sekarang yang berkata

Kami bicara padamu dalam hening di malam sepi
Jika ada rasa hampa dan jam dinding yang berdetak

Kenang, kenanglah kami
Teruskan, teruskan jiwa kami
Menjaga Bung Karno
menjaga Bung Hatta
menjaga Bung Sjahrir

Kami sekarang mayat
Berikan kami arti
Berjagalah terus di garis batas pernyataan dan impian

Kenang, kenanglah kami
yang tinggal tulang-tulang diliputi debu
Beribu kami terbaring antara Krawang-Bekasi

(1948) Brawidjaja, Jilid 7, No 16, 1957

Generasi saya yang lahir di tahun 80-an mungkin masih tahu sejarah ini, dan mengerti rasa perih yang pernah diderita bangsa Indonesia dari cerita-cerita dan puisi-puisi para pujangga. Heroisme, patriotisme, dan nasionalisme tidak boleh berhenti di sini karena bangsa ini masih amat sangat "terjajah" oleh PEMBODOHAN.  

Taken from: http://matanews.com

Pertanyaan saya: 

Apa jadinya generasi Indonesia selanjutnya?

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.

"Workers without privileges". Sounds familiar to your ears?

A dear friend by the name of Lina, who is currently working in Australia wrote this interesting piece on her blog: (she's in my blog roll)

Salute to Workers without Privileges (Indonesian Workers)

---
As part of my annual PPR (Performance Planning and Review), I had to complete Workplace discrimination and Harassment-Legal Compliance course. I have obtained the certification after taking the test on the end of the course. As the name indicates, the course contains Australian Legal Compliance of Discrimination and Harassment.

The course contains
* worker’s right to have flexible working days
* what are the appropriate behaviors to your boss, college and sub-ordinate
* Everyone has equal right for a position
* What behaviors / company policies that are considered as discrimination and harassment.

This 90 minutes online course was very interesting to me, they sounds too good to be true. According to my friend’s stories, most of Indonesian company would be breaking ALL this regulations. Here are some examples:

* In Indonesia, it is normal to advertise a job ads, with specific race , religion, political views, physical performance requirement.

Wanted: an admin person who is loyal, honest and hard worker, minimal degree: Bachelor (S1) , Chinese. - “Dicari admin, syarat: jujur, setia, pekerja keras, minimal S1 dan chinese background”

In Australia, that’s the number one rule of discrimination, people have the right to any jobs. Even this job ad is considered “indirect discrimination”: Looking for a truck driver with excellent written and oral English. (Why would a truck driver need an excellent English skill, well this ad read: wanted Australian –native truck drivers)

* The common Corporate Executive behaviour “Your boss is your master, don’t like your job and how your boss treat you, then QUIT and find another job”

Australian workers are very privileged; they have the right to have flexible working days, so they have time to look after their personal need, kids and any other arrangements.

Most of my friend who works in Jakarta, they work more than 12 hours per day/ with no flexible working days, Some is lucky enough to get paid overtime.

* Another common Corporate Executive behavior “great employees works with the system, they don’t complain, they just do their jobs, but if they DARE to complain about me, They’re out… but if I still need them, I will face them out slowly“

Yes… an employee can’t lodge a complaint about his/her situation, they are meant to deal with it. Dealing with this unfair working condition is seen as strength, as one of the aspect that employers are looking for. Isn’t that TWISTED?

An Australian company must deal, documented, and respond to the complain seriously, and the employee who lodge the complain must not be treated differently, or they organization could be charged with “Victimization”

* Don’t get me started on disability workers - THEY DON’T EXIST IN INDONESIA, if you’re disabled, you’re screwed!!!!

It is very highly unlikely that some one will hire a person with disability; most of them end up in their relative care or work independently with low wages. (I see this first hand, one of my auntie is living with disability, for all her struggle, she is a brave woman, love her so much)

Again, Australian workers had it easy, there’s a lot of access of person with any kinds of disability. They could travel with public transport, and their employers are obliged by law to provide them with any of their disability needs.

Yes… I salute the Workers without Privileges (Indonesian Workers), shame on me for complaining about my job.

Although I can’t help but wonder, when will these condition change? When will these “Corporate Executive” even consider the idea of implementing workplace discrimination and harassment polices?

Most of these “Corporate Executive” are big with their seminars of self development (potential development), business development seminars. When are they going grasp the idea of happy employee might contribute productivity growth?

Hopefully SOON.

Again .. Salute to all hard-working people in Indonesia.

---

Despite of all the hard facts in front of our eyes... I believe that Indonesia is not the only country to deal with "workers without privileges". A lot of Asian countries, Middle Eastern countries, and most probably ex-Soviet countries are in this mud together.

Most people will think twice to out-rule their superiors or speak the truth (if there's any harassment, discrimination at work, etc) because they feel "I am lucky enough to still be able to work", so they suck it up, let the issues go.. and so it's like a circle all over again.


Ignorance may come as a bliss, sometimes. But IGNORANCE (alias "pembiaran") at something as basic as Human Right (in this case: at work) will only enhance and strengthen the wrong perceptions about Worker's Right.

Want a good example of someone fighting for Workers Right? Marsinah. and her unsolved case in 1993. Apparently, at that era, she was as good as dead. Read her case from VHR Media.

From: VHR Media.

So, is it too much if I say that "Workers without Privileges" equals to "a modern and sugar-coated slavery"?

From: VHR Media.

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 :)

Perang tarif antar provider? Itu hal biasa.

Kalau dilihat-lihat beberapa tahun lalu, provider2 berusaha tampil ekslusif dan keren. Sekarang, semuanya banting harga dan berani tampil "murah"!

Persaingan tidak berhenti di situ saja. Semakin terbuka dan berani. Provider A "mengolok" provider B-C-D yang adalah saingannya lewat TV-commercials. Mulai dari hanya bermain adu warna (tiap provider biasanya diasosiasikan dengan warna tertentu. Indosat kuning, Telkomsel merah, XL biru, Axis pink, Esia hijau, etc) sampai ke saling ejek "tagline". Yang terbaru adalah.. saling bajak icon!

Yupe! Kasus yang sedang hot saat ini adalah Sule. Bagi yang tidak tahu, Sule adalah seorang komedian terkemuka dan sedang laris di Indonesia saat ini. Beberapa bulan lalu, dia sign contract dan jadi bintang iklan untuk XL. Berikut iklannya yang saya ambil dari Youtube.

XL Nelpon Rp. 25/ Menit (Versi Sule-Baim-Putri Titian)


Selang beberapa waktu, saya cukup kaget ketika melihat Sule tiba-tiba muncul di sebuah iklan, dengan pakaian serba merah yang ternyata adalah iklan AS (Telkomsel), notabene saingannya XL. Di scene terakhir dia pun berkata "Kapok dibohongin sama anak kecil!". Anak kecil di sini maksudnya adalah Baim, si bintang iklan cilik di seri iklan XL.

Ini dia iklannya saya ambil dari Youtube.

Kartu AS Telkomsel Rp. 20/ Menit (Versi Sule)


Entah apa yang terjadi dibalik saling bajak ikon ini. Mungkin ya karena kontrak dan tawaran yang diberikan AS kepada Bung Sule lebih besar hahaha... Well, selama kita masih membutuhkan provider untuk telp-sms-internet, dll.. perang provider pun akan tetap berlangsung!

Sit back and enjoy the show :)

One of my client/partner at the office was asking if we can share the song "Indonesia Raya".

I browse around, download the song... and it makes me wonder..

Suddenly i came up with my power- tweet of the day: (Dec 1, 2010)

"Apakah dari sekian banyak koleksi musikmu, ada lagu Indonesia Raya? http://goo.gl/RGC8S @greatindonesia @gnfi #random"

translation: Do you have Indonesia Raya (Indonesia's national anthem) on your music collection?

GNFI RT-ed my tweet and raised a lot of reactions. Here are some of the reactions: (in Bahasa)

There are more tweet replies and mentions that i did not capture in the image above. Seeing all of those reactions, i smile happily. Most of the replies mentioned that they do have the song, some put it in their iTunes, some even have it as their ringtone or ringbacktone!

WOW! Isn't it amazing?!

Now i know that Indonesian youth are proud of Indonesia Raya, our national anthem :)

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.