Macau, CHINA - Virgin #3
If you are in Hong Kong, you must take a day trip to Macau. It only takes 1.5 hours to Macau. Unlike Hong Kong, Macau was hand over to CHINA on year 1999. In west, you have Las Vages, in east, you have Macau. Macau is a gambling country. You see lots of CASINO everywhere. Indeed, the "Casino Lisboa" is still one of its kind :)
How to get there from Hong Kong- Go to MACAU-HONGKONG ferry at China Ferry Terminal at Tsim Sha Tsui
- They are two companies that running the passanger service to Macau. Both are good.
- Cost HKD$150 (approximate USD$20) for single trip
Casino- Lisboa (classic and been well known)
- The Sand (new casino - you see it when you depart in the terminal)
Tourist Spot- Macau Tower
- Fortree of Mong Ha
- Fisherman Wharf
- Av. Almeida Ribeiro (San Ma Lo - pronounce in cantonese), the only shopping hotspot in Macau
Food- You should try the "Portugese Tart". Get the "Portugese Tart" in Ruins of St. Paul
- This is must try when you are in Macau, "Chu Pa Bao" - Pork Bun. Walk along the Av. Almedia Ribeiro and Central. You found it, otherwise ask the local when you are in these two streets.
Macau(n) speak fluent cantonese as in Hong Kong. As usual, not many speak good english but it wasn't bad for them to understand you. Student can speak good portugese and this is very impressed me somehow :)..
You can use HKD in Macau but not vice versa. HKD is widely accepted and you don't need to change your currency note if you do have HKD. Exchange rate between HongKong and Macau dollar is not much different, probably couple of cents. Thus, you don't bother. It always good to keep some local currency :)
Hong Kong , CHINA - Looking for bargain hotel
Visit the following website of
Holiday City if you are looking for hotel with reasonable price.
Most hotel can be find between the range of USD$70 - USD$120. Range 3 to 5 stars.
Hong Kong , CHINA - Cheap stay 'YesInn Hostel'
If you are looking for budget stay in Hong Kong, please visit the following hostel at
YesInn HostelIt located at Fortress Hill MTR station, Hong Kong Island. About 5 minutes train from causewaybay. It cost you about USD50 per night. The owner is nice and speak english. Deposit of HKD150 (USD15) is needed, and the owner prefer you to pay by cash instead of credit card (additional 4% surcharge using credit card)
Type of room:- Single ensuit
- Double ensuit
- Twin beds ensuit
- Four persons Dorm
Flat L&M, 16/F, Railto Mansion, 183 King's Road, Fortress Hill. Hong Kong
Tel: +852 83386464
Fax: +852 8338 6467
Hong Kong , CHINA - Crossing Victoria Harbour by Ferry
If you are in Hong Kong, you should try the ferry crossing the victoria harbour. It costs you about HKD1.7 (USD0.20) for lower deck and HKD2.20 (USD.30) for upper deck seat.
If you feel bored of traveling via the MRT, tram and buses, you should take a ride on the ferry to feel the Hong Kong only water transport.
If you are in Kowloon penisular, come to Harbour City dock (or near to Kowloon Hotel). If you are in Hong Kong Island, come to IFC - MRT Central Station. Take the star ferry from both dock station.
You can't buy anything with HKD1.7 but you can cross the channel with HKD1.7...
Hong Kong , CHINA - Top Deck Restaurant at JUMBO
You must heard about JUMBO restaurant in Hong Kong, the only floating restaurant available in Hong Kong.
Apparently, Jumbo is owned by Stanley. Top Deck restaurant at Jumbo meaning there is another restaurant located at the roof top of the JUMBO and it calls "TOP DECK". A very nice atmosphere and particulary the sofa (apparently, the sofa couch cost HKD10k each). Any kind of foods available, fushion, western and etc. Of course if you fancy chinese then you should go down to the ground floor of JUMBO restaurant.
Top Deck at Jumbo is owned by a group call Cafe Deco.
A regular two person meals could cost you around HKD200.
How to get there?
- You can either take the bus number 70 in IFC (central station), stopped at Aberdeen terminal. Ask the local to guide you from there. It takes about 5 minutes walk to the boat terminal that Jumbo boat will fetched you to the JUMBO restaurant. The boat to JUMBO restaurant is FREE
Note, Please do make an advance reservation. A very romantic place for dining (surprise your love one)
Jumbo Kingdom
Shum Wan Pier Drive
Wong Chuk Hang
Aberdeb Hong Kong
Reservation number: +852 255523331
Fax number: +852 255521525
Jakarta, INDONESIA - Best View of Jakarta at ZOOM
If you would like to get the best view of Jakarta at night. Dropped by 'ZOOM' lounge. You must love it so much. It located next to Nikko Hotel.
ZOOM Resto & Lounge
Wisma Nusantara 28th Floor,
Jl. Mh. Thamrin Kav. 59.
Tel #: 021 3900909 ext 7668, 7669
Jakarta, INDONESIA - SATE PANCORAN
U must have tried the Satay in Malaysia, Singapore but you should try the Satay here in Jakarta but here it call "Sate"
Order:
- Sate Kambing (Lamb)
- Sate Bebek (duck)
- Sate Ayam (chicken)
The Best Sate in TOWN
SATE PANCORAN
Jl. Raya Pasar Minggu No. 33 - 44 -55
Phone: 7992276
Jakarta Selatan
Jakarta, INDONESIA - Korean food in Java Island
If you are fancy of Korean Restaurant, visit the following:
TOBAK Korean Restaurant
Jl. Woltermonginsidi No.30
Jakarta Selatan.
Reservation: (021)7203642
Tell the Blue/Silver Taxi Driver send you to Seniopati, Jl Woltermonginsidi
FoodsOrder for "Yuk Get Jang", Rice Soup + moderate spice (Rp60k or USD6), Side dishes are free (gratis)or try to order "Bulgogi"
Jakarta , INDONESIA - more places to hang out
If you are eager to step out and look for more new places in the evening in particular. Grab a bluebird taxi and ask the driver to send you to "Kemang". In "Kemang", you find lots of pub, club and restaurant. The area is decent with nice atmosphere, many expats and visitors hang out here too.
Check out the NewBeat cafe music @ lounge, there is this decent female singer performed on stage. Haven't you try sweet beer? and thats the "NewBeat Beer" would cost you Rp68,000 (around USD$5)
Alternately, check up the "Millennium" at KOTA.
Hong Kong, CHINA - some places to visit
Hong Kong Island- Causeway bay
- WanChai
- Central
- Lan Kwai Fong
- The longest escalator
- Mid-level
- Walk along Hollywood Road
- Walk along Hennesy Road
- The Peak (Cafe Deco Restaurant or call as "Peak" restaurant, panaromic and astonishing view)
Kowloon Penisular- Tsim Sha Shui
- Jordan
- Tai Wo (the 2nd last station before the Shenzhen station border)
- Kwai Fong
- Avenue of Stars
- Nathan Road (lots of shopping shops)
- New World Centre
Hong Kong, CHINA - Mamamia
Night spot
The most popular hang out places are in "Lan Kwai Fong" in Hong Kong Island. Another hang out area is "WanChai" in Hong Kong island too. Others such as "Causeway Bay" in Hong Kong island and "Tsim Shai Shui" in Kowloon Penisular are mostly local hang out hotspot areas.
Cost- A regular noodle soup cost HK$20
- A service apartment cost around HK$15k to HK$30 for 400sqf to 800sqf (1 bedroom size)
- Foods consumed in HongKong Island is more expensive than in Kowloon Penisular
Life In HongKong - A fresh graduate get paid around HK$6k - HK$8k per month. The ideal salary will be at HK$15k per month.
- Most of the white collar working class staying with their family members in one roof.
- Most people in Hong Kong are workaholic, they work till late night at least 8 or 9pm, sometime they got to stay till midnight.
- Working hours is from 8 to 6pm.
- People in Hong Kong like travelling, most of the young generation now tend to save money to travel at least once a year.
Hong Kong, CHINA - Virgin #2
Airport NameHong Kong Internation Airport
Hong Kong is splitted to two continentals, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Penisular.
Public transport in Hong Kong- Taxi from the airport to Hong Kong Island cost HK$300 approximately
- Bus from the airport to Hong Kong Island cost HK$140 approximately
Public transport in Hong Kong is so convenient and you wouldn't think to take taxi once you have tried the buses, trams, and MTR.
Note, remember to buy the "All in One card" - Octopus. It cost HK$150 for firt time buyer, it has the deposit of HK$70 and credit value of HK$80 inside the card. Apparently, you can obtain the refund of the remaining credit if you leave the country but additional handling fee of HK$7 will be charged.
Jakarta, INDONESIA - Expiry Date
It is important to check out the expiry date of every single grocery items you buy from the regular grocery store in down town except those super store such as Carrefour and etc.
Do not attracted by the cheap 'Pricing' tag on the items. Checked the expiry date label before you put it into your basket.
Jakarta, INDONESIA - Visiting Around
Central Indonesia
------------------
- Jakarta, located at the centre of Java island
- Bandung, located at the west of Java island
- Surabaya, located at the east of Java island
- Yogyakarta, located at the south of Java island
From Jakarta to Bandung by car => 3 hours max approx
From Jakarta to Surabaya by flight => 45 minutes approx (flight ticket cost Rp600,000 one way (USD$60)
From Jakarta to Yogyakarta by flight => 6 to 8 hours approx (flight ticket cost Rp600,000 one way (USD$60)
East Indonesia
--------------
- Kuta (favorite beach, recent bombing tragedy), located at Bali Island
- Bedegul beach (recommeded by local), located at Bali Island
Note: Apart from the famous Bali island, local community recommended Lombok island. Got to check this out !
From Jakarta to Bali by flight => 45 minutes approx, flight ticket cost Rp600,000 one way (USD$60)
Flight ticket is sell for one direction instead of the regular return ticket. According to the locals, they rather to pay for one way direction by flight and return by sea or road due to they can spend time enjoying the scenary.. Weird huh ! :)
Watch Out (Red Alert):- Do not take Lion Air, private Jet as they were one of the many plane crashed accident occured (althought they are the cheapest) in Jakarta
- One of the news for
Lion Air Flight
Jakarta, INDONESIA - Casablanca
casablanca - acted by Ingrid Bergman, the daugther of Friedel Bergmen. she from Stockhom - Sweeden . You must be asking what does that related to? Tell yah, there's a road name here in Jakarta name Casablanca.
Weird huh, Indonesia Vs Sweeden ?? There isn't any relation at all even from the history perspective !!
More about
Casablanca
Jakarta, INDONESIA - Recommended Taxi Driver
If you need help of direction, need to be picked up on time, get lost, call this taxi driver name "Ismet" from BlueBird Taxi. He can speak and understand moderate english.
At one time, after work, I asked this taxi driver to bring me to some good place in Jakarta to grab my dinner take away. He was so nice, we got off from the taxi, accompanied, guided me to grab my take away indonesian local food at one of the hawker store at Menteng Road.
Call this number of "7801288", and tell the operator to look for "Ismet" to pick you at so and so.
Note, not all taxi drivers speak decent english. Will say 1 or 2 out of 10 can speak moderate english.
Jakarta, INDONESIA - Listen to Nothingale
A friend of mine (indonesian) told me that even he himself find Jakarta is not a safe place to live especially after the economic downturn crisis on 1997. People here are suffering to survive.
Do not walk alone at night at the park or sort of remote area that are not noticeable in downtown. You will get robbed, pick-pocket, bullied and if you against these bunch of ppl, they willing to kill you for just a dollar with you.
The city is dirty and trash all over the places (particularly in small alley). You will see taxi driver throws trash on the middle of the road during traffic congested hours. Sometime, you see and notice some ppl (family) living under the flyover. Many of them standing in the middle of the road to sell bottle of mineral water, newspapers and so forth. For that, they most probably earning about USD$0.05 for a bottle of mineral water sold.
The regular salary of Vice President or President in the established company (IPO) is approximately USD$2,000 (excluded benefits and etc). People here are not aggresive and they are neither a risk taker as they would stay in the company for 10 years with the little increment of salary. As my friend said, to be rich in indonesia, you are either a robber, politician or businessman.
On the street, you see many of the young teenagers sitting around doing nothing. If you are having your's meals at the hawker store particularly in Sambang Road, oftenly you will be disturbed by these group of teenagers that come to entertain you with singing and playing instruments (another way of begging). The local community will not reluctantly to keep feeding (donate) them with 1,000Rp (USD$0.10) to 2,000 (USD$0.20) every 5 to 10 minutes depending on how long you stay for your's meals.
During this time, sunrise will be at 5am while sunset at 6pm. Ppl start working at 7am to 7:30am and off at 5pm to 5:30pm.
Jakarta, INDONESIA - "BlueBird" Vs "SilverBird'
What is blue bird and silver bird? What it got to be do with Jakarta. Indeed, remember this two Blue and Silver Bird. You'll be safe in Jakarta.
They are the trusted, honest taxi in the town from one of the largest taxi company group in Jakarta.
- Reasonable taxi fare
- Friendly taxi driver
- You willing to pay the tips to them although they don't ask
An advice from local community, please take "BlueBird" and "SilverBird", do not that others regular taxi unless you have no other alternative.
Jakarta, INDONESIA - Ideal & cool place for stay
If you have budget and wanna to look for more space, service aparment is the ideal accommodation for you. The ideal and affordable service apartment is at ASTON (Rasuna) HOTEL & RESIDENCE at Taman Rasuna.
Address (Check-in):
Tower A - Lower Ground
Kompleks Apartment Taman Rasuna
Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said - Jakarta 12960
Tel: +62-219391000 / +62-2183705555
Fax: +62-219392616
Toll Free: 0-800-1-221-000
It cost about Rp500,00 (USD$60) per night wiht 2 bedrooms, dining and living rooms, kitchen utensil provided, washing and dryer machine (2 in 1), Satellite TV channels, microwave, gas cooker, cleaning up every morning for all you pan and pot, the first mineral water 19 litres bottle is provided FOC, included daily breakfast.
Rp20,000 (USD$2) - to refill mineral water 19 litres bottle
Rp80,000 (USD$8)- Daily (24hours) internet access
Facilities:
- Tennis court, swimming pool, gym, grocery store, launderette, bar & cafe
- Driving range (hiring club is available) is only 5 minutes walking distance from the HOTEL APARTMENT
- A regular shopping market (food court), 10 minutes walking distance
- Setiabudi21 food centre with all sort of decent restaurant, 15 minutes walking distance
Lovely i can say.
Note, to refesh your mind, remember the tragedy of "The terrorist bombing of the Australian Embassy in Jakarta on Sept 9, 2004" (
Victim - Australian Embassy in Jakarta? The Aston Hotel & Aparment is located 10 minutes walking distance from the Australian Embassy.
Jakarta, INDONESIA - Kicking your arse up
Cool place to drop around
Red Light District- Mango Besar
Pubbing and clubbing1) Cafe Pisa - Pub, Lounge, Live Peformance and decent dinning place. As the name, you find italian food here.
2) Hard Rock cafe, f-bar - Plaza eX (next to Plaza Indonesia)
- You must check this F-Bar in Plaza eX. A cool place to chill out :)
4) 24 hours StarBuck, Manchester United Bar - Plaza Sarina
+ Wireless Hotspot offer at StarBuck is not free and you pay Rp44,000(USD$4.40) for an hour traffic.
+ Dropped yourself at the MU Bar if you got spare time.
In addition, you can find decent restaurants, pubs in Citos. Tell the taxi driver to drive you to the "Citos" for drink and dine. Taxi driver know the place and the taxi fare is around Rp40,000 (USD4.00) to get there from the downtown.
Restaurant1) Eating sushi on the women body (Sushime) - KOTA
+ Sushime is for men, don't they have something similarly for women call "Sushim" .. Sus'him' Vs Sushi'me' :) Apparently, Sushime is a girl name in indonesia.
2) Place such as "Sabang" is recommended. You'll get all sort of local foods there.
Traffic- You see traffic congested all days 24/7 (day time)
- The only hours that you find peace in the city is in the evening between 8:30pm to 12pm
Jakarta, INDONESIA - Food & Eating
You should try the following local and authentic food in Jakarta
Local Foods1)Sayur Asem - Sour vegetables soup with cone, long bean, white carrot and etc. Cost only Rp6,000
2)Sop Buntut - try the fried and grill type in Hotel Borobudu - Bogor Cafe. Cost only Rp80k - USD8
3)Pecel Lele - Chili dip, few slices of cucumber, mints leave, Lele fish and rice. Cost only Rp7,000 (find it at Sambang Street)
4)Nasi Pandang - Chili dip, bunch of local vege leaves, either a piece of chicken or beef, source and rice. Cost only Rp 7,000(USD$0.70)
5) Soto Betawi Soup - A soup with slices of beef, tomatoes, fried onions, and sour. Cost around Rp10,000 (USD$1)
6) Nasi Tembel - Similar to Pecel Lele but taste differently, cost aroud Rp7,000(USD$0.70)
Note, all above foods can be obtained from Mentang or Sambang Road hawker stores.
Local Drink1) Avocado juice drink
2) Poci Tea - Tea in the pot (only available in the center of Java island)
Others Drink1) Green Tea frappuccino - StarBucks
2) Caramel apple cider - StarBucks
3) Java jungle cocktail (tequila, galliano, bacardi and pineapple) - Citos, Tartine Restaurant
Using public toilet cost Rp1,000
Jakarta , INDONESIA - Virgin#1
Airport NameSoekarno Hatta Internation Airport
Taxi Fare1) From Airport To Downtown Jakarta => Rp110,000(USD$13/MYR$44) to Rp 150,000(USD$18/MYR$60)
* At the airport, do not buy the taxi ticket from the taxi booth when you get out from the Arrival Hall. Please heading to the Taxi Station and look for the "Silver Bird" Taxi as its only cost you approximately Rp100k(USD$10) to the downtown city. Otherwise the booth taxi fare will cost around Rp200,000(USD$23.50/MYR$80) to Rp250,000(USD$29.40/MYR$100).
2) Downtown Taxi Fare:
* Only BlueBird & SilverBird Taxi are running meter
* SilverBird is slightly expensive than BlueBird Taxi
* General taxi fare in downtown cost around Rp15,000(USD$1.80/MYR$6) - Rp20,000(USD$2.30/MYR$8)
* BlueBird & SilverBird Taxi contact number 79171234
Currency RateUSD$1 = MYR$3.7
USD$0.30 = Rp2,500
USD$1 = Rp8,500
MYR$1 = Rp 2,500
MYR$10 = Rp 25,000
MYR $100 = Rp 250,000
Hotel Rate1) Most of the 4 stars Hotel cost about USD$85(MYR$314.50) - USD$110(MYR$407)
* Park Lane, Jakarta - Stay more than 3 nights, USD$85(MYR$314.40) per night
- Wireless access cost Rp75,000(USD$8.80/MYR$30) per day/24hrs in the Hotel.
2) Budget Hotels
* Ibis Hotel - USD$50(MYR$185), You've to book early in advance
* Aston Atrium Hotel - USD$50(MYR$185)
Prepaid Phone Card- Indosat
* For any regular number it cost about Rp30,000(USD$3.50/MYR$12), chosen number will cost more than the regular number Rp70,000(USD$8.20/MYR$28) to Rp150,000(USD$17.60/MYR$60)
* Top Up Credit
+ Pay Rp25,000(USD$2.90/MYR$10) for Rp20,000(USD$2.40/MYR$8) calls usage
+ Pay Rp55,000(USD$6.40/MYR$22) for Rp50,000(USD$5.80/MYR$20) calls usage
+ Pay Rp100,000(USD$11.70/MYR$40) for Rp100,000(USD$11.70/MYR$40) calls usage
+ 1 minutes cost Rp1,000(USD$0.10/MYR$0.40) to Rp2,000(USD$0.20/MYR$0.80) approximately
Meals- Regular standard 3 meals (breakfast + lunch + dinner) => Rp60,000(USD$7/MYR$24)
- A botle of Coke (200ml) cost about Rp4,000(USD$0.40/MYR$1.60)
Note, before the rised of fuel, regular taxi driver spent Rp30,000(USD$3.50/MYR$12) for daily meals.
Others- Police officer salary = Rp700,000(USD$82.30/MYR$280) per month
- Taxi Drivers daily car rental expenses = Rp275,000(USD$32.35/MYR$110)
- Taxi Drivers daily petrol/Gas expenses = Rp200,000(USD$23.50/MYR$80)
- Average gross earning for Taxi driver per day = Rp500,000(USD$59.80/MYR$200) To Rp 700,000(USD$82.30/MYR$280)
- Average nett earning for Taxi driver per day = Rp25,000(USD$2.90/MYR$10) To Rp 225,000(USD$26.50/MYR$90)
- Van Bus (Sligthly smaller scale than regular Bus)
* Fare = Rp3,000(USD$0.35/MYR$1.20) one way
- Government school fee per month = Rp30,000(USD$3.50/MYR$12)
- Car summon/fine = Rp500,000(USD$58.80/MYR$200) To Rp700,000(USD$82.30/MYR$280)
- Regular low cost/Government own house = Rp500,000(USD$58.80/MYR$200) per month
- Police officer can be corrupted to avoid for paying car summons/fines = Rp200,000(USD$23.50/MYR$80)
Aware of the following when you are in Jakarta @ this moment (Due to the recent bombing tragedies)
- Sensible precaution is all that is required
- Do not wear unnecessary jewelry.
- Do not travel alone on "off-the-beaten-track" parts of the city after dark
- Do not carry large amount of cash
- Tipping: Service charge is included in your bill. There's no requirement to add to this, unless you feel particularly attentive service needs recognition. Taxi drivers tend to be expect you to leave the change;make sure ou carry small change, as taxi drivers to not(there's no requirement for this).
- Ppl are talking about the increase of fuel recently, life become taugher for most indonesian.
- In downtown, you'll see a lot of police officers checking car at Hotel Main Entrance, Shopping Mall and on the road sometime to avoid the bombing incident.
Getting AroundJakarta is not a "Walking" city. Taxi are easy to find and inexpensive to hire. Generally, any taxi taken from one of the larger hotels can be relied upon honest service. Busses are hot, crowded and confusing, but not off limits to the hardy traveler.
Note, for urgent business meeting, user can opt for "Bike" taxi that the fare will cost around Rp3,000(USD$0.35/MYR$1.20) for one way. User can bargains for the "Bike" taxi fare (helmet provided). "Bike" taxi is quicker/faster than taxi/VanTaxi when the traffic is really congested.
