公子系列｜淋浴間的意外重逢
1 week ago
Time flies… When I make the booking of AA’s tickets to India, it was 1 year ago.
So far, I did prepare the itinerary for every trip to overseas, but this round is slightly different, I was only in-charge of train and hotel booking due to extremely heavy workload and damn tight schedules. Sightseeing part, I have asked my best buddy cum traveler to prepare.
Our first day of arrival was not an easy task for us. We have been through the darkness and fear, first time felt so helpless and afraid of being a traveler in other country. We both almost got robbed and may get killed by a group of scam. But we were lucky that we are smart and alert enough to know it inside-out and able to stand until the next morning until we left the ugly yet terrified place.
We both were so excited as we flew to a place that I called it as “As heaven, as hell” – India. We booked our air ticket one year ago, together with the luggage and air fare + taxes, each person only have to RM247.00.
When we touched down New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport, the airport obviously is new and built because of recent Commenwealth Games, it is as nice as heaven. The capacity, interior, creativity, I would say it is as good as heaven, seemed like 2-3 times bigger than our KLIA. However, once you stepped out from the air-conditioned airport, immediately you feel the heat of 35°C at the time of 9:00pm. That’s when I call it as HELL.
Without wasting more time, we seek for information from the authority on how to get to old Delhi railway station. We were told by folks that taking public bus would be the easiest way, fare is INR100 per person.
Once we alight from the bus, I don’t really feel comfortable with that area. It is not only dark but a lot of MEN walking around. In India, hardly or zero possibility you will be seeing a woman walking down the street. That’s when we were approached by a guy with neat and tidy formal dressing, claiming to be a staff in GPO (General Post Office), proactively asking us if we need any information or help. As the bus was stopped in the middle of the street, we do not know where is the old Delhi railway station, so the only choice is to ask him for direction.
To our surprise, he told us that the station is now closed due to the safety as it is an area with full of Muslims, certainly we are not allowed to enter unless we have got a valid boarding pass. Of course I have my train tickets ready but still we were too naïve and trust everything he said, he then proposed why not we car pool by a tuk-tuk with him on cost-sharing basis, INR10 per person as he would like to go home. But before that he will guide us to the “Tourist Information Centre” together with us, to assist us to get the boarding pass.
The office clearly stated DTTDC, which stand for Delhi Tourism & Transportation Development Corporation, but I think they misused the logo, so that those who came to their office would BELIEVE them. Other than us, there are 5 Koreans are in the office. We were assisted by a guy named George who can speak fluent English. After he saw our train ticket, he mentioned that many travelers are facing the same problems, pointing at numerous photocopies of passport on the notice board, implying that we should have aware of such occasion. He even said that my train ticket is not valid, as I should have booked the ticket under “Tourist Quota” instead of “General Quota”. I started to doubt them, questioning on the validity and even “Tatkal” which is created for last minute foreign tourist. He even make a call to the railway station authority IRCTC and request the agent to speak to me, the agent even requested me to login to the website and cancel ALL my tickets as soonest possible, so that I can still save some money.
I started to feel very very weird, then that George shows up his true colors. To show that he is in bona fide and very kind in helping us, he offering us a BUDGET package that cost INR21,500 (According to my buddy, it is the price for 2), and that’s about RM1550.00!! While I was discussing with my buddy on such scam, George suddenly interested in my watch (holy sh*t, I forgot to take it off!), asking me how much does it cost. I told him it is only imitation and cost only RM10, you can simply get it anywhere in KL, and I was shocked when he said I give you RM10 and you give me your watch!! That moment, I seriously almost had gone crazy! After we rejected his offer, his manner was totally changed, ordered us to discuss anywhere else as he got other travelers in house (That 5 Koreans basically was already served by another idiot).
We then told the neat and tidy formal guy about what happened and insist to go back to old railway station but was few times denied by him, I got lil mad and had raised up my voice, told him it is my responsibility to look after myself, not him then only he asked the tuk-tuk driver to give us a lift. He even told us only pay the driver IDR20.00 for one way but that driver insist to run on meter which started at IDR19.00.
When we are not far from the old railway station, the driver took the right turn into an alley that has no cars but only few people walking towards it. Suddenly another neat and tidy formal dressing folk stopped the driver from going further, telling us with fluent English that it is not safe to go there now as it is Muslims district, the station is closed for safety purposes and insist the driver to turn back! I got very very fed up and request driver send us to New Delhi Railway Station instead.
Driver at first kind of refusing our request, but eventually he did. We thought that we are now safe but when we trying to enter the screening of security, a guy stopped us and insist to check on ticket. Without hesitation again, I show him my ticket as I thought he is one of the authorities. He pointed out that I have came to the wrong station and requesting me to go to the “Tourist Information Centre” to get boarding pass, exactly the same as what we experienced earlier, I feel that they are a group of syndicate, they are everywhere, they are connected!
As not to let them cheat, we REFUSED his offer and insist we will enquire at International Tourist Bureau. He then show us the way to the office, which is located on the first floor of the railway station. Once we reached downstairs, he requested us to walk up to first floor, but we know that this isn’t right and something is VERY WRONG. The notice board at downstairs clearly stated the office is only open from 8:00am to 8:00pm and he doesn’t even wanna lead us to first floor. Half way we walked up the stairs, I told my buddy, “if we walk up, I’m sure we will get robbed and maybe murdered.” He nodded his head to show his agreement. We quickly turn back and try to escape, then another guy appeared and trying to stop us, ordered us to go to the office at upstairs… Why would a stranger know where you are going? Obviously they are TOGETHER !!
We both were so tired, exhausted, dehydrated, fear and helpless. We went to one of the platforms at the railway station and spent our night there. We waited from 12:43am to 8:00am, with sticky yet smelly body, sitting on the bench in the awful environment, where you can’t breathe well due to the smell of urine and stools; dare not to fall asleep especially when there are strange eyes staring at you like an alien. It get worse around 5am, where the station started to get crowded, black crowds on the opposite platforms were staring at 2 fair aliens that glow within them.
During that long night, I was so afraid and worry. My mind keeps thinking of many things, my family, my friends, my staffs, my works (SHOULDN’T BE LOR!!) and someone that I really care and love. That moment, I only think of going back to the love one, nothing else.
After this incident, I find out few things that very useful and great for those who intended to backpack to India.
- Ignore those who proactively approach you
- Never trust the one who being bona fide and actively approach you
- Never trust the one who can speak very fluent English and actively approach you
- Never trust the one who trying to impersonating as a official authority. Only those dressed with uniform has the rights to order or check from you
- Beware when your driver is talking over the mobile phone while you are on-board. They might be calling someone to inform them your arrival
- Only go for PREPAID TAXI, owned by Indian Police. It was established to abolish touts from cheating tourist
- Firm up your decision, trust your instinct (though may go wrong), but only trust yourself when you are in a country that is totally strange to you. If you think it is right, it will be right, better than being fooled by someone else
A big changes has just happened to me since 2 months ago
A brand new life yet a brand new expectations
More you see, more you will LEARN
Life is not gonna colorful if they do not exist
Think positively (+ve)
Because of them, we CARE
Because of their ego, we COMPETE
Because of their naive, we know we CAN do better than them
Thanks to Villain
You've made my life beautiful
我们的世界因为小人而变得更精彩
没了他们 我们的世界就只有那么大
脑残一：《每日新闻》（Berita Harian）
我不懂到底那些脑残的人，做么那么没脑，日本地震引发海啸，目前还处于紧急状态，身为媒体的《每日新闻》（Berita Harian）竟然脑残到刊登咸蛋超人因海啸而落荒逃跑！
脑残二：首相夫人罗斯玛
身为首相夫人，说的每一字、每一句固然重要，因为堂堂的首相夫人却时时刻刻“代夫从军”，干政！所以成功的男人，背后都有个女人，不为过！但为何首相夫人发表如此脑残的话？她说日本的天灾是一种教训，这是因为日本发展的疏忽，没考虑到周遭环境。
如果是这样，那我们槟城人是否应该就2004年海啸袭击槟城事件而向许子根追究？
麻烦一下环境局的陈华贵，请拿地图和地理报告给我们的“第一夫人”。如果环境局“太过先进”而没有报告，那请向《国家地理》（National Geography）索取，我相信他们很乐意教导脑残的人。
脑残三：环境部长陈华贵及内阁
建核电厂？美国曾经发生爆炸。台湾总统马英九也开始关注兴建中的第三座核电厂。日本目前是最佳借镜，一个先进国从研发核电以来，已多次发生核漏事件，目前多座核电厂已爆炸，辐射更是难以避免。连一个先进国都无法避免及解决目前的危机，试问一下马来西亚能吗 ?
而我们的陈先生竟然说“不检讨”核电厂计划，而且执意推行，原因是大马地理位置等都不同他国。试问他脑残吗？大马周遭没海吗？邻国没火山、没地震吗？别告诉我大马从未遭到他国天灾影响。我国虽没地震，但为何建筑物及公共设施等都出现裂痕？现在你见的是一发难以收拾的“核”叻! 英文叫Nuclear，脑残的到底懂不懂？！
原本不出声的蔡小力，现在开口说政府应该检讨哦，可笑！不见危机，样样OK；一见问题，也不说反对，但要“检讨”！原因是不想间接支持林首长之前的坚决反对？见仁见智！
原本不出声的蔡小力，现在开口说政府应该检讨哦，可笑！不见危机，样样OK；一见问题，也不说反对，但要“检讨”！原因是不想间接支持林首长之前的坚决反对？见仁见智！
马来西亚最常见的就是“Tak ada spare parts, kena import dari luar Negara, tak tahu bila baru boleh guna” （本地没有零件，必需从国外入口，不懂何时才可用）。这句话就是我于2010年10月到槟城移民厅欲使用唯一一台的Kiosk更新护照，但Kiosk却坏了。询问官员何时修复，换来的却是不懂何时会维修。
脑残四：许子根
人家开FB,他开FB，开的第一天，得意洋洋；不到五分钟，海啸来袭，负面评语如潮。眼见那么多人不喜欢他，他索性快快的关掉Wall Posting。只有他本人可以Post而已，但是我们还是可以Comment的，所以大家一样“支持”他到底！
脸皮厚的他竟然还敢说
After 48 hours, I'm still learning about life in cyberspace. My sincere thanks to all who have commented, though I wish some can be more polite and positive, but anyway, I respect your right of opinion and expression. Now on the way to meeting the International President of JCI (Jaycees or Junior Chambers)
像你这种那么没胆量、没骨气、没志气的人，倒不如检讨为何你得不到他人的认同及赞许。如果你是RESPECT的话，那你就开回你的Wall Posting啊、开个部落啊！看看我们有多“支持”你！
身为走后门的首相署部长，管理KPI，但他自己的KPI却没人管的噢。自己有过错不承认，而且还三两拨千斤、耍太极，看看他差不多天天被林冠英揭疮疤就懂，根本无法招架就说对方天天只会骂人，林首长说“难道做错事就不应该骂？”，Like (赞)！
脑残五：全国民青团组织秘书朱笙鑫
我清楚记得我有一位旧同事，她很爱对脑残的人说，“Lu Si Too huh?”（你是猪唬？）。在这里我没说谁是猪，原对号入座，请便！因为现在我想说的就是另一位脑残及政治破产的脑残！
他护主心切，眼见他的“头”被人连番轰炸，于是就政治破产到说轰炸的人都是民联的野蛮人。在这里我想向朱说，我是一位堂堂正正的合格选民，而我的确非常讨厌许子根，更讨厌像你这种借题发挥、借刀杀人的小人！我不是民联党员，但我身为槟城人，我身为许子根的学弟，我以他引以为耻，有够羞耻！
而朱叻也很胆小的，和他的“头”一样，没用、怕事。眼见被轰炸，就把Comment换掉，现在只允许会员comment。
试问如果你不怕的话，又何必Filter做逃兵呢？！
想“支持”他？到
不知怎么了，今天总觉得特别怪。心情复杂之余，也想多了些。很久都不动“笔”的我，今天我总算“拿起笔”来，想说出今天的怪心情，因为闷在心里，就是很难受。
其实我还有很多与旅游相关的都还没Po上，但最近却懒性十足，也因为无法像以前随时上网的原因，所以搁置了一段时间。其实目前只是等着最佳时间Po上而已，只不过不懂为何一天又一天，一月又一月的过去，我还是无法顺利的Po上。
说我改变，我的确改变了很多，变得比以前更讲义气，更懂得珍惜现在，也懂得忏悔。我大多时间都是无所事事，人生变得朴素，不爱打扮，更不懂奖赏自己；不像以前般，拥有十足的动力及冲劲，爱美在所不惜，不怎么踩油门也可像法拉利般奔驰。人就是如此，往往都要跌了才知道有多痛，流血了才知道什么叫悔不当初。一次又一次，我真的知道痛了，也希望自己能在短时间内脱胎换骨。
我属于比较文静的人，不喜欢吵也不喜欢闹，最好是别吵架或时时刻刻烦着我。新年将近时，阿姨从日本回来，二姐从柔佛回来，三姐从澳洲回来，家里真的好不热闹！但有时也会有一些摩擦，误会及口角在所难免。
时间永远都是神偷。人类最大的敌人其实就是时间，走过了就不能再回头，留下了岁月，但它却从不告诉我们它在我们的生命里剩下多少电力，还可以走多久。
妈妈随朋友去游玩，三姐和侄儿也回澳洲，好朋友Wallace也将于明天回悉尼。突然间，整个家顿时静了下来，心里突然觉得少了很多东西（其实感觉上比较像失去），寂静、难过。心里、脑海里一直重复着Diddy/Dirty Money的Coming Home，原来是我自己告诉自己我希望他们对着我唱“I’m coming home, I’m coming home, tell the world I’m coming home”。这时我才发现原来一家人吵吵闹闹才是最幸福快乐的。现在最想做的是弥补我对父母的不孝。
其实我也很enjoy和朋友外出聊天。我不需要Old Town的装潢、Starbucks的服务、Coffee Bean的冷气、Papparich的人潮，我要的可以是买数瓶饮料再加点零食，然后在某友人家小聚或到海滨公园谈天，就那么简单。
很多事情并不是要在一大班人聚集时才说出口，这就是为什么我们叫它“心事”。
Sharing my past experiences with World's Best. Since everyone know how BEST they are, I've got a chance to experience the BEST within their organisation.
Not something fresh, it has always been news about passengers are complaining by lodging police report, filed for tribunal, or even getting help from ADUN or authority, as to get back their own compensation.
For the past 2 weeks, I’ve seen such cases again in TV and newspapers, claiming that the so called World’s Best has charged them not double, but 10 times higher than the prices; accusing passengers for not paying for the tickets; delay (no further notification after the last complaint) in refunds and etc.
I’ve encountered some minor issues with the World’s Best, not to that extend to file-in to tribunal, but to the extreme, I did lodge a complaint to the Public Complaint Bureau due to unreasonable administration fee incurred in the refund of tax only valid for international route, domestic route is not applicable, which is a DAYLIGHT ROBBERY. (According to the official statement issued by Ministry of Transport in Year 2005, airline operators should have refunded tax to “no-show” passengers.)
However, I am now very disappointed by the so-called World’s Best, as I find that they do not know what respect is. In my life, other than irresponsible yet rude recruitment firm called Agensi Pekerjaan Bright Prospect Sdn Bhd, I never felt so bad until I met S.Teh from World’s Best.
When I reach the office, I was greeted by Ms. Mak, a pretty yet friendly lady, at least she is showing the courtesy of welcoming you. But I was shocked when she was asking if I did bring along my resume as she had lost it. I was thinking, you can easily trace it from the email inbox, or you may have deleted the email as well?
All these while, though I sent out my resume, regardless if it's hardcopy or via email, I will get ready another copy, just in case employer did not print out or normally expecting you to submit your own copy. I was again shocked when she knew that I brought my own resume and said "good, coz my manager has not seen your resume". The question is if your manager hasn’t gone through my resume, then why are you calling me up for an interview? You already can't let me know what the current openings are, and now you are telling me your manager has not read my resume?
During our discussion, our point towards branding is different. Branding is the first impression that people perceived. Normally it is about identity and image. You can position your own branding but eventually it will still depending on public’s perception. From there, you know how many miles you need to go from there. Example, how many know that Toyota Malaysia is wholly owned by UMW Group? Without the sign “UMW Toyota Motors” printed on plate number of Toyota vehicles? Without the recent massive advertising in enhancing the UMW’s corporate image and position the branding, how many know that UMW is a conglomerate and their core business in fact is oil and gas?
Obviously she is telling me what is her doing but I strongly find that she should not deny my answer. Just like US English and UK English, you are practicing UK English, I am US English, when I define low cost residential buildings as apartment, you can't say that I am wrong, it should be define as flat. If you check the dictionary or if you are lazy, google it, both are sharing same definition, it is only the geographical and cultural differences. In this case, he is asking my perception, I am telling what I perceived the company as a brand, but she said I make a mistake. If that so, it will be your responsibility as you failed to create a brand that you want in others.
I have been dealing in marketing for so long and branding started in recent years, no one has doubted my capability in this area. I am certainly very upset when she said "you don't know branding". She needs to understand 2 situations, she is asking my point of view towards branding of World’s Best; second, she is telling me the brand they have positioned or wanted the World’s Best to be. It is alright if she is correcting me but saying I do not know branding is not only an insult but doubted my profession and previous experiences as a marketer and branding manager.
I would suggest other than getting to know the things related to your specialisation and job scope, trying to read and understand the people born in 80s and 90s, and reports or analysis that related to human behaviors, generally from newspaper. I do not deny her passion and seriousness in her duty, however, in order to manage a team well, you need to know all kinds of people you are dealing with, the world is changing, so do you.
My experiences don’t seem to be impressive, however young or not young, it's not something you can determined, even a 50 years old man could be young in his heart, just like her boss. You don't judge a book by its cover, in other words, you don't define or judge people based on the look and age. I admit my resume may shown that I wasn't in the position for, however, it is also proven that I am capable and has whatever it takes to climb up the stairs from the bottom, I was given a chance to explore and develop myself.
Moreover, if you are getting such a great offer and headhunted by someone, don't you feel that you are indeed valuable and useful to the employer? Don't you look for better prospect and at the same time expand your knowledge, vision and career advancement? They are many successful professionals has worked for numbers of MNCs and handled different tasks. When you know you had reached the climax in your jobs, the challenges will become a routine, once you are tired or bored, you will slightly demotivated. By the time, you will think of changing to a better environment and to be appreciated by other high profile organisations.
Do not tell me when you get headhunted by someone with better offers, you wouldn't want to consider the opportunity. Even their Head of Ancillary would resign and joined Carat Group as a Director. What has this proven? Who can guarantee that their Head of Commercial and CEO or mobile network provider would not want leave one day?
I am certainly upset when she only looks at the duration of services instead of my positions and job scope. She is again and again showing her attorney and disagreement. An interviewer should be humble and approachable by candidate. I find a Berlin Wall is right in front of me. I would like to ask “Have you carefully and properly read every single word that printed on the A4 papers that I presented to you. If you are not ready, why are you wasting our time and resources to meet up?”
In the event so happen that she read my blog, and she felt being insulted, she should be and feel sorry. I am just being bona fide by sharing my experience, so that those who so happen to bump into her for an interview may be well prepared for being disrespect.
Yes, you are not here to teach but you can't stop me to learn. Learning doesn't mean one must teach then only you can learn, learn is how you adapting yourself into new and diverse environment, how can you cope with it. Even if you hired a very experienced professional, once he is place on the floor, he will need to learn every single thing surrounding him especially people, culture and style.
Date of visit : 20-22 March 2010
Destination : Medan/Lake Toba, Indonesia
Just about 2 months away, I am departing to Indonesia again. This time, I am not visiting Java Island, but Medan and Lake Toba in Sumatra Island, west of Peninsular Malaysia. In fact, it is not my wish to travel nor it is in my plan. It is a spontaneous decision due to the stress and hardship that comes to me. I just need to find a way to relax and relieves from those “tragedies”.
Once again, we are taking MAS, cost RM169.00 per person for return trip, departing from KL to Medan, the air fare is cheaper than AirAsia, certainly I would go for the better one.
Once we touched down Polonia International Airport, we proceed to take cab to the Bus Express Terminal. We were expecting taxi driver to send us to the terminal, but he is recommending us to take mini van to Lake Toba as taking bus would be very troublesome. We felt that we kinda like being cheated by him, we paid the taxi fare at a fixed rate IDR50,000 but he is not taking us to the terminal, but dropping us at a travel agency which is not really far from the airport.
After checking with the travel agency, we find that the cost is kinda alright, so we paid about IDR90,000 per person for one way trip. And I was so naïve, thought that we will be taking air-conditioned van like Toyota Unser, in the end, we are taking a very old non-air conditioned Mitsubishi van. Bad bad bad…
The journey from Medan to Parapat (jetty of Lake Toba) takes approximately 5 hours. Majority are already complaint for taking 3-4 hours in AirAsia flight, imagine that I am sitting on a non-adjustable seat, without air-conditioned, no in-flight entertainment, for at least 5 hours!! Luckily the driver makes a stop at a small rest station. We were hungry but there is nothing to eat, we only can buy some snacks and ice-cream to kill our time and boredom while waiting for the driver to eat.
About 4 hours later, you will know that you are about to eat when the van is going uphill, you can feel the cool breeze and seeing many buses coming from the opposite. Especially when the van is approaching Lake Toba, the lake doesn’t look like a lake, but SEA!! It is big yet hazy and cool, you wouldn’t know if you are 2800 feet above the sea level.
We were sent to a restaurant named Pondok Karen in Parapat for lunch and meet up with the person-in-charge of the travel agency. He then asking us about our trip and of course pushing on sales, persuading us to get a return trip to Medan or airport. After the discussion and bargaining, we eventually agreed with the offer, IDR80,000 per person, taking the same Mitsubishi van, sigggghhhhh……………………………
Foods there are not expensive at all, we were underestimate the foods there. On the first night, we dine-in in our accommodation, we ordered “Nasi Ayam Rendang” and “BBQ Seafood Rice”, and a glass of Avocado juice. The portion of each dish apparently is more than enough for 2 persons, and we ordered 2 dishes, meaning it is enough for 4. The avocado juice is also 100% freshly squeeze, without adding water or ice. The thickness is really there and you will definitely be easily satisfied, but seriously I can’t stand the thickness, I ordered a glass of ice and obviously I can make another 2-3 glasses of avocado juice. The cost of the rice is about IDR23,000 per dish, avocado juice is around IDR18,000. Whenever you go Indonesia, PLEASE, REMEMBER TO ORDER their signature beer BINTANG!! It is produced by Heineken, taste good!!
We then rent a motor to explore the secret of Lake Toba. We rented the bike from about 11am-700pm, cost us about IDR120,000. We riding on the bike, visiting the town, Batak cultures and museum, paddy field, mountain and even took a challenge to sit on bike for 2 hours, to visit "nothing-to-visit" hot spring on the north of Samosir Island. Riding on motor is not something easy for us. We fell down 3 times and the last one is the worst ever, as we fell on the bridge which is about 7 feet height, if we really fell into the river, I guess we would be dead.
The people there are great and kind enough, while the business operators are always concerns about money.
On the last day of the trip, we were supposed to leave early in the morning, so I purposely make all the payment the night before we leave. We also get Padi to arrange a transfer to another port, where the ferry will depart at 730am. However, on that early morning, we found out that no one is in the front desk nor office, apparently the arrangement was not being scheduled. We then met the Manager/Owner Mr. Bloom, we told him our situation, then he offered us a transfer by using his Innova. In the car, we were shocked when he asked "have you paid for this trip?". We were not told to pay for such transfer when we checked with the person-in-charge earlier. I replied "No, but we have paid everything last night before we officially checked-out this morning." He then drop us at the junction instead of sending us further. He was requesting us to walk further down then on the first right of an alley, turn right, then we reach the jetty/port. I am definitely shocked and upset.
[ Chinese version temporary unavailable due to the errors of Chinese input in my PC ]
第3篇 : 走访印尼世界自然遗产 Discovering Ancient World of Indonesia III
January 31, 2010 – Malang / Mt. Bromo
January 31, 2010 – Malang / Mt. Bromo
We reached Surabaya Gubeng Train Station around 10:30pm, which is later than we expected. We were worrying if we are able to reach Helios Tour office to join the Bromo Midnight Tour in Malang by 1:00am. Without much consideration, we had come up with an emergent planning, we will take cab rather than bus to Purabaya Terminal (aka Bungur Asih).
The ethics of the taxi driver is also similar as in Malaysia, rather dealing an amount than using the meters. I was bargaining with the pricing and eventually I agreed to pay him IDR42,000. Fortunately my calculation was right. When we reached there, the meter was showing IDR42,500, if adding the parking fee of IDR2,000, by right I should be paying him IDR44,500. The taxi driver must be amazed and impressed, he even stopped his car along the road and help us to catch the bus to Malang. Eventually he managed to lead us to the last bus from Surabaya to Malang around 11:40pm.
The journey doesn’t take too long, approximately 1:30 hours for the midnight drive. The only thing I could not accept is the bus is a 5-seater per row. The seats are so small and definitely not meant for obese. It was so packed till you have to walk horizontally, just like a walking crab.
Once we get off the bus, we took cab to Helios Tours office. Surprisingly, only both of us will be joining the trip to Bromo. After simple cleansing up, the English-speaking tour guide Budi and driver Harry is about to bring us to the peak of Mt Penanjakan and Mt. Bromo.
I have checked several tour recommendations online on the routes to Bromo. However, our time is very limited and I certainly do not want to miss out such opportunity to visit Bromo. That is why we are sacrificing our sleeping hours. To those who need to sleep or bring a sleeping beauty, such midnight trip is not recommended.
Other than the spectacular view and cradles of volcano, Mt. Bromo is still an active volcano. Once you climbed up the stairs to the peak, you can clearly see the sulfur smoke came out from the cradle, also you can clearly hear the sounds of "activities".
Photos speak more than words. Take a look at the breathetaking photos taken by us.
In the afternoon, other than the introduction of not very popular attractions, Budi and Harry brought us to the last destination - Singoraja Temple nearby Malang Town. We thought that Is the end of our journey in Malang, but Budi and Harry did something beyond our expectations. They brought us to the city centre of Malang, where it is a combination of CBD, recreations and administration.
Before we are leaving Malang, we asked Harry to drop us at Gajahmada Graha Hotel. The hotel look exactly like a castle more than a hotel. Although we don't have the chance to spend a night, we decided to have our lunch in the restaurant named "Cleopetra" in this beautiful castle. Every thing looks great, only the food turns out to be otherwise, it is not that awful but comparing to my cooking skills, I dare to say I am MUCH better than their cook.
After having our disappointing lunch in a “castle”, we took mini bus (in fact it is a very mini van) that cost us IDR3000 per person to Malang’s Arjosari Terminal. Before entering the bus ticketing counter, you have to pay a nominal fee of IDR800/1000, then you can proceed to any ticketing counters to purchase your ticket. We have decided to take on-the-spot and ready-to-go executive class bus. Don’t be too happy when you heard that it is a business or executive class bus. Compare with our buses such as Konsortium or 4-seater Plusliner or Transnasional, they are even worse. Just imagine that you have a squeeze a little bit in an executive class bus for the journey that takes about 2-3 hours, and the air-conditioner is not working fine, it cost IDR15000.
When we reached Surabaya’s Pura Baya Terminal, the time is already 6 in the evening. We decided to take public bus that only cost IDR2500 to our accommodation, Mercure Surabaya Hotel. It is a 4-star hotel managed by world’s renowned hospitality Accor, the cost per night is only RM150.00, booked via Travelocity.com. There is nothing much nearby the hotel, however, we were told there is a moderate shopping mall right behind the hotel, operating 24/7, so you don’t have to worry if you are hungry and needed to buy souvenirs, the store has everything you need, just make sure you bring enough cash, lolxxxx
Since we have not much time and the night is still young, we took a cab to Surabaya’s largest shopping mall Tunjungan Plaza. The mall is bigger than I expected, you can find lot of international brands, however, not every boutique are offering prices lower than KL.
Surabaya, to me, is a great city with Chinese and friendly Indonesian. Comparing to KL, I think I like Surabaya more.
第4篇 : 走访印尼世界自然遗产 Discovering Ancient World of Indonesia IV
February 01, 2010 - Surabaya
Today is the last day staying in Indonesia. It is my first visit, though you can see the gap between poverty and wealthy, one thing you can’t deny is they are very friendly. Years ago, they might had hatred and discrimination towards foreigner and Chinese, right now, what I can see is harmony.
Before leaving the hotel, we were camwhore at the lobby. I thought that we might reach the airport on time but I was really wrong, the journey took longer than I expected and it is definitely far away from the hotel. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the airport.
Before leaving the hotel, we were camwhore at the lobby. I thought that we might reach the airport on time but I was really wrong, the journey took longer than I expected and it is definitely far away from the hotel. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the airport.
Though we are taking Malaysia Airlines, however we started to feel panic as we know we might “missed” the flight. When we reached the check-in counter, we faced another problem. Everyone who is leaving Indonesia must be paying Departure Tax (Airport Tax) of IDR150000 or RM70 per person. When we heard that, we were shocked and helpless, because we DO NOT have enough cash. We took out every notes and coins we have, either in Indonesian Rupiah or Malaysian Ringgit, it is still insufficient.
Without wasting more time, I went to the ATM and trying to withdraw cash by using my credit card, but the transaction was failed due to wrong password. I even called the bank and talked on the phone for so long, seeking solutions and assistances from them but to my surprise, they are NOT ABLE TO RESET PASSWORD for me. I was very pissed and disappointed by this “World’s Local Bank”. I used to work in world’s renowned charge card company as Authorisation Analyst and I certainly know they are able to RESET MY PASSWORD.
Half way I was begging for assistance on the phone, my friend and a custom officer were looking for me. My friend told me that the custom officer has granted us the approval to check-in with the cash we have on hand. We both were so thankful and glad that he is giving us a very helping hand. Otherwise, I’m gonna miss the flight and spending more, or maybe we will be locked-up in Surabaya.
I’ve learned a lesson, better safe than sorry. It is best to have more cash either in own or local currency on hand than facing troubles.
